Information to the Public and Public Participation
GOALS
- The potentially affected public is aware of the chemical accident risks in their community and how to act in the event of an accident; and
- The public is given the opportunity to provide input into certain decisionmaking related to chemical accident prevention, preparedness and response.
Making sure that the potentially affected public received information about the risks in the community is critical to motivating the correct behaviour by the public in the event of an accident and to minimising adverse impacts off-site should an accident occur.
In addition, an informed public provides an incentive for industry to reduce risks, and provide an incentive to participate in relevant activities. The information also helps to build confidence that authorities and industry are managing risks.
While it sounds straightforward, in fact it is difficult to find channels of communication that are effective in reaching the target audience in a way that they will pay attention and retain the information, and act in accordance with the instructions if an accident occurs.
Suggested activities include:
- Ensure that systems are in place to provide members of the community near hazardous installations with information about the installation and what to do to mitigate adverse effects in the event of an accident. (the information may be communicated by industry, authorities and/or others)
- Identify the target audience for this information, based on an assessment of possible accident scenarios
- Test the effectiveness of the systems to be sure that information reaches the target audience in a form and language that can be understood, that it is reinforced and retained, and that it is up-to-date and complete
- Assign responsibility for communication to the public to individuals with appropriate knowledge and skills, and who are credible
- Make sure that there is an alarm system or other means for providing information in the event of an emergency
- Involve the media in the development and implementation of the information scheme so they are prepared to communicate in the event of an accident
- Provide the potentially affected public the opportunity to participate (by providing their views), whenever possible and appropriate, in decisionmaking related to siting and licensing of hazardous installations and the development of community emergency plans
Relevant tools
- UNEP: A Flexible Framework for addressing Chemical Accident Prevention and Preparedness – A Guidance Document (2010)
- ILO: Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents (1991)
- OECD: Guiding Principles for Chemical Accident Prevention Preparedness and Response (2nd ed., 2003)
- WHO: Effective Media Communication during Public Health Emergencies (2005)
- UNEP: Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level: a Process for Responding to Technological Accidents (1988)
- WHO - Manual for the Public Health Management of Chemical Incidents [2009]