Organization of intervention and rescue units in emergencies caused by hazardous materials
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19736178Keywords:
hazardous materials; protection and rescue system; emergency situation; intervention and rescue units; "8 steps"Abstract
Industry has become unthinkable without the use of various hazardous substances in the production process. Non-toxic substances are an indispensable part of modern life, and science and technology only accelerate their development. The system of protection and rescue in emergencies caused by hazardous substances is conditioned by knowledge of the characteristics of a large number of hazardous substances that, during production, storage, distribution, transport, and use, can cause serious consequences for people, material goods, and the environment. In addition to understanding the characteristics, it is necessary to consider their harmful effects, as well as the technical and technological processes themselves. Radioactive, explosive, flammable, toxic substances and biological agents are, by their nature, hazardous substances and can easily be used for the wrong purposes – terrorist attacks. Effective elimination of the consequences of such disasters will largely depend on the management and cooperation of on-site intervention and rescue units. No intervention and rescue unit can provide an adequate response solely on its own, with its own resources and capacities. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an organizational structure or management system that will adequately respond to the situation that has arisen. Based on domestic and international scientific literature, the author will use content analysis to introduce readers to the concepts and characteristics of hazardous materials in the introductory section, then discuss rescue activities and the interdependence of intervention and rescue services. At the same time, the final part will cover the operational and tactical phases (the strategic level of management will not be presented) of the management system in disasters caused by hazardous materials, applying the "8 steps" procedure.
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