A year of developing preparedness

The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) maintains and develops its continuous preparedness to respond to various radiation hazards and prepares to ensure the continuity of its operations in all circumstances. During 2024, STUK launched a preparedness development programme (VALKEHO) to co-ordinate development measures. In addition, STUK promoted national preparedness for nuclear and radiation safety threats by participating extensively in the development of national preparedness arrangements and the training of various parties of society.

In 2024, STUK continued to develop its own preparedness based on the threat assessment that was updated the previous year. Based on the threat assessment, STUK defined four key priorities for developing preparedness:

radiation hazards at nuclear plants
use of nuclear weapons
Illegal use of RN (radioactive and nuclear) substances and
continuity of operations in threat situations.

STUK’s preparedness development programme aims to improve the preparedness and response functions created for radiation hazards and other exceptional situations. Preparedness reduces the realisation of threats and promotes society’s readiness to face crises. Reaction, in turn, reduces the effects of realised threats and promotes society’s recovery from crises. At the heart of the development work is STUK’s own ability to manage more diverse threats and risks. Development focus areas include emergency planning, situational awareness activities, exercises and training along with information and communication systems.

Last year, STUK also participated in coordinated development of national preparedness arrangements in collaboration with different ministries, agencies and regional actors. As one concrete product STUK led th preparation of a report on national nuclear and radiation emergency preparedness, required by the Advisory Board on Emergency Conditions (PONK) of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. STUK also participated in the preparation of the national CBRNE strategy prepared under the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and the reformed security strategy for society co-ordinated by the Security Committee.

Practice maintains and develops preparedness

A key part of STUK’s preparedness is the competence of its own personnel and the ability to co-operate with different authorities and parties. Regular training is an important part of maintaining and developing competencies. In 2024, STUK participated in several different types of preparedness exercises. STUK also organised its own internal exercises. The total number of exercises remained approximately the same as in previous years.

STUK organised the INEX-6 exercise in Finland, which is part of the International Nuclear Emergency Exercise series (INEX). More than 30 organisations participated in the exercise, focusing on the recovery of society after a radiation accident. Many organisations have used the results of the exercise as a basis for further development.

During 2024, a radiation measurement team consisting of volunteers was provided three advanced courses (personal measurement site, management and situational picture anda built environment measurements) as well as training in handling equipment. Exercises for the team were also organised as training events of the National Defence Training Association of FInland (MPK). The events focused on measuring contamination in the population during a radiation hazard. In the spring, the team practised launching operations, and an establishment and operational exercise was held in the early autumn in Porvoo.

New equipment for radiation measurement stations

There is an automatic network for measuring external radiation in Finland which includes approximately 250 measurement stations. The radiation monitoring network has two main functions: to produce a real-time radiation situation overview and to alert when the radiation level increases. Last year, STUK began gradual updating the stations and their equipment. New handheld meters for carrying out verification measurements were purchased for the stations. The distribution of meters to stations will begin this year. A procurement has been initiated for replacing the electronics of the stations. The procurement decision will likely be made this spring. These measures develop national radiation measurement capabilities and ensure that we have access to continuous information on the radiation situation in Finland.

Learn more

The voluntary radiation measurement team strengthens Finland's measurement capacity (stuk.fi)
Radiation situation today (stuk.fi)