Subway Chemical Detection:

A Proposed System Process for a Detect-to-Warn Capability to Save LivesCAPT Joselito Ignacio, MA, MPH, CIH, CSP, REHSActing Director, Chemical Defense ProgramOffice of Health AffairsDepartment of Homeland Security

Subway System ChallengeChemical Incidents Pose Significant Challenges to Subway System Responses

2008: 3.5 million passengers use mass transit rail in U.S. Represents 33% of total number of passenger trips

using all forms of public transportation (Dickens & Neff, 2010)

Lack of Strict Passenger and Baggage Screening Requirements

Terrorist Interest 1995 Aum Shinrikyo Sarin Attack; 2001 thru 2005, plots foiled to attack mass transit rail in

NY, Singapore, Paris and London (Hinds, 2005);

Can Chemical Detection Reduce The Challenges?

Proposed Solution:Create a system that responds with speed, skill and effectiveness using technology as a tool for effective response ACTIONS

Problem:A single component (technology) is perceived as the sole solution to chemical defense

5

Chemical Response Requires Rapid Actions

[Validated in Demonstration Projects]

Proposed Solution:Create a system that responds with speed, skill and effectiveness using technology as a tool for effective response ACTIONS

Problem:A single component (technology) is perceived as the sole solution to chemical defense

Location-Independent System Process In order to design Chemical Detection Systems for placement in U.S. Subway Mass Transit

Risk Assessment of Chemical Threats in Subway

Performance SpecificationsFor Chemical Detectors

Chemical DetectionTechnologies

Concept of Operations Plan (CONOP)

Chemical DetectorPlacement

Simulating ChemicalDispersion in Subway

Training and ExerciseProgram for Chemical Event

Risk Assessment MethodologyNetwork Analysis

Multiple Stations (Nodes) and Rail (Links)

Model-Based Risk Assessment Identify Highest Risk Nodes and

Links

Threat and Vulnerability Assessments

Intelligence Sources DHS Chemical Terrorism Risk

Assessments Nearby Chemical Manufacturing

Distribution and Storage

Consequence Analysis Scenario Driven Scenarios Provide Specific

Conditions Specific Parameters (Release

Mechanism, Quantities, Duration, Environmental Conditions, Operating Conditions, and Exposure Threshold)

Chemical Detector Performance Specifications

Risk Assessment Based Define Need for a Stationary

and Autonomous Detection System

Specify Targeted Chemical Agents

Specify Operating Conditions Specify Data Integration

Requirements Specify Common Interfering

Agents

TIC CAS No.IDLH AEGL-2/30 min

mg/m3

(Calculated)~ppm mg/m3

(Calculated)~ppm

Ammonia (NH3) 7664-41-7 208.96 300 153.24 220

Hydrogen Cyanide (AC) 74-90-8 56 50 11.05 10

Phosgene (CG) 75-44-5 8 2 2.43 0.60

Sarin (GB) 107-44-8 0.1 0.02 0.050 0.0085

Technology Review Criteria

Reference Risk Assessment Detection Performance

Specifications Costs (Capital and Sustainment

Costs, Warranties Vendor Workshop Third-party Independent Test

and Evaluation Review Develop and issue a

Comprehensive Request for Proposal

Response Operating Curve (ROC) characterizes a detector’s ability to detect and quantify

agent concentration s (Carrano, J. L. et al. Chemical and biological sensor standards study. March 29, 2011)

Detector Placement Analysis

Addresses System Adequacy

Based on Modeling and Risk

Illustrations of Evenly Distributed and a Centrally Distributed Detector Placement (with Manifold Sampling Lines)(Becknell, A. F. (2011). Evaluation of facility monitors. Unpublished manuscript)

Identifies Proper Placement

Identifies Appropriate Quantity

Concept of Operations

Drives Response Actions to a Chemical Release

Must Include: Detection Method (Detector, Visual Cues, and/or Post-

exposure Involving Delayed Onset Warning mechanism to Alert Staff, Patrons,

EMS/Police/Fire/Public Health, and/or Communities Mitigation Process for False Alarms Response Process (e.g., Evacuation, Mass Human

Decontamination)

Training and ExerciseTraining and Exercises Creates Operator and Response Proficiency

Training Should Encompass Detectors and Data integration CONOP for Detect, Warning, Mitigation, and Response

Exercises Should Encompass Seminar to Familiarize and Revise the CONOP Tabletop Exercise Games to Simulate Chemical Release Drills to Exercise Specific Tasks within CONOP

Lessons Learned

Need a Detailed and Deliberate Process for the Design, Integration and Implementation of a Chemical Detect-to-Warn Capability

Risk-based; Curtail costs; Not detector-centric;

Applicable to Venues other than Subway Systems