Analysis OPCW inspections, during

Sampling and analysis (S A) during inspections is one of the verification tools provided for by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) (1). Chemical analysis of a sample is the only direct and scientific (and not only circumstantial) tool to confirm the presence of a chemical substance. The presence of a declared chemical in a declared place at a declared time and in declared quantities confirms the declaration provided by a State Party to the OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons). The actual or past presence of a chemical, which should not be at the inspected site according to the declarations, or, which has... 

One conclusion that emerged during the discussions was that National Authorities should educate facilities about, and prepare them for, the use of sampling and analysis in industry inspections. It was pointed out that the conditions on-site are checked. Regulations may also exist in States Parties that may affect the transportation or use of the equipment and chemicals carried by OPCW inspection teams for on-site analysis. 

On the basis of this framework from the CWC, the Technical Secretariat and the OPCW Laboratory have built a complex network of linked procedures for sampling and analysis and related activities. Experience gathered during inspections, training, exercises, and proficiency tests led to improvement... 

The following article will take the reader through the various phases of an inspection, from mission planning to the return of the inspection team to the OPCW headquarters. By this, it will describe the concept of sampling and analysis, the equipment and procedures used during inspections, highlight some critical aspects, and refer to experiences gained. 

All documents related to and created during onsite sampling, sample splitting, sample preparation, and analysis are attached to the on-site analysis report (see below). The on-site analysis report is part of the report created by the IT concerning the inspection activities and subject to the same confidentiality regime as the report itself. Under no circumstances are any of these documents sent together with samples off-site. The on-site analysis report has to provide data to validate the method as well as the analysis result in accordance with OPCW procedures and the Quality System requirements. 

The OPCW owns five Bruker EM 640S GC/MS systems for performing on-site analysis during inspections. The OPCW Laboratory - which is a part of Technical Support Branch of the OPCW Technical Secretariat - is responsible for the management of the systems. This implies ... 

Matrices most used were soil, water, and organic liquids. Other matrices used were, for example, a polymer strip in the first proficiency test, a metal strip covered with a thin layer of paint in the third proficiency test, and a wipe sample in the fourth proficiency test. In the ninth and tenth proficiency tests, an emulsion sample and decontamination solutions were introduced. Not all sample matrices employed in the past are considered realistic. During the Preparatory Commission of the OPCW, the Task Force on Analytical Issues (see Fourth Report of the Expert Group on Inspection Procedures, PC-VIII/B/WP.12, dated September 20, 1994) discussed that sample matrices such as wipe, rubber, paint, and concrete will be extracted on site and sent as extracts off site for analysis, after splitting. 

The Technical Secretariat of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) provides a proficiency-testing scheme for the analysis of samples in the context of the CWC. The design of the scheme should simulate analysis of authentic samples that are taken during inspections. The purpose of the scheme is to select, certify, and train highly competent laboratories for the analysis of CWC-related chemicals in various matrices. The Technical Secretariat designates laboratories, which perform successfully in the scheme, to support it in such analysis should they become necessary during the course of its verification activities. 

Seventeen States Parties (SP) have volunteered to provide services of their high-level chemical analytical laboratories to the Organization for prohibition of the Chemical Weapons (OPCW). From these SPs, 18 laboratories (2004) have been designated by the Director-General (DG) of the OPCW to perform analyses as part of the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) (1). For the purpose of effective implementation, for example, analysis of samples taken during inspections or... 

The procedures and strategies for on-site sampling and analysis are also discussed. In connection with the verification activities of the OPCW onsite, samples may be taken, for example, during a facility inspection for subsequent on-site analysis. The possibility to send the samples for analysis offsite also exists. 

The workshop reviewed the progress that the OPCW had made with regard to the use of sampling and analysis as an inspection method in the chemical industry, and discussed the results of the trial phase of sampling and analysis during Schedule 2 inspeetions. 

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