THE EUROPEAN – SECURITY AND DEFENCE UNION
Modern CBRN technology points to modular systems for civil and military use
Preparing for the future with innovative decontamination systems by Thomas Popp, General Manager, Kärcher Futuretech GmbH, Schwaikheim
The evolving change of worldwide CBRN threats and countering those threats since the first use of chemical weapons in the first World War is highly visible. Today, the world is facing scenarios like the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, chemical warfare in Syria and nuclear hazards such as in Fukushima. These recent incidents dramatically demonstrate the importance of close cooperation in the CBRN community. More, the globally increasing industrialization and increasing risk potential from the use of hazardous chemicals (Toxic Industrial Chemicals/TIC; Toxic Industrial Material/TIM) illustrate how to prepare for the future.
Thomas Popp has been Managing Director of Kärcher Futuretech GmbH since 2012. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Stuttgart and joined the Kärcher Group after finishing his studies. Mr Popp has held several positions within the company, among other things managing factories in the US, in Los Angeles. Prior to his current position and from 2007 onwards, he was Managing Director responsible for Sourcing, IT, Logistics, Central Technical Departments, Research & Pre-
A civil-military comprehensive approach One answer is state-of-the-art CBRN techniques and procedures. Today, not a single product can provide a complete solution. The development of CBRN technology clearly points to modular based systems. Another aspect of critical importance is the close cooperation between civil and military organizations. This without exaggeration is an indispensable condition to protect the people and save lives.
development and Facilities within the Kärcher Group.
To protect and to cooperate is the device for an exemplary cooperation between the Spanish Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) and the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD). These nation’s organizations are working in close cooperation between their civil and military firefighting and emergency management
The technical basis for the ICMC system is a flexible and mobile system equipped for limited CBRN decontamination of vehicles, personnel, terrain and infrastructure
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Source:Kärcher Futuretech GmbH