epr-method (2003) - IAEA Publications - International Atomic Energy ...

Transport
Description
An emergency involving radioactive material being transported in accordance with international standards [24].
Potential hazards
For package types shown in Figure A7-1 with a medium and medium to high hazard level, there is a small possibility
of: 1) a release resulting in an inhalation hazard near the source, 2) contamination that is hazardous if ingested and 3)
hazardous levels of external exposure from being near the accident for an extended time. Fire fighters are generally
equipped with protective clothing and respiratory protection equipment, which provides good protection against
radioactive contamination and inhalation of airborne radioactive material. Being in the vicinity of the material for a
short period (e.g. to conduct life saving) should not be hazardous. There have been no reported transport emergencies
involving radioactive material that have had serious radiological consequences [16].
Emergency response
Carrier (See Ref. [16]):
— Perform life saving measures and provide first aid for serious injuries immediately, before
conducting radiological monitoring.
— Keep people away from the emergency scene and implement other actions in carrier response
guidance.
— Call local emergency response services.
— Operate under the ICS incident commander.
Incident commander (lead first responder local official):
— Observe from a distance and assess all possible hazards.
— Approach from upwind or use respiratory protection if possible and ensure those approaching
scene take action to prevent inadvertent ingestion of contamination (e.g. wear gloves, do not
smoke- or eat).
— Take life saving and first aid action immediately, before conducting monitoring.
— Control fires and other consequences that are an immediate threat to life.
— Obtain radiological assessment assistance to co-ordinate radiological response in accordance with
Ref. [11].
— Obtain emergency medical assistance to co-ordinate the medical response.
— If the emergency receives media or public attention obtain public information officer (see Element
A9.1) 90 to keep the public informed.
— Establish an inner-cordoned area (safety distance) in accordance with Appendix 5 (Table A5-I).
— Arrange to transport seriously injured people to local medical facility. If they may be contaminated,
wrap them in a blanket to control the spread of contamination. Tell those transporting the victim
and the receiving medical facility that the person may be contaminated and that the risk to those
treating such a patient is negligible but care should be taken to prevent inadvertent ingestion of
contamination.
— Gather potentially exposed or contaminated people, who are not seriously injured, in a safe location
(victim assembly point) to: register them, give them a medical and radiological evaluation (triage)
and arrange for their treatment.
— Activate response using the ICS (see Appendix 13) co-ordinated under an incident commander
near the scene. Establish the incident command post upwind 91 , at a safe distance and in a secure
area.
90 If the public announcement is delayed, prepare public information and a spokesperson to be used when the news of
the emergency reaches the media and public.
91 Wind direction is often variable, especially in an urban area; thus, this is a secondary concern.
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