Chemical Incident Report - Issue 28

Synopsis

This Chemical Incident Report was produced by the Chemical Incident Response Service (CIRS), one of the predecessors to the Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards of the Health Protection Agency.

In this issue, the following areas are examined:

• Launch of the Health Protection Agency. The CIRS joined the Health Protection Agency as the Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division (London). The service continued as normal, with this the last of the Chemical Incident Reports.
• Deliberate release. An incident involving white powder is discussed. Problems associated with identifying credible and non-credible risks and agreeing a response pathway with agencies with different roles and responsibilities are discussed.
• Chemical incidents in hospitals. Two incidents are presented to illustrate risks to Accident and Emergency Departments and emergency responders from chemically contaminated casualties.
• Emergency planning. Significant developments in emergency planning guidance, equipment and training are summarised, including decontamination and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Environment. Environmental updates on IPPC, landfill and European incident surveillance are included.

Last reviewed: 23 August 2010