Technological (man-made)
INTRODUCTION
Throughout the world people are becoming victims of industrial
accidents when hazardous materials are released into the
environment. Such incidents have the potential to cause
ecological damage and are therefore likely to impact several
countries. It is critical then that Government have the
capability to prevent and respond to such events and minimize
their harmful effects. In order to access the potential of a
chemical accident, one needs to determine the source and the
type of accident.
Such accidents can occur by:
-
Production
of materials
-
Transport
of materials
-
Technological system failures
-
Contamination of food or the environment by the use of
chemicals, or improper waste management.
-
Explosion
in a plant or storage facility handling toxic substances
-
Arson or
sabotage
-
Other
precipitating factors like lightning, flood and
earthquake.
LIKELY IMPACT
PHYSICAL DAMAGE
-
Damage or
destruction to structures and infra-structure
-
Transportation accidents may damage vehicles and other
objects on impact
-
Industrial
fires may reach high temperatures and affect large areas
ENVIRONMENTAL
-
The most
dangerous elements are gases, vapors, volatile liquids and
suspended articles in the air
-
Contamination
of water supply, land, and animal life.
-
Ecological
systems may be disrupted
CAUSALITIES
-
Many people
may be killed or injured and require medical treatment
-
Health
Effects
-
Direct
inhalation of toxic substances in most common in the early
phases. Afterwards, skin contaminations become more
significant.
-
Dose of
contamination is critical certain non-carcinogenic
substances have threshold levels above which they are
harmful to man
-
Better
protection offered in closed places
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO VULNERABILITY
-
Persons or
structures, livestock etc. closest to the scene are most
vulnerable, however, large scale releases of airborne
pollutants may spread for hundreds of kilometers.
-
Lack of
safety features
-
Lack of
evacuation plans
-
Unawareness
of potential danger
EMERGENCY ACTION
ATMOSPHERIC CONTAMINATION
-
Close all
windows and doors and block off any other openings to the
outdoors
-
Extinguish
any naked flames
-
Reduce oxygen
consumption by bringing physical activity to a minimum
-
Cover mouth
and nose with dampened cloth
-
Seek First
Aid
CONTAMINATION OF
THE SKIN
-
Wash the
affected parts to remove toxins
-
Use soap and
water and wash body carefully
-
Remove all
clothing while washing
-
Do not use
chemical antidotes, as the heat generated from the
neutralising reaction may make the lesions worse.
MITIGATION METHODS
-
Hazard
mapping
-
Hazard
material identification
-
Inspection of
chemical plants and storage facilities
-
Monitoring
toxic waste disposal procedures
-
Improve
fore-fighting and emergency response capacities
-
Prepare and
practice evacuation plans
-
Test warning
systems
TYPICAL POST DISASTER NEEDS
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