Chemical Protection Department

Chemical Protection Department

Chemical Protection Department deals with applied research and development in the field of detection and identification of hazardous chemicals, including chemical warfare agents (specified by Decree No. 459/2020 Coll., implementing Act No. 19/1997 Coll.); the protection of persons against dangerous chemicals; testing and evaluation of protective equipment, decontamination systems and decontaminants. The specialists of Chemical Protection Department constitute a mobile analytical team capable of on-site sampling and analyses of chemicals within the support of supervisory and inspection activities of the SONS or, if needed, for other needs of the state administration.

The specialists of the Chemical Protection Department are also engaged in the preparation and implementation of training and practical courses for first responders (e.g. for firefighters, police, specialised medical staff, etc.).

Crucial divisions of the Chemical Protection Department are Laboratory of Chemical Monitoring and Protection, Laboratory of Toxic Compounds, as well as mobile analytical laboratories equipped for the monitoring of chemicals, sampling and for on-site analyses. An important role in testing of protective equipment plays the Toxic chamber, which is used especially for the testing of protective suit and other protective equipment, for testing of compatibility of individual parts of clothing, or for specialists acclimatization for their work in environment containing toxic compounds.

Within the activity of the Integrated Rescue System, laboratories of the Chemical Protection Department participate in detection and identification of unknown, potentially dangerous findings and seizures of CBRN compounds. Laboratories also support the activity of the Czech Police in detecting crimes related to an unauthorised possession of dangerous chemicals or their misuse for terrorist actions.