Emergency response requirements
Based on the resources available, identify the needs of those who respond to chemical emergencies, such as spills, leaks or explosions, for the sector.
Whether in a factory setting, storage facility, or in a road accident, they need several types of hazard communication tools. In the case of an industrial accident, for example, workers and emergency responders need to know what mitigation and control measures are appropriate. In such a situation, they may require information that can be seen from afar. They may also then require expert assistance with regards to how to treat a particular chemical emergency, such as a spill in a given environment (e.g., knowledge of factory design can be used to help contain a chemical spill in a particular facility).
Fire fighters and those first at the scene of a transport accident also need information that can be distinguished and interpreted at a distance. Such personnel are highly trained in the use of graphical and coded information. Labels are required to provide immediate summary information regarding the chemical at hand, as well as detailed information found in an SDS regarding how a chemical should be handled. For agricultural or consumer poisoning incidents, the information needs of medical personnel responsible for treating victims may differ from those of fire fighters. In this case, the role of poison control centres and others with toxicological expertise is important. Countries may wish to consider how to involve these experts in the development of the national GHS implementation strategy.
You have now accessed all relevant information for this element. You may now return to Management scheme elements to select another element within the Classification and Labelling System Scheme.
To further improve your chemical emergencies responses, you may go to the Chemical Accident Prevention, Preparedness and Response Scheme and the Chemical outbreaks/incidents scheme element of the Public Health Scheme.