olevalmis.ee
Instructions

Chemical and radiation accidents

Chemical and radiation accidents can occur unexpectedly and their consequences can be extensive. Find out in advance how to recognise a chemical or radiation accident. Prompt and correct action can help prevent serious health effects in such situations. Stay informed by following official channels. Act calmly and keep your loved ones informed about the situation.

Chemical accidentRadiation accident

Companies handling hazardous chemicals 

Chemical accidents are often associated with large industrial facilities. Such establishments, which pose a major accident hazard and handle dangerous substances, are mapped, and their locations can be viewed via the relevant mapping application.

Major-accident hazard and hazardous companies are those that handle significant quantities of dangerous chemicals. Depending on the types and quantities of chemicals handled, these companies are divided into three categories: categories A and B include companies with a major-accident hazard, while category C includes hazardous companies. 

Smaller or larger accidents can occur at these companies. In the case of minor accidents, the consequences are typically confined to the company itself. In major accidents, the effects can extend beyond the company’s premises and affect the surrounding area. 

The consequences of an accident largely depend on: 

  • the type of accident (leaks, fires, explosions); 
  • the properties of the hazardous chemical, including its state (gaseous, liquid, solid); 
  • the surrounding environment; 
  • the weather conditions. 

Companies at risk of accidents notify about potential hazards

Companies handling hazardous chemicals that pose a major accident hazard are required to inform the public and residents in the potentially affected area in advance about the risks of a major accident, safety measures, and, in the event of an accident, initial instructions on how to act. To this end, companies at risk of a major accident prepare informational materials and distribute them to residents in the risk area (for example, via direct mail). The same information must also be available on the website of the company handling hazardous chemicals.  

In the event of an accident, both major-accident hazard and hazardous establishments are obliged to immediately inform people within the risk area and provide initial guidance on how to respond. Companies may use various notification methods, but the most common are sirens, hazard alerts via SMS or telephone or loudspeaker announcements.  

Chemical accident

How to recognise a chemical accident? 

  • Know the warning labels on hazardous chemicals (for example, closed containers with labels or classification markings).
  • Notice unusual odours or that you feel unwell (headache, nausea). 
  • See smoke, fire or a vehicle/container displaying a hazard symbol. 
  • Hear sirens or receive a hazard alert from EE-ALARM. 

What to do in the event of a chemical accident? 

  • Determine how you can shelter indoors at home – close windows, doors, and ventilation openings. 
  • Move away from the site of the accident, perpendicular to the wind direction. If the accident occurs outdoors, go indoors (preferably to an upper floor) and close doors and windows, as well as ventilation openings, chimney dampers, and other vents to avoid exposure to contaminated air. If a chemical accident occurs indoors, leave the room and, if possible, turn off ventilation. 
  • If instructed to evacuate, take essential items with you (for example, identity documents, medications, drinking water) and follow the given instructions. 
  • Keep at home a torch, first aid kit, battery-powered radio, drinking water, and at least a week’s supply of food to manage independently in domestic conditions. 
  • If you or someone else exhibits signs of severe poisoning, call 112 immediately. 

If you are outdoors during a chemical accident 

  • Keep away from chemicals – do not approach smoke, leaks or fire. 
  • Avoid creating sparks.  
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a wet tissue or piece of cloth.  
  • Take shelter in the nearest indoor space, away from the site of the accident. 
  • If you are in a vehicle, close the windows and turn off ventilation. Use the vehicle’s recirculation mode. 

If you are indoors during a chemical accident 

  • Stay in the room if you are away from the accident site. 
  • Close all windows, doors, ventilation openings, chimney dampers, and other vents to prevent outside air from entering. 
  • If possible, move to upper floors – hazardous chemicals often accumulate at lower levels. 
  • Do not smoke or use open flames. 
  • Follow information from official crisis channels (kriis.ee, ERR, radio) and only go outside when the danger has passed.  

Keemiaõnnetus

Radiation accident

What you need to know about a radiation accident? 

  • Familiarise yourself with radiation hazard symbols, such as the black-and-yellow triangle used to indicate radioactive materials. Keep away from objects or containers marked with radioactivity symbols and report them immediately by calling 112. 
  • A radiation accident is signalled by sirens and a hazard alert from EE-ALARM. You may also hear about it via news from neighbouring countries. Generally, the impact of a distant radiation accident on Estonia is small. When you hear about an accident, it is important to remain calm and follow official instructions. 
  • Ensure that you have domestic supplies (drinking water, food, medications) to manage independently for at least a week. Battery-powered radios, torches, and first aid kits are also useful. Do not take iodine tablets unless officially instructed. 

What to do in the event of a radiation accident? 

  • Take shelter quickly in the nearest indoor space and close doors, windows, ventilation, and chimney openings to prevent outside air from entering. At home, suitable shelter locations include the centre of the building or the basement (using the ‘two-wall rule’ in a room without windows or doors). If you are outside, cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth or mask. 
  • When moving outdoors, wear long-sleeved clothing to cover as much skin as possible. If you have been in a contaminated area, remove your clothes upon entering shelter, place them in a plastic bag, and leave them outside. Wash yourself thoroughly with soap and water. Removing contaminated clothing eliminates about 90% of contamination. 
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke outdoors. Only consume food and water from sealed containers. Cover any open wells. 
  • If you feel unwell (fever, skin redness, vomiting), call 112 immediately. 
  • Follow evacuation instructions calmly and take essential items with you (documents, medications, drinking water, and food supplies). 
  • Bring pets indoors and cover their food. 
  • Remain in shelter until the danger has passed. Follow official channels for news updates. 

Important information about radiation accidents

  • Radiation cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. It can only be detected using appropriate instruments.  
  • The shorter the time you spend outdoors or in a contaminated area, the lower your radiation dose and the less damage you receive. 
  • The further you are from the radiation source, the lower your radiation dose. 
  • Any form of shelter reduces the radiation dose. 
  • Do not take iodine tablets, unless Estonian authorities provide specific instructions. 
  • If the accident occurs in a foreign country, the effect of radiation on Estonia is generally limited due to distance. Behavioural instructions issued in Estonia may differ from those of other countries.  
  • A single high radiation dose can cause skin redness, nausea, and vomiting after a few days. If symptoms appear, report them immediately by calling 112.  
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