Upload
kenneth-miles
View
221
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The UK Recovery Handbook for Chemical Incidents
Dr Stacey Wyke-Sanders
Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental HazardsInternational Research and Development Group
8th November 2012
Introduction
•Development of the Handbook
•Worked example
•HPA Resources
The Health Protection Agency provides authoritative scientific and medical advice to the NHS and other bodies about the known health effects of chemicals, poisons and other environmental hazards.
Protecting people Preventing harm Preparing for threats
European stakeholder networks e.g. FARMING
UK Recovery handbook (Rad) v1 EURANOS generic handbooks (Rad) v1
History
2005
2006/7
EURANOS generic handbooks (Rad) v1
History
‘Demonstration’
Handbook Users Group
2009
UK Recovery handbook (Rad) v3
EURANOS generic handbooks (Rad) v2
The UK Recovery Handbookfor Chemical Incidents
Handbook to aid decisions in the recovery phase after a chemical incident
Based on the methodology of the UK Handbook for Radiation Incidents
Incorporate lessons from responses to incidents
Intended for use by Recovery Coordination Groups and others who need it to protect public from long term risks
Aim: reduce exposure and return to ‘normality’
Handbook to aid decisions in the recovery phase after a chemical incident
Based on the methodology of the UK Handbook for Radiation Incidents
Incorporate lessons from responses to incidents
Intended for use by Recovery Coordination Groups and others who need it to protect public from long term risks
Aim: reduce exposure and return to ‘normality’
Chemical Recovery HandbookProject team
Handbook to aid decisions in the recovery phase after a chemical incident
Based on the methodology of the UK Handbook for Radiation Incidents
Incorporate lessons from responses to incidents
Intended for use by Recovery Coordination Groups and others who need it to protect public from long term risks
Aim: reduce exposure and return to ‘normality’
Dr Stacey Wyke-Sanders
Mr Nicholas Brooke
Mr Alec Dobney
Miss Aya Osman
Prof Raquel Duarte-Davidson
Mrs Shelly Mobbs
Dr Anne Nisbet
EHE Scientists
Prof David Baker
Prof Virginia Murray
Definition of recovery
‘ the process of rebuilding, restoring and rehabilitating the community following an emergency’
HM Government (2005) Emergency response and recovery: Non- statutory guidance accompanying the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. Version 2.
HearingsHearings
TrialsTrials
InquestInquest
Public Public InquiryInquiry
TimeTime
InitialInitial ResponseResponse
RecoveryRecovery PhasePhase
RestorationRestoration of normalityof normality
Resp
on
se
Resp
on
se
The four stages of an incident
• Chemical incidents occur
• Clean up of the environment is not straightforward
• How clean is clean?
• No comprehensive, evidence based guidance
• Complexity of chemical ‘mixtures’
Why develop a Recovery Handbook?
Overview of UK Recovery
Chemical release
Preliminary clearance goals
Characterisation sampling and analysis
Site specific risk assessment: Clearance goals
Decontamination strategy (UKRHCI)
Decontamination (GDS)
Clearance sampling
Site specific clearance goal met?
Response phase actions
No YesReoccupy
Development of the UKRHCI
• Project duration 2009 – 2012
• 9 Stakeholder workshops
• Feedback from stakeholders has been key to the development of the Handbook
o Generic physiochemical properties approacho 6-step decision-aiding-framework
• UKRHCI recommends 85 recovery options based on an evaluation of the evidence base and lessons learned from chemical incidents
Scope of UKRHCI
• Focus on clean up and restoration.
• Does not address all aspects of the recovery phase
• Risk assessment protocols• Sampling or monitoring strategies
• Not a substitute for specialist advice but will aid decision makers in the development of a recovery strategy
Structure of the UKRHCI
What is a “recovery option”?
Definition: “An action intended to reduce of avert the exposure of people to chemical contamination”
Example protection options •Product recall; Precautionary dietary advice•Prohibit public access; Impose restrictions on transport; Temporary relocation •Isolate and contain drinking water supply; Restrict water use (DND/ DNU notices)
Example remediation/ removal options;•Removal/ relocation of topsoil; Ploughing methods •Pressure hosing; Dismantle and disposal of contaminated material; Storage, covering and gentle cleaning •Water treatment at the point of use [tap]; Flush distribution system
Developing the UKRHCI
• Building the evidence base
• Literature search
• Retrospective study
• Recovery options database
• Development of physicochemical approach
• Decontamination of different environments (including surface types)
• 6-step decision framework for constructing a recovery strategy
Things to consider…….
• Spatial and temporal factors
• Effectiveness
• Technical feasibility and capacity
• Economic cost
• Legal implications/ obligations
• Waste disposal
• Environmental issues
• Chemical impact
• Societal and ethical aspects
• Information and communication issues
Multidimensional and complex issues at stake requiring a stakeholder participative process Multidimensional and complex issues at stake requiring a stakeholder participative process
e.g. Outdoor surface removal & replacement
April 19, 2023
Introduction to the 6-step Decision Process
Developing a recovery strategy
- Sulphur Mustard Case Study
Outline
• Developing a recovery strategy
• Factors influencing implementation of options
• 6 step decision framework
• Worked example of developing a recovery strategy for a contaminated inhabited area
Overview of UK Recovery
Chemical release
Preliminary clearance goals
Characterisation sampling and analysis
Site specific risk assessment: Clearance goals
Decontamination strategy (UKRHCI)
Decontamination (GDS)
Clearance sampling
Site specific clearance goal met?
Response phase actions
No YesReoccupy
Developing a recoverystrategy
Before a recovery strategy can be developed information is required on:
• Contaminant(s)
• Types of surfaces contaminated
• Level of hazard or risk
This allows prioritisation of areas for recovery and cleanup.
The recovery handbook can then help users to develop the recovery strategy
The 6-step decision framework
Step 1: Obtain information regarding the incidentDetermine physicochemical properties of contaminated area
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas Identify potentially applicable recovery optionsConsult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Step 3: Determine effectiveness of recovery options A: Eliminate options based on physicochemical properties B: Eliminate options based on surface material
Step 4: Review key considerations and constraints Eliminate further options according to other considerations (public health, waste, social, technical, cost and time)
Step 5: Consult recovery option sheets Eliminate further options following a detailed analysis of
options on a site and incident-specific basis.
Step 6: Compare remaining recovery options Based on steps 1-5, select and combine options
Constructing a recovery strategy
24th Sept 2009 a member of the public reported to police the discovery of a piece of military ordinance in sand dunes at a beach in North Gower, Swansea.
• Shell was disabled by Army Explosive Ordinance Disposal experts (same day).
• 3 days later, PHW notified that 2 members of the
disposal team were in hospital with severely blistered skin.
Incident overview
• MOD confirmed the shell had contained sulphur mustard, and that a small amount may have been released during the routine disposal of the ordinance device.
• Due to the delay in symptoms being reported (3 days) a multi-agency Incident Response Team was convened.
Areas contaminated:
• Recreational area (sand-dunes)
• Not densely populated
• Access has been restricted
Physiochemical and toxicological properties
• Expert advice required
Step 1: Obtain information regarding the incidentDetermine physicochemical properties of contaminated area
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas Identify potentially applicable recovery optionsConsult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Has the area surrounding the
incident been contaminated?
Has the area surrounding the
incident been contaminated?
Yes
Is there potential for contamination of water or the food
chain?
Is there potential for contamination of water or the food
chain?
No
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas Identify potentially applicable recovery optionsConsult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Is there a critical facility in the
contaminated area that needs to be
manned?
Is there a critical facility in the
contaminated area that needs to be
manned?
No
Is the contaminated area used for recreation?
Is the contaminated area used for recreation?
Yes
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas Identify potentially applicable recovery optionsConsult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Are people occupying the
contaminated area? (e.g. sheltering?)
Are people occupying the
contaminated area? (e.g. sheltering?)
No
Does the chemical have a
short persistency?
Does the chemical have a
short persistency?
No
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas Identify potentially applicable recovery optionsConsult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Is there evidence of visual hotspots of
chemical contamination?
Is there evidence of visual hotspots of
chemical contamination?
Yes
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas Identify potentially applicable recovery optionsConsult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Is there a risk of adverse health effects to the
population in the area?
Is there a risk of adverse health effects to the
population in the area?
No
Does the chemical have a
short persistency?
Does the chemical have a
short persistency?
No
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas Identify potentially applicable recovery optionsConsult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Is there a risk of adverse health effects to the
population in the area?
Is there a risk of adverse health effects to the
population in the area?
Yes
Step 3: Determine effectiveness of recovery options A: Eliminate options based on physicochemical properties B: Eliminate options based on surface material
Step 3: Determine effectiveness of recovery options A: Eliminate options based on physicochemical properties B: Eliminate options based on surface material
Step 4: Review key considerations and constraints Eliminate further options according to other considerations (public health, waste, social, technical, cost and time)
Step 5: Consult recovery option sheets Eliminate further options following a detailed analysis of options
on a site and incident-specific basis.
Step 6: Compare remaining recovery options Based on steps 1-5, select and combine options
Protection options
Restrict public access
Remediation options
Soil and vegetation removal
Huw Brunt, David Russell, Nick Brooke. Sulphur Mustard Incident, Swansea.
CHaP report 2010; 17: 4-5. http://www.hpa.org.uk/webc/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1274091561553
Summary
• UKRHCI is a user friendly guidance document, based on an evaluation of the evidence base for the remediation and recovery of the environment after a chemical incident
• Practical 6-step decision framework for constructing a recovery strategy
• UKRHCI is applicable to all chemicals due to the general physicochemical properties approach and consideration of different surface types
Handbook resources
E-learning module available at; http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/RemediationAndEnvironmentalDecontamination/
Handbook resources
Useful links and bookmarks;
HPAhttp://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/RemediationAndEnvironmentalDecontamination/
UK Recovery Handbook for Chemical Incidents; http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/RemediationAndEnvironmentalDecontamination/1205UKrecoveryhandbookforchemincidents/
UK Recovery Handbook for Radiation Incidents; http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1259152442006
Handbook resources
Worked examples; • Contamination of Irish pork (Dioxins)• Contamination of beach (Sulphur Mustard)• Contamination of private drinking water supply (Lead)
Case studies; • Irish Dioxins Incident• Nicotine contamination of ground beef• Asbestos release in residential flats• Sulphur mustard incident (Swansea)• Long-term leakage of heating oil into soil leading to permeation of plastic water supply pipes• MSC Napoli• Volcanic eruptions
The chemical recovery handbook is a ‘living document’; as such the HPA is committed to:
• Maintain the Handbook
• Take forwards areas of research to improve and further develop guidance for the recovery and remediation of the environment following an incident
• Continue to build the evidence base and expand the recovery options database to include chemical, radiation and biological incidents
What next?
• Develop the UK Recovery Handbook for Biological Incidents (2012 - 2015)
• Develop training for end-users
• E-learning
• UKRHCI training sessions for HPA staff and in collaboration with other organisations
• e.g. pilot awareness programme with CIEH for LAs and Emergency Planners
Development on an online decision support system for chemical and radiation recovery handbooks
• Initial feasibility study (Inhabited areas)
Build on national and international partnerships developed as a result of the UKRHCI to improve guidance
For further information
Visit HPA website;
http://www.hpa.org.uk/
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/RemediationAndEnvironmentalDecontamination/
Contact us directly by email:
Any Questions?
T: 0844 225 4524E:
Dr Stacey Wyke-SandersInternational Research and Development Group
Email: [email protected]: [email protected]
Resources
Compendium of Chemical Hazards
•General Information
Provides background information on the compound, including its uses and 'frequently asked questions‘.
•Incident Management
Focuses on information that may be needed during chemical incidents, such as physicochemical properties, health effects and decontamination.
•Toxicological Overview
Provides more in-depth toxicology.
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/ChemicalsAndPoisons/CompendiumOfChemicalHazards/
Compendium of Chemical Hazards
Land Contamination Publications
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/ChemicalsPoisons/LandContamination/
Checklists for Chemical Incident Management
• Acute incidents, e.g. chemical spills
• Non domestic fires
• Water incidents
• Sheltering or evacuation decisions
• Land contamination
• Flooding incidents
http://www.hpa.org.uk/HPA/ProductsServices/ChemicalsPoisons/ChemicalRiskAssessment/1158313435104/
Factsheets for the Public
• Carbon Monoxide
• Mercury
• Lead Incidents
• Chemicals in toys
• Petroleum products incidents
• Odour
http://www.hpa.org.uk/HPA/ProductsServices/ChemicalsPoisons/ChemicalRiskAssessment/1158313435037/
Internal Action Cards & Guidance
• Bioaerosols from composting sites http://hpanet/webc/HPAnetFile/HPAnet_C/1309970043516
• Carbon monoxide action card
http://hpanet/webc/HPAnetFile/HPAnet_C/1257260480033
• Elevated concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in drinking water
http://hpanet/webc/HPAnetFile/HPAnet_C/1249542993340
• Lead action card
http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1274092896741
• Asbestos Toolkit – Responding to fires involving asbestos http://hpanet/webc/HPAnetFile/HPAnet_C/1207639082232
CHaP Reports
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/ChemicalsPoisons/ChemicalHazardsandPoisonsReports/
• Incident response – lessons learned & guidance
• Emergency planning and preparedness
• Training
HPA Chemical Research Reports
• HPA CHaPD 001: Review of Environmental Chemicals and Neurotoxicity: Focus on Neurological Diseases
• HPA CHaPD 002: Review of Chemical Toxicity to the Reproductive System, with Particular Reference to Developmental Toxicity
• HPA CHaPD 003: The Public Health Significance of Asbestos Exposures from Large Scale Fires
• HPA CHaPD 004: A Toxicological Review of the Products of Combustion
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/ChemicalsPoisons/ChemicalResearchReports/
Position Documents
• Health Impacts of Operating Landfill Sites
http://www.hpa.org.uk/NewsCentre/NationalPressReleases/2011PressReleases/110728Landfillnorisk/
• Intensive Farming
http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1194947378905
• Health Impacts of emissions to air from municipal waste incinerators
http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAwebFile/HPAweb_C/1266228112244