London REPPIR Plan, 2012

Transcription

1 London REPPIR Plan, 2012 Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations, 2001 Arrangements for public information to be supplied in the event of a radiation emergency Version 3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY

2 Contents 1. About This Plan Consultation and Agreements Amendments Critical Information Activation and Notifications Different notification types of a possible radiation incident Process of determining a radiation emergency originating in London Plan activation Notification arrangements Organisational Action Cards London Fire Brigade Police London Ambulance Service Local Authorities & London Local Authority Gold (LLAG) Health Protection Agency Environment Agency Ministry of Defence London Resilience Team Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) How the information is produced and disseminated Mechanism for co-ordination of information production and dissemination Suggested methods for dissemination of information The information to be supplied under the regulations Annex A: Draft Information Material Annex B: National Arrangements: NAIR, RADSAFE and RIMNET Annex C: Role of Central Government Departments C.1. Responsibility of the lead department C.2. Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) C.3. Radioactive Materials Transport Team (RMTT) C.4. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) C.5. Ministry of Defence (MoD) C.6. Environment Agency (EA) C.7. Department of Health (DH) C.8. Regional offices of NHS executive C.9. Health Protection Agency C.10. Met Office C.11. Food Standards Agency (FSA) C.12. HM Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) C.13. Cabinet Office C.14. Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Annex D: Change Control Form Annex E: Glossary and Acronyms V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 1

3 1. About This Plan This plan has been agreed between agencies likely to be involved in providing information to partners, the public and stakeholders in the event of a radiation emergency as defined within the Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations (REPPIR), This plan details the mechanism for providing information and advice to the public in the event of a radiation emergency. It does not detail the operational response to manage the wider consequences of a radiation emergency. The public information response outlined in this plan utilises existing arrangements and does not seek to address any aspect of the operational or tactical response of any emergency response organisation other than for the provision of information in relation to the incident itself and what members of the public should do to protect their health. Finally, all Category 1 Responders under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (CCA) have a statutory duty to warn and inform the public about emergencies. The procedures set out in this plan are to support and complement these existing arrangements and, where necessary, to ensure compatibility. 1.1 Consultation and Agreements All parties to this plan: Agree that the plan is compatible with other procedures that may be invoked in the event of an incident, including LESLP Major Incident Procedure Manual and the operational procedures of participating organisations. Are aware of partner organisation response plans that may be invoked in the event of a radiation emergency. Agree that this plan will be disseminated to relevant people within their organisation. Agree to bring to the attention of LFB Emergency Planning any Freedom of Information Act 2000 request relating to this plan. Agree to maintain this document as outlined below. Issue, Review and Testing of the Plan Date of Issue Full Review Due Date Exercise Due Date Version 3.1 September 2012 By May 2015 (version 3.0 issued May 2012) By November 2014 (previous were 15 th and 24 th November 2011) 1.2 Amendments It is essential that information contained in this plan is maintained. Whilst LFB EP will routinely maintain this document, it is the responsibility of all organisations to ensure that LFB EP are advised of any change requirements. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 2

4 2. Critical Information This plan details the arrangements for the production, agreement and dissemination of public information. It does not detail the operational response to manage the wider consequences of a radiation emergency. It should be noted that the LFB Scientific Advisor who is able to determine a radiation emergency may take up to one hour to reach the scene of the incident. This may have an impact on what information can be shared with the public in the early stages of the incident. A draft holding statement is included in this plan to be used during this time period if necessary (see Annex A.1). An actual or potential radiation emergency in London is likely to trigger a Major Incident as defined in the LESLP Major Incident Procedure Manual. The response is also likely to require strategic regional co-ordination (refer to the London Command and Control Protocol). The competent authority (HSE) has not notified LFEPA of any nuclear designated installations in London. At the time of writing, the Port of London Authority (PLA) and Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) knew of no arrangements for nuclear powered vessels to berth in London, nor of any which had done so in the past. Incidents falling below the thresholds for REPPIR activation may still require a public information response in order to reassure the public and to meet demands for information by the media/press, although there is no legal requirement to do so under the REPPIR regulations. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 3

5 Incident originating outside of London Incident originating in London PROTECT LRF USE ONLY 3. Activation and Notifications 3.1 Different notification types of a possible radiation incident Notification Type Notification through a 999 call or from the emergency services on scene reporting radiation symbols at the scene of an incident. Notification from the emergency services on scene who are warned by their dosimeters indicating presence of radiation at an incident scene. A report from the MoD regarding an incident involving a convoy Warning of imminent/predicted radiation emergency Notification of on-going radiation emergency Origin of Notification This emergency call could have been generated from a member of the public / material carrier / emergency services on scene. This would be reported by the emergency services on scene to their control rooms. The convoy commander would contact the police. If transport of defence material by air, notification would come to the National Air Traffic Control Centre (NATCC) which would alert the police and borough police in the area(s) of the crash site. The police are alerted 24 hours in advance that a convoy will be moving through their area. It is recommended that LFB is informed of all movements by the police immediately. Central Government will notify London Cat 1 and Cat 2 Responders via London Resilience Team (LRT). The police will establish an SCG where appropriate. LRT will establish a Regional Coordinating Group where appropriate. RIMNET will communicate data via Central Government (see Annex B.3. for more information). Central Government will notify London Cat 1 and Cat 2 Responders via LRT. The police will establish an SCG where appropriate. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 4

6 Assessment Decision Making PROTECT LRF USE ONLY 3.2 Process of determining a radiation emergency originating in London Report of a possible radiation incident (see Section 3.1 (p4), for different sources of notification) Deployment of LFB Scientific Advisor to incident (it may take them up to 1 hour to reach the scene) On-scene assessment Has there been or is there the risk of release of radiation? Yes No Greater than potential for 5mSv in a year Exposure of less than 5mSv in a year Declare the incident a Radiation Emergency Consider public reassurance information 3.3 Plan activation Plan activation for an incident originating in London For the plan to be activated the LFB Scientific Advisor needs to confirm that a radiation emergency has occurred in London. Once this has been confirmed all organisations in Section 4 of this plan are required to ensure that the plan has been activated Plan activation for an incident originating outside of London Central Government would be made aware of an incident outside of London and would be responsible for activating the London REPPIR Plan. The RIMNET system is one way that Central Government may be made aware of a radiation incident outside of London. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 5

7 3.3.3 Strategic co-ordination How the incident will be strategically co-ordinated will depend on the nature of the incident. The co-ordinating group may be at a sub-regional level (Gold Co-ordinating Group), pan-london level (Strategic Co-ordinating Group), or through a London Strategic Partnership meeting, where appropriate members will be invited Strategic co-ordination of public communications messages London Resilience Gold Comms Group Public reassurance messages will need to be co-ordinated and considered at the strategic level to ensure consistent messages are provided to the public. This will be undertaken by the London Resilience Gold Comms Group. The London Resilience Gold Communication Group employs a tried and tested First Alert system to ensure a quick and coordinated communication response. Alerting the Group is on the fastest finger first principle. When the Alert is triggered the Cabinet Office will ensure that the relevant lead government department is alerted and London Councils will ensure that relevant local authorities are notified. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 6

8 3.4 Notification arrangements Incident in London Declaration of Radiation Emergency by London Fire Brigade on basis of advice from Scientific Advisor Incident originating outside London Notification of Radiation Emergency affecting or with the potential to affect London by central Government requiring SCG Notifications by Brigade Control Central Government Resource Management Centre Police FSA DCLG (Government Liaison Team) HPA - CRCE - RPD HPU - RDPH Met Office Duty LLACC Manager Local Authorities BTP Ambulance NHS London Local Authorities EA LRT LRT HPA Police Fire Brigade Ambulance NHS London EA DCLG (Government Liaison Team) GLA GLA LLACC MoD Local Authorities V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 7

9 4. Organisational Action Cards 4.1 London Fire Brigade London Fire Brigade Plan Initiation: This plan is initiated following the declaration of a Radiation Emergency by the LFB on the basis of advice from Scientific Advisors. Notifications: LFB Control: Inform the police Central Command Complex of incident, as per standard LESLP Major Incident Procedure Manual arrangements LFB Resource Management Centre (RMC): Press Liaison Officer Met Office HPA (CRCE) Duty LLACC Manager (LFB EP) Summary of Actions Declare Radiation Emergency on advice of Scientific Advisors. Consider activation of the London Resilience Gold Comms Group via the First Alert system / fastest finger first principle. Ensure LFB attendance at strategic co-ordination meetings. Provide information to partners (via strategic co-ordination meetings) about the nature and characteristics of the incident for dissemination. Consider provision of information on the nature of the incident and the LFB response to the media in conjunction with other responding agencies. Provide information on the LFB response to be incorporated into multi-agency media releases. Provide link into and from the Scientific and Technical Advice Cell (STAC) if established. Summary of Actions: On-Scene Consider public information on and around the incident scene - see Annex A for suggestions. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 8

10 4.2 Police Police Plan Initiation: This plan is initiated following the declaration of a Radiation Emergency by the LFB on the basis of advice from Scientific Advisors. Notifications: All relevant members of the London Resilience Partnership. British Transport Police. London Ambulance Service. NHS London. Affected Local Authority, request a Local Authority Liaison Officer (LALO). Environment Agency. London Resilience Team. London Resilience Gold Comms Group. Local Borough Operational Command Units. NSY Press Bureau. ACPO Representative. Other relevant police forces. Summary of Actions: Inform London Category 1 and Category 2 Responders of activation of REPPIR arrangements. Consider activation of the London Resilience Gold Comms Group via the First Alert system / fastest finger first principle. Refer to London Command and Control Protocol. Provide information (in conjunction with other agencies) on the nature of the incident in line with the LESLP Major Incident Procedure Manual and, if relevant, RADSAFE. Lead on the dissemination of public information as per LESLP procedures. Support establishment of Media Centre (with host/lead local authority) for press/media liaison. Provide information on the Police response to be incorporated into multi-agency media releases. Summary of Actions: On-Scene Consider public information on and around the scene see Annex A for suggestions. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 9

11 4.3 London Ambulance Service London Ambulance Service Plan Initiation: This plan is initiated following the declaration of a Radiation Emergency by the LFB on the basis of advice from Scientific Advisors. Notifications: HPA Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (CRCE). NHS London. Host PCT. Receiving hospital(s). Other relevant ambulance and health trusts. Summary of Actions: Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Summary of Actions: On-Scene Provide general advice on radiation to patients. Provide receiving hospitals with interim advice to give patients and their loved ones, ensure these are consistent with the multiagency messages (see Annex A for suggestions). Provide link into and from the Scientific and Technical Advice Cell (STAC) if established. Consider activation of the London Resilience Gold Comms Group via the First Alert system / fastest finger first principle. Provide information on the LAS response to be incorporated into multi-agency media releases. Consider public information on and around the scene see Annex A for suggestions. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 10

12 4.4 Local Authorities & London Local Authority Gold (LLAG) Local Authorities & LLAG Plan Initiation: This plan is initiated following the declaration of a Radiation Emergency by the LFB on the basis of advice from Scientific Advisors. Local Authorities Notifications: Sensitive Centres of Population groups / gatherings of people who would be most vulnerable in an incident because of one or more of the following reasons: o o o They are more sensitive to the hazard e.g. due to pre-existing medical conditions; They are less able to take evasive action in an incident, due to an inability to perceive the risk and/or a dependence on others; Large numbers of people (mass gatherings). Vulnerable groups. The London Local Authority Coordination Centre (LLACC) Duty Manager. Voluntary agencies (if appropriate). Elected Members as required (e.g. Council Leader, Councillors for affected wards). London Councils Press Office. Summary of Actions: Borough Emergency Control Centre (BECC) Support the Police in establishing a media centre. Activate press/media emergency engagement arrangements and use lines of public and media communications to distribute information. Provide information, advice and support to those affected by the incident utilising humanitarian assistance arrangements as required. Consider activation of the London Humanitarian Assistance Plan as a means to provide information and support to those affected by the incident. London Local Authority Gold (LLAG) Notifications: Duty LLACC Manager. All London local authorities (via LLACC). Summary of Actions: Attend strategic co-ordination meetings as required. Ensure local authority representation in media centre to ensure that messages from local authorities are consistent. Via London Councils Press Office consider activation of the London Resilience Gold Comms Group via the First Alert system / fastest finger first principle. Keep local authorities informed of current public comms strategy. Provide local authorities with information from the strategic coordination meetings upon which they can base local messages. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 11

13 4.5 Health Protection Agency Health Protection Agency (HPA) Plan Initiation: This plan is initiated following the declaration of a Radiation Emergency by the LFB on the basis of advice from Scientific Advisors. Notifications: Regional Health Emergency Planning Advisor. Host and surrounding PCTs. Summary of Actions: Provide public health advice concerning the radiological implications of the emergency, in particular the applicability of urgent countermeasures to be disseminated by all agencies to the public (see Annex A for suggestions). Consider activation of the London Resilience Gold Comms Group via the First Alert system / fastest finger first principle. HPA to liaise with the Food Standards Agency for any advice on food safety. If necessary establish an Emergency Operations Centre at its headquarters. Undertake the co-ordination of monitoring resources of the HPA and of those made available to the HPA by other organisations. As necessary and as resources allow, deploy environmental and personal monitoring assets to assist with the radiological assessment of the emergency (and hence information provided). Provide senior representatives with support teams to the strategic co-ordination meetings and in particular representatives to the Scientific and Technical Advice Cell (STAC) and Recovery Working Group (RWG). Provide a senior media spokesperson with support team to assist in the dissemination of information. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 12

14 4.6 Environment Agency Environment Agency Plan Initiation: Notifications: Summary of Actions: This plan is initiated following the declaration of a Radiation Emergency by the LFB on the basis of advice from Scientific Advisors. None. The Environment Agency operates a radiation emergency response via our emergency number A Radioactive Substances Regulation Duty Officer will coordinate our response in conjunction with specialist radiation staff, local officers, media and press officers etc. We will provide information to the public and the media, in consultation with the Lead Department and the strategic command at the off site facility (if applicable). Information we provide could include: Radiological aspects of environmental contamination. Appropriate disposal of radioactive wastes. Breaches of a site operator s authorisation, where relevant. Relevant regulatory investigations in accordance with EA statutory duties. Provide link into and from the Scientific and Technical Advice Cell (STAC) if established. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 13

15 4.7 Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence (MoD) Plan Initiation: This plan is initiated following the declaration of a Radiation Emergency by the LFB on the basis of advice from Scientific Advisors. Civil Incident Notifications: Specialist advice and monitoring capabilities if requested by the strategic co-ordination meetings or government. Summary of Actions: Provide support to the information response (technical and scientific information gathering etc) if / when requested. Incident Involving Special Nuclear Material Notifications: Police Central Command Complex. Summary of Actions: Provide support to the information response (technical and scientific information gathering etc) if / when requested. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 14

16 4.8 London Resilience Team London Resilience Team (LRT) Plan Initiation: This plan is initiated following the declaration of a Radiation Emergency by the LFB on the basis of advice from Scientific Advisors. Notifications: Government Liaison Team at DCLG. GLA Communications and Media Team. Through GLA Comms and Media Team, consider activation of the London Resilience Gold Comms Group via the First Alert system / fastest finger first principle. Mayor of London. Summary of Actions: Refer to London Command and Control Protocol. Liaise with the Mayor s Press Office to provide support to the Mayor in his role as the Voice of London. Ensure information on the London Prepared website provided by partners is kept current. Support the activation of the London Humanitarian Assistance Plan (if activated) to provide information and support to those affected by the incident. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 15

17 4.9 Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) DCLG Plan Initiation: This plan is initiated following the declaration of a Radiation Emergency by the LFB on the basis of advice from Scientific Advisors. Notifications: Minsters. Government departments. Greater London Authority (GLA). London Resilience Team (LRT). London Category 1 and 2 Responders. Summary of Actions: Provide strategic situation reports for strategic co-ordination meetings in order to support local response efforts and contribute as appropriate to the regional / national appreciation of the situation. Establish and maintain immediate lines of communication with the Lead Government Department and the Cabinet Office. As part of this process, agree the level and frequency of on-going reporting requirements including providing the strategic situation report to the Lead Government Department. This is copied to the Cabinet Office and any other departments with a significant interest. Provide a focal point for the collection and collation of information on the situation; a point of contact for local responders. Act as a single point of contact for the Cabinet Office during a major emergency. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 16

18 5. How the information is produced and disseminated 5.1 Mechanism for co-ordination of information production and dissemination Assimilation and production of information The scientific and technical advisers would agree the technical aspects of the messages. This may come from a Science & Technical Advice Cell (STAC), if it is formed. Agencies who may be involved in the providing this information include: Health Protection Agency (HPA) London Ambulance Service (LAS) Local Authorities Environment Agency Ministry of Defence Food Standards Agency (FSA) Animal Health Annex A contains draft interim/holding statements that may be used in the immediacy of the incident, and further information on public health advice that may be of assistance in producing information to be shared with the public Media Cell The Media Cell will be set up by the Police with support from the Local Authority where the incident is taking place. The Media Cell would produce the advice for strategic co-ordination meetings on: Key top line messages Information dissemination strategy Lead agencies London Media Emergency Plan and London Resilience Gold Communications Group The London Media Emergency Plan provides the framework within which the London Resilience Gold Communication Group operates. It details the protocols for dealing with a large scale major incident, establishment of a media centre, accreditation of the media, a protocol for public information, the role of the Mayor and London Councils, and the protocol for website information, including London Prepared. The London Resilience Gold Communication Group is made up of a core membership that represents London Category 1 Responders. Others can be seconded on to the group as necessary to give advice about dealing with a particular incident or event. In the event of a major incident or significant event or crisis, the group employs a First Alert system to ensure a quick and coordinated communications response. Alerting the group is on the fastest finger first principle i.e. any member organisations can alert the rest of the group. When the alert is triggered the Cabinet Office will ensure that the relevant lead government department is alerted and London Councils will ensure that relevant local authorities are notified. Once the group is alerted, a conference call can be immediately convened between the members. This is then followed up by further conference calls or meetings with the respective heads of communication. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 17

19 The group will consider the broad strategic communication issues that need to be tackled over the coming hours and days. This ensures that there is a co-ordinated approach to media and communication issues impacting on all the blue light services, other agencies, local and central Government. The press officer from the lead emergency service/agency takes part in these discussions and is then able to feedback into the operational Gold Group meetings with updates and actions as appropriate. The Group does not deal with the tactical or operational issues impacting on the incident, which are dealt with by the lead agency Strategic co-ordination meetings With input from the Media Cell and the scientific and technical advisors (via STAC if established), the strategic co-ordination meetings would agree: Key top line messages Media and information dissemination strategy Lead agency(s) The Mayor of London s role in supporting the response Lead agencies Type of Information Incident information away from scene Incident information on scene Public health information Community information Lead The Police with other responders LFB with the Police HPA Local Authority V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 18

20 Immediate On-Scene Immediate Around scene Coordinated On-Scene Coordinated Around Scene Coordinated Local/ Regional Coordinated National PROTECT LRF USE ONLY 5.2 Suggested methods for dissemination of information Onscene Local alert system (town centre radios, phone chains, pager alert systems) Going door-to-door with local residents Loud hailer announcement in the street. Media Internet Other systems BBC Connecting in a Crisis (radio/tv/internet) Independent Local/National radio Independent Local/National television Social media/networking Engagement of GNN (via-lrt) Organisational responder websites (Police/LFB/LAS/LA etc.) London Prepared website Cell broadcasting Mass Messaging Platforms Note: On-Scene The area directly affected by the incident. Around Scene The area around the scene that may have been indirectly affected, for example the impact of traffic cordons. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 19

21 5.3 The information to be supplied under the regulations Any information or advice being distributed needs to be tailored to the specific incident type. Inclusion of information that is not relevant to the particular circumstances of the radiation emergency is likely to cause confusion and be counterproductive. Information to be supplied where an incident is likely to occur Where an occurrence which is likely to give rise to a release of radioactivity or ionising radiation has happened but no release has yet taken place, the information and advice should include the following: 1. Instructions to tune in to radio or television and await further advice. 2. Preparatory advice on establishments with particular collective responsibilities. 3. Recommendations to occupational groups particularly affected. Particular groups such as pregnant women and children should be addressed regarding food and drink consumption. Any farms within the area should be given advice about crops and livestock. 4. Information setting out the basic facts about radioactivity and its effects on people and on the environment. Consideration should also be given to instructing the public to remain indoors, to close windows and to turn off ventilation systems. Information to be supplied following an incident The Guidance to the regulations make it clear that the amount of detail which can be provided will depend upon circumstances and that where speed of action is paramount, the information may initially have to be kept to the bare minimum. However, the following information must be provided under the REPPIR Regulations: 1. Information on the incident, including: a) The type of emergency which has occurred. b) The characteristics of the incident for example its origin, extent and probable development. 2. Advice on health protection measures, which depending on the type of emergency, might include: a) Any restriction on the consumption of certain food stuffs will be applied by the Food Standards Agency and similar restrictions on contaminated water supply, by the Environment Agency. b) Any basic rules on hygiene and decontamination. c) Any recommendation to stay indoors. d) The distribution and use of protective substances. e) Any evacuation arrangements. f) Special warnings for certain population groups. 3. Any announcements recommending co-operation with instructions or requests by the competent authorities. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 20

22 ANNEXES V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 21

23 Annex A: Draft Information Material The information and guidance provided in Annex A should be reviewed when advice is being issued to the public to ensure that they are provided with as much accurate information as possible, at the time of dissemination. A.1. Draft Holding Statement: Initial Public Health Message Prior to the Scientific Advisor being able to determine if there is a radiation incident the following message may be used as a draft holding statement to reassure the public that the incident is being dealt with. If further information is available at the time of disseminating this message then it should be included. The following sections of Annex A provide more detailed advice that may be able to be utilised at this stage. This advice should be reviewed and tailored to the type of incident that occurs, prior to being disseminated to the public. Note that any countermeasures (e.g. sheltering) must come from a suitable source on the day either the emergency plan for that radioactive facility or the relevant authority. RADIATION INCIDENTS All messages should be prefixed with the following statement: This is an important public health message Emergency services are dealing with an incident involving a possible radioactive source at [INSERT LOCATION]. The emergency services are equipped with sensitive radiation detection instruments and are determining the type of incident and the possible hazard area. [Include any relevant public protection advice/countermeasure information. This will be provided in the relevant emergency plan for the radioactive source, if available. If this is not available advice will be provided by the multi-agency command and control mechanisms particular to the incident in hand]. Local radio and media are supporting the authorities in disseminating updates and further information. [The emergency services are managing people affected by the incident. Anybody outside the immediate area who thinks their health may have been affected by the incident and who wishes to seek medical advice should either call NHS Direct on or contact their local GP.] Message ends. Note: [wording in grey shading needs to be tailored to the incident]. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 22

24 A.2. General Public Information Information on the type of emergency and where possible its characteristics should be disseminated once this information is established. This may include: Any mitigation measures? (what countermeasures are in place) How will people know if they have been affected? How many people and how large an area could be affected? What are the emergency services doing to make it safe? How could it affect the public? What is its form (i.e. solid, powder, liquid, gas)? If time permits information setting out the basic facts about radioactivity and its effects on people and the environment could be supplied. Preparation of a simple fact sheet describing the properties and effects of radiation including links to useful websites for more information may be useful. Under emergency circumstances, distribution of this background information may not be a priority, but as time passes and if the pressure eases, this should be considered. Any announcements recommending co-operation with instructions or requests by the competent authorities should be clear that advice, though not compulsory is authoritative and is in their interests to follow. Announcements should indicate that the advice is the best available and has the support of a number of bodies. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 23

25 A.3. Generic Health Protection Measures Item Source of advice Affected zone Non affected zone Restrictions on consumption of certain foodstuffs FSA advice given in conjunction with HPA and DEFRA Early restrictions on milk, leaf vegetables and fruit may be necessary. Particularly if home grown in gardens or allotments. Some restrictions may be necessary if plume of contamination affects agricultural or food producing areas. Basic rules on hygiene and decontamination HPA Avoid hand to mouth contact. No smoking or eating until further instruction. No precautions unless people are returning from affected zone. Recommendation to stay indoors Strategic Coordination Group Go in, Stay in, Tune in. No restrictions but tune in to receive advice regarding changes in situation. Distribution and use of protective substances Department of Health/ HPA Advice on use of protective substances will be provided depending on the incident. Not necessary. Any evacuation arrangements Police / Home Office / COBR May involve all or part of affected zone. Maybe shelter for evacuees. Special arrangements for certain population groups Local authority and NHS records for the identification of vulnerable persons Need for transport. Liaison with local authorities is required to determine how much transport they have available. None required. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 24

26 A.4. Generic advice to the public following an emergency involving radioactive material This advice should be reviewed and tailored to the type of incident that occurs, prior to being disseminated to the public. Assumption 1: NO CONTAMINATION people in vicinity of high dose rate source Advice: Emergency services are dealing with an incident involving a radioactive source at [INSERT LOCATION]. The emergency services are equipped with sensitive radiation detection instruments and can determine the hazard area. Anybody in [INSERT HAZARD AREA] should leave the area immediately taking with you only essential items (prescription drugs etc.) which may be needed during the next 24 hours. There is no risk of contamination from this incident and once you have followed the guidance of the police you will not be affected by the incident. People located outside [INSERT AREA] will not be significantly affected by the incident but you are advised to go in, stay in and tune in for further information. Assumption 2: CONTAMINATION people living in contaminated zone Advice: Go in, shut doors and windows, switch off air-conditioning, fans, stay in, tune in. If you were indoors at the time of the incident, you will not be contaminated. If caught outside during an event and material is dispersed, the fire brigade are equipped to measure contamination. The ambulance service and fire brigade will provide facilities for the on-site decontamination of the public caught in the immediate vicinity of the incident. Do not leave the scene until decontaminated. Do not attend hospital. If you have left the scene of the event, return home, remove outer clothing, double bag in bin liners and leave outside, have a bath or shower, but do not swallow water from washing head/face. Do not eat, drink or smoke until you have washed. It is safe to consume foods that are sealed or foods that were wrapped before the incident. Do not allow pets outside. Do not hang washing outside. Any laundry already hanging outside at the time of the incident should be rewashed. Do not pick or consume any fruit or vegetables growing outside / in your garden. It is safe to drink tap water. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 25

27 Assumption 3: CONTAMINATION people travelling through contaminated zone but living outside the zone Advice: When you return home, remove outer clothing, double bag in bin liners and leave outside, have a bath or shower, but do not swallow water from washing head/face. Do not eat drink or smoke until you have washed. It is safe to consume foods that are sealed or foods that were wrapped before the incident. It is safe to drink tap water. No other precautions are necessary. Tune in to TV or radio anywhere in the UK to get further advice that you may need. Assumption 4: UNKNOWN CONTAMINATION Advice: Go in, shut doors and windows, switch off air-conditioning, fans, stay in, tune in. If you were indoors at the time of the incident, you will not be contaminated. If caught outside during an event and material is dispersed, the ambulance service and fire brigade are equipped to measure contamination and will provide facilities for the effective on-site decontamination of the public caught in the immediate vicinity of the incident. Do not leave the scene until decontaminated. Do not attend the hospital. If you have left the scene of the event, return home remove outer clothing, double bag in bin liners and leave outside, have a bath or shower, but do not swallow water from washing head/face. Do not eat, drink or smoke until you have washed. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 26

28 Annex B: National Arrangements: NAIR, RADSAFE and RIMNET B.1. National Arrangements for Incidents involving Radioactivity (NAIR) NAIR was set up to protect the public from the hazards present when incidents have arisen from the use and transport of radioactive materials, specifically in situations where no formal contingency plans exist or where existing plans are insufficient. The Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards (CRCE) of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) coordinates the NAIR arrangements. Please note NAIR and RADSAFE (see B.2) share a single alerting telephone number (free phone ). Note that NAIR can only be initiated by the police. NAIR provides quick and widely available assistance to the police and other emergency services where no radiation expert is otherwise available. Assistance is provided in two stages and is drawn from hospitals, the nuclear industry and government departments. Stage 1 assistance is normally provided by a radiation expert, who, with the aid of simple monitoring equipment, can tell whether a hazard exists and advise the police on appropriate action. If necessary, the police will be advised to obtain Stage 2 assistance. Stage 2 assistance provides more sophisticated resources for handling the incident. It normally involves a small team of experts with readily available transport, monitoring and decontamination equipment and special clothing. B.2. RADSAFE RADSAFE is a private company limited by guarantee that offers mutual assistance in the event of a transport accident involving radioactive materials belonging to a RADSAFE member. RADSAFE builds on the good features of the following plans: Nuclear Industries Road/Rail Emergency Plan. Irradiated Fuel Transport Flask Emergency Plan. Scottish Nuclear Limited Irradiated Fuel Transport Flask Emergency Plan. The purpose of RADSAFE is to provide expert assistance to the emergency services following an incident involving the transport of radioactive material by: Providing early information to the emergency services at the scene of the event. Responding to the event with technical support within a target time. Establishing clear responsibility for clean up of the event. Establishing 24 hour notification telephone number (free phone ). Establishing communication route for expert advice, technical support. Establishing a framework for media support. Providing consignment owner site support. B.3. Radioactive Incident Monitoring Network (RIMNET) RIMNET provides a nationwide gamma radiation monitoring network for use in the event of an unannounced overseas nuclear radiation emergency. The system monitors airborne radioactive material in the atmosphere from ninety-five sites, the majority of which are located at Met Office observation sites, throughout the UK. The monitor instruments are polled automatically every hour using BT lines and the information is passed to the Central Database Facility. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 27

29 The arrival of airborne radioactive materials within the UK would be detected by the network of RIMNET monitors. Automatic alarms would alert the RIMNET Duty Officer of all abnormal readings. The passage of a radioactive cloud would be indicated on maps maintained within RIMNET s emergency toolkit and information management systems. There will be regular downloads of the data and information describing the latest situation prepared by the Government and distributed through RIMNET to local authorities. This information would be continuously updated during an incident, and would be used to assist in decision making and supply of public information and advice. RIMNET is also available for use during the response to domestic nuclear accidents for reassurance monitoring across the whole of the UK. In the event of an overseas accident, and if it is considered that there could be a significant radiological threat to the UK, a national Technical Co-ordination Centre (TCC) would be opened from where DECC would co-ordinate the national response. Many Government Departments are represented at the TCC and meteorological advice is made available from the Met Office. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 28

30 Annex C: Role of Central Government Departments The following organisations and agencies may be required if a radiation incident required a national response either because: A local incident deteriorates beyond the capacity of the local level response The incident is immediacy of the scale of a national incident The incident arose from a foreign incident C.1. Responsibility of the lead department The Cabinet Office ensures a lead department (LGD) is nominated in good time to respond to an emergency. The role of the LGD is to: Co-ordinate the activities of central government departments in the response to a disaster ensuring the necessary links are established with the local response. Co-ordinate the collection of information on the disaster and its effects in order to brief Ministers, inform Parliament and provide information to the public and the media at national level. Lead Government Department DECC DEFRA MoD Civil Nuclear Installations in England and Wales Defence Nuclear Installations Defence Nuclear Material in Transit Civil and Radioactive Materials in Transit Nuclear Powered Satellite Accidents Terrorist/criminal incident Involving radioactive material Incident originating outside the United Kingdom Home Office C.2. Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) DECC would be the lead government department in the event of an accident occurring at civil nuclear installations in England or Wales. DECC would set up the Nuclear Emergency Briefing Room (NEBR) in London as soon as possible after being notified of an emergency to provide a focal point within central government for all information on the emergency, for briefing ministers and departments/agencies and for co-ordination of department action. DECC also participates in off site nuclear exercises and contributes to their planning and follow-up. The department would: Liaise closely with other Government Departments, the National Assembly for Wales, agencies and organisations close to the affected site, such as the police, fire service and local authorities, on measures being taken to protect the public and make the site safe again. Be the main source of information from Central Government to the public and media. Be responsible for alerting the International Atomic Energy Agency, the European Commission and various neighbouring countries of the accident. Provide the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, who is responsible to Parliament for civil nuclear safety matters, with briefings on the course of the accident and measures being taken to protect the public. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 29

31 Be responsible for the automatic appointment of a Government Technical Advisor (GTA) from Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) to advise the Police and Emergency Services on measures to protect the public. Government Technical Advisor (GTA) DECC, as lead government department has processes in place which would automatically appoint a GTA on declaration of an off-site nuclear emergency. This role involves the GTA establishing and maintaining effective liaison with all the relevant agencies and organisations involved and be in a position to take an overview of local information and expert advice relating to the emergency. The duties and responsibilities are as follows: Provide independent and authoritative expert advice to police and other authorities handling the off-site response to the emergency on all matters relating to: o o o The appropriate countermeasures off-site to protect the public and the personnel of the various agencies involved. The course of the emergency on-site and its effect on the environment beyond the site. The end of the on-site emergency and the return to normality off-site. At media briefings to provide, where necessary, an authoritative response on behalf of the government. To ensure (principally through the Government Liaison Officer (GLO) that the lead government department is kept fully informed on all matters relating to the emergency including action taken to protect the public, the environmental consequences and the prevailing situation at any time. C.3. Radioactive Materials Transport Team (RMTT) The RMTT of the ONR/DfT act as Competent Authority for the land transport of civil radioactive material in Great Britain. In the event of an accident involving the transport of radioactive material the consignor or carrier has a responsibility to notify RMTT of the event. RMTT should be consulted regarding the onward transport of radioactive material if it has been released or the transport packages may have been damaged. C.4. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) DEFRA has statutory responsibilities for protecting animal welfare and minimising the impact of emergencies on food production, fishing and farming. A prime responsibility of DEFRA in a nuclear emergency would be to protect welfare and to minimise the impact of the emergency on food production, farming and fishing industries. In addition to carrying out these responsibilities, DEFRA has a formal agreement with the Food Standards Agency to provide support to the Food Standard Agency s response. Nuclear Emergency in the UK: DEFRA s Radioactive Substances Division (RAS) has well established procedures to follow upon receipt of notification of an incident. This includes maintaining a Nuclear Incident Room (NIR) that combined with 24 hour duty officers. Upon receipt of notification RAS would contact the EA, as appropriate and would activate the Environment Operations Centre (EOC) in the RIMNET Technical Co-ordination Centre wherein RAS and EA staff would respond to ad hoc requests for technical advice, information and contributions to Ministerial briefing. It would also activate RIMNET and send a representative to the Nuclear Emergency Briefing Room (NEBR) if required. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 30

32 In the longer term, advice on clean up operations would be provided by the relevant environment agency. Questions concerning drinking water supplies will be dealt with directly between DEFRA and the water companies. Nuclear Emergency Overseas: DEFRA is the lead government department for co-ordinating the response to an overseas nuclear emergency. The UK has signed a number of international agreements covering exchange of information in the event of a nuclear emergency. DEFRA is the contact point for inward notifications under these arrangements. The National Response Plan, implemented by RAS with support EA provides arrangements for dealing with an emergency. This includes RAS maintaining contact arrangements and duty officers that ensure the UK can be notified of an emergency at any time. RAS has well established procedures including the notification and alert of organisations within the UK with responsibilities for dealing with an overseas nuclear accident. It maintains the Technical Co-ordination Centre and Information Centre within DEFRA HQ building in London, containing the equipment requited for management of the response. C.5. Ministry of Defence (MoD) The MoD is the pre-designated lead department for co-ordinating the central government response to any defence nuclear accident. The MoD Nuclear Accident Response Organisation (NARO) would be generated if an accident were to occur, it would comprise elements drawn from across the department. In addition, the MoD has agreed to provide mapping and monitoring resources on a mutual aid basis in the event of a civil nuclear accident in the UK. It might also provide unarmed military assistance to the civil authorities under Military Aid to Civil Communities (MACC). In such a case, the military would be deployed in a supporting capacity as responsibility for dealing with the emergency would lie with the civil authorities. C.6. Environment Agency (EA) The Environment Agency has a broad role under the Environment Act 1995 to protect and enhance the environment as a whole in England and Wales. In the case of an emergency at a civil nuclear site, these responsibilities comprise some that are statutory, where there may be a breach of a law which the Agency is responsible for enforcing, and others that are operational, where the Agency effectively acts on behalf of or in support of DEFRA. The Agency s broader responsibilities including fisheries, conservation, water resources, waste regulation and water quality could come into play at some stage during the early response or during the short to long-term remediation. More extensive statutory powers could be involved if an incident also involved significant chemical contamination. The Environment Agency will: Investigate and/or assess the situation to ensure protection of members of the public and the environment. Provide advice on radiological aspects of environmental contamination to our partners and other organisations. Provide Environment Agency representatives who have specialist knowledge of radioactive substances at the necessary command and support centres, including Police Strategic Coordinating Centre and DECC Nuclear Emergency Briefing Room (NEBR). Arrange environmental monitoring and sampling as required by our contractors. V3.1 September 2012 PROTECT LRF USE ONLY Page 31