If you need to respond safely to an incident involving a hazardous substance, remember to follow the REMOVE REMOVE REMOVE advice.
Depending on your type of business or operations, you may already encounter some hazardous substances during your day-to-day activities.
Perpetrators of crime or terrorism may utilise hazardous substances including corrosive or flammable chemicals, toxic materials or radioactive sources to conduct attacks, such as acid attacks.
Whilst such incidents are rare, first indicators may include:
- Individuals showing unexplained signs of skin, eye or airway irritation, nausea, vomiting, twitching, sweating, disorientation, breathing difficulties
- The presence of hazardous or unusual material/equipment
- Unexplained vapour, mist clouds, powder, liquids or oily drops, withered plant life or vegetation
- Distressed birds or animals
- Odd smells or taste
If you think someone has been exposed to a hazardous substance, use caution and keep a safe distance to avoid exposure yourself. The instructions within each stage of REMOVE REMOVE REMOVE may be followed.