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.

Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Threats | Scope of Risk

The likelihood of a chemical, biological, radiological (CBR), or (or in extreme cases) nuclear 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. Indicators that a chemical or biological attack has taken place might be groups of people displaying unusual behavior, and 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.

The symptoms of a chemical attack may include pinpointed pupils and dimness of vision, red or irritated eyes and skin, choking and coughing, vomiting, nausea, and convulsions or seizures. Chemical agents may be heavier than air and sink into gullies, craters, and low‐lying areas. The correct response is to cover the mouth and nose, move away from the area, and decontaminate with the use of water or other specialist materials. The effects of a biological attack may not be seen immediately, as they take time to develop after exposure, but may include a number of indicators, such as flulike symptoms, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhea. If personnel believe they have been attacked with a biological agent, they should cover their noses and mouths, move out of the area, and seek immediate medical help.

Exposure to radioactive material is not (typically) immediately life‐threatening, and the danger diminishes with the distance placed between the source and the individual. Personnel should be aware that dust and debris may carry radioactive materials that can be ingested or absorbed through the skin. Again, personnel should cover their noses and mouths and move away from the area, washing off dust and debris at the earliest opportunity. The effects of a nuclear attack will be immediately apparent and devastating. The effect of a nuclear detonation would be heat, blast, and radiation. Nuclear detonations that take place in the atmosphere create an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which will seriously damage electronic devices connected to power sources or antennas. This includes communication systems, computers, electrical appliances, and automobile or aircraft ignition systems. The damage could range from a minor interruption to actual burnout of components. Most electronic equipment within 1,000 miles of a high‐altitude nuclear detonation could be affected. Battery‐powered radios with short antennas generally would not be affected. Although an EMP is unlikely to harm most people, it could harm those with pacemakers or other implanted electronic devices. If personnel are in the area of a nuclear detonation and are uninjured, they should leave the area and place themselves upwind of the blast to avoid radioactive fallout.

Although the threats associated with chemical, radioactive, and biological risks are significant, there are some simple measures that can be taken to help protect personnel and facilities:

§  Cover the mouth and nose with a wet cloth.

§  Seal a building or room by closing air vents, windows, and doors using adhesive tape to prevent contaminants from entering.

§  Move to higher ground, as dust and other gaseous toxins will settle.

§  Drink only bottled water and sealed or protected food.

§  If in a vehicle, personnel should close all windows and vents, and turn off air‐conditioning.

§  Personnel should move upwind of any event location as soon as safely possible.

The IMP should be designed to offer simple and pragmatic advice and guidance to allow personnel exposed to chemical radioactive or biological threats, whether makeshift and unrefined or more conventional in nature. Measures should be pragmatic and should not alarm personnel—the IMP aims to implement measures by which to reduce contamination hazards, as well as create safe conditions for personnel to weather a crisis until government agencies can respond.