Code of conduct for crisis situations

Chemical accident

ACTING IN DIFFERENT CRISIS SITUATIONS

  • AVOID CONTACT WITH DANGEROUS CHEMICALS!
  • PROTECT YOUR RESPIRATORY TRACT!
  • SHELTER INDOORS!
  • FOLLOW OFFICIAL INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN THROUGH THE MEDIA!

Warning signs

  • You can smell the chemicals or feel unwell, which may be related to chemicals.
  • You see a dangerous vehicle involved in an accident.
  • You hear the sirens at a dangerous enterprise activate.
  • You see people lying on the ground.

How to prepare for a chemical accident

  • Determine whether your home and the places where your family members stay on a daily basis (workplace, school, etc.) fall within the danger area of a dangerous enterprise.
  • Examine the safety advice and recommendations published by the dangerous enterprise.
  • Find out the meaning of sirens used by the dangerous enterprise.
  • Make preparations at home to shelter indoors in the event of a chemical accident. (See Chapter “Sheltering Indoors”).
  • Examine the danger labels of dangerous chemicals and cargo to be able to recognise the chemical accidents.

WORTH KNOWING

How to act in case of a chemical accident

OUTSIDE

  • Avoid any contact with any loose chemicals.
  • Protect your respiratory tract, covering your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.
  • When driving a car, close the windows and switch off the ventilation. Switch the air conditioning to internal air recirculation mode.
  • If the site of the accident is known or clearly visible, move away from it perpendicular to the direction of the wind.
  • Shelter quickly in the nearest room inside, while avoiding the building from which the chemicals are leaking. (See Chapter “Sheltering Indoors”).

INDOORS

  • Stay indoors, but do not remain in the building from which chemicals are leaking.
  • It is advisable to shelter on the upper floors. Several dangerous chemicals may accumulate especially in lower areas, incl. in the basement.
  • Close doors and windows, shut off the ventilation and dampers to the chimney to make sure that ambient air cannot get inside.
  • Do not use an open flame and do not smoke. Chemicals can be flammable and explosive.
  • Follow the official warning messages from reliable information channels and the code of conduct.
  • Stay inside until you get a notice that the danger has passed.
  • Be prepared to evacuate upon receiving an official order. (See Chapter “Evacuation”). Assemble the essential items you will need.
  • In case of health problems caused by spreading of chemicals, call the emergency number 112.