ABSTRACT

A hazardous chemical emergency may be as limited as a worker breaking a glass bottle of mineral acid, or as extensive as an explosion spreading toxic chemical fumes throughout the community. Advance planning, anticipation of various disaster scenarios, thorough preparation for contingencies, and frequent disaster drills are essential elements necessary to protect the health and safety of the chemical emergency responders and the community. The chemical emergency planning group must carefully analyze the various categories of chemicals they wish to provide protection against and then study which fabric provides the best spectrum of protection against those chemicals. Illogical action at any level of chemical emergency response is risky and should be avoided. Upon arrival at the scene, the first responder should immediately set the chemical emergency plan in motion. The person in control sets up a chain of command, according to the procedures in the chemical emergency response plan.