Reference: RCDS 017
RISK CONTROL DATA SHEET
UNCONTROLLED AIRBORNE HAZARDS
Description of Activity
Uncontrolled airborne hazards may result for example from:
fires in factories where chemicals, gas containers, plastics, asbestos etc.
produce toxic fumes or dusts

toxic substances leaking from road tankers damaged in a road traffic accident

a radiological release following an accident in a nuclear power station

radioactive material being transported by road, rail or air being involved in an
accident.

the very small threat of chemical or biological release.
It must however be remembered that the above hazards may only occur in very
extreme or rare circumstances.
Persons at Risk

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

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Members of staff.
Building occupants.
School children.
Members of the public.
Hounslow clients.
Hazards
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Inhalation of smoke, toxic gases, fumes, dust or chemicals.
Chemical burns from contact with airborne droplets or from liquid leaking from
containers.
Blast injuries from explosions.
Radiation burns.
Illness or disease.
Revision Summary
First issued October 2001
Revision Number
1
Revision Issue Date
September 2003
File Name/Author
H & S MAN0160/JRL
Page of Total Pages
Page 1 of 4
Document 5A 017
References for Consultation

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

LBH General Risk Assessment Framework (Health and Safety Manual
Section 1 (i) i).

Hounslow Council Major Emergency Plan.

Local Fire and Emergency Plans and Evacuation Procedures.
Risk Control
In most circumstances a warning will be given by the police or fire brigade, or
by radio and television as to the course of action to take. Please ensure their
instructions are followed.
A prior warning of imminent potential danger may however not occur immediately.
You may hear a loud explosion, smell something very unusual or unpleasant, or see
a fire or dense fume cloud approaching. In attempting to minimise the possible risks
from the above hazards in these circumstances managers/supervisors will need to
take into account the following:(a)
Planning and Organising

In view of the uncontrollable nature of the hazards it must be
remembered that you can only consider and plan for possible
contingency action to minimise the risk to those concerned.

In planning any contingency action you will need to be mindful that
local fire and emergency plans and evacuation procedures may not be
applicable. In such circumstances local procedures should be
amended to take the above extreme circumstances into account.

Communication of any deviation to existing fire and emergency action
plans must be given to all those concerned to ensure that the right
course of action will be followed.

You should appoint and train a suitable number of marshals to
co-ordinate the response to any incident. (This may mean simply
extending the role of existing fire marshals).

Organise an appropriate 'practice' response or drill to a given airborne
hazard, eg. large smoke cloud, to ensure all persons know the required
procedure. (This could take place on an annual basis).
Revision Summary
First issued October 2001
Revision Number
1
Revision Issue Date
September 2003
File Name/Author
H & S MAN0160/JRL
Page of Total Pages
Page 2 of 4
Document 5A 017
(b)
Specific Control Measures

In the absence of any official direction by the emergency services
the main control in the above circumstances if there should be any
reason to believe there is a release of a dangerous airborne hazard, at
any time of the day or night, is:-
GO IN
STAY IN
TUNE IN
GO IN – get everyone indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off
air-conditioning and ventilation systems. If possible, go to the upper floor and
on the side of the building facing away from the incident or away from the
wind direction.
STAY IN – do not let people leave, and do not go out to find out what is
happening or to watch what is happening – it is safer indoors.
TUNE IN – where possible, tune in to local radio and television, where
information about the hazard, and about the all-clear, will be given.
Please Remember

Those responsible for building facilities, security and for the welfare of
users and staff, should, where possible, ensure that shelter can be
arranged at very short notice for building occupants and passers-by in
accordance with the advice given above.

Remember that people will be in a state of panic and will need clear
direction and co-ordination. This may be vital in minimising casualties.

Make sure an appropriate number of trained first aiders are available
(part of normal health and safety arrangements).
Further advice on this guidance is available from David Kerry, Borough
Emergency Planning Officer (ext. 5111), Departmental Emergency Officers,
or the Occupational Health and Safety Unit (OHSU) on extension 2167 or by
e-mailing health.safety.askus@hounslow.gov.uk
Revision Summary
First issued October 2001
Revision Number
1
Revision Issue Date
September 2003
File Name/Author
H & S MAN0160/JRL
Page of Total Pages
Page 3 of 4
Document 5A 017
This page left intentionally blank
Revision Summary
First issued October 2001
Revision Number
1
Revision Issue Date
September 2003
File Name/Author
H & S MAN0160/JRL
Page of Total Pages
Page 4 of 4
Document 5A 017