Environics has been actively involved in crisis management programs development, namely in the creation of a European CBRNE glossary, officially published in 15th of September, 2020.

Two members of our team of CBRN specialists – Application Manager Arto Penttinen and Training Manager Toni Leikas – have had an impactful role on the standardization process of CBRNE terminology.

CEN, the European Committee for Standardization

European standardisation commission – CEN – and its Technical committee TC 391 ‘Societal and citizen security’ has reinforced its activities in recent years and pursued the development and publication of the new standards on CBRNE glossary.

This document contains crucial information on training for security professionals on CBRN-E (Chemical Biological, radiological Nuclear and Explosives) and guidelines for handling crowds during major events.

With specialists from all EU 27 member state was able to join to team work, Training Manager Toni Leikas embraced the project as Finland’s official representative and expert on these European level CEN meetings. With over 18 years of CBRN field expertise and military background, captain Leikas has produced the proposal, working group leader, final writings, and schematics to integrate the document. He was also a temporary convenor of CEN/TC391/WG2 CBRNE during this standard building phase.

The First European CBRNE Standard

The publication of the glossary on CBRN-E (European CBRNE glossary, EN 17173:2020) will be one of the major achievements of TC/391. Inspired by the glossary of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), this glossary includes a set of around 600 terms and definitions to be used by security professionals when responding to emerging threats related to the management of dangerous substances. This has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association.

Why the need for this glossary?

Common understanding and communication are crucial in the implementation of an effective CBRNE response, and this communication will be most effective if there is a common understanding of the terms used.

Many of the terms and definitions listed in this European CBRNE glossary have been widely used for many years, while others are the result of cross-cutting experience of areas of CBRNE.

Just like normal human spoken and written language, the CBRNE terminology will keep on evolving gradually, and so as our understanding.

This standard is addressed to first responders, administrative staff, industry representatives, and researchers.

 

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