Publications

Strategic National Guidance on the Decontamination of People Exposed to Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) Substances or Material

In March 2003 the Home Office issued ‘Strategic National Guidance on the Decontamination of People Exposed to Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) Substances or Material’, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Fire Service at such incidents. The Scottish Executive has issued similar guidance in the document ‘Guidance for Emergency Services on Decontamination of People Exposed to Hazardous Chemicals, Biological and Radioactive Substances’

This document intends that existing procedures be built upon to help responders deal more effectively with deliberate/accidental releases of dangerous material. Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate, through the New Dimension Team is co-ordinating the provision of new equipment to Brigades to fulfil this function.

The equipment has been provided and developed as part of a package of measures by all relevant agencies to deal with the possible threat of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear release involving large numbers of persons. The New Dimension Regional Team, in consultation with Chief Fire Officers, is to determine the deployment and procedures for the activation of Mass Decontamination.

The document is available online at ukresilience.info

The National Guidance Document for Fire Service Mass Decontamination

Access is restricted to HFRS personnel.

National Guidance Document for Fire Service Mass Decontamination

Dealing with Disaster

This document offers guidance on basic principles which may be tailored to suit local conditions when incorporated into local arrangements.

The document is available online at ukresilience.info

Draft Civil Contingencies Bill - Consultation Document

Traditional emergency planning needs to be more flexible, and have greater regard to risk management. Legislation such as the 1920 Emergency Powers Act and the 1948 Civil Defence Act is outdated. A new framework is needed to build a wide range of co-ordinated, capable responses. This document sets out how this will be supported and delivered through a Civil Contingencies Bill