1.16.3 Biological, Chemical, Radiological Incident

Purpose

1.  To supply guidance information necessary for making a preliminary assessment of a situation where a possible chemical, biological or radiological (CBR) incident is suspected. This information is general in nature, not all encompassing, and its applicability should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by emergency responders.   When evaluating and taking action against a possible CBR incident, personal safety is of primary concern.

Responsibility

1.   Any person approaching a scene that may involve chemical, biological, or radiological materials should be cognizant that the presence and identification of hazardous agents may not be immediately verifiable and should consider the safety of themselves and other responders.  
2.   Indicators    
   1.   Possible biological incident:
      1.   Unusual numbers of sick / dying people or animals
      2.   Unusual spray being disseminated
      3.   Abandoned spray devices
      4.   Placards associated with biological agent
      5.   Infectious substances
   2.   Possible chemical incident:
      1.   Dead animals, birds, fish
      2.   Lack of insect life
      3.   Physical symptoms
         1.   Water-like blisters
         2.   Wheals (Welts or Hives)
         3.   Pinpointed pupils
         4.   Choking
         5.   Respiratory ailments
         6.   Rashes
      4.   Mass casualties
      5.   Unusual liquid droplets
      6.   Unexplained odors
      7.   Low-lying clouds
      8.   Identifiable toxic or corrosive gases / substances
   3.   Possible radiological incident:
      1.   Unusual numbers of sick / dying people or animals
      2.   Unexplained bomb/munitions-like material
      3.   Radiation symbols
      4.   Heat emitting material
      5.   Glowing particles / material
      6.   Placards associated with radiological materials
      7.   Radioactive materials
3.   Response Actions    
   1.   Notify University Police by calling “111” from a campus extension or 475-5711 from an outside line.
      1.   Provide the following information:
         1.   Caller’s name and phone number
         2.   Date and time of incident
         3.   Location of incident
         4.   Distance from point of impact or incident
         5.   Reason for report as defined in Section 3.0 INDICATORS.
   2.   Keep clear of the area and keep other people away from area.
      1.   Once clear of the suspected area, remove all external apparel such as clothes, shoes, gloves, hats and leave them outside.
      2.   Proceed to a shower and thoroughly wash your body with soap and water.
         1.   Aggressively scrub your skin and irrigate your eyes with water.
            1.   Should a chemical or biological agent be suspected, further decontaminated should include the washing of the affected body parts with an appropriate sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution.