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There
have been no incidents of chemical or biological attacks
in the United Kingdom and the current threat assessment
of a terrorist or criminal Chemical or Biological attack
is low. There is no information to suggest that Hertfordshire
is a target, however members of the public and local
businesses are urged to remain vigilant.
World
wide there has only been one episode of biological attack
via the mail system, which happened in America shortly
after the World Trade Centre atrocities on September
11.
Prevention Advice
Every business and organisation should consider assessing
and reviewing their protocols for handling mail. Good
sense and care should be used in inspecting and opening
mail or packages. All staff should me made aware of
the protocols.
Every business and organisation should review their
security measures. They should ensure any access control
system is working effectively for staff, visitors and
contractors. Identification cards and passes should
be worn visibly and a ‘challenge culture’
adopted and encouraged ensuring only authorised persons
are on the premises. Visitors to sensitive areas should
be supervised at all times.
CCTV systems should be examined to confirm they are
working effectively and there are sufficient tapes that
can be retained in case the police need them. Regular
security checks should be made of sensitive areas including
air conditioning intakes and plant rooms.
Businesses should ensure air conditioning plant rooms,
water storage tanks and other vulnerable equipment or
plant is secured from unauthorised access and all existing
keys can be accounted for.
It is important that staff are kept informed and reassured
that the risk is LOW and they should not over react
or panic.
Suspect
Packages - Practical Guidelines
- Try
to ensure all incoming mail, despatch, lorry, van
and motorcycle courier deliveries or hand-delivered
items are processed at one single location (e.g.
post room)
-
Examine (feel or if available scan/x-ray) unopened
envelopes for foreign bodies or powder
-
Open letters, if possible by using a letter opener,
using the minimum of movement to avoid spilling
any contents
-
Each organisation should assess whether it is a
possible target and if so may consider additional
precautions such as advising staff to wear gloves,
restricting opening of mail to trained individuals
and having a Polaroid camera nearby
-
Letters and packages may be considered suspicious
if there are threatening or suspicious messages
written on it, oily stains, discoloured, strange
odour, unexpected from foreign countries, no postage
or postage cancelled, improper spelling of common
names, places and titles or incorrectly addressed
-
Suspicious packages, whether opened or otherwise,
should be placed intact and with minimal disturbance
into any readily available sealable bag, container
or box preferably a clear sealable plastic bag or
plastic container
-
Consider whether the recipient or victim of the
package/substance is likely to be a target
-
Consider where the package has come from, any identifying
address and make enquiries to see if anyone is expecting
a delivery
-
Consider whether the package should be retained
for evidential purposes
-
Contact the Police by dialling 999, making sure
you tell them what you believe the hazard. Be prepared
to give details of the full description of the package
or letter and the reasons for your suspicion
-
The room in which the item is located should be
closed and isolated making sure windows and fire
doors are secured and access is prevented
If a chemical or biological incident is
suspected
-
The recipient/opener/handler should not touch their
eyes, nose or other parts of their body and not
touch or brush clothing that may have been contaminated.
They should be reassured that they are extremely
unlikely to feel any immediate effects IF AT ALL
and that medical aid will be provided for them
-
They may be allowed to wash their hands in a weak
bleach solution (one teaspoonful of domestic bleach
to one litre of water) and then rinse in ordinary
soap and water
-
Try to ascertain how many other people may have
been exposed to the material and keep a detailed
list
-
Possible victims should be removed to a comfortable
room as close to the isolated room as is practicable
to avoid a further spread of potential contamination
and should STAY THERE until emergency services arrive
-
If either room is connected to an integrated/recycled
air conditioning ventilation system, that room or
local system must be shut down
-
There may not be a requirement for further evacuation
from the building once the room has been physically
and technically isolated
-
The Fire & Rescue Service have officers equipped
and trained in dealing with Chemical Biological
incidents. The Paramedic Service has access to decontamination
facilities. The Police will co-ordinate the response
of all Emergency Services as necessary
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Businesses should contact the force's Counter Terrorism Security Adviser for further advice.
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