Aids for decision - making in the case of a release of hazardous chemicals

ABSTRACT

In the case of an alarm caused by a release of a hazardous substance the decision - maker responsible has little time to consider appropriate measures for protection of the public. Decisions have to be taken, however, within a few minutes after realizing the danger. To come to the right decision about which measure is suitable and can be performed for the protection of an endangered part of the public, the emergency response coordinator needs some aids. His decision usually leads to one of these four possibilities evacuation, clearance horizontal, clearance vertical, stay put. Some aids to marking the decision are early warning systems, e.g. Four stage leverkusen model, procedures to limited the zones which are endangered and/or to be warned/informed/calmed, e.g. Model for effects of Toxic Gases, MET and the SAFER System. Fnally the decision - market has to assess the changes of protection by staying indoors. A place in a house may serve as a Temporary Safe Haven in the case of a limited gas impact duration provided the building is in a good condition, i.e. gas - tight (AU)