Incident Management Guidelines
The mishandling of a suspect package or unexploded ordnance (UXO) can result in injury or death, in addition to the loss of forensic evidence. Such materials may be left in small bags, might be disguised as rubbish bags or placed in Coke cans, might be portions of partially detonated munitions, or might be booby‐trapped materials. At all times, incident managers should consider the safety of the persons involved in the operation, the integrity of the evidence, the requirement not to touch the suspect package or item, the need to quickly and safely clear the area, and the need to pass on information so that specialist responders can deal with the situation.
In the event that a suspect package or UXO situation occurs, the following immediate steps should be taken:
- Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
- Initiate a site evacuation plan if required. Consider threats posed by moving personnel—ensure that escape routes are not exposed to UXO or suspect package risks. Determine whether it is safer to have personnel remain where they are or move.
- Do not use radios or mobile phones near the device.
- Confirm:: Confirm it is an explosive package. Do not touch it, and remember the five Ws:
- What have you found? Get a description—size, shape, color, wires visible; take photos if possible and do not approach or touch.
- Where was it found? Provide a 10‐figure grid reference or other reference point.
- When was it found? Get time and date.
- Why are you there?
- Whether it has been moved or touched.
- Clear:: Clear the area to ensure the safety of personnel; no one should be in line of sight of the package. The following elements should be considered:
- Radio transmissions only at a safe distance: handheld, vehicle fitted.
- Mark the route to the UXO or suspect package.
- Establish an Incident Control Point to notify external agencies of location and safe route in.
- Wedge open doors (allow clear access and exit for personnel).
- Evacuate personnel to safe locations; conduct musters to identify missing persons.
- If using a bomb shelter area, ensure that the building has previously been surveyed by a structural engineer as being capable of providing protection from a nearby explosion.
- Cordon:: Cordon off the area until emergency services arrive to assume control:
- Establish correct cordon distances (see Exhibit 5.2).
- Ensure that all personnel, including security, are out of line of sight of the package or material.
- Ensure that personnel are not at risk from secondary hazards.
- Ensure that personnel are behind hard cover if possible (concrete walls).
- Ensure that personnel are not observing the incident from behind windows (blast effects).
- Ensure that personnel are upwind if chemical or other such hazards are present.
- Control:: Control the situation until relieved or the emergency services arrive:
- Control the scene and area.
- Establish safe routes and control points.
- Ensure that all persons are not in line of sight of the materials (900 to 1,500 feet away).
- Ensure that the control room is aware of any action you take; be accurate with your information.
- Check:: Check the area for other threats as well as evidence:
- Check for secondary hazards.
- Ensure that the location is protected for police investigations.
- Save evidence, if any, on the site.
- Secure the area.
- Consider other potential and present hazards.
- Coordinate:: Commercial companies will rarely manage an explosive hazard in isolation from external government or military support. Effective coordination between company and external management and response teams is critical for the safe resolution of the situation.
- Assess any damage to the site following an explosion. Also implement the casualty response procedures.
- Forward all information through the correct communication channels, and update where necessary.
- Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report as soon as possible.
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