The UK Recovery Handbook for
Chemical Incidents
Dr Stacey Wyke-Sanders
Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards
International 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
History
UK Recovery handbook (Rad) v1
2005
EURANOS generic
handbooks (Rad)
v1
2006/7
European stakeholder networks e.g. FARMING
History
EURANOS generic
handbooks (Rad)
v1
UK Recovery handbook (Rad)
v3
EURANOS generic
handbooks (Rad)
v2
2009
‘Demonstration
’
Handbook Users
Group
The UK Recovery Handbook
for Chemical Incidents
Handbook to aid decisions in the
Handbook to aid decisions in the recovery
recovery phase after a chemical
phase after a chemical incident
incident
Based on the methodology of the UK
Based onfor
theRadiation
methodology
of the UK
Handbook
Incidents
Handbook for Radiation Incidents
Incorporate lessons from responses to
Incorporate lessons from responses to
incidents
incidents
Intended for use by Recovery Coordination
Intended
use by
Recovery
Groups
andforothers
who
need it Coordination
to protect
Groups
and
others
who
need
it
to protect
public from long term risks
public from long term risks
Aim: reduce exposure and return to
Aim: reduce exposure and return to
‘normality’
‘normality’
Chemical Recovery Handbook
Project team
Handbook to aid decisions in the
recovery phase after a chemical
Mr incident
Nicholas Brooke
on the methodology of the UK
Mr Based
Alec Dobney
Handbook for Radiation Incidents
Dr Stacey Wyke-Sanders
Miss Aya Osman
Incorporate lessons from responses to
incidents
Prof Raquel Duarte-Davidson
Mrs Shelly Mobbs
Intended for use by Recovery Coordination
Dr Groups
Anne Nisbet
and others who need it to protect
public
from long term risks
EHE
Scientists
Aim:
reduce
Prof
David
Baker exposure and return to
‘normality’
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.
The four stages of an
incident
Response
Hearings
Initial Response
Trials
Recovery Phase
Restoration of
normality
Time
Inquest
Public
Inquiry
Why develop a Recovery
Handbook?
• Chemical incidents occur
• Clean up of the environment is not
straightforward
• How clean is clean?
• No comprehensive, evidence based guidance
• Complexity of chemical ‘mixtures’
Overview of UK Recovery
Chemical release
Response phase actions
Preliminary clearance goals
Characterisation sampling and
analysis
Site specific risk assessment:
Clearance goals
Decontamination strategy
(UKRHCI)
Decontamination (GDS)
Clearance sampling
No
Yes
Site specific clearance goal met?
Reoccupy
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 approach
o 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 remediation/ removal options;
Example protection options
• Removal/ relocation of topsoil; Ploughing methods
• Product recall; Precautionary dietary advice
• Pressure hosing; Dismantle and disposal of
• Prohibit public access; Impose restrictions on transport;
contaminated material; Storage, covering and gentle
Temporary relocation
cleaning
• Isolate and contain drinking water supply; Restrict
• Water treatment at the point of use [tap]; Flush
water use (DND/ DNU notices)
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
e.g. Outdoor surface
removal & replacement
Introduction
the 6-step
Developing ato
recovery
Decision
strategy Process
- Sulphur Mustard Case Study
March 21, 2016
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
Response phase actions
Preliminary clearance goals
Characterisation sampling and
analysis
Site specific risk assessment:
Clearance goals
Decontamination strategy
(UKRHCI)
Decontamination (GDS)
Clearance sampling
No
Yes
Site specific clearance goal met?
Reoccupy
Developing a recovery
strategy
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 incident
Determine physicochemical properties of contaminated area
Step 2:
Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas
Identify potentially applicable recovery options
Consult 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 multiagency Incident Response Team
was convened.
Step 1: Obtain information regarding the incident
Determine physicochemical properties of contaminated area
Areas contaminated:
• Recreational area (sand-dunes)
• Not densely populated
• Access has been restricted
Physiochemical and toxicological properties
• Expert advice required
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas
Identify potentially applicable recovery options
Consult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Has the area
surrounding the
incident been
contaminated?
Yes
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 options
Consult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Is there a critical
facility in the
contaminated area
that needs to be
manned?
No
Is the
contaminated
area used for
recreation?
Yes
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas
Identify potentially applicable recovery options
Consult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Are people
occupying the
contaminated area?
(e.g. sheltering?)
No
Does the
chemical have a
short
persistency?
No
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas
Identify potentially applicable recovery options
Consult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
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 options
Consult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
Is there a risk of
adverse health
effects to the
population in the
area?
No
Does the
chemical have a
short
persistency?
No
Step 2: Consult flow chart decision tree’s for specific inhabited areas
Identify potentially applicable recovery options
Consult Food/ Water sections of Handbook (if applicable)
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;
HPA
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/RemediationAndEnviron
mentalDecontamination/
UK Recovery Handbook for Chemical Incidents;
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/RemediationAndEnviron
mentalDecontamination/1205UKrecoveryhandbookforchemin
cidents/
UK Recovery Handbook for Radiation Incidents;
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPA
web_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
What next?
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
• 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/RemediationAndEnviro
nmentalDecontamination/
Contact us directly by email:
chemical.recovery@hpa.org.uk
Any Questions?
Dr Stacey Wyke-Sanders
International Research and Development Group
Email: Stacey.Wyke-Sanders@hpa.org.uk
T: 0844
225Chemical.Recovery@hpa.org.uk
4524
Email:
E:
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/CompendiumOfChe
micalHazards/
Compendium of Chemical
Hazards
Land Contamination
Publications
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/ChemicalsPoisons/LandContaminati
on/
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/ChemicalRiskAssessme
nt/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/ChemicalRiskAssess
ment/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/ChemicalHazardsandPoiso
nsReports/
• 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/110728Landfill
norisk/
• 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