September 2006
New Emergency Response Protocol For Potentially Serious Pollution Incidents
A new emergency response protocol was agreed last week to cover potentially serious pollution incidents.
This recognises that there is a need for joint action by the Environment Agency and the Fire and Rescue Service.
It highlights that the Fire and Rescue Service is usually first on the scene at potential pollution incidents and that the action they take is often crucial in preventing or mitigating environmental damage. Preventing pollution, such as fire fighting water run off, entering water courses is crucial since the damage caused can be significant if mitigating action is not taken at the earliest possible time.
The new emergency protocol is intended to strengthen the relationship, by building on existing education and training programs, encouraging the development of local working agreements and pollution response plans. It will also aid in the development of a number of key initiatives including a scheme to supply pollution equipment to the Fire and Rescue Service.
The new protocol was developed in partnership with the English and Welsh Local Government Associations (the umbrella organisations for local councils that fund fire and rescue services) and representatives from the Chief Fire Officers Association and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Fire Services.
It sets out the roles and responsibilities of each body during and after an emergency, ensuring the Fire and Rescue Service’s primary role of protecting people is not compromised, while every practical step is taken to reduce environmental damage.
The protocol covers:
- the environmental impacts of pollution incidents,
- strategic planning,
- flood risk management,
- information exchange and advice.
Additionally, it encourages the use and sharing of specialist equipment such as high-volume pumps used during flooding, and the development of the Environment Agency’s scheme to supply Pollution Equipment to the Fire and Rescue Service.
Emergency response equipment has now been provided to all Fire and Rescue Services.
Two types of equipment are provided:
A "Grab Pack" carried on the front line fire, has:
- a disposable clay drain sealing mat,
- ready mixed sealing putty (to promptly seal leaking drums and containers),
- oil absorbent pads,
- 10m poly-boom (used to contain spill or contaminated run-off),
- plastic waste bags,
- pop up pool (to collect liquid from leaking bulk storage tank or decontamination run-off from fire-fighters receiving wash-down).
Specialist Equipment deployed on an incident support vehicle, including:
- overpack drums (come in various sizes to contain leaking drums),
- large self-erecting pools (100-250 litres),
- flexi-tanks (6,000 litres),
- 100m poly-boom,
- inflatable pipe blockers (rubber pneumatic devices to stop containment run-off into water),
- water turbine pumps,
- chemical absorbent pads,
- river booms (used to contain spill or contaminated run-off from spreading in water).
Improved response to incidents such as road traffic collisions involving tankers will help prevent oil, petrol, milk, beer and other liquids entering and polluting rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. If left uncontrolled, the effects of these types spills can be widespread and the clean up costs substantial.
The Environment Agency is working with the Department of Communities and Local Government to produce a Fire and Rescue Manual on Environmental Protection. This will be used when teaching new recruits and updating the knowledge and training of experienced officers. The manual is due to be completed this autumn.
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