Response

 

GOAL

Maintain the ability for an effective response to chemical accidents, based on a well-constructed emergency plan which spells out the roles and responsibilities of all parties, and which has been tested and kept up-to-date.

An effective response, to minimise harmful effects of a chemical accident, is dependent on the timely implementation of emergency response plans.  This assumes that: the planning process was complete; the roles and responsibilities of all parties are clearly identified; the plans were tested and maintained up to date; and the response personnel were properly trained. 

Response is generally a local responsibility, unless the accident is beyond the capability of local resources.  Therefore, many of the activities described would be carried out by the authorities in the vicinity of the hazardous installations.

Suggested activities include:

  • Ensure systems are in place to immediately alert response personnel in the event of a chemical accident, to trigger the implementation of the plan and to warn the potentially affected public
  • Identify competent spokespeople responsible for informing the public, with knowledge, skills, authority and credibility to effectively communicate with the target audience
  • Make clear who is the on-scene co-ordinator, generally responsible for deciding the immediate actions to avoid or limit exposure of humans to the chemicals or other harmful aspects of the accident (including, e.g., whether those potentially affected should shelter in place or be evacuated)
  • Assign responsibility for quickly assessing whether the first responders are qualified to deal with the situation or whether they need additional resources (e.g., from neighbouring communities or from national government).
  • Inform hospitals and other treatment facilities that might be involved in the response, as soon as possible, with information on the substances involved, the type of accident, the likely number of victims, and the nature of their injuries
  • Maintain systems for the rapid and effective transmission of information to neighbouring countries if the accident might cause transboundary impacts
  • Establish procedures for post-accident monitoring and follow-up
  • Have systems in place to protect any people handling remains against possible contamination
  • Have systems in place for response personnel to document decisions and actions taken during the response in order to be able to review the effectiveness of the intervention, to learn from experience to improve emergency plans, to have input into an investigation and to learn lessons for future response activities

 


Change resources level
You have changed the resources available. The content, tools and more information pages suggested may have changed in order to make up the most cost effective management scheme.
pop up