Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attack Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

The likelihood of a chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) attack is remote. However, the probability of such threats, whether delivered through advanced delivery mechanisms or through radioactive dirty bombs, will likely increase over time as terrorist organizations seek to obtain weapons of mass destruction. In addition, common explosives mixed with toxic chemicals can create makeshift chemical threats. There are a number of indicators that a chemical or biological attack has taken place, such as groups of people displaying unusual behavior or dead birds or animals in close proximity. Mist, clouds or pools of unusual liquid, or abnormal smells should be treated with suspicion; in places that have sensor equipment, an alarm may sound.

In the event of a CBR incident occurring, the following points should be addressed:

Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
2. Determine the scope and nature of the threat.
3. Determine where the center of the incident is, as well as any downwind hazards.
4. Instruct personnel to cover their mouths and noses with wet cloths to avoid breathing in contaminants.
5. Seal buildings or rooms by closing air vents, windows, and doors using adhesive tape to prevent contaminants from entering.
6. If safe to do so, move personnel to higher ground, as dust and gaseous toxins will settle.
7. Instruct personnel to drink only bottled water and protected food.
8. If in vehicles, personnel should be instructed to close all windows and vents, and turn off air‐conditioning.
9. Personnel should move upwind of any event location as soon as safely possible.
10. Personnel outside of an affected area should be notified so they will not be exposed to avoidable risk.
11. Casualty and other risk hazards or effects should be managed according to the IMP.
12. Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report as soon as possible.