Advice - Chemical Accidents, Toxic Fumes and Smoke

Hazardous materials form part of our everyday lives, from industrial chemicals to household detergents. They are substances that pose a risk due to their chemical nature.

If you witness a hazardous material accident, call 999 immediately. Stay away from the incident site to minimise the risk of contamination. If you think you may have been contaminated, wait for the emergency services who will provide decontamination facilities.

During these types of incidents you should:

• Stay indoors until you are advised to leave by the emergency services, bring pets indoors.
• Close all doors and windows and block obvious vents. Remember to unblock before switching equipment on again.
• Tune into local radio and/or television and listen for local announcements.
• Switch off air conditioning, ventilation units and fans, both inside a building or car.
• Extinguish all naked flames.
• Be prepared you may need to be evacuated. Get an overnight bag ready and follow the advice of the emergency services. If you are evacuated the council will organise shelter for you.
• Keep telephone calls to a minimum to avoid overloading the system.
• Do not collect children from school. They will be looked after.