Technical Training for Radionuclide Station Operators using RASA Systems

LOCATION
General Dynamics Training Facility Fairfax
Virginia, USA
 

DATES
27-31 October 2025
 

LANGUAGE
The working language will be English
 

OBJECTIVES
To provide hands-on training and practical lessons to Station Operators on the operation and maintenance of the RASA equipment.
 

AGENDA

I.    Station operations

• Sampling process, acquisition, and analysis.
• Filter management (including filter splitting), sample identification, sample, and data archive.
• Use of the Standard Operating Procedures for RASA daily routines.

II.    Data communication procedures

• Use of station software and reporting system, relevant reports through IRS.
• Command and control messages.

III.    Data quality, availability, authentication, and security

• Assessment and monitoring of the state-of-health data, and data quality assurance (i.e., QC checks for the detector).
• The IMS operational requirements and the station data access, limitations.

IV. Operations of the HPGe detector and associated component systems

• Detector replacement
• Gamma spectrum analysis, calibration procedures
• Handling of detector cooling systems.
• Integrating the ICS cryocooler into RASA

V.    Regular inspection and problem resolution

• Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, preventive maintenance.
• Troubleshooting, spare parts management, error and alarm management.
• Practical exercises on the maintenance topics (e.g. power outage, detector warm-up, loss of vacuum in the detector cooling system, or other cases).

PARTICIPATION PROFILE
Invited State Signatories should nominate participant(s) who are station operators of IMS radionuclide stations using RASA equipment directly concerned with the operation, maintenance, and repair of such equipment.

Basic Linux knowledge is mandatory.

Invited States Signatories should nominate participant(s) who are station operators involved in the operation and maintenance of the following stations:

Applicants are encouraged to complete the following e-learning modules:
EN-MON04, EN-MON06, EN-MON-19

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Nominations together with the registration forms should be submitted only through established officials channels (their Permanent Missions to the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO or Ministries of Foreign Affairs) to the PTS point of contact, no later than 18 August 2025

Applicants are requested to submit the following registration form: 

However, pending the official nomination, participants may fax the registration, upon its approval by the Director of the institution, to allow timely travel and accommodation arrangements by the PTS.

Candidates without specific Linux certificate are requested to take the Linux e-learning course available upon direct request to [email protected].


FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
Following the Staff Regulations and Rules and Administrative Directives, the PTS will provide a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) and financial support to cover travel costs.

• A DSA that is sufficient to cover related expenses during the training programme;
• The PTS travel agent will reserve, issue, and send the flight tickets to the participants for the most direct and economic route;
• Funded participants are not allowed to purchase their tickets unless, under exceptional circumstances, they are authorized to do so and only if this proves to be the most cost-effective way for the PTS;
• The PTS will make the hotel reservations and participants will pay the hotel themselves using their DSA which they receive upon arrival; and
• Health insurance will be provided for the duration of the training.

Requirement: Scanned passport copies.

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

Visas
Participants should apply for visas, if needed, at the corresponding Consulate/Consular Office upon receipt of an Acceptance Note Verbale from the PTS, to ensure timely processing. 

Participation
The training program is open only for Station Operators from invited countries.

E-learning
Access to relevant e-learning modules will be provided to participants in advance.