Chemical and radiation emergencies

​​The response to chemical or radiation emergencies involves many agencies. NSW Health works in partnership with these agencies to protect people’s health.

NSW Health provides pre-hospital and hospital care, mental health support and preventive health advice and information. NSW Health is prepared to quickly assess the potential health impacts of chemical and radiation emergencies so that appropriate action may be taken to protect health. Some chemical or radiation emergencies have no potential to harm human health. Others may cause immediate health effects or health effects that develop over time.

Community resources

• Shelter in place
• Chemicals or other harmful substances health risk assessment
• Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS)
• Personal Cleaning and Disposal of Contaminated Clothing

Chemical

• Australian Clinical Guidelines for Acute Exposures to Chemical Agents of Health Concern: A Guide for the Emergency Department Staff
• Compendium of Chemical Hazards - Health Protection Agency (UK)
• Chemicals of Security Concern
• Incident Notification Form
  

Radiation

• Guide for Radiation Protection in Emergency Exposure Situations (2019) - Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
• Guidelines for Iodine Prophylaxis following Nuclear Accidents - World Health Organisation
• Radiation Information - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA)
• Generic Procedures for Medical Response During a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency - International Atomic Energy Agency
• The Medical Aspects Of Radiation Incidents Handbook - The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site
• TMT Handbook (Triage, Monitoring and Treatment)

Other resources

• Blast Injuries and Information - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA)
• Hazardous materials emergency sub plan - NSW Government
• Health Aspects of Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) Hazards – Emergency Management Australia