In our ever changing world, materials are continually developed and produced for commercial and domestic markets, which may have an impact on human and animal life as well as the wider environment if they are accidentally released into the atmosphere. |
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In order for the Service to discharge its functions, it has a group of experienced Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Officers (HMEPO) who have trained and qualified at the national Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh.
The officers provide immediate response in the form of a Hazardous Materials Advisor, providing guidance and support to Incident Commanders at a full range of operational incidents either as part of a pre determined attendance or on request direct from the incident ground. The group responds to any hazardous material incident, defined as:
"Any substance or occurrence which has the potential to cause injury, sickness, death or environmental pollution from exposure, inhalation, ingestion or absorption"
The officers attending have at their disposal a nationally recognised chemical information and actions database (Chemdata), supported by the National Chemical Emergency Centre (NCEC). Support in Detection Identification and Monitoring is also available from elsewhere within our region using specialist teams and equipment provided as a part of the New Dimensions assets.
Useful links
- Environment Agency [1] - www.environment-agency.gov.uk [1]
- Health Protection Agency [2] - www.hpa.org.uk/chemicals [3]
Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division - National Chemical Emergency Centre [4] - www.the-ncec.com [4]
- The Fire Service College [5] - www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk [5]
