|
The NLD DP program also includes three exercises: a chemical
weapons tabletop, a biological weapons tabletop, and a chemical
weapons full-scale exercise. These exercises allow participants
to test their knowledge and training as well as increase the
overall preparedness of responders across the jurisdiction.
FEMA independently offers the following information (Contact
the training officer in your state Training Office of Emergency
Services for information on course schedules and application
procedures. A list of offices and contact information is located
at www.fema.gov/emi/sttrgo.htm.)
- Course
materials on WMD and preparedness and response for terrorist
incidents that can be downloaded from www.fema.gov/mi/temng.htm.
- A
terrorism consequence management course at its Mount Weather
Emergency Assistance Center.
- Information
on the incident command system training conducted by each
state Training Office of Emergency Services. Visit www.fema.gov/emi/nrcrs.htm
for details.
- In
conjunction with the National Fire Academy, an independent
study course in emergency response to terrorism, located at
www.fema.gov/emi.crslist.htm.
Resources.
LEPCs seeking assistance in terrorism-related emergency planning
should begin with their SERCs. The SERC can direct LEPCs to
appropriate assistance at the national and state level, and
may be able to facilitate LEPCs in a given region working together
to address possible terrorist activities. Many Federal agencies
are involved in some aspect of counter-terrorism. Many of these
agencies support websites. Because of the continual changes
in the world of CT, however, many web-sites become outdated
or are even discontinued without warn-ing. Therefore, LEPCs
should consult EPA’s Chemical Emergency Preparedness and
Prevention Office (CEPPO) website at www.epa.gov/ceppo/cntr-ter.html.
This address is updated every two months and includes the latest
links to the following information: Federal departments and
agencies, health and medical, technical information and resources,
and international sources.
For
more information, visit www.jacksonlewis.com;
E-mail info@jacksonlewis.com;
or call 800, 648-2551.
TERRORISM
IN THE AIR: EVALUATING AND RE-SPONDING TO THE THREAT OF AIRBORNE
CON-TAMINANTS IN THE WORKPLACE
In cooperation with the newly formed Federal Office of Homeland
Security (OHS), the National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) has published a set of guidelines for the
protection of commercial and governmental build-ings from terrorist
attacks via building ventilation systems. Em-ployers that own
or lease their buildings should be familiar with the information
and recommendations contained in Guidance
|
for
Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological,
or Radiological Attacks.
To address the workplace vulnerabilities revealed by the anthrax
incidents in 2001, the guide focuses on identifying prac-tical,
“real-world recommendations” for relatively immediate
protective action. As a result, building managers now have a
model to follow in developing a comprehensive risk evaluation
and response plan. The objective, however, is not to ensure
the prevention of fatalities and injuries arising from a deliberate
release of chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) contaminants,
which the guide recognizes is an impossible task. Rather, the
guide focuses on deterrence through “hardening”
strategies designed to transform buildings into less attractive
targets. The guide identifies three categories of these deterrents:
- those
that increase the difficulty of introducing a CBR agent into
a building’s environment;
-
those that increase the opportunity to detect terrorists before
they carry out the release of a CBR agent;
- those
that enhance the opportunity or ability, through mechanical
or procedural measures, to mitigate the effect of a CBR release.
The crucial first stage for achieving these deterrents before
any remedial measures are taken is to “know your building.”
Depending on the actual nature, age, operational requirements,
and condition of a particular system, what seems an “obvious”
solution may have disastrous results. Therefore, the guide advises
building managers to conduct a thorough review of building
system design and operations. This process should include a
planned walk-through inspection of all relevant systems, starting
with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system,
and including the fire protection and other life-safety systems.
The purpose is to establish a baseline understanding of the
actual condition and function of the equipment, as opposed to
relying on schematics and other records that may be out-of-date
or simply inaccurate. The guide includes a list of considerations
as examples of the nature of information that should be gathered.
Once the building manager has established the necessary baseline
understanding of the building systems, the manager may proceed
with consideration of the guide’s “specific recommendations,”
which are organized into four general topics:
Things
To Not Do. This section provides general guidance as
to remedies that will likely do more harm than good, such as
permanently sealing outdoor air intake vents.
Physical
Security. This section addresses options for reducing
unauthorized access to system features that can be exploited
to release CBR agents into a building’s atmosphere. Topics
include methods to ensure controlled access to mechanical rooms,
practical techniques for relocating or redesigning vents and
outlets
|
