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CTBT/WGB/TL-11,17/18/Rev.5

10 December 2010

ORIGINAL: ENGLISH

OPERATIONAL MANUAL FOR RADIONUCLIDE MONITORING AND THE

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF RADIONUCLIDE DATA

DRAFT

NOTE: The Task Leader developed the new proposal for the draft Operational Manual for Radionuclide Monitoring and the International Exchange of Radionuclide Data, CTBT/WGB/TL-11,17/18/Rev.4, on the basis of the previous version, CTBT/WGB/ TL-11,17/18/Rev.3, and included the results of discussions during the Thirty-Fifth Session of Working Group B. The present paper, CTBT/WGB/TL-11,17/18/Rev.5, is the result of an editorial review of CTBT/WGB/TL-11,17/18/Rev.4 and has all the paragraphs numbered. No changes were made to the technical content of the paper. CTBT/WGB/TL-11,17/18/Rev.5 represents the near final version of the draft Operational Manual for Radionuclide Monitoring and the International Exchange of Radionuclide Data, and will be translated into all official languages of the United Nations.

In this manual, bold type is used to indicate areas which are common to all four International Monitoring System manuals, as a reminder that changes to those parts must be made in all the manuals.


PREFACE Article IV, paragraph 1, of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty requires that the verification regime, including the International Monitoring System element thereof, be capable of meeting the verification requirements of the Treaty at its entry into force. Part I, paragraph 2, of the Protocol to the Treaty requires that the International Monitoring System “fulfil the technical and operational requirements specified in the relevant operational manuals.” Thus this manual was prepared by the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization pursuant to the Annex to the Resolution establishing the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBT/MSS/RES/1). Following the entry into force of the Treaty on [date to be determined], the First Session of the Conference of the States Parties approved the manual on [date to be determined]. The Operational Manual for Radionuclide Monitoring and the International Exchange of Radionuclide Data has been prepared in accordance with, inter alia, Article IV, Sections A and B, of the Treaty and Part I of the Protocol. The manual is an elaboration of the applicable provisions of the Treaty and its Protocol. The manual does not constitute an integral part of the Treaty or its Protocol. In any case of conflict between this manual and the Treaty and its Protocol, the provisions of the Treaty and its Protocol prevail. Additionally, this manual is not to be used to circumvent any provisions of the Treaty and its Protocol. The manual may be changed by the Technical Secretariat subject to approval by the Executive Council. This manual may be supplemented by supporting documents that could provide additional details about selected topics.


CONTENTS Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1. Purpose 1.2. Overview 1.3. Intended Readership 1.4. Changing the Content of the Manual Chapter 2: Overview of the Radionuclide Monitoring Network 2.1. International Monitoring System 2.2. Global Network of Radionuclide Monitoring Stations 2.3. Radionuclide Station 2.4. Station Operator 2.5. Certification of Stations 2.5.1. Information Required 2.5.2. Official Registration of Station Name 2.5.3. Certification Procedures

2.6. Revalidation of Certified Stations 2.7. Station Operation and Maintenance 2.8. Cooperating National Radionuclide Facilities Chapter 3: Technical Requirements for Radionuclide Stations 3.1. Station Configuration 3.1.1. Particulate Station 3.1.2. Noble Gas Monitoring Station 3.2. Site Characteristics 3.2.1. Site Infrastructure 3.2.2. Meteorological Characteristics 3.2.3. Radiological Characteristics 3.2.4. Interface with the Communications Infrastructure 3.2.5. Other Relevant Site Characteristics 3.3. Equipment for Radioactivity Monitoring 3.3.1. Particulate Monitoring Equipment 3.3.2. Noble Gas Monitoring Equipment 3.3.3. Data Acquisition and Storage 3.3.4. Equipment Providing Meteorological Data 3.4. State of Health 3.5. Calibration 3.6. Data Transmission 3.7. Station Security and Data Surety 3.7.1. Station Security 3.7.2. Data Surety 3.8. Data Availability 3.9. Utilities 3.9.1. Power Supply 3.9.2. Local Communications Infrastructure 3.10. Interface with the Global Communications Infrastructure


Chapter 4: Operational Requirements 4.1. Concept of Operations 4.1.1. Concept of Operations for Particulate Monitoring Stations 4.1.1.1. Sample Collection 4.1.1.2. Sample Handling 4.1.1.3. Sample Chain of Custody 4.1.1.4. Sample Measurement 4.1.1.5. Sample Splitting, Dispatch and Archiving 4.1.1.6. Detector Background Measurement 4.1.1.7. Data Handling 4.1.2. Concept of Operations for Noble Gas Monitoring Stations 4.1.2.1. Sample Collection 4.1.2.2. Sample Processing 4.1.2.3. Sample Chain of Custody 4.1.2.4. Sample Measurement 4.1.2.5. Sample Management 4.1.2.6. Detector Background Measurement 4.1.2.7. Data Handling 4.2. Operation of Meteorological Equipment 4.3. Quality Control 4.3.1. Station Quality Control 4.3.2. Network Quality Control Programme 4.4. Personnel 4.5. Data Monitoring 4.5.1. Data Quality 4.5.1.1. Procedural Quality Activities 4.5.2. Data Availability 4.5.3. State of Health 4.5.4. Downtime 4.5.5. Surveys During Operation 4.5.6. Data Access

4.5.7. Power Supply 4.6. Command and Control

4.7. Calibration 4.7.1. Calibration Methods 4.7.2. Calibration Schedule 4.7.3. Calibration Procedures 4.7.3.1. Calibration of High Purity Germanium Detectors 4.7.3.2. Calibration of Beta–Gamma Coincidence Detectors 4.7.3.3. Calibration of Xenon Gas Quantification System 4.8. Communications 4.8.1. Support of the Global Communications Infrastructure 4.9. Configuration Management 4.10. Record Keeping and Documentation 4.11. Reporting


Chapter 5: Maintenance and Repairs 5.1. Maintenance Concept 5.1.1. Levels of Maintenance

5.1.2. Maintenance Task Assignment 5.1.3. Supply Support Management

5.1.4. Priority of Maintenance 5.2. Scheduled (Preventive) Maintenance 5.3. Unscheduled (Corrective) Maintenance 5.3.1. Problem Identification and Resolution 5.3.2. Responding to Station Problems Detected and Reported by the Technical Secretariat Chapter 6: Radionuclide Laboratories

6.1. Description of Laboratory Functions Within the International Monitoring System 6.2. Certification of Radionuclide Laboratories 6.3. Operational Requirements

6.3.1. Arrangements and Laboratory Preparedness 6.3.2. Sample Management 6.3.3. Analytical Techniques 6.3.3.1. Analysis of Particulate Samples 6.3.3.2. Analysis of Noble Gas Samples 6.4. Configuration Management 6.5. Laboratory Reporting 6.6. Quality Management Appendix I: Radionuclide Station Specifications Appendix II: Templates for Required Reports Appendix III: Requirements for Station Specific Documentation for Radionuclide

Stations Appendix IV: Procedures for International Monitoring System Station Certification

and Revalidation Appendix V: Requirements for Radionuclide Laboratory Documentation for Functions

Carried out in Support of the International Monitoring System Appendix VI: Schedules for the Recording of State of Health and Meteorological Data

and for the Transmission of Spectral Data Appendix VII: Definition of Repair Priorities for Radionuclide Stations Appendix VIII: Glossary Appendix IX: References


CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1. Purpose 1. In conjunction with the States Parties, the Technical Secretariat supervises,

coordinates and ensures the operation of the International Monitoring System and its component elements, the International Data Centre and their respective means of communication. Developed in accordance with the Treaty and its Protocol, this Operational Manual provides the necessary technical and operational detail required to ensure the effective operation of the International Monitoring System.

1.2. Overview 2. The Operational Manual has six chapters and nine appendices.

3. Chapter 1 defines the purpose of this Operational Manual. 4. Chapter 2 provides an overview of the role and functions of the radionuclide

network in the International Monitoring System.

5. Chapter 3 describes the technical requirements for an International Monitoring System radionuclide station.

6. Chapter 4 describes how International Monitoring System radionuclide stations are operated.

7. Chapter 5 describes how International Monitoring System radionuclide stations are maintained and repaired.

8. Chapter 6 describes the role and functions of the radionuclide laboratories within the International Monitoring System.

9. The Appendices include station requirements, a description of the content of required reports, requirements for station specific documentation, procedures for station certification, requirements for radionuclide laboratory documentation, schedules for the recording of supplementary data and for the transmission of spectral data, a definition of repair priorities for radionuclide stations, a glossary and a list of documents cited in the manual.

1.3. Intended Readership 10. This manual is intended primarily for the individuals and entities directly

responsible on a daily basis for the operation and maintenance of a station within the International Monitoring System. While written for station operators, this manual is also relevant to the Technical Secretariat and its International Data Centre, and, where appropriate, to National Data Centres.


1.4. Changing the Content of the Manual 11. Following approval by the Conference of the States Parties at its First Session

upon entry into force of the Treaty (Article II, paragraph 26(h), of the Treaty [1]), this Operational Manual is intended to be a stable document. It can be changed by the Technical Secretariat subject to approval by the Executive Council.

12. Comments on the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Operational Manuals for the International Monitoring System are invited from States Parties, particularly from station operators and National Data Centres, and the Technical Secretariat. Submissions to the Technical Secretariat should contain at least the following information:

(a) Name and address of commentator

(b) Contact details of commentator

(c) Which Operational Manual (indicated by document symbol) the comment addresses

(d) Which section/paragraph the comment addresses

(e) Comment, including suggestions for new text.

13. The Technical Secretariat, after consultation with the States Parties raising

comments, prepares suggested changes to this manual. Proposed changes are submitted for approval to the Executive Council, which is required to finalize changes to this Operational Manual (Reference [1], Article II, paragraphs 38(j) and 44). States Parties are also promptly notified of any changes to this manual.


CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW OF THE RADIONUCLIDE MONITORING NETWORK 2.1. International Monitoring System 14. The International Monitoring System is composed of facilities for seismological

monitoring, hydroacoustic monitoring, infrasound monitoring and radionuclide monitoring, including certified laboratories, and respective means of communication and is supported by the International Data Centre of the Technical Secretariat.

15. In order to ensure good operation of the monitoring system, common protocols, software, formats and reporting requirements are used throughout the International Monitoring System/International Data Centre system as appropriate.

2.2. Global Network of Radionuclide Monitoring Stations 16. The radionuclide portion of the International Monitoring System consists of global

networks of radionuclide monitoring stations and radionuclide laboratories. The network of 80 radionuclide stations is listed in Table 2-A of Annex 1 to the Protocol to the Treaty.

17. The network of stations to measure radionuclides in the atmosphere consists of 80 stations equipped with samplers for airborne particulate monitoring. In addition, the Treaty calls for 40 of the 80 stations to be capable of monitoring for radioactive noble gases upon entry into force. A list of 40 noble gas stations was adopted by the Preparatory Commission at its Seventh Session [2] as a recommendation, subject to approval by the Conference of the States Parties at its initial session. At its first regular annual session, the Conference of the States Parties considered and decided upon a plan for extending the capability for noble gas monitoring to the remaining 40 stations in the network (Part I, paragraph 10, of the Protocol to the Treaty [1]).

18. The network of radionuclide monitoring stations is supported by a number of radionuclide laboratories (presented in Table 2-B of Annex 1 to the Protocol to the Treaty) whose functions are to carry out additional analyses of samples from the radionuclide stations on a fee-for-service basis and to perform routine analyses of samples from manually operated stations in the network. With the agreement of the Executive Council, further laboratories may be certified by the Technical Secretariat to perform the routine analysis of samples from manual monitoring stations where necessary.

19. Data from the radionuclide stations are transmitted directly or through a National Data Centre or an appropriate communication node to the International Data Centre.


20. The types of communications topology are as follows. 21. Basic Communications Topology (direct station to International Data Centre

communications interface): Each station whose data are routed directly to the International Data Centre via the Basic Global Communications Infrastructure topology interfaces to the Global Communications Infrastructure equipment at the station site, as described in Chapter 3.

22. Partitioned Communications Topology (station to International Data Centre data

transmission): Data are routed through a National Data Centre or an appropriate communication node using a Global Communications Infrastructure interface. Each station whose data are routed directly to the International Data Centre or via a National Data Centre or an appropriate communication node using the Global Communications Infrastructure partitioned topology interfaces to the Global Communications Infrastructure equipment at the station site, as described in Chapter 3.

23. Independent Subnetwork Topology: In the case of independent subnetwork

topology, the station data pass through a National Data Centre or an appropriate communication node before reaching the Global Communications Infrastructure interface.

2.3. Radionuclide Station 24. Radionuclide analysis is a fundamental and highly sensitive technique for the detection

and identification of nuclear explosions. Of all the verification technologies within the International Monitoring System, it is the only technique that has the potential to provide unequivocal evidence of a nuclear explosion.

25. Because the transport of radionuclides through the atmosphere is highly dependent on prevailing meteorological conditions, the detection of particulates and noble gases at individual stations within the network is subject to a number of time dependent parameters. Procedures for timely sample collection, analysis and data transmission have been developed to ensure that the system detection capability and reporting are consistent with the verification requirements of the Treaty.

26. The term “radionuclide station” refers to the site and all equipment necessary to collect and measure radionuclide samples, including the housing, other support facilities and the interface with the Global Communications Infrastructure.

27. Each radionuclide station holds station specific documentation that includes a description of all equipment in the system to collect and analyse samples and details of all operational procedures and parameters pertaining to the specific station. Appendix III outlines the requirements for site specific documentation for radionuclide stations and Cooperating National Facilities.

28. The radionuclide stations fulfil the technical and operational requirements specified in this manual.


2.4. Station Operator 29. As specified in his/her agreement, arrangement or contract, the station operator is

responsible for station operation and maintenance and is the point of contact for the Technical Secretariat. The station operator is identified as such by the State hosting or otherwise taking responsibility for the International Monitoring System station.

30. The name and contact information of the station operator(s) are provided by the State hosting or otherwise taking responsibility for the station to the Technical Secretariat at the latest by the time of certification. These are kept up to date and any changes are reported promptly to the Technical Secretariat.

2.5. Certification of Stations 31. Station certification ensures that all station equipment and infrastructure, as well

as the station environment, meet the Treaty verification requirements described in Reference [3].

32. The station site is approved in the site certification process, as specified in the station certification process document [3], which states: “A station site is approved when the station site characteristics substantially meet the site survey requirements.” (This means that not all technical requirements are rigorously met but that any variations are minor and are made known to all States Parties and States hosting International Monitoring System radionuclide stations through regular reporting by the Technical Secretariat.)

33. Equipment approval is part of the station certification process, as specified in the station certification process document [3], which states: “Equipment is approved when requirements are substantially met.” The equipment checks are performed using standards and methods approved by the Technical Secretariat and confirm the quality of the instrument as specified in the provider’s certificate. Equipment approval can be on the basis of a generic test on a particular constituent, for example a particular digitizer, or from a list of system components. Thereafter, components similar to those that passed the generic test are regarded as approved in advance for use. Any new components must demonstrate that they meet the particular requirements. Individual components must perform properly when integrated into the total system such that the data availability, data quality and performance requirements are met.

34. A station may be certified when:

(a) The station site, station equipment and infrastructure substantially meet the

technical specifications for International Monitoring System stations;

(b) Data authentication devices, including anti-tampering devices, are in place and have been demonstrated to function properly;

(c) For a station that is directly connected to the Global Communications Infrastructure, the station interface to the Global Communications


Infrastructure is in place and has been demonstrated to function properly. For the case where a station is linked to the Global Communications Infrastructure through an independent subnetwork, the communication link through the subnetwork is in place and demonstrated to function properly.

2.5.1. Information Required 35. The information required for the station certification or revalidation process is

maintained in the station specific documentation in the database of the Technical Secretariat for future reference. Information required for station certification is detailed in two Technical Secretariat documents [4, 5] and includes:

(a) Air Sampling Equipment Location: the air sampling equipment location

coordinates are well documented and measured. Changes, if any, from Treaty coordinates are accompanied by the necessary documentation of the approval process.

(b) Instrument Characteristics: the detailed station specific installed instrument information required to show that the station substantially meets the International Monitoring System specifications. This information includes: a description of air sampling equipment and measurement system type and their technical specifications and nominal operational settings; power supply systems, communication hardware, manufacturer, installation date, contracts and provisions with communication providers, and detailed diagrams and specifications of communication circuits, including interfaces other than Global Communications Infrastructure/International Monitoring System interfaces, up to the interface with the Global Communications Infrastructure.

(c) Site Characteristics: detailed station specific site information, such as:

(i) Meteorological characteristics;

(ii) Radiological characteristics;

(iii) Information on ownership or leasing of the station site;

(iv) Information on station accessibility;

(v) Detailed layout (equipment, connections, ducting, etc.) of the station site and equipment;

(vi) Description of station security procedures;

(vii) Descriptions of the primary source of power and of any backup power supplies, including plans where appropriate.

2.5.2. Official Registration of Station Name 36. The station names and codes follow conventions established by the Technical

Secretariat [6]. Stations of the International Monitoring System network are referred to using either the Treaty identifier, based on the tables in Annex 1 to the Protocol to the Treaty [1], or a station code.


2.5.3. Certification Procedures 37. Guidelines and certification procedures for International Monitoring System

stations are specified in Reference [3], Appendix V of Reference [7] and Appendix IV to this manual. Specific certification procedures for particulate and for noble gas radionuclide stations are presented in References [4, 5].

2.6. Revalidation of Certified Stations 38. The certification status of a station is reviewed by the Technical Secretariat and

the performance of the station is revalidated as meeting the certification requirements. Revalidation is necessary if any change occurs at a station that significantly affects its system response, detection capability, data availability or data quality. Examples could include: reconstruction following partial or total destruction; change of location or array geometry; change of equipment or software due to repair, major improvement or upgrade, end of life replacement, obsolescence, or deterioration owing to changes in the station environment such as increased noise levels. Revalidation uses the procedures of station certification [8].

2.7. Station Operation and Maintenance 39. Operation and maintenance are the next step taken after a station is completed

and has gone through the certification process. The operation and maintenance are designed so that the station will continue to properly meet the requirements, especially with regard to data availability and quality.

2.8. Cooperating National Radionuclide Facilities 40. National radionuclide stations that are not part of the International Monitoring

System may be designated Cooperating National Facilities by the Technical Secretariat, following a request by the hosting State Party and subject to the agreement of the Executive Council, in order to make available to the International Data Centre supplementary radionuclide data from these facilities. The Cooperating National Facility has a supplementary role compared with the International Monitoring System stations. The International Data Centre, when requested by a State Party and at this State Party’s expense, calls upon raw data from stations certified as Cooperating National Facilities for the purposes of facilitating consultation and clarification, and the consideration of on-site inspection requests. These purposes are achieved through additional analyses, augmented by data from Cooperating National Facilities, which can improve event characterization by the respective technology.

41. The Technical Secretariat must certify that such a facility meets the technical and

operational requirements specified for an International Monitoring System radionuclide station in this Operational Manual and arrange for the authentication of its data (Reference [1], Article IV, paragraph 28(a)). With the exceptions of data retrieval conditions and communication requirements, all specifications and procedures detailed in this Operational Manual are also valid for Cooperating National Facilities.


CHAPTER 3: TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RADIONUCLIDE STATIONS 42. This chapter specifies the technical requirements for an International Monitoring

System radionuclide station as defined in the International Monitoring System station specification document (Appendix I).

3.1. Station Configuration 43. Radionuclide monitoring stations are equipped with particulate sampling and

measurement equipment and meteorological equipment. Noble gas monitoring systems installed at designated radionuclide stations share, if possible, common infrastructure.

44. The optimum particulate station configuration is to collocate the air sampler with the

measurement equipment. Locating the measurement equipment at an off-site counting facility could be appropriate in some cases, for example in temporary arrangements following measurement system breakdown. However, this configuration should be avoided if suitable filter transfer arrangements cannot be guaranteed.

45. Because of the short half-lives of xenon isotopes of interest, noble gas samples are

routinely measured on site. 3.1.1. Particulate Station 46. A variety of configurations of certified sampling and measurement equipment and

approved operational methods can be used to meet the basic network and system specifications. Sample collection, preparation and measurement can be achieved with fully or partly automated systems.

47. Particulate equipment consists of a high volume, low pressure drop air pump that moves air from the atmosphere through a filter to remove a large amount of particles from the airstream. The equipment also has a device to measure the amount of air that is passed through the filter, such as a hot wire anemometer. In addition, the particulate equipment also contains a high purity germanium gamma ray spectrometer for determining the activity of the isotopes on the filter that can be either at another location or as part of an integrated system. The operation of the particulate system can be performed manually, but is commonly controlled with a local computer.

3.1.2. Noble Gas Monitoring Station 48. Noble gas monitoring stations concentrate and purify xenon gas from the atmosphere

for measurement by high resolution gamma ray spectroscopy or beta–gamma coincidence spectroscopy.

49. The noble gas monitoring equipment for sample collection, gas purification and concentration, and analysis can be incorporated as a fully automated system or as separate components to enable the steps following sample collection to be carried out manually on site, or at an off-site measurement facility. Because of the complexity of the noble gas collection and separation of the processes, as well as the short half-lives of the xenon isotopes of interest, automation is preferred.


50. Noble gas equipment consists of a high pressure compressor and other components that move air from the atmosphere through a series of traps that selectively removes and purifies xenon from the airstream. The equipment also has a device to measure the amount of xenon that is collected by the system, such as a thermal conductivity xenon gas analyser. In addition, the noble gas equipment contains a nuclear detection system, either a high purity germanium or a betagamma spectrometer that selectively determines the amount of xenon activity in the sample. The operation of the noble gas system is commonly controlled with a local computer.

3.2. Site Characteristics 51. Required characteristics for station siting (background noise level, power,

communications, etc.) are given in the International Monitoring System site survey requirements [9].

52. This section describes the main site characteristics that are to be optimized in the selection of the location of a radionuclide monitoring station in the International Monitoring System network. Five key areas are considered:

(a) Site infrastructure

(b) Meteorological characteristics

(c) Radiological characteristics

(d) Interface with the communications infrastructure

(e) Other relevant site characteristics. 53. Information obtained from the site survey and the installation of equipment, facilities

and utilities that are important to proper operation of the station must be retained as part of the site specific documentation.

3.2.1. Site Infrastructure 54. There are no specific requirements for site utilities. However, the infrastructure of the

site must be adequate to ensure that the station performance is not compromised and that the operation of the monitoring equipment meets the specifications established for the system.

55. Generally, it is recommended that the site has good accessibility, under all seasonal weather conditions, for adequate transport during the installation of the station, for access by local personnel during operations, and for access for routine repairs and maintenance.

56. Protection of equipment and facilities from adverse weather conditions and unauthorized intrusion is essential.

57. Access to the equipment housing or other buildings is restricted to authorized personnel.

Collocation with facilities that require the same level of security is desirable.


3.2.2. Meteorological Characteristics 58. The most important consideration in regard to meteorological characteristics of a

radionuclide station site is the ability to sample air that is representative of the large scale airflow in the vicinity of the station. Although there may be other overriding technical factors, such as operational and cost issues, whenever possible, locations are avoided that are subject to decoupling between the surface and upper air layers for extended periods.

59. Similarly, the influence of the local terrain features on the wind patterns and the proximity of obstructions, such as nearby buildings and trees, are taken into account in siting the station, so that the air sampling unit is positioned in open terrain and unperturbed wind.

60. Other factors that may affect the local meteorology, such as the proximity of the station to large population centres or complex sealand interfaces, are assessed to obtain the optimum location.

3.2.3. Radiological Characteristics 61. Natural and anthropogenic background radiation affects the minimum detectable

concentrations of the radionuclide stations. Consequently, sources of background radiation are assessed during the site survey with a view to avoiding areas where the natural and anthropogenic levels are high and therefore may have an impact on the ability of the station to meet the baseline sensitivity requirements specified in Appendix I.

3.2.4. Interface with the Communications Infrastructure 62. The requirements of the infrastructure for communications between the station and the

Technical Secretariat are considered during the assessment of the suitability of the site. The site specific factors evaluated for the Global Communications Infrastructure are detailed in the Global Communications Infrastructure specifications (Appendix XIV of Reference [10]).

3.2.5. Other Relevant Site Characteristics 63. Sociological and political conditions play a major role in siting stations. The ownership

of land or buildings influences the future existence and operation of stations. Political restrictions and decrees are taken into account on a site specific basis during establishment and operation.

64. If the station is located in an area with a significant risk of the occurrence of a natural hazard, such as an earthquake, cyclone or hurricane, the station is designed to take into account the potential impacts of such events.

65. Another factor that is taken into account in siting a station is the possibility that alternative use of the site may have an impact on station operation; or conversely, the


operation of the station equipment may affect the other site occupants or facilities in some way.

3.3. Equipment for Radioactivity Monitoring 66. The required characteristics of the equipment are defined in the glossary and

specified in Appendix I. 3.3.1. Particulate Monitoring Equipment 67. The basic requirement for the collection of atmospheric particulate samples is a

high volume air sampler, which collects airborne material by passing air through a removable filter medium. The air sampler is equipped with a meter to record the flow rate of air through the filter. Filter samples are analysed by high resolution gamma ray spectrometry.

68. The determination of the global collection efficiency for an air sampler that is equipped with an extended inlet tube is carried out initially as part of the certification process. Any modifications or changes considered by the station operator must be referred to the Technical Secretariat to ascertain the need for redetermination of the global collection efficiency.

69. The key specification in Appendix I relating to the particulate monitoring equipment is for the measurement system to achieve a baseline sensitivity for barium-140 of 10 Bq/m3, using the nominal air volume for the specific station. This requirement refers to the baseline sensitivity of barium-140 when there is no effect of ambient natural airborne radioactivity on the detection limit [11]. Appendix I includes other requirements for particulate monitoring equipment that are intended to ensure that this specification on the baseline sensitivity of the system is achievable.

70. Under operational conditions, the monitoring equipment is dependent on both ambient background and the concentration of natural radionuclides on the filter and the measurement system. An upper limit of 30 Bq/m3 for the minimum detectable concentration of barium-140 is set for the station under these conditions. The compliance of the monitoring equipment with these requirements is evaluated as part of the station certification process.

71. If, after all cost effective countermeasures have been taken, the minimum detectable concentration of barium-140 at a given station does exceed the upper limit of 30 Bq/m3, the station operator, in consultation with the Technical Secretariat, arranges for corrective action to facilitate timely resolution of the problem.

3.3.2. Noble Gas Monitoring Equipment 72. Noble gas monitoring systems collect, concentrate and purify xenon gas from the

atmosphere for measurement of isotopes Xe-131m, Xe-133, Xe-133m and Xe-135 by high resolution gamma spectroscopy or betagamma coincidence spectroscopy, whereby a minimum detectable concentration of 1 mBq/m3 for Xe-133 must be


achieved. For the calculation of activity concentrations, the amount of stable xenon gas in the sample is also measured.

73. The minimum requirements for noble gas monitoring equipment are presented in

Appendix I. 74. Sampling periods can be shorter than 24 hours, but the duration of each period is an

integral factor of 24 (e.g. 8 or 12 hours) in order to fit into the 24 hour operating routine of the station.

75. The minimum requirement for the total air volume refers to a sampling period of 24 hours. For noble gas systems with sampling periods shorter than 24 hours, the air volume of a sample can be smaller by a factor equal to sampling time divided by 24.

76. In order for laboratories to analyse noble gas samples that were collected and analysed in International Monitoring System stations, a minimum amount of xenon gas is required to be transferred to the laboratory. The minimum requirements for a laboratory quality control programme are specified in Reference [12].

77. The station specific documentation includes a description of the equipment to collect,

separate and analyse noble gas samples. 3.3.3. Data Acquisition and Storage 78. The data acquisition system of the radionuclide station comprises the electronics, data

loggers, computer equipment, and software to receive the various analogue or digital signals from the measurement detector; state of health sensors, such as the flow rate meter of the air sampler; and other supplementary instrumentation, including meteorological equipment. It is used:

(a) To convert analogue signals to digital form where necessary;

(b) To combine the data into the required formats;

(c) To provide for authentication of the data;

(d) To transmit the data to the International Data Centre via the Global Communications Infrastructure;

(e) To store the data at the station.

79. The system is also capable of the regular acquisition and transmission of supplementary

data and state of health data.

80. Local computer capabilities are adequate for storage of data, against the possibility of a partial station failure, an International Data Centre failure or a Global Communications Infrastructure failure.


3.3.4. Equipment Providing Meteorological Data 81. Specifications require that stations provide data recorded every 10 minutes on local

meteorological conditions (Appendix I and Reference [4]). Required parameters are wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure; precipitation is an optional parameter.

82. Those data can be provided either from equipment installed as part of the station or

from a nearby (within about 10 km) national meteorological facility if its data can be considered representative also for the station. In the latter case, additional information on the facility and arrangements is provided in the station specific documentation, including data type, responsible personnel, transmission methods and frequencies, reliability and the method for incorporation of meteorological data into the station data.

83. Meteorological instrumentation is required to meet World Meteorological Organization standards and is installed according to those standards as closely as possible. Details of the equipment, relevant capabilities and possible site specific influences on the meteorological measurements are recorded in the station documentation (as described in Appendix III).

3.4. State of Health 84. State of health information is transmitted to the International Data Centre in the

appropriate format.

85. State of health information enables the States Parties and the Technical Secretariat to monitor the operational state of the International Monitoring System radionuclide stations.

86. Both particulate and noble gas monitoring stations are equipped with various sensors

and instrumentation that provide information on the operational status of the sample collection and measurement systems within the station and assist in the identification of the causes of any significant change in the quality of the data.

87. Problems with state of health status indicators are reported in the form of a Problem Report to the Technical Secretariat.

3.5. Calibration 88. Station instrumentation is calibrated and the calibration is maintained in accordance

with requirements described in Section 4.7 and specified in Appendix I, using up to date methods validated by the Technical Secretariat and procedures included in the station specific documentation (described in Appendix III).

3.6. Data Transmission 89. Data from radionuclide stations are sent to the International Data Centre, directly

or through a National Data Centre or an appropriate communication node.


Formats and protocols for transmission of data are specified and documented by the Technical Secretariat.

90. Spectral, supplementary and support data from radionuclide stations are sent to the

International Data Centre according to the schedules specified in Appendix VI. The station operator may adopt a more frequent schedule of data transmission by agreement with the Technical Secretariat.

91. All calibration data and background spectra are referenced and transmitted to the International Data Centre according to the same procedures and data protocols as those applicable to sample spectra.

3.7. Station Security and Data Surety 3.7.1. Station Security 92. Station documentation includes details of all anti-tampering systems and

authentication systems, as well as maps or plans showing station security measures (e.g. fence enclosures, surveillance cameras, etc.) and security guardhouse locations, if applicable.

93. The need for specific actions against local nuisance or theft may require additional protection measures. Security measures against hazards must also be considered in the location of the station. Detailed plans of the security measures to be taken are provided by the station operator.

94. The information systems of the station must be protected from inadvertent or

malicious modification or damage. This may require secure interfaces (e.g. firewalls), logging of all access, protection of authentication key management systems, and anti-virus systems. All remote station command and control procedures are signed and verified with the approved digital signature algorithm with private keys generated under the International Data Centre key management system.

95. Measures to prevent corruption of data at the station include restriction of access to

station facilities and equipment housings and protection of key items of equipment with locks and, where appropriate, tamper-proof seals. Access to areas in which station equipment is located is restricted to authorized station personnel. These areas generally remain locked to prevent unauthorized entry. Air sampling and detector systems have sensors installed to detect opening of the equipment during operation. Computer systems are password protected.

96. Any interventions on the station equipment outside the routine operation and basic

troubleshooting are approved by the Technical Secretariat in advance. In order to avoid possible contamination, no radioactive sources other than those approved by the Technical Secretariat are brought on to the station premises.


3.7.2. Data Surety 97. Data surety for the International Monitoring System radionuclide stations is

provided by tamper detection of the equipment enclosures and authentication of the data.

98. All International Monitoring System radionuclide data, including the associated status indicator defined in Section 3.4, optional state of health information and optional meteorological data are signed with the approved digital signature algorithm and a private key in a manner consistent with the authentication reference documents (Appendix VIII of Reference [10] and Reference [13]). These signatures are routinely verified at the International Data Centre. In conjunction with other required tamper indications, data authentication allows detection of attempts to tamper with the data.

99. For a radionuclide station, controls or measures are implemented at a number of stages

to ensure that station operations are carried out in accordance with International Monitoring System procedures. These controls are designed to protect the system from accidental or deliberate actions that would result in manipulation and/or corruption of the data produced at the station.

3.8. Data Availability 100. The term Data Availability refers to data received at the International Data

Centre, which is responsible for calculating statistics within the International Monitoring System [14].

101. Data Availability for an International Monitoring System radionuclide particulate or noble gas station is the ratio of data received by the International Data Centre that can be categorized relative to the data expected to be received from that station, expressed as a percentage. The Data Availability requirement is identified in the minimum specifications listed in Appendix I to this manual.

102. Data Received Percentage for an International Monitoring System radionuclide

particulate or noble gas station is the ratio of data received by the International Data Centre relative to the data expected to be received from that station, expressed as a percentage.

103. There are certain times when the Technical Secretariat does not expect monitoring

spectra from a station owing to previously arranged quality or maintenance procedures, such as repairs, upgrades and background measurements.

104. Problems in the Global Communications Infrastructure or at the International

Data Centre that affect the data availability of a station are not the responsibility of the station operator and are identified as such.

105. Minimum data availability standards are required for the International

Monitoring System radionuclide network in order to ensure proper monitoring of


the Treaty. The standards account for the performance of the communication system.

106. Each particulate and noble gas station in the radionuclide network must meet the

minimum requirement for Data Availability of 95% calculated from the previous 12 months (see Appendix I).

107. The time between a collection start and the data receipt at the International Data Centre must be less than or equal to 72 hours for particulate stations and less than or equal to 48 hours for noble gas stations (see Appendix I).

3.9. Utilities 108. Data availability is strongly tied to station power and communication

considerations. 3.9.1. Power Supply 109. The station has a reliable primary power source capable of meeting the operational

requirements of the station equipment and sensors and the data availability requirements. Because high volume particulate samplers and noble gas systems require power on the order of several kilowatts, the primary power source must be adequate to meet this need. A secondary source of power is required if there is a possibility of prolonged periods of disruption to the primary power source with the consequence that the station could not meet the requirements for data availability. Power supplies are regulated and protected from surges, including those caused by lightning strikes.

110. An uninterruptible battery power source is also provided to operate the electronics and other key components of the detection system in the event of a temporary loss of primary power. The battery supply is able to maintain power for a minimum of 15 minutes.

111. The station documentation includes descriptions of the primary power source, secondary power source, if applicable, and availability of the uninterruptible battery power supply, as well as the specific procedures for handling the loss of the primary power source.

3.9.2. Local Communications Infrastructure 112. Apart from the Global Communications Infrastructure used for transmission of data to

the International Data Centre, it is desirable that the site has a reliable communication link, such as a telephone, to enable contact between local station staff and the station operator, if necessary. The type of communications available at the site is described in the station specific documentation.

3.10. Interface with the Global Communications Infrastructure 113. Data from radionuclide stations are sent at specific intervals to the International

Data Centre, either directly or through a National Data Centre or an appropriate


communication node. The main physical interface between the radionuclide stations and the Global Communications Infrastructure is defined in the Global Communications Infrastructure specifications (Appendix XIV of Reference [10]). The host country responsible for these stations ensures that data from these stations are transmitted via the above mentioned interface. A detailed description of the communication equipment, procedures and routeing architectures for each radionuclide station is included in the station specific documentation.


CHAPTER 4: OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 114. This chapter describes how the International Monitoring System radionuclide

stations are operated in order to fulfil their functions in the International Monitoring System. The chapter includes the information required for proper station operation: data acquisition, communication, state of health, system calibration, data surety and reporting requirements.

115. Written procedures are laid down in the station specific documentation for all aspects related to the operation of an International Monitoring System radionuclide station.

116. The station specific documentation includes the station operational manual, where the data handling procedures, protocols, materials, schedules and other specific requirements for station personnel are comprehensively described (see Appendix III). The station operational manual and related documents are approved by the Technical Secretariat during the certification process and are the basis for the quality management system for the station.

117. Documentation includes a list of authorized personnel responsible for each stage of operations.

4.1. Concept of Operations 118. The Technical Secretariat is responsible for the supervision and coordination of

network operations and providing assistance as needed for the proper functioning of the stations. The Technical Secretariat ensures the operation of the International Monitoring System by concluding agreements, arrangements or contracts with station operators. The coordination of operations between the Technical Secretariat and station operators is done through a common reporting and messaging system.

119. The station operators are responsible for the operation of the individual

International Monitoring System facilities, in accordance with this Operational Manual and, as appropriate, agreements, arrangements or contracts. The station operator ensures that the station is operating properly, especially in meeting the data availability, data quality and data surety requirements. The duties of the station operator include filing the proper reports with the Technical Secretariat, scheduling preventive maintenance, providing timely troubleshooting and repair in the case of unscheduled data outage, and reporting any unauthorized access to the station facilities.

120. Operation and maintenance procedures are designed to ensure that the

radionuclide station remains fully operational, maintaining the capability to provide authenticated data, as described in this chapter. Failure of any component of the station that affects this capability requires urgent repair, as described in Chapter 5.

121. It is recognized that, whereas the station operator is responsible for the functioning

of the station itself, other components of the data transmission system, such as the Global Communications Infrastructure, are not the responsibility of the station


operator unless specified in the agreement, arrangement or contract for operating the station. Similarly, the period for which a station is not operational, for example while awaiting spare parts from the Technical Secretariat or pending the setting or replacement of authentication keys, is not the responsibility of the station operator. In calculating Data Availability, the Technical Secretariat distinguishes the causes of failure in order to define the appropriate responsibility.

4.1.1. Concept of Operations for Particulate Monitoring Stations 4.1.1.1. Sample Collection 122. Sample collection at a particulate monitoring station takes place over a 24 hour period

(plus or minus 10%). This collection period is not dependent on the type of equipment or operating mode employed at the station.

123. For each station, a time schedule for sample changes is established following consultation between the station operator and the Technical Secretariat. This detail is recorded in the station specific documentation.

4.1.1.2. Sample Handling 124. In general, sample handling and preparation depend on the type of measurement

configuration and degree of automation adopted at the station. However, several principles apply, regardless of the mode of operation.

125. Any procedure that involves handling of the unexposed or exposed filter is carried out in accordance with good laboratory practice and using procedures approved by the Technical Secretariat, as described in the station specific documentation.

126. The most critical requirement is the prevention of contamination of filter material and components of the system coming in contact with the filter material, and the minimization of the possibility of cross-contamination between samples.

127. Appropriate methods are used to protect the sample once the exposure period is

complete. The measured filters are stored in a secure place as defined in the station specific documentation.

128. Unused filter material is stored securely in a clean environment and in an area isolated from unsealed radioactive sources, other types of environmental samples or areas where radiochemical procedures are carried out.

129. Each sample is assigned and labelled with a bar code to uniquely identify the sample as

specified in Reference [13], as soon as possible once the preparation commences. This identifier is used throughout the measurement and analysis. A record is kept for all samples, including the identifier, any relevant operational parameters and observations. The sample log contains all applicable data and information (e.g. the specific operator and normal and anomalous observations), or it is adequately cross-referenced with other station records for the specific sampling and preparation period.


130. A system of sample control and chain of custody records is in place to record information related to the sample collection, preparation, analysis and disposition. The format of these records is established by the Technical Secretariat.

4.1.1.3. Sample Chain of Custody 131. For some stations within the network, samples are transported from the location of the

air sampler for analysis at an off-site counting facility on a routine basis. This transfer takes place within 24 hours following the end of the collection period, in accordance with the minimum requirements list specified in Appendix I. Any local arrangements or contracts with couriers guarantee this transport requirement. The procedures by which the particulate samples are transferred from the station location ensures their security, specific identity and integrity.

132. Detailed records of the shipment of samples are maintained at the station and the

measurement facility with a requirement for authorized personnel to sign for the release or acceptance of samples.

133. Station documentation includes a detailed description of all the procedures, personnel,

and record keeping related to the off-site transfer of samples. This documentation covers operations at both the station and the measurement facility. The procedural description of the sample chain of custody is kept at both places: the station and the measurement facility.

4.1.1.4. Sample Measurement 134. To improve the sensitivity for the detection of airborne fission and activation products,

all samples are allowed to decay for a period of no more than 24 hours following the end of collection to reduce the levels of natural radioactivity. If a suspicious event has been detected at other radionuclide stations or by other technologies, the Technical Secretariat directs that the decay time be reduced to facilitate investigation of the event.

135. For measurement of the filter sample, it is normally necessary to carry out a minimal pretreatment step, such as compressing the filter into a smaller volume to improve measurement sensitivity and to present the sample in a standard measurement geometry. Procedures for handling the filter during preparation for counting are described in Section 4.1.1.2.

136. The measurement of the sample is carried out using a high resolution gamma ray spectrometer with a high purity germanium detector that meets the minimum specifications listed in Section 3.3.1.

137. The detector crystal and sample are housed in lead shielding to reduce background radiation. The measurement container for the filter and the sampledetector configuration for each station are standardized so that each sample is measured in the same geometry and a reproducible configuration.


138. The requirements for the calibration of the measurement system are described in Section 3.5. Radiation sources for calibration are available in the same sample geometry and a matrix that is similar or identical to the filter samples.

139. The measurement time for routine samples is the maximum compatible with the minimum requirements (Appendix I) and taking into account any delay introduced by the specific features of each station. A full pulse height spectrum is acquired over the range of at least 70 keV to 2.0 MeV with a minimum of 4096 channels. The sample measurement time allows for an additional measurement of a check source for quality control purposes, as described in Section 4.3.

4.1.1.5. Sample Splitting, Dispatch and Archiving 140. Under routine operating conditions, there are five situations in which a sample may be

sent to a certified laboratory by the Technical Secretariat:

(a) As part of the quality assurance programme of the Technical Secretariat,

(b) For backup of station operations,

(c) Because a particulate sample (filter) was identified as a Level 5 sample,

(d) Because an expert technical analysis was requested by a State Party,

(e) Because an analysis was initiated by the Technical Secretariat.

141. Level 5 samples that are analysed at radionuclide laboratories are normally split into

two parts as outlined in the station specific documentation. One half of the sample is sent to the radionuclide laboratory closest in transport time and available to perform the analysis. The other half of the sample is sent to a different available radionuclide laboratory which is determined randomly using an algorithm residing at the Technical Secretariat.

142. Splitting of samples is performed following the procedure described in the station

specific documentation. Care is taken in order to minimize the possibility of sample contamination. The requirement to split the sample is contained in the command sent from the Technical Secretariat to the station, together with the shipping information of the selected laboratories.

143. The Technical Secretariat issues a command to the station operator for the particular station to forward the sample, or part thereof, to selected radionuclide laboratories. In nominating the laboratories to which a sample, or part thereof, is to be sent, the Technical Secretariat takes into account the need to avoid conflicting situations between States Parties. At the same time, these radionuclide laboratories are advised of the request for further analysis. The Technical Secretariat issues instructions to the laboratory regarding the dispatch of the sample, required analyses, data transfer and preliminary advice about the sample. Appropriate arrangements between the Technical Secretariat and the State Party hosting a radionuclide laboratory may be necessary to ensure timely dispatch of samples.


144. All aerosol samples from the radionuclide stations are maintained in readiness for laboratory measurement so that verification questions that arise, for example from waveform data or other radionuclide data, are governed by the procedures for dispatch of samples to radionuclide laboratories.

145. After initial storage at the station while awaiting shipment, aerosol samples are transferred to the Technical Secretariat sample archive. The order initiating laboratory measurement may come from the Technical Secretariat during the initial storage period, or may occur after the sample reaches the archive. After laboratory measurement, samples are shipped to the Technical Secretariat.

146. After one year, the Technical Secretariat may release samples from the sample archive for verification research or other scientific research with permission of the originating country [15].

[TL Note: Discussion to continue on filter handling presented in Section 4.1.1.5. See also discussion in CTBT/WGB/TL-1/52/Rev.1.] 4.1.1.6. Detector Background Measurement 147. Measurements of two types of background spectra are required: the detector background

without a filter and a blank filter spectrum.

148. The detector background is determined prior to commencement of operations as part of the certification of the station. Further measurements of the detector background are carried out following detector repair or replacement, or any changes to the shielding, or in the event of suspected contamination. The counting time for any detector background measurement is up to seven days as requested by the Technical Secretariat.

149. Routine measurements of particulate filter samples require that a spectrum with a blank filter be determined. The acquisition of a blank filter spectrum is carried out semi-annually or whenever a new batch of filters is to be used. The measurement time for the blank filter spectrum is one day.

150. Blank filter spectra and background spectra which are part of normal station operations are not considered in assessing station downtime.

4.1.1.7. Data Handling 151. Sample spectral data are transmitted to the International Data Centre no later than 72

hours following commencement of the collection of each sample. Other data types, state of health, flow, etc., are transmitted at the same time (during the same connection/session) or on an agreed, more frequent, schedule. Data transmission schedules are included in the station specific documentation.

152. Data are transmitted in accordance with the approved International Monitoring System protocol.


153. All data transmitted to the International Data Centre are also archived at the collection site in electronic form for at least two months. During this period, these data must be available to be retransmitted to the Technical Secretariat if requested.

4.1.2. Concept of Operations for Noble Gas Monitoring Stations 4.1.2.1. Sample Collection 154. Noble gas systems collect xenon from the air, separate it from other components in the

air, perform a nuclear count, determine the quantity of the xenon gas, and finally store the gas in containers that can be retrieved for later analysis. The subsequent analysis is performed in a laboratory as part of a noble gas quality assurance programme (see Section 4.3.2).

155. To maintain a 100% duty cycle, so that plumes that may cross a station are not missed,

the noble gas sampling system continually collects samples and, in a batch process, performs the separations and analysis. Because of the short half-lives of the isotopes of interest, specifications laid out in Appendix I require that the air sampling period for noble gas monitoring not exceed 24 hours. The schedule for sampling is established in consultation with the Technical Secretariat for each specific station in the network.

156. When applicable, for reasons of synergy, the sampling cycles of the particulate and noble gas systems are synchronized.

157. All procedures for sample collection, including schedules, personnel requirements and materials, are detailed in the station specific documentation (described in Appendix III).

4.1.2.2. Sample Processing 158. After collection, the sample is processed in order to extract the xenon. The time for

processing is minimized to ensure a time before reporting of less than or equal to 48 hours. The processed sample is transferred to the measurement system. In the case of a noble gas detection system with several measurement cells, each cell must be uniquely identified.

159. After measurement, noble gas samples are collected into sample archive containers that are uniquely identified. Each sample has to be collected into a separate container.

160. The archive containers must be detachable from the noble gas system. In this way, archive containers can be sent to radionuclide laboratories for quality control purposes or further analysis.

161. All sample processing procedures are established to minimize the possibility of contamination of the equipment and individual samples, and of cross-contamination between samples.


4.1.2.3. Sample Chain of Custody 162. When archived noble gas samples are reanalysed in a laboratory, the transfer of samples

between the collection site and an off-site facility, when necessary for measurement, employs procedures that ensure sample security, specific identity and integrity. Accountability is established with a documented chain of custody arrangement.

163. Because of the short half-lives of the xenon isotopes of interest, the time required for transfer of samples to a measurement facility is minimized and employs the most expeditious means to ensure that the overall reporting specification is met, i.e. within 48 hours following the start of sample collection. Station specific documentation includes a complete description of the sample transfer, including protocols, personnel requirements, materials, identification of the means of transport and alternative arrangements.

4.1.2.4. Sample Measurement 164. In order to optimize the possibility of detecting the shorter lived xenon isotopes, the

measurement time does not exceed 24 hours and commences as soon as possible after the end of sample collection.

165. The station specific documentation includes a comprehensive description of the measurement systems, protocols for measurement of samples, materials, schedules and other specific requirements on station personnel.

4.1.2.5. Sample Management 166. All gas samples, unless required for further analysis at radionuclide laboratories, are

retained for three days (or 10 days if requested by the Technical Secretariat) at the measurement site as part of the station programme for quality assurance (see Section 4.3.2).

4.1.2.6. Detector Background Measurement 167. The detector background is determined prior to commencement of operations as part of

the certification of the station. Further measurements of the detector background are carried out following detector repair or replacement or any changes to the shielding, or in the event of suspected contamination upon request by the Technical Secretariat. The counting time for any detector background measurement is up to seven days as requested by the Technical Secretariat.

168. The detector background determination comprises the measurement of the empty detector chamber. For systems with more than one measurement cell, a background determination has to be carried out for each measurement cell.

169. For a betagamma coincidence system, the detector background is determined in the coincident mode. The specifications for these measurements are outlined in the station specific documentation (described in Appendix III).


170. Some betagamma systems have a significant memory effect owing to diffusion of xenon into the walls of the beta detector. For systems with a memory effect, a gas background measurement has to be done prior to each sample measurement.

4.1.2.7. Data Handling 171. The station operator establishes the schedule for collection, preparation and

measurement in consultation with the Technical Secretariat. Sample spectral data collected by noble gas systems are required to be transmitted to the International Data Centre within 48 hours of the commencement of sample collection (Appendix I). Data from a station are transmitted to the International Data Centre on a daily basis.

172. Data are transmitted in accordance with the approved International Monitoring System protocol.

173. The capability for additional storage of data is provided at the station for archiving of spectral, support and state of health data for at least two months. During this period, these data must be available for retransmission to the Technical Secretariat if requested.

4.2. Operation of Meteorological Equipment 174. Meteorological equipment operates in an automatic mode. Station operational

procedures include regular inspection of data by Technical Secretariat personnel and service visits to verify the functionality of the instrumentation.

175. Provision of data from an environmental monitor, included as part of the air sampling apparatus or as ancillary station equipment, is optional. Operation is carried out in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications. Operational procedures are also included in the station specific documentation.

4.3. Quality Control 176. The purpose of the quality control programme for radionuclide stations is to verify

station performance, i.e. to ensure that data produced are of acceptable quality and that the station is working within its certified operational specifications, and to initiate corrective action if non-conformities are found and take preventive action to avoid non-conformities.

177. The Technical Secretariat runs a quality control programme for samples measured in International Monitoring System stations on a periodic and ongoing basis. Samples collected during normal operations are sent from stations to certified laboratories on a periodic basis to verify system calibrations as part of this programme.

4.3.1. Station Quality Control 178. Quality control carried out by the station operator includes the following elements:

management of technical documentation, including operation and maintenance procedures and equipment manuals (see Appendix III); daily station state of health monitoring in collaboration with the Technical Secretariat (see Section 3.4); and


periodic instrumentation calibration checks (see Sections 3.5 and 4.7), in particular daily checks of the radiation detector calibration, described in detail below.

179. The daily operation at a particulate station includes counting a mixed radionuclide source as a quality control measure. This measurement is used to check the energy and resolution calibration of the detection system. Trends in the count rate of the source may also provide an indication of the stability of the detector and electronics.

180. The source does not necessarily comprise standardized radioisotopes but is of sufficient activity that the counting times would be short and would therefore not have a significant impact on the sample counting regime. A counting time on the order of 15 minutes is suitable.

181. The source used for this purpose preferably has several gamma emissions that cover the full operating energy range of the detector. The source is measured in the same configuration on each occasion, though not necessarily in the same geometry as the sample, to ensure a meaningful evaluation of the detector performance over a period of time. Any sources are stored in such a way as to prevent interference with the sample measurement by producing additional peaks or counts in the sample spectrum.

182. Analysis of gamma emissions from natural isotopes normally observed in spectra of particulate samples may provide an additional means of conducting routine assessments of the energy calibration and resolution of the detector system at a station.

183. Procedures and algorithms are established for this purpose and are detailed in the station

specific documentation. 4.3.2. Network Quality Control Programme 184. In order to check the performance of the station, randomly selected samples are

dispatched regularly from the station to a radionuclide laboratory (see Section 4.1.1.6). On the basis of the laboratory results, the Technical Secretariat may initiate a request for corrective actions.

4.4. Personnel 185. Station operator staff must be capable of running the station in accordance with

this manual. Points of contact are designated in conjunction with the Technical Secretariat and updated when appropriate by the station operator. The use of a generic email address is encouraged.

4.5. Data Monitoring 186. Data from the station are monitored by both the station operator and the

Technical Secretariat. Data availability is computed regularly by the Technical Secretariat. The station operator monitors data availability, instrument calibration and station state of health information, reports problems to the Technical Secretariat, initiates repairs and reports to the Technical Secretariat when a problem is resolved. Maintenance procedures are described in Chapter 5. The


Technical Secretariat monitors data availability and state of health upon receipt of data, and other data quality parameters (such as peak resolution, energy calibration drifts or peak shape) through data processing. When the Technical Secretariat becomes aware of a station condition that affects data processing, the Technical Secretariat reports the problem to the station operator, and corrective actions are initiated accordingly.

4.5.1. Data Quality 187. Data quality is essential for establishing and maintaining confidence in the International

Monitoring System. Data quality is established by procedurally required activities and by computed performance metrics. In particular, computed quality metrics can show trends in the performance of a station that are useful in guiding the operations of the network.

4.5.1.1. Procedural Quality Activities 188. All spectral data are reviewed within the Technical Secretariat for internal consistency.

Sample collection times, total sample volumes and flow rate data are also examined for consistency. To ensure the reliability of event screening, criteria are established for the quality of the analysis of spectral data covering gamma peak detection, peak quantification, nuclide identification and nuclide quantification.

189. Specific procedures are established so that any question arising at the Technical Secretariat regarding the quality of the data received from a station is communicated immediately to the station, directly, via the National Data Centre or via an appropriate communication node for investigation by station personnel.

190. Routines are in place at the station to implement requests from the Technical Secretariat

to carry out system recalibration, for investigation of the operational status or settings of electronic equipment and sensors producing state of health data. Any maintenance required to correct a defect is carried out promptly and in accordance with the documented station operational procedures approved by the Technical Secretariat and, where appropriate, following manufacturers’ specifications.

191. Data quality is also assured by implementing a programme of measurement quality control with regular intercomparison exercises involving radionuclide stations and the radionuclide laboratories. The programme includes procedures to monitor standard sources used at stations for system calibration for any degradation or source losses.

192. The station operator may discover deterioration in data quality during routine monitoring of the data caused by an instability or shift of the detector and electronics, and ambient interference during routine monitoring of the check source as a quality control measure. In such cases, the station operator immediately communicates the finding to the Technical Secretariat and begins to seek a solution to the problem. The Technical Secretariat may also discover deterioration in data quality during monitoring and processing of the data. In this case, the Technical Secretariat communicates with the station operator to begin to seek a solution to the problem.


The parameters used by the Technical Secretariat for data quality control are made available to the station operators and the National Data Centres.

193. The Process Metrics Manual [16] of the Technical Secretariat defines the necessary metrics and key performance indicators to enable continuous reportable quality measures.

4.5.2. Data Availability 194. Data availability is computed regularly by the Technical Secretariat.

195. Should the data availability begin to fall, the Technical Secretariat communicates

with the station operator to begin investigation of the cause(s).

196. The station operator may compute data availability separately. The procedures for computing data availability statistics are determined by the Technical Secretariat, and these same procedures are used by the station operator, International Data Centre and National Data Centre to ensure consistency of results. In comparing the data availability results produced by the station operator or National Data Centre with those produced by the International Data Centre, differences may be noticed that are due to the performance of the communication system and the International Data Centre receiving software.

4.5.3. State of Health 197. The required state of health information for radionuclide stations is defined in

Section 3.4 and Appendix VI. The station operator checks state of health information at least once every 24 hours. Problems or inconsistencies found in the state of health checks are indicated to the Technical Secretariat in a Problem Report.

4.5.4. Downtime 198. A station is considered to be non-operational or ‘down’ whenever a critical event has

taken place that prevents the station from fulfilling its essential tasks, which are sample collection, sample preparation, sample measurement, spectral and airflow data acquisition, data formatting, data authentication and data transmission to the Global Communications Infrastructure interface. For practical considerations, the minimum requirement of 15 days per year with no more than 7 consecutive days of allowed downtime is to be calculated in multiples of half-days, i.e. downtime of less than 12 hours is not counted.

4.5.5. Surveys During Operation 199. The Technical Secretariat arranges for periodic assessments of International Monitoring

System radionuclide stations to evaluate the ongoing suitability of the site and equipment for International Monitoring System radionuclide monitoring purposes, including the following:


(a) Significance of any changes in site conditions or infrastructure;

(b) Impact of any development of an unrelated use of the site;

(c) Status of station equipment, and its condition;

(d) Status of station records, operating logs and operation and maintenance documentation.

200. The station operator makes surveys of changes in site characteristics that may

potentially alter station operational characteristics from those noted during station certification. The area around the station is examined for degradation of infrastructure, involving power, communication circuits and access to sites. Such features are noted and added to the station site specific documentation, and the Technical Secretariat is notified in the Monthly Report or a Problem Report if appropriate.

4.5.6. Data Access 201. The Technical Secretariat must have access to all data generated at a radionuclide

station that are related to the International Monitoring System network. Data are transmitted promptly to the International Data Centre or the National Data Centre or appropriate communication node in accordance with station specific protocols (see Section 4.8).

202. Operations carried out at radionuclide stations related to their functions within national networks must not restrict Technical Secretariat access to data or impede transmission of International Monitoring System data to the Technical Secretariat, or in any other way hinder Technical Secretariat communication with a particular station.

4.5.7. Power Supply 203. The station operator monitors power supplies to ensure that they are reliable and

have operational backup systems where necessary. 4.6. Command and Control 204. The station operator must be able to command and control his/her station. This

function may be performed by the Technical Secretariat (see Section 2.4). 205. Typical commands include those needed to perform calibration, to reset the system

or parts of it when a failure occurs, or for key management functions. Additional commands, which could include those needed to split and send samples to certified laboratories for further analysis, are highly dependent on the specific system that is installed, and are specified in the station specific documentation.

206. Command and control procedures for the stations in the International Monitoring

System network are specified in References [17, 18].


4.7. Calibration 207. This section deals with the operational requirements for calibration of both particulate

and noble gas systems. 208. Radionuclide stations are provided with the means to carry out a calibration using a

calibration source with a certificate or using a semi-empirical calibration method approved at the time of the station certification or station revalidation, if applicable, or upon request by the Technical Secretariat. The exact method of calibration varies from station to station, and is described as part of the station specific documentation as defined in Appendix III.

209. Data transmission guidelines stipulated in Section 3.6 are applicable to calibration

spectra. 4.7.1. Calibration Methods 210. Calibrations are performed in accordance with methods validated by the Technical

Secretariat. These may include both empirical and numerical elements. 4.7.2. Calibration Schedule 211. Detectors for radiation measurements are calibrated during the installation of the

system, following major replacement of detector components or upon request by the Technical Secretariat. Calibration of the gas quantification system is carried out on a regular basis.

4.7.3. Calibration Procedures 212. Calibration procedures are documented in the station specific documentation (described

in Appendix III). 4.7.3.1. Calibration of High Purity Germanium Detectors 213. Calibration spectra are acquired until the counting statistics in each of the gamma peaks

show an uncertainty lower than 1%. Calibration sources are of adequate composition and geometry.

4.7.3.2. Calibration of Beta–Gamma Coincidence Detectors 214. The calibration procedure is such that it does not affect the subsequent sample analysis. 215. Calibration sources are of adequate composition and geometry. 4.7.3.3. Calibration of Xenon Gas Quantification System 216. The calibration is carried out with an appropriate mixture of xenon with the carrier gas,

which is specific to the system.


4.8. Communications 217. The responsibility for transmitting radionuclide data from the station to the International

Data Centre depends on whether the station data are routed via the basic Global Communications Infrastructure topology or a non-basic subnetwork. The Technical Secretariat is responsible for routeing data at sites employing the Global Communications Infrastructure.

218. It is the responsibility of the Technical Secretariat to provide access to the station Global Communications Infrastructure to the station operator operating remotely from the station, in order to provide the required level of station operation and maintenance. The host country (or its designated agent) is responsible for routeing data at sites employing an independent subnetwork.

4.8.1. Support of the Global Communications Infrastructure 219. The Technical Secretariat is responsible for the Global Communications

Infrastructure. The States Parties responsible for the International Monitoring System radionuclide stations are required to ensure that the data reach the Global Communications Infrastructure in a timely and reliable fashion.

220. At stations using the basic and partitioned subnetwork topologies, operation and maintenance of the Global Communications Infrastructure equipment at the station are the responsibility of the Technical Secretariat.

221. At stations using an independent subnetwork topology, operation and maintenance of the independent subnetwork communications equipment at the station are the responsibility of the State Party. The agent authorized to carry out this task by the State Party may be the National Data Centre or the station operator. The authorized agent is responsible for keeping all records for the communication link up to date. The station operator notifies the Technical Secretariat, using a Problem Report, of any local problem that may affect data transmission over the independent subnetwork.

4.9. Configuration Management 222. Configuration management provides the capability at any time to know and

control the configuration of an International Monitoring System station by:

(a) Ensuring that the station continues to meet specifications,

(b) Controlling the interfaces between the station and other parts of the verification system,

(c) Providing inputs to the logistical support system.

223. Initial baseline station configuration information is provided to the Technical

Secretariat during the certification process, and can include information on hardware, software, firmware, procedures, databases and preset values in files and database tables. A station specific list of configuration items is included as part of


the station specific documentation defined in Appendix III. The Technical Secretariat must be informed of, and give approval for, any configuration change by the station operator.

224. Configuration is managed between the station operator and the Technical Secretariat using two types of reports, the Configuration Change Request and the Configuration Change Notification. Templates for these reports are given in Appendix II. Configuration Change Requests are submitted by the station operator for changes in any equipment in the list of configuration items in Appendix III, at least 20 days in advance of the planned configuration change. Configuration Change Notifications are submitted for all changes that are made to equipment in the list of configuration items, after the change has been made.

225. If spare parts from the list of configuration items already exist at the station, the

replacement can be done immediately and requires a Configuration Change Notification.

4.10. Record Keeping and Documentation 226. It is the responsibility of the station operator to keep a detailed daily record of all

relevant operation and maintenance activities taking place at the station. This record includes the type of maintenance or repair, the personnel performing the work, references to the approved procedure and any additional comments or observations. Station maintenance records are to be retained for at least 12 months and to be made available at any time during that period for inspection by the Technical Secretariat.

227. The station operator maintains up to date records for all the items in Appendix III which are not under configuration management and supplies this information to the Technical Secretariat.

228. The station operator makes available the station documentation, including copies of this manual, the station specific operational manual and the equipment manuals, to the station personnel and maintains this documentation in good working condition.

229. The Technical Secretariat is responsible for maintenance of the configuration management database and provides access to this database for States Parties.

4.11. Reporting 230. Messages, reports and more general communication procedures are supported by

the Technical Secretariat through a reporting system, which handles all of the reports submitted by station operators and Technical Secretariat staff, and communicates them to the proper personnel while maintaining a database of the communications. Descriptions and templates for the reports are included in Appendix II.


231. There are six required reports for radionuclide stations:

(a) Monthly Reports summarize activities during one calendar month and are submitted by the 10th of the month after the reporting period.

(b) Problem Reports are submitted whenever there is a problem with the station. This includes problems that have already been solved by the station operator.

(c) Outage Requests are submitted when the station operator plans an outage at the station. The requests are submitted at least five days prior to the planned start of the outage. The actual outage and any unplanned outages are reported using a Problem Report.

(d) Configuration Change Requests are described in Section 4.9.

(e) Configuration Change Notifications are described in Section 4.9.

(f) Summary Reports are submitted to the Technical Secretariat every 12 months and are described in Appendix II.


CHAPTER 5: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS 5.1. Maintenance Concept 232. This chapter describes the maintenance and repair requirements and schedule for

the International Monitoring System radionuclide stations, including periodic maintenance, checks requested by the Technical Secretariat and problem identification and resolution.

233. Operation and maintenance procedures are specified to ensure that the radionuclide station remains fully operational, i.e. the station does not exceed the limits on downtime – 15 days per year with no more than 7 consecutive days (Appendix I). Because data availability of the station is critically dependent on the operational condition of station equipment, the requirements on maintenance and repairs are also aimed at guaranteeing that the station can meet the specification in Appendix I for the data availability to be at least 95%. See also Section 4.5.2.

234. The Technical Secretariat oversees and seeks to monitor and continuously improve

the operation and maintenance of the International Monitoring System stations. Agreements, arrangements or contracts are made with host States or station operators for the operation and maintenance of the stations. Contracts or other arrangements to support station equipment are also established with original equipment manufacturers or other suitable third party support providers as appropriate.

235. Maintenance at stations is performed as (a) preventive maintenance and

(b) corrective maintenance by the station operator, by the Technical Secretariat or by third parties under arrangements with the Technical Secretariat. These maintenance activities include repair and replacement of International Monitoring System station equipment and infrastructure in order to continue meeting the technical specifications.

236. In the former case, preventive maintenance ensures that all equipment and systems in

the radionuclide station, including relevant parts of the local infrastructure, are in optimum operational condition.

237. In the latter case, repairs and maintenance are carried out as soon as practicable after the

identification of the problem. However, the urgency of the work depends on the impact of the component failure upon the ability of the station to continue to conform to the limits on downtime in Appendix I.

238. There are various entities supporting the operation and maintenance of the

International Monitoring System stations:

(a) Station Operators: The station operator bears the principal responsibility for station maintenance. Specific maintenance responsibilities of the station operators are described in contracts or other arrangements with the Technical Secretariat.


(b) Technical Secretariat Depot and/or Workshop: A complete supportability analysis of the installed network may yield the requirement for depots and workshops to be established. The overall advantage is to minimize downtime by reducing transportation and travel time.

(c) Equipment Support and Other Support Contractors of the Technical Secretariat: The terms of reference for these contracts define the involvement with respect to the support of the International Monitoring System facilities. The model contract includes specifications for the required support with respect to work arising, repair and overhaul, and operator/maintainer training.

(d) Internal resources of the Technical Secretariat. 5.1.1. Levels of Maintenance 239. The level of maintenance is a measure of the maintenance and engineering content

in a task, often associated with the location where the maintenance task is performed. If a task requires a high level of expertise and/or specialized tools or facilities, it is performed at a higher maintenance level. The tasks are classified in three levels:

(a) Level 1: routine preventive maintenance and servicing: preliminary diagnosis

of faults and corrective maintenance tasks of a minor nature, such as replacement of parts and assemblies.

(b) Level 2: more extensive or complex corrective maintenance activities.

(c) Level 3: complete overhaul or re-engineering of equipment. 5.1.2. Maintenance Task Assignment 240. The assignment of maintenance tasks must be evaluated on the basis of:

(a) Technical capability: the availability of technical trained staff and support infrastructure (facilities, tools, and test equipment);

(b) Logistical and environmental considerations: location, environmental conditions and accessibility play a significant role in the design of the station support concept;

(c) Cost effectiveness. 5.1.3. Supply Support Management 241. Decisions with respect to the location and quantity of spare parts and level of

repair are station specific. The station operator has a sparing policy supporting daily operations and provides spares for critical items.


5.1.4. Priority of Maintenance 242. A repair prioritizing scheme is used to ensure that all stations maintain or return

to operational status as soon as possible after experiencing maintenance problems: urgent (priority 1), enhanced (priority 2) and other (priority 3).

243. Urgent repairs (priority 1) are required whenever a station becomes non-operational (see Section 4.5), i.e. experiences a failure of a critical part and therefore is unable to provide samples according to its normal schedule. This includes the air sampling system in the case of particulate equipment, and the sampling processing system and detection system in the case of noble gas equipment. Correction of the problem is to be made within 72 hours of failure. Urgent repairs require immediate actions to restore operational status.

244. Enhanced repairs (priority 2) are required whenever a station approaches non-

operational status, i.e. when there is the significant likelihood that a radionuclide station cannot meet its data availability requirements owing to the failure of a key part of the station particulate measurement system, such as the gamma ray spectrometer, or critical state of health sensors. Resolution of the problem and restoration of operational conditions are to be made within seven days of the failure so as not to exceed the limit for a consecutive number of days of downtime. The factors that trigger enhanced repairs are station specific.

245. In these two cases, the period required to restore the operational condition of the

components is considered as part of the station downtime.

246. Other repairs (priority 3) are required when the station experiences any failure that does not require enhanced or urgent repair, i.e. when a radionuclide station experiences a failure in a non-critical component of the systems or infrastructure, including sensors or equipment that are providing optional state of health information or supplementary data, such as local meteorological data. Resolution of the problem and restoration of operational conditions are to be made within one month of the failure. In this case, the period required to restore the operational condition of the components would not be considered as part of the station downtime.

247. Periodic preventive maintenance, as specified in Section 5.2, is of lower priority

than any repair action. Any preventive maintenance of systems that are critical to station data availability would contribute to accumulation of station downtime.

248. The maintenance and repair levels for all key components within the station are clearly

stated in the station specific documentation. 5.2. Scheduled (Preventive) Maintenance 249. The purpose of preventive maintenance is to ensure data availability and the

optimum operational conditions for all station equipment, including key sampling and measurement systems, relevant station infrastructure and any ancillary equipment. Therefore a regular programme of preventive maintenance is carried


out according to a schedule that takes into account the potential for particular components to fail and the impact of any failure on station operations.

250. This schedule is established by the station operator and coordinated with the

Technical Secretariat to meet the specifications of the particular equipment manufacturer. The preventive maintenance schedule is described in the station specific documentation.

251. As described in the station specific documentation, the station operator has, inter

alia, the following tasks:

(a) Maintain instruments, associated electronic components and tamper devices at the site of each element;

(b) Maintain the data acquisition and timing systems, if applicable;

(c) Maintain the primary and backup power supply equipment;

(d) Maintain the facility buildings and associated structures;

(e) Periodically verify that no obstacles are in the line of sight from the antenna to the satellite, if any, and, to the degree agreed between the station operator and the Technical Secretariat, assist with the maintenance of the Global Communications Infrastructure.

5.3. Unscheduled (Corrective) Maintenance 252. This section establishes the schedule and reporting requirements for resolving

unexpected station faults or anomalous conditions. 253. Problems that may lead to the station not being operational are responded to and

worked on by the station operator (see discussion of enhanced repairs in Section 5.1.4) as soon as possible to prevent them from causing the station to become non-operational.

254. The station operator is responsible for planning the timely availability of those

spare parts that are to be held at the station. The station operator makes all preparations for sending defective parts or equipment for repair work, as specified in an agreement, arrangement or contract with the Technical Secretariat. The station operator also receives and stores the repaired or new part of the station equipment. Detailed procedures for spare parts management and associated shipping and logistical arrangements are contained in the station specific documentation.

255. Station specific and/or equipment specific troubleshooting procedures and fault

isolation routines are developed by the station operator in collaboration with the Technical Secretariat, and are included in the station specific documentation.


5.3.1. Problem Identification and Resolution 256. For problem identification and resolution, which involve fault isolation as well as

determination of the cause of the fault to reduce future occurrences, the station operator may be assisted by the Technical Secretariat.

257. Unscheduled station repairs are authorized by the Technical Secretariat and formal approval is required before initiating repairs unless the remedial action required involves an adjustment or a replacement of the station equipment using available spares. In that case, the station operator carries out such adjustment or replacement without any delay and then informs the Technical Secretariat using the appropriate reports.

258. In the event of an unexpected malfunction of the station, the station operator:

(a) Notifies the Technical Secretariat with a Problem Report;

(b) Once the fault has been isolated, includes in the open Problem Report a proposed solution and the estimated time required to remedy the defect;

(c) If technical assistance and support from the Technical Secretariat are needed, includes in the Problem Report a description of the technical assistance and support requested;

(d) Performs the required repairs if action involves an adjustment or a replacement of station equipment using available spares, unless the station operator requires Technical Secretariat assistance;

(e) For other repair actions, performs repairs as agreed with the Technical Secretariat after the Technical Secretariat, on the basis of a review of the information provided by the station operator, decides that a repair is to be performed and/or provides the needed assistance;

(f) Notifies the Technical Secretariat, using the opened Problem Report, that the maintenance has been carried out;

(g) Updates the station specific documentation as required;

(h) If a configuration change occurred in the process of solving the problem, notifies the Technical Secretariat with a Configuration Change Notification.

259. Requirements for authorization or formal approval of repairs from the Technical

Secretariat may be modified by agreements, arrangements or contracts with a host State or station operator where the host State or station operator bears financial responsibility for repairs not approved in advance by the Technical Secretariat and for the entire period of data outage.

5.3.2. Responding to Station Problems Detected and Reported by the Technical

Secretariat 260. The station operator responds to the notification of station problems detected and

reported by the Technical Secretariat with the diagnosis of the problem and the


type of maintenance required to solve it, and follows the same procedures as given in Section 5.3.1.


CHAPTER 6: RADIONUCLIDE LABORATORIES

261. This chapter summarizes the roles and responsibilities of the radionuclide laboratories

supporting the International Monitoring System and outlines the certification requirements of the laboratories and procedures for further analysis.

6.1. Description of Laboratory Functions Within the International Monitoring System 262. The Protocol to the Treaty contains a provision (Part I, paragraph 11) that the network

of radionuclide monitoring stations is supported by laboratories that are certified by the Technical Secretariat to carry out, when required, additional analyses of samples from the particulate and noble gas stations. A list of such laboratories is provided in Table 2-B of Annex 1 to the Protocol. Additional laboratories may be certified with the approval of the Executive Council to perform the routine analysis of samples from manual monitoring stations, where necessary. In such cases, the applicable specifications for equipment and operational procedures described in Chapters 2 and 3 of this manual apply.

263. The functions and operations described in this chapter apply specifically to the role of certified laboratories in providing further analyses of samples on behalf of the Technical Secretariat.

264. Further, more detailed analyses of particulate or gas samples from the International

Monitoring System radionuclide stations may be required as part of the radionuclide event screening process or for quality assurance purposes. It may be necessary to corroborate the results of the routine analyses carried out at a station or to clarify the presence or absence of relevant radionuclides in the case of a suspect or irregular analytical result from a station. Analysis of a sample at a laboratory, after a further decay period and for a longer measurement time, might achieve greater sensitivity for certain relevant radionuclides.

265. The only techniques for the further analysis of particulate or gas samples to be

performed for the Technical Secretariat at the certified radionuclide laboratories are those agreed upon in this Operational Manual.

266. The purposes of analysis at the laboratory are:

(a) To corroborate the results of the routine analysis of a sample from an International Monitoring System station, in particular to confirm the presence of fission products and/or activation products;

(b) To provide more accurate and precise measurements;

(c) To clarify the presence or absence of fission products and/or activation products in the case of a suspect or irregular analytical result from a particular station.

267. Because of the radionuclide expertise that resides within radionuclide laboratories, they

may be called upon to perform additional important functions for providing technical support, if requested by the Technical Secretariat, to International Monitoring System stations and additional laboratories participating in routine International Monitoring


System operations. This support may be in the form of assistance in quality assurance programmes, technical training and sample measurement. Also, these laboratories may temporarily act as a station backup in the case of failure in the measurement capability at a station.

268. The on-site inspection function of designated laboratories is different from the function of the International Monitoring System radionuclide laboratories. However, radionuclide laboratories may also have a role as designated laboratories in support of on-site inspections for performing chemical and physical analyses of on-site inspection samples transported off-site [19].

6.2. Certification of Radionuclide Laboratories 269. The detailed technical and operational requirements that radionuclide laboratories must

meet for certification are established by the Technical Secretariat and documented in Reference [12].

270. In performing the analyses for the Technical Secretariat, a radionuclide laboratory demonstrates within the certification process that:

(a) It is capable of meeting the requirements for minimum detectable concentrations

for certain relevant radionuclides in accordance with the certification assessment procedure described in relevant documentation;

(b) The methods and procedures either meet international standards or are well established techniques that are capable of meeting the requirements of the Technical Secretariat;

(c) Equipment meets the specifications of the Technical Secretariat;

(d) It has the ability to meet the priorities, data reporting times and confidentiality requirements for the International Monitoring System;

(e) A quality management system that meets international standards is in place, preferably with national accreditation;

(f) Facilities are available to handle, process or store International Monitoring System samples without the possibility for cross-contamination of samples or for jeopardizing the integrity of any sample;

(g) Laboratory personnel are suitably trained and qualified to carry out all certified International Monitoring System procedures.

271. The transmission of analysis results and sample spectral data via authenticated messages

is carried out using the Global Communications Infrastructure and reporting formats approved by the Technical Secretariat.

272. The laboratory is also capable of analysing samples of different geometries to accommodate the various sample forms used at different monitoring stations. However, mechanical alteration of the geometry of a sample is permitted at the laboratory.


273. As part of the certification process, the laboratory participates in proficiency tests to check the analytical quality of the work.

6.3. Operational Requirements 6.3.1. Arrangements and Laboratory Preparedness 274. The procedure to forward a particular sample to a radionuclide laboratory for further

analysis is initiated by the Technical Secretariat as described in Section 4.1.1.5.

275. Immediately upon notification by the Technical Secretariat, the radionuclide laboratory acknowledges receipt of the instructions and prepares to undertake the requested action.

6.3.2. Sample Management 276. Radionuclide stations initiate sample chain of custody and traceability, and perform

sample splitting procedures for particulate samples, before transport of selected samples to the certified laboratory. Sample transport for delivery to the certified laboratory is selected for timeliness and to maintain the chain of custody and security of the samples.

277. Sample chain of custody is maintained and recorded at all stages after receipt of the sample at the laboratory and is in accordance with procedures approved by the Technical Secretariat. Chain of custody and traceability are maintained to ensure that samples are not lost, confused or delayed in processing. This maintains the evidential nature of the samples.

278. All International Monitoring System samples must be processed according to a schedule set in the documentation on laboratory certification procedures [12] to prevent unwanted isotopic decay before measurement and to ensure timely provision of results to the Technical Secretariat.

6.3.3. Analytical Techniques 6.3.3.1. Analysis of Particulate Samples 279. One of the main objectives of analysis of particulate samples by gamma ray

spectrometry at the radionuclide laboratory is to provide a lower limit of detection for relevant radionuclides and lower uncertainties on isotopic ratios than are achievable at a radionuclide station. Any certified destructive analysis method may only be implemented with the advance approval of the Technical Secretariat, on a case by case basis, which ensures that not the whole sample undergoes destructive analysis.

6.3.3.2. Analysis of Noble Gas Samples 280. Though not all laboratories are expected to have xenon measurement capability, detailed

analysis of samples sent from the stations consists of measurements needed to verify station results, including measurement of the quantity of stable gas and the activity measurement of radioxenon (Xe-131m, Xe-133, Xe-133m and Xe-135). The activity


measurement is accomplished by high resolution gamma ray spectrometry and/or betagamma coincidence counting.

6.4. Configuration Management 281. Certified radionuclide laboratories are subject to configuration management by the

Technical Secretariat. Initial laboratory configuration information is provided to the Technical Secretariat during the certification process, including information on equipment and software to process and analyse International Monitoring System samples, quality documentation, relevant technical procedures and staff involved in sample analysis, as detailed in the documentation on laboratory certification procedures [12].

282. Configuration is managed between the laboratory and the Technical Secretariat using two types of report, the Configuration Change Request and the Configuration Change Notification. Templates for these reports are given in Appendix II. Configuration Change Requests are submitted by the laboratory for changes in any equipment, software and procedures affecting International Monitoring System sample analysis at least 20 days in advance of the planned configuration change. Configuration Change Notifications are submitted after changes requested via Configuration Change Request and approved by the Technical Secretariat are implemented or to inform the Technical Secretariat of changes in staff and quality documentation.

6.5. Laboratory Reporting 283. There are two types of report for radionuclide laboratories: (a) those containing the

results of the analysis and (b) operational reports handled by the report system of the Technical Secretariat.

284. The laboratory reports to the Technical Secretariat the results of the analysis and sample spectral data, including sample preparation and analytical details, using the approved reporting formats of the Technical Secretariat in the requested time, as detailed in the documentation on laboratory certification procedures [12].

285. Detector background and calibration data are transmitted prior to the analysis.

286. As part of the quality assurance programme, analysis of the raw spectral data may also be carried out by the Technical Secretariat. In this case, the results obtained are made available to the laboratory.

287. There are five required operational reports for radionuclide laboratories:

(a) The Laboratory Operations Report is a summary report covering an agreed period of operations and is submitted by the 10th of the first month after the reporting period.

(b) The Laboratory Outage Notification is sent during planned and unplanned outages, i.e. periods when the laboratory is not available for analysis of International Monitoring System samples. The Laboratory Outage Notification is also sent to confirm that the laboratory is available again.


(c) A Configuration Change Notification is sent in connection with a change implemented at the laboratory that has significance in the International Monitoring System sample analysis.

(d) A Configuration Change Request is submitted by the laboratory for changes in any equipment, software and procedures affecting International Monitoring System sample analysis.

(e) A Problem Report is submitted whenever there is a problem at the laboratory that affects International Monitoring System sample analysis.

6.6. Quality Management 288. A radionuclide laboratory must demonstrate to the Technical Secretariat that it has in

place a quality assurance programme that encompasses all aspects of sample handling, preparation and measurement, and data analysis and reporting. The programme must ensure that sample integrity and identity are maintained and guarantee the correctness and reliability of analyses. Quality control procedures must also be part of this programme to monitor the validity of measurements and instrument calibrations.

289. As part of the data surety requirements for the International Monitoring System radionuclide network, the Technical Secretariat arranges regular proficiency tests between International Monitoring System radionuclide laboratories in association with a recognized international laboratory.


APPENDIX I

RADIONUCLIDE STATION SPECIFICATIONS* I.1. Introduction 290. The International Monitoring System station specifications are based on the

Treaty text and on reports by the Expert Groups of the Ad Hoc Committee in 1995 (e.g. References [20-22]). These specifications are defined for the four required technologies: seismological (primary and auxiliary), hydroacoustic (T-phase and hydrophone), infrasound and radionuclide (particulate and noble gas).

291. General requirements:

(1) Environmental specifications, such as temperature range of operation or downtime, are standard values. They might be adapted for specific sites where conditions are extreme (e.g. the Arctic region or Antarctica).

(2) Data availability or timely data availability is computed over a period of one year. It is highly dependent on power failure, lightning and communication reliability.

(3) To reach the required availability and limit future maintenance costs, it is essential that stations be as autonomous as possible and consume as little energy as possible. This limits power backup equipment. Solar power is preferred when possible. Stations are hardened against lightning.

(4) When indoors, systems requiring no or limited ambient room temperature control are preferred.

(5) Field communication equipment is part of the station. It also complies with the above requirements.

(6) Surveys are conducted to ensure that siting does not alter station operational characteristics.

(7) There is some level of protection against physical damage to the field equipment.

(8) New stations comply with specifications. Existing stations are upgraded to meet specifications. Planning of upgrading is adapted to budget.

(9) Certification procedures for compliance of stations with requirements will have to be defined.

______________ * Based on Reference [11].


I.2. Minimum Requirements for Particulate Monitoring Station Specifications Characteristics Minimum Requirements System Manual or automated Airflow 500 m3/hour Collection timea 24 hours Decay timeb ≤24 hours Measurement timec ≥20 hours Time before reporting ≤3 days Reporting frequency Daily Filter Adequate composition for compaction, dissolution

and analysis Particulate collection efficiency For filter: ≥80% at = 0.2 m

Globald: ≥60% at = 10 m Measurement mode High purity germanium high resolution gamma ray

spectrometry High purity germanium relative efficiency ≥40% High purity germanium resolution <2.5 keV at 1332 keV Baseline sensitivitye f 10 to 30 Bq/m3 for Ba-140 Calibration range 88 to 1836 keV Data format for gamma spectra and auxiliary data Radionuclide Monitoring System formatg State of health Status data transmitted to International Data CentreCommunication Two way Auxiliary data Meteorological data, flow rate measurement every

10 min Data availability ≥95% Downtimeh ≤7 consecutive days

≤15 days annually

a Time specifications allow for an uncertainty of 10%, except for the reporting time parameter. b This value can be reduced, to a minimum of 6 hours, if other stations or techniques detect a suspicious event. c This value allows for authentication measurements for manual systems. d This global value includes the 80% filter efficiency and the collection efficiency of the incoming air circuitry. e The upper limit is intended for high background areas. f Certification procedures to be defined for baseline sensitivities (a posteriori minimum detectable

concentrations) as well as the efficiency. Sample preparation losses should not affect baseline sensitivities. g This format should make provision for auxiliary data, authentication data and state of health data. h Provision should be made for spare parts in particular areas where periodicity of transportation facilities is

more than 7 days.


I.3. Minimum Requirements for Noble Gas Monitoring Station Specifications Characteristics Minimum Requirements Airflow 0.4 m3/hour Total volume of sample 10 m3 Collection time ≤24 hours Measurement time ≤24 hours Time before reporting ≤48 hours Reporting frequency Daily Isotopes measured Xe-131m, Xe-133, Xe-133m, Xe-135 Measurement modea Beta–gamma coincidence or high resolution

gamma ray spectrometry Minimum detectable concentrationb 1 mBq/m3 for Xe-133 State of health Status data transmitted to International Data CentreCommunication Two way Data availabilityc At least 95% Downtime ≤7 consecutive days

≤15 days annually

a Calibrations need to be defined. b Minimum detectable concentrations for the other isotopes are not defined here since they critically depend on the detection system used. c This is a goal to be reached. 292. The primary specifications for noble gas stations as agreed by Working Group B and

the Preparatory Commission imply secondary specifications as laid down in the document entitled “Quality Requirements for the Radionuclide stations”.


APPENDIX II

TEMPLATES FOR REQUIRED REPORTS

293. This Appendix reflects current procedures used within the Technical Secretariat.

It may need to be amended if those procedures change.

294. Reports are sent by email to [email protected]. 295. The email is plain text. Please do not send reports formatted using Hypertext

Markup Language (HTML) or rich text format (RTF) or as an attachment. If your email software inserts line feeds, please ensure that the line length is at least 72 characters.

296. There are six required reports for all International Monitoring System stations and

five for radionuclide laboratories. 297. Reports for International Monitoring System stations:

(a) The Monthly Report summarizes activities during one calendar month and is submitted by the 10th of the month after the reporting period.

(b) A Problem Report is submitted whenever there is a problem with the station. This includes problems that have already been resolved by the station operator.

(c) An Outage Request is submitted when the station operator plans an outage at the station. The report is submitted at least five working days prior to the planned start of the outage. The actual outage, and any unplanned outages, are reported using a Problem Report.

(d) A Configuration Change Request is submitted in advance for any change to the equipment or software at the station included in the baseline configuration and is normally submitted at least 20 working days in advance of the planned change.

(e) A Configuration Change Notification is sent when anything is changed at the station. This includes changes already covered by a Configuration Change Request.

(f) A Summary Report is submitted by the station operator to the Technical Secretariat every 12 months. For this report, the Technical Secretariat provides a template to the station operator with the latest information on file in the Technical Secretariat regarding the inventory of station equipment and contact information for operation and maintenance personnel. The station operator validates this information and updates it, if necessary, as well as including any additional relevant information. This relevant information could include, for example, information on maintenance of station equipment and status of vehicles; requested changes to operation and maintenance of the station; the assessment by the station operator of the technical status of the station; or a summary of important events from the


monthly, problem or configuration reports sent during the past year (e.g. major damage, major repairs, security incidents, periods of extended outage or degraded performance, configuration changes, etc.).

298. Reports for radionuclide laboratories (see Section 6.5):

(a) The Laboratory Operations Report is a summary report covering an agreed period of operations and is submitted by the 10th of the month after the reporting period.

(b) The Laboratory Outage Notification is sent during planned and unplanned outages, i.e. periods when the laboratory is not available for analysis of International Monitoring System samples. The Laboratory Outage Notification is also sent to confirm that the laboratory is available again.

(c) A Configuration Change Notification is sent in connection with a change implemented at the laboratory that has significance in the International Monitoring System sample analysis.

(d) A Configuration Change Request is submitted by the laboratory for changes in any equipment, software and procedures affecting International Monitoring System sample analysis.

(e) A Problem Report is submitted whenever there is a problem at the laboratory that affects International Monitoring System sample analysis.

299. Each report has a number of fields, some of which must be completed while others

are optional. The field name is designated using the character #. The data for that field are entered on a single line after the designator. The only exceptions to this are #Description, which can be followed by as many lines of free-format text as necessary, and the #Equipment fields in the Problem Report, Configuration Change Request and Configuration Change Notification.

300. Please use the station and laboratory codes that are used in processing at the International Data Centre and in the station hardware, such as CKP23, EKA, I07AU, H11N and ARL01. A report can cover more than one station if necessary.

301. For reports which cover more than one station or laboratory, the codes of those additional stations or laboratories that are affected are entered in the “#Other stations/laboratories affected” field, all on the same line and separated by commas.

302. The subject of the email starts with the form “Report – report type – station/laboratory code”. The report type can be either spelled out or abbreviated as shown in the following examples. The subject can optionally include a brief description after a further “–”:

(a) Report – Monthly Report – CKP23

(b) Report – MR – CKP23 – January 2001

(c) Report – Problem Report – EKA

(d) Report – PR – EKA

(e) Report – Outage Request – I07AU


(f) Report – OR – I07AU – from 10:00 on 23/01/2001

(g) Report – Configuration Change Request – CKP23

(h) Report – CCR – CKP23

(i) Report – Configuration Change Notification – CKP23

(j) Report – CCN – CKP23

(k) Report – Laboratory Operations Report – ARL01

(l) Report – LOR – ARL01 – January-June 2001

(m) Report – Laboratory Outage Notification – AUL02

(n) Report – LON – AUL02 – 23/01/2001-25/01/2001.

303. Other email communications to [email protected] always have the station or

laboratory code at the start of the subject line.

304. When replying to any communication from [email protected], please use the “Reply” feature of your email software, to preserve the subject line and the body of the message. The required format of the reply is specified in the original message.


II.1. Template for Monthly Report #Report type Monthly Report #Station code [Insert station code here.] #Other stations affected (optional) [Insert other station codes separated by commas.] #Source Station – New report #Period covered January 2001 [Use suitable date.] #Submitted by [Insert name of person submitting report.] #email (optional) [Insert an email address that is used for communications instead of the normal point of contact for a station.] #Description [Insert text of report in free format, covering items such as data monitoring and non-routine activities, periodic operation activities and scheduled maintenance visits, unscheduled maintenance, configuration management and shipment, other visits, licence and permission management and other information of interest.]


II.2. Template for Problem Report #Report type Problem Report #Station code/Laboratory code [Insert station/laboratory code here.] #Other stations/laboratories affected (optional) [Insert other station/laboratory codes separated by commas.] #Source Station – New report [or] Laboratory – New report #Site (optional for array stations) [Insert site code here, CF for central facility.] #Submitted by [Insert name of person submitting report.] #email (optional) [Insert an email address that is used for communications instead of the normal point of contact for a station/laboratory.] #Heading [Insert one-line description of problem.] #Station reference (optional) [Insert any local reference number.] #Priority [1, 2 or 3 as per Operational Manuals, Section 5.1.4.] #Start date of problem (UTC) 2001/01/23 12:00 [time is optional] #End date of problem (UTC) (optional) 2001/01/23 12:01 [time is optional] #Data quality [Insert a brief description of the effect on data quality, e.g. “No data” or “Noisy data”.] #Equipment affected [Insert one item of equipment per line.] #Description [Insert text of report in free format.]


II.3. Template for Outage Request #Report type Outage Request #Station code [Insert station code here.] #Other stations affected (optional) [Insert other station codes separated by commas.] #Source Station – New report #Site (optional for array stations) [Insert site code here, CF for central facility.] #Submitted by [Insert name of person submitting report.] #email (optional) [Insert an email address that is used for communications instead of the normal point of contact for a station.] #Heading [Insert one-line description of reason for outage.] #Station reference (optional) [Insert any local reference number.] #Start date of requested outage (UTC) 2001/01/23 12:00 [time is optional] #End date of requested outage (UTC) (optional) 2001/01/23 12:01 [time is optional] #Mission capable [Insert “No” if the station will not be operational during the outage, “Yes” otherwise.] #Data quality [Insert a brief description of the effect on data quality, e.g. “No data” or “Noisy data”.] #Equipment affected (including serial/version numbers) (optional) [Insert list of equipment affected by outage.] #Description: reason for outage [Insert text of report in free format.]


II.4. Template for Configuration Change Request #Report type Configuration Change Request #Station code/Laboratory code [Insert station/laboratory code here.] #Other stations affected (optional) [Insert other station codes separated by commas.] #Source Station – New report [or] Laboratory – New report #Urgency (if less than 20 working days’ notice is given) [Insert an indication of how soon a response is needed.] #Submitted by [Insert name of person submitting report.] #email (optional) [Insert an email address that is used for communications instead of the normal point of contact for a station.] #Heading [Insert one-line description of change.] #Station reference (optional) [Insert any local reference number.] #Start date for requested change (UTC) 2001/01/23 12:00 [time is optional] #Equipment to be removed (including serial/version numbers) [Insert one item of equipment per line.] #Equipment to be installed (including serial/version numbers) [Insert one item of equipment per line.] #Description: reason for change [Insert text of report in free format, covering items such as summary of proposed change, reason (justification) for change, International Monitoring System specifications affected, data communications affected, data and/or International Data Centre interface affected, documentation affected, development testing and results to support the change, qualification and acceptance testing required, expected resources and cost (savings) implications, schedule and other information of interest.]


II.5. Template for Configuration Change Notification #Report type Configuration Change Notification #Station/Laboratory code [Insert station/laboratory code here.] #Other stations affected (optional) [Insert other station codes separated by commas.] #Source Station – New report [or] Laboratory – New report #Submitted by [Insert name of person submitting report.] #email (optional) [Insert an email address that is used for communications instead of the normal point of contact for a station.] #Configuration Change Request [Insert reference number of associated Configuration Change Request or “Not required”.] #Heading [Insert one-line description of change.] #Station reference (optional) [Insert any local reference number.] #Start date of configuration change (UTC) 2001/01/23 12:00 [time is optional] #End date of configuration change (UTC) 2001/01/23 12:01 [time is optional] #Equipment removed (including serial/version numbers) [Insert one item of equipment per line.] #Equipment installed (including serial/version numbers) [Insert one item of equipment per line.] #Description: reason for change [Insert text of report in free format.]


II.6. Template for Laboratory Operations Report #Report type Laboratory Operations Report #Laboratory code [Insert laboratory code here.] #Source Laboratory New report #Period covered [e.g. January 2001 June 2001.] #Submitted by [Insert name of person submitting report.] #email (optional) [Insert an email address that is used for communications if it is not the same as the sending address.] #Description [Insert text of report in free format. It includes the following sections.] 1. Sample analysis [Sample type, number of samples, sample receipt identification number, receipt time, preliminary report time, final report time] 2. Laboratory availability/unavailability [Period(s) of availability and unavailability during the reporting period] 3. Data quality issues [List of evaluated spectral parameters and equipment specifications with comments (quality assurance/quality control)] 4. Major equipment [Problems and repairs, instrument calibrations, maintenance] 5. Changes to Treaty specific documentation and/or procedures for International Monitoring System sample analysis [Short description of any changes during the period of this report, and a reference to the latest version of the documentation] 6. Other matters.


II.7. Template for Laboratory Outage Notification #Report type Laboratory Outage Notification #Laboratory code [Insert laboratory code here.] #Source Laboratory New report #Submitted by [Insert name of person submitting report.] #email (optional) [Insert an email address that is used for communications if it is not the same as the sending address.] #Heading [Insert one-line description of the outage, e.g. “Not available from xx to yy”, “Available again from zz”.] #Laboratory reference (optional) [Insert any local reference number.] #Start date of outage (UTC) 2001/01/23 12:00 [time is optional] #End date of outage (UTC) (optional) 2001/01/30 12:00 [time is optional] #Description [Insert text of report in free format.]


APPENDIX III

REQUIREMENTS FOR STATION SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION

FOR RADIONUCLIDE STATIONS 305. This Appendix contains a summary of the station specific documentation to be

held at each radionuclide station and at the Technical Secretariat. This information includes: (a) Site survey report;

(b) Certification documentation;

(c) Description of the site facilities and infrastructure;

(d) Brief description of the station equipment;

(e) Detailed specifications of all station equipment;

(f) Inventory of equipment, spare parts and components;

(g) Equipment maintenance protocols and schedules;

(h) Procedures for instrument calibration;

(i) Operation and maintenance manuals provided by manufacturers of equipment;

(j) Description of communication system;

(k) Station specific list of configuration items;

(l) Information on station consumables, including identification and supplier;

(m) Protocols for all station operations;

(n) List of personnel responsible for station operation and maintenance, including contact telephone numbers.


APPENDIX IV

PROCEDURES FOR INTERNATIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM STATION CERTIFICATION AND REVALIDATION**

IV.1. Definition of Certification and Revalidation 306. A station may be certified when:

(a) The Technical Secretariat is assured that the site, the station equipment and the infrastructure substantially meet the technical specifications for International Monitoring System stations (see Section III.B and Appendix V of Reference [7]). The Technical Secretariat interprets the term “substantially meet” to mean that minor variations may be accepted on a case by case basis provided that such variations do not degrade the effectiveness of the station or the quality and timeliness of the data provided to the International Data Centre. Any such variations are clearly recorded and the record is preserved for future reference.

(b) Data authentication devices, including anti-tampering devices, are in place and have been demonstrated to function properly. The authentication implementation plan [13], which was approved by the Eighth Session of the Preparatory Commission (decision 3 and Appendix IV of Reference [23]), allows data signature at the sensor/digitizer or, as an interim measure for some International Monitoring System technologies, at the central facility.

(c) The station interface to the Global Communications Infrastructure is in place and has been demonstrated to function properly. In cases where a station is linked to the Global Communications Infrastructure through an independent subnetwork, the communication link through the subnetwork is in place and demonstrated to function properly.

307. The certification status of a station is reviewed by the Technical Secretariat and

the performance of the station is revalidated as meeting the certification requirements. Revalidation is necessary if any change occurs at a station that significantly affects its system response, detection capability, data availability or data quality. Revalidation uses the procedures of station certification.

IV.2. Certification Process 308. Based on the procedures outlined by the Preparatory Commission [3], the

Technical Secretariat procedure for certifying stations is described below.

_________________________ **Based on Reference [7] (procedures developed in the Provisional Technical Secretariat).


IV.2.1. Initial Station Assessment 309. Once the Technical Secretariat determines or is notified that a station is ready for

certification, the Technical Secretariat commences the collection and assessment of all appropriate information about the station. The procedures for station assessment differ for existing and new stations. For existing stations, primarily seismological but including some hydrophone and T-phase hydroacoustic stations, there may be considerable operating experience and data on which to draw for the station assessment. For new or upgraded stations many of the aspects of certification related to technical specifications are covered in the procurement phase of the equipment, and emphasis is put on the functioning of the station during the testing and evaluation phase to collect the required data.

IV.2.2. Testing and Evaluation 310. An important part of the commissioning of an International Monitoring System

station once it has been upgraded or recently installed is a period of testing and evaluation to be certain that it functions reliably. Some technical specifications require long term monitoring in order to have enough data for a statistical measurement of some parameters.

IV.2.3. Certification 311. Once the Technical Secretariat is satisfied that the requirements listed in Section

IV.1 are met, it issues the station certification through formal notification of the host country and the Organization.

IV.3. Certification/Revalidation Steps 312. The following steps can to some degree be carried out in parallel, and each step is

initiated at the earliest practical time. It is particularly important that as much available information as possible is compiled before any station visit takes place. In this way, the station visit can focus on issues that are not possible to resolve by other available means.

313. Step 1: Formal arrangements

(a) For certification:

(i) A formal notification from the Technical Secretariat to the host country to initiate the certification process, it being understood that an agreement to proceed with certification has been made under a facility agreement/arrangement or in an exchange of letters;

(ii) An agreement between the Technical Secretariat and a technical organization designated by the host country to elaborate procedures for field inspection (as appropriate) and provision of information during the certification process.


(b) For revalidation:

(i) A Configuration Change Request agreed between the Technical Secretariat and a technical organization designated by the State hosting or otherwise taking responsibility for the International Monitoring System station.

314. Step 2: Compilation of technical material

(a) The division of responsibility between the designated technical organization and the Technical Secretariat for compiling the necessary technical material is specified in the agreement.

(b) The material and information to be compiled by the host country are specified in guidelines prepared by the Technical Secretariat and made available to the designated technical organization well in advance of the certification/revalidation visit.

315. Step 3: Station visit/Station review (as necessary)

(a) The Technical Secretariat prepares for a station visit by a Technical Secretariat team when necessary.

(b) The Technical Secretariat team conducts the station visit to review the facilities and discuss the station with its managers and operators, including the preparation of a formal report of findings.

(c) In cases where it is impractical or unnecessary to carry out a station visit, the Technical Secretariat team conducts a review of station characteristics with representatives of the station operator.

316. Step 4: Issuing station certification/revalidation

(a) Final review of available material on the station.

(b) For certification:

(i) Formal approval regarding station certification;

(ii) Issuance of official station certification by the Technical Secretariat to the host country;

(iii) Notification by the Technical Secretariat of certification to the Organization, including the certification date and the relevant technical details of the process.

(c) For revalidation:

(i) Issuance of updated Configuration Change Request, containing the technical approval and official acceptance of the revalidation of the station, by the Technical Secretariat to relevant parties, including the station operator;


(ii) Notification by the Technical Secretariat of revalidation to the Organization, including the revalidation date and the relevant technical details of the process.

317. Step 5: Record keeping/Documentation control

(a) Establish, organize and maintain a well organized archive of pertinent material.

(b) Organize information relevant to station certification/revalidation in a database accessible to the Technical Secretariat and States Parties.

(c) Develop procedures to ensure that information is accurately recorded, and that various related databases (e.g. International Data Centre documentation, International Monitoring System records and the Database of the Technical Secretariat) are consistent.

IV.4. Long Term Quality Control

(a) The Technical Secretariat and the station operator develop procedures in accordance with the Technical Secretariat quality assurance plan.

(b) The station operator monitors and records station performance on a continued basis, and keeps Technical Secretariat archives properly updated.

(c) The Technical Secretariat interacts with the station operator as needed to maintain satisfactory operational performance.

(d) The Technical Secretariat and the station operator ensure that recommendations for improvements and modifications are followed up, and that upgrades required as technology becomes available are implemented in a timely and cost effective manner.

(e) The station operator periodically reviews station status with the Technical Secretariat and takes appropriate action if station performance is unsatisfactory.


APPENDIX V

REQUIREMENTS FOR RADIONUCLIDE LABORATORY DOCUMENTATION FOR FUNCTIONS CARRIED OUT IN SUPPORT OF THE

INTERNATIONAL MONITORING SYSTEM

318. Each radionuclide laboratory keeps detailed documentation on all aspects concerning

the functions carried out in support of the International Monitoring System, and in particular its quality system, technical procedures, equipment, analysis results and management of non-conformities.

319. This documentation includes:

(1) Quality Manual [24].

(2) Technical procedures: the radionuclide laboratory documents in detail the whole process of International Monitoring System sample analysis and all supporting activities carried out by the laboratory. The activities and resources to be documented include:

(a) Preparedness to receive and analyse a high priority sample;

(b) Environmental conditions that may affect the analysis results;

(c) Analysis methods and their validation;

(d) Procedures for calibration and maintenance of equipment;

(e) Records on the measurement system(s) and other major equipment as well as reference standards and materials used;

(f) Procedures for sample management (receipt and dispatch, security and tracking);

(g) Quality assurance of analytical results through, for example, intercomparison exercises and proficiency tests organized by the Technical Secretariat, other intercomparison and proficiency testing programmes, and use of reference standards and materials;

(h) Reporting results (management of data, formats and time requirements);

(i) Message traffic related to analysis of International Monitoring System samples;

(j) Technique specific requirements for methods, equipment, analysis and reports.

(3) Description of facilities and infrastructure related to the work in support of the International Monitoring System;

(4) List of personnel authorized to have access to International Monitoring System samples and data.

(5) Detailed specifications for all the measurement systems to be used to carry out analysis of samples, including detector, detector cooling system, detector electronics and shielding.


(6) Records of resolution of complaints from the Technical Secretariat and non-conformity control.

(7) Records of internal auditing activities related to sample analysis.

(8) Records of periodic management reviews of the quality system.


APPENDIX VI

SCHEDULES FOR THE RECORDING OF STATE OF HEALTH AND METEOROLOGICAL DATA AND FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF SPECTRAL DATA

320. Tables VI.1 and VI.2 show details of state of health and meteorological data to be provided by a radionuclide station and the minimum recording frequency for the data. These data are required to be provided at a radionuclide station to enable the state of health of monitoring equipment to be assessed regularly or for information on the local meteorological conditions. Tables VI.3 and VI.4 provide details of the recommended transmission frequency for spectral and supplementary data.

321. Stations may provide, on a voluntary basis, other state of health and meteorological data

not listed in Tables VI.1 and VI.2. 322. State of health data for noble gas stations are system specific. However, Table VI.2

describes the minimum set for this type of data to be provided by all noble gas systems installed at International Monitoring System radionuclide stations.

Table VI.1. Required State of Health and Meteorological Data for Particulate Systems Type of Sensor or Status Related Signal Minimum Recording

Frequency Airflow rate (m3/h) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min Power supply Main power (on/off) At every change of status

Auxiliary power (on/off) At every change of status Uninterruptible power supply power (on/off) At every change of status

Indoor room temperature (C) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min Indoor room humidity (%) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min Lead shielding (open/closed) At every change of status

Detector crystal temperature (C) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min Filter position monitor

Filter identification for collection, decay and acquisition

At least once at the beginning and at the end of each phase (sampling, decay, acquisition)

Main station door (open/closed) At every change of status Decay cabinet door (open/closed) At every change of status Meteorological data

Atmospheric pressure (hPa) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min Wind speed (m/s) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min Wind direction (degrees from north, clockwise) (averaged over 10 min)

Every 10 min

Temperature (C) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min Relative humidity (%) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min


Table VI.2. Required State of Health Data for Noble Gas Systems Type of Sensor or Status Related Signal Minimum Recording Frequency Airflow rate (m3/h) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min Power supply Main power (on/off) At every change of status Auxiliary power (on/off) At every change of status Uninterruptible power supply power (on/off) At every change of status

Indoor room temperature (C) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min Indoor room humidity (%) (averaged over 10 min) Every 10 min Main station door (open/closed) – only if the noble gas system is located in a separate room from the particulate system

At every change of status

Table VI.3. Transmission of Spectral, State of Health and Meteorological Data for Particulate Systems Data Type Minimum Transmission Frequency

Quality assurance check source spectrum Once a day

Partial spectrum (after 4 hours’ acquisition) Once a day

Full spectrum Once a day

State of health and meteorological dataª Once a day

ª In the case where minimum frequency is chosen, immediate notification of system outages to the Technical Secretariat is required in order to minimize downtime.

Table VI.4. Transmission of Noble Gas Spectral Data Data Type Transmission Frequency

Quality assurance check source spectrum Once per sampling period

Partial spectrum (after 4 hours’ acquisition for high purity germanium and beta and gamma energy dissipative systems, and at least every 2 hours for beta gated gamma systems)

Once per sampling period

Full spectrum Once per sampling period

Gas background spectrum (only for detectors with memory effect)

Once per sampling period


APPENDIX VII

DEFINITION OF REPAIR PRIORITIES FOR RADIONUCLIDE STATIONS

323. Owing to the different station configurations and operational arrangements, the station

operator, on a station specific basis, defines the repair priorities for the various components. Tables VII.1 and VII.2 are used for guidance.

Table VII.1. Repair Priorities for Radionuclide Stations Station System Station Component Maintenance and

Repair Levelª (see Section 5.1)

Air sampling Air sample blower One Airflow rate meter Two Power supply Main power One Auxiliary power Two Uninterruptible power supply Two Detection Germanium detector Two Detector electronics Two Detector state of health sensors Two Infrastructure Temperature sensors Three Local communications equipment Two State of health Filter position monitors Two Authentication sensors Two Supplementary Meteorological instrumentation Three Station control Computer One Software One

ª Preventive maintenance schedules are dependent on the individual station configuration, other site specific factors and the specifications of station equipment manufacturers.


Table VII.2. Maintenance Levels for Radionuclide Noble Gas Stations Station System Station Component Maintenance and

Repair Levelª (see Section 5.1)

Noble gas sampling Gas sampling and processing system One Gas quantification system Two Power supply Main power One Auxiliary power Two Uninterruptible power supply Two Detection Germanium detector/Betagamma detector One/Two Detector electronics One/Two Detector state of health sensors Two Infrastructure Temperature sensors Three Local communications equipment Two

State of health Process monitors Two Authentication sensors Two Supplementary Meteorological instrumentation Three Station control Computer One

Software One ª Preventive maintenance schedules are dependent on the individual station configuration, other site specific

factors and the specifications of station equipment manufacturers.


APPENDIX VIII

GLOSSARY activation product. A nuclide produced from the absorption of a neutron by a nucleus. activity. Decay rate of a radionuclide; this quantity is expressed in becquerels (disintegrations per second). authentication. See data authentication. background. Contributions to the count from all sources other than the radionuclides of interest. Natural radioactivity in the sample contributes to the background, but sources outside the sample also can contribute. These outside sources include environmental radiation, cosmic rays, electromagnetic interference, other instrument noise and the interaction between radiation and the materials near the detector. basic communications topology. The arrangement of communication equipment at stations whose data are routed directly to the International Data Centre via the Global Communications Infrastructure. calibration. Determination, by measurement or comparison to a standard, of parameters needed to properly interpret recorded signals. When used for specific systems: (1) Instrument calibration (for all four International Monitoring System technologies): the parameters typically calibrated are those associated with the instrument response or transfer function (e.g. detector or other sensor efficiencies and/or gains, amplifier gains, bandwidths, delays, phase shifts, linearity, etc.). On-site calibration means that the calibration is carried out with the equipment on site. (2) System calibration: the application of a defined set of parameters to improve the performance of the International Data Centre processing system. categorization. Assigning a category to a radionuclide spectrum of a sample from an International Monitoring System radionuclide station. category. Number (referred to as Level) assigned to a radionuclide sample, from 1 to 5 for particulates or from 0 to 2 for noble gas systems, indicating the presence of certain types of nuclide. For particulates, Level 1 indicates a spectrum with normal natural nuclides, while Level 5 indicates spectra with multiple anthropogenic nuclides, at least one of them being a fission product. For noble gases, Level 0 indicates no radioxenon detected, while Level 2 indicates that radioxenon has been detected and that it is inconsistent with the background. certification. The assessment against the International Monitoring System specifications and other criteria of the equipment and instrumentation, associated facilities and operational performance pertaining to a seismological, hydroacoustic, infrasound or radionuclide monitoring station. Successful certification leads to the formal acceptance of the station into the International Monitoring System. The procedures for International Monitoring System station certification are described in Reference [3] and Appendix V of Reference [7].


certified laboratory. A radionuclide laboratory listed in Annex 1 to the Protocol to the Treaty and certified by the Technical Secretariat. Additional laboratories may be certified with the approval of the Executive Council to perform the routine analysis of samples from manual monitoring stations, where necessary, in the future. characterization. A system of characterizing the radionuclide spectrum of a sample from an International Monitoring System radionuclide station according to its radionuclide content. communication node. Intermediate data routeing point where data are forwarded to the International Data Centre. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). With its Headquarters at the Vienna International Centre, the Organization is charged with monitoring and verifying the Treaty through a network of seismological, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide stations and radionuclide laboratories that compose the International Monitoring System and that relay data to the International Data Centre for processing and analysis. The Organization is also responsible for confidence building measures, on-site inspections and coordinating consultation and clarification. Configuration Change Notification. A notification sent when anything is changed at the station. Configuration Change Request. A request submitted in advance for any change to the equipment or software at the station included in the baseline configuration. Cooperating National Facility. A monitoring facility, operated by a State Party, that has been designated, following a request by the hosting State Party and subject to the agreement of the Executive Council, and certified by the Technical Secretariat to provide authenticated data to the International Data Centre when requested by a State Party, but that is not formally a part of the International Monitoring System. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). International basis of civil and scientific time, implemented in 1964. UTC is widely broadcast by precisely coordinated radio signals; these radio time signals ultimately furnish the basis for the setting of all public and private clocks. Since 1 January 1972, UTC has been obtained from atomic clocks. The unit of UTC is the atomic second. data authentication. Measures taken to ensure that the integrity of the data from the stations in the International Monitoring System network has not been compromised, either accidentally or maliciously, by some action at the station or in transmission to the International Data Centre, or at any time thereafter. Data Availability. (1, seismoacoustic) The ratio of data received by the International Data Centre, excluding gaps, constant values and data where there is no input from the sensor, relative to the data expected to be received from all required instrument channels for that station defined in the station specific documentation, expressed as a percentage. (2, radionuclide) The ratio of data received by the International Data Centre


that can be categorized relative to the data expected to be received from that station, expressed as a percentage. data format. The particular structure of the information contained in a digital file (or collection of files), and the relationships between the data contained within related files. data quality. A measure of how well data from a monitoring station are within tolerances, have correct time, adhere to calibration and certification standards and are free of aberrations such as low or zero airflow rates, or spikes and gaps. data surety. Methods for ensuring that the data from an International Monitoring System station are not tampered with before, during or after transmission to the International Data Centre. efficiency. (1, processes) The capability of a process to provide appropriate performance, relative to the amount of used resources and time and under stated conditions. (2, radionuclide) The probability of detection of an emitted quantum of radiation (either beta or gamma) compared with the decay rate. For most spectra, this is equivalent to the ratio of counts detected under a detected peak to the amount of radiation quanta emitted by a sample, and depends on detector configuration and measuring geometry. event. (1) A physical occurrence that generates seismoacoustic energy and/or emits radionuclides. (2) A generation of seismoacoustic energy and/or radionuclides that has been detected and may have been located in space and/or time by a monitoring system. (3) A detected generation of seismoacoustic energy and/or radionuclides qualifying to appear in the International Data Centre products on the basis of any established event criteria. existing station. An International Monitoring System station that was originally installed and maintained by an entity other than the Technical Secretariat. fission product. A nuclide produced from fission. Global Communications Infrastructure. The worldwide communication system to enable station sensor data, state of health data, meteorological data (if appropriate) and other supplementary data to be transmitted to the International Data Centre, and for the dissemination of International Monitoring System data and International Data Centre products to the States Parties. independent subnetwork. In this arrangement, the station data pass through a National Data Centre or an appropriate communication node before reaching the Global Communications Infrastructure interface. Operation and maintenance of the station to communication node or the station to National Data Centre communication link are the responsibility of the station operator or the National Data Centre, as authorized per internal State Party agreement. The Technical Secretariat is responsible for the communication link between the independent subnetwork and the International Data Centre. The independent subnetwork is part of the Global Communications Infrastructure.


Level. Category of radionuclide spectrum of a sample from an International Monitoring System radionuclide station. minimum detectable concentration (MDC). The smallest concentration of a radionuclide that can be reliably detected and quantified in a spectrum. Monthly Report. A report that summarizes activities during one calendar month. National Authority. As required under Article III of the Treaty, the body designated by a State Party to be the national focal point for liaison with the Organization and with other States Parties. National Data Centre. A data centre, operated and maintained by a State Party, whose functions may include sending International Monitoring System data to the International Data Centre and/or receiving data and products from the International Data Centre. natural radionuclide. A cosmogenic or primordial radionuclide, not indicative of a nuclear explosion. noble gas station. Radionuclide monitoring station that collects and measures relevant noble gas isotopes by compressing air from the station environment through adsorbent beds and purifying the relevant noble gas from other constituents of the air. A purified sample is then transferred to a nuclear counting system to determine its radioactive content. non-critical repair. See priority 3 repair. normal repair. See priority 2 repair. nuclide. One of many combinations of nucleons that may comprise an atomic nucleus. Because all nuclides of interest with respect to verification of compliance with the CTBT are radioactive, this term is often used to refer specifically to radionuclides. Operational Manual for the International Data Centre. The document that provides the guidelines for operating and maintaining the International Data Centre established under the provisions of the Treaty. It specifies the nature of all International Data Centre products and services and establishes overall procedures, criteria, responsibilities and requirements for all elements of design, development and operation of the International Data Centre. Operational Manuals for the International Monitoring System. The documents that describe, in broad and general terms, the responsibilities of International Monitoring System stations and laboratories and the roles of the States Parties, National Data Centres, International Monitoring System and Technical Secretariat in ensuring that reliable, authenticated data are transmitted within specified time constraints to the International Data Centre. Each Operational Manual refers to operations that apply to all stations within a technology (seismological, hydroacoustic, infrasound or radionuclide). Procedures that apply to individual stations and laboratories and details of operation are described in the station specific documentation.


Outage Request. A report submitted when the station operator plans an outage at the station. particulate sample. A sample collected for radionuclide monitoring at a particulate station. particulate station. Radionuclide monitoring station that collects air particles in a filter by pumping the air from the station environment through this filter. The filter is then collected and analysed for its radioactive content. partitioned communications topology. The arrangement of communication equipment at stations where data are routed through a National Data Centre or an appropriate communication node using a Global Communications Infrastructure interface at the site. peak. A statistically significant increase in counts above a spectrum baseline at an energy associated with a photon of a particular radionuclide or other phenomenon. priority 1 repair. For radionuclide stations, priority 1 (urgent) repair is required when a station cannot collect a sample according to its normal schedule owing to a fault with a critical part of the air sampling system, and therefore fails to meet its data availability requirements. Resolution of the problem and restoration of operational conditions are to be made within 72 hours of the failure. priority 2 repair. For radionuclide stations, priority 2 (normal) repair is required when there is the significant likelihood that a station cannot meet its data availability requirements owing to the failure of a key part of the station measurement system, such as the gamma ray spectrometer or critical state of health sensors. Resolution of the problem and restoration of operational conditions are to be made within seven days of the failure. priority 3 repair. For radionuclide stations, priority 3 (non-critical) repair is justified when the station experiences a failure in a non-critical component of its system or infrastructure, such as a sensor or equipment that is providing optional state of health information or supplementary data, such as local meteorological data. Resolution of the problem and restoration of operational conditions are to be made within one month of the failure. Problem Report. A report submitted whenever there is a problem with the station. radioactivity. See activity. radionuclide. A nuclide that has an unstable nucleus, that is, a radioactive nuclide. radionuclide laboratory. See certified laboratory. raw (International Monitoring System) data. International Monitoring System data. relevant radionuclide. A radionuclide that is either a fission product or an activation product included in the standard list of relevant radionuclides for International Data Centre event screening.


revalidation. The review of the certification status of a station after a change occurs at the station that significantly affects its system response, detection capability, data availability or data quality. sample. The solid or gaseous entity collected by the radionuclide equipment at a station that is analysed to determine its airborne activity concentration. This term can also refer to any physical entity counted on a detector. site survey. Detailed study of the proposed location of an International Monitoring System station, covering all features of the site that may affect the operation of the station and the quality of the monitoring data provided by the station, such as accessibility, available infrastructure, technical support, meteorological factors, site security, background and potential sources of anthropogenic factors that might affect the data. spectrum. A plot of the number of pulses (counts) per pulse height (as counts versus energy). state of health data. Supplementary data provided by sensors connected to, or associated with, equipment and instrumentation at the station, to provide information on the operational status of the station and quality of the raw monitoring data being transmitted from the station. State Party. A Treaty signatory that has deposited its instrument of ratification. station. The equipment, facilities, infrastructure and staff required to carry out monitoring at a designated location within the International Monitoring System network. This includes all operational systems necessary for this function. In addition, the station may include the equipment necessary to provide ancillary data, such as meteorological information and state of health. station specific documentation. Documentation that comprises a description of and technical details pertaining to an individual station, including monitoring equipment and instrumentation, communication systems, operational procedures, maintenance protocols and identification of authorized station personnel. Summary Report. A report covering 12 months. Technical Secretariat. The body established by the Executive Council to implement the technical provisions of the Treaty, including oversight of the International Monitoring System and the International Data Centre. urgent repair. See priority 1 repair.


APPENDIX IX

REFERENCES [1] Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and Protocol,

10 September 1996. [2] List of 40 Noble Gas stations, CTBT/PC-7/1/Annex II, Appendix V, 13 November

1998. [3] Guidelines on Certification, CTBT/PC/III/1/Add.2, Appendix XIV,

19 September 1997. [4] Certification of IMS Particulate Radionuclide Stations (with Guidelines for Station

Installation), CTBT/PTS/INF.58/Rev.8, 3 January 2007. [5] Certification of Noble Gas Equipment at IMS Radionuclide Stations (with Guidelines

for Station Installation), CTBT/PTS/INF.921/Rev.3, 8 September 2008. [6] IMS Station and Channel Naming Conventions, IMS-OM-2001-05,

3 September 2001. [7] Report of Working Group B to the Ninth Session of the Preparatory Commission

for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, as amended by the Preparatory Commission, CTBT/PC-9/1/Annex II, 30 August 1999.

[8] Revalidation of Performance of International Monitoring System Facilities,

CTBT/PTS/INF.934, 11 February 2008. [9] Site Survey Requirements, CTBT/PC/IV/1/Add.2, Appendix VI,

18 December 1997. [10] Report of Working Group B to the Fifth Session of the Preparatory Commission

for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, as amended by the Preparatory Commission, CTBT/PC-5/1/Add.2, 9 April 1998.

[11] IMS Stations Specifications, CTBT/PC/II/1/Add.2, Appendix X, 16 May 1997. [12] Certification of Radionuclide Laboratories, CTBT/PTS/INF.96/Rev.7, 27 January 2005. [13] Implementation Plan for IMS Authentication, CTBT/PTS/INF.100/Rev.1,

4 February 1999. [14] Operational Manual for the International Data Centre: Draft, CTBT/WGB/

TL-11,17/19 (latest available version). [15] A System for the Archiving of Particulate Radionuclide Filter Samples,

CTBT/WGB/TL-1/43/Rev.1, 13 September 2001.


[16] Process Metrics Manual (in preparation). [17] Command and Control of IMS Stations: Procedures for Issuing Commands,

CTBT/WGB/TL-1/33/Rev.2, 18 February 2002. [18] Command Structure for IMS Stations, CTBT/PTS/INF.280, 28 April 2000. [19] Model Text for the Draft OSI Operational Manual: Basis for the Third Round of

Elaboration, CTBT/WGB/TL-18/40, 24 February 2009. [20] Working Group 1 – Verification, International Monitoring System, Expert Group

Report based on Technical Discussions held from 6 February to 3 March 1995, CD/NTB/WP.224, 16 March 1995, and CD/NTB/WP.224/Corr.2, 13 September 1995.

[21] Working Group 1 – Verification, International Monitoring System, Expert Group

Report based on Technical Discussions held from 22 to 25 August 1995, CD/NTB/WP.269, 15 September 1995.

[22] Working Group 1 – Verification, International Monitoring System, Report of the

Expert Group based on Technical Discussions held from 4 through 15 December 1995, CD/NTB/WP.283, 20 December 1995.

[23] Report of Working Group B to the Eighth Session of the Preparatory Commission

for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, as amended by the Preparatory Commission, CTBT/PC-8/1/Annex II, 23 April 1999.

[24] Quality Manual, CTBT/PTS/INF.103/Rev.2, 2 February 2007.

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