Hazardous Materials and the Environment
In our ever changing world, materials are continually developed and produced for commercial and domestic markets, which often have an impact on human and animal life as well as the wider environment.
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 group 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 at the incident, a nationally recognised chemical information and actions database (Chemdata), supported by the National Chemical Emergency Centre (NCEC), the poisons unit of the Health Protection Agency as well as other book based information.
Additionally, the group have close links with the Environment Agency, and is further strengthened by the use of Scientific specialists contracted to the Service for specific Chemical, Radiation and Asbestos support.
The group also provides advice and support to the organisation away from the safety critical phase.