A chemical accident is called Chemical accident / EMERCOM of Russia a large release of emergency chemically hazardous substances (AHS) — chlorine, ammonia, prussic acid and others that can harm people's lives and health, pollute soil and water bodies.
There is a possibility of such an incident in any production that uses hazardous reagents. Problems may arise due to damage to the pipeline or storage, as well as during the transportation of goods. So it's better to know in advance how to act in case of an accident.
Find out if there are factories with large reserves of chlorine, ammonia, prussic acid, phosgene, sulfurous anhydride near your place of residence or work. It can Chemical accident / EMERCOM of Russia be:
If there is something similar nearby, just in case, purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for respiratory organs ‑ a civilian gas mask or a gas—proof respirator. For example, RPG‑67.
Before buying, make sure that the selected product is suitable for protection against AHS. Read the description and look for whether the filter of the selected PPE can cope, for example, with vapors of chlorine or ammonia.
If this happens, you will hear a warning signal to the population "Attention everyone!" — the howl of a siren. Intermittent beeps of the enterprise responsible for the emergency should also sound.
Get home as soon as possible, turn on the radio or TV: information about the accident and recommended actions will be transmitted through these means of communication. You may also receive an SMS message from the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
To ensure security, do the following:
If you stay in the infected area, close the windows and doors, ventilation openings and chimneys tightly. Seal the cracks with paper or tape. Some chemicals are heavier than air — for example, chlorine or hydrogen sulfide will penetrate Actions of the population in case of accidents at chemically hazardous facilities / EMERCOM of Russia to basements and lower floors of buildings. Therefore, try to hide with the neighbors above.
If during the accident you were far from your home and no one needs help there, evacuate immediately. Leave quickly, but without panic Actions of the population in case of accidents at chemically hazardous facilities / EMERCOM of Russia from the zone of possible infection.
Move perpendicular to the direction of the wind and do not stop until you are at least 1.5 kilometers away from the previous place of stay. It's about a 15-20 minute walk.
During evacuation, try not to lean against buildings and do not touch objects, do not step on puddles of liquid or powder placers encountered on the way. Listen to the radio on the way: they can tell you where it will be safer now and when you can go back.
In addition to official data, you can navigate by your feelings. Most likely, you are in danger if:
1. There was a sharp unusual smell . You may feel that there is a strong smell of bleach or cat urine (ammonia), bitter almonds (prussic acid), rotten eggs (hydrogen sulfide), rotten fruit, rotten foliage or wet hay (phosgene).
The smell will not necessarily be exactly as described, but if it is sharp and has no obvious reason, it is a reason to be wary.
2. You can see how the punctured container "smokes". This can be observed right at the scene of an accident, for example, if the chlorine tank was damaged during transportation. You can not approach such objects closer than 200 meters, so try to leave the danger zone as soon as possible.
3. You have symptoms of poisoning. Poisoning with chemicals is indicated by Actions of the population in case of accidents at chemically hazardous facilities / EMERCOM of Russia the following signs:
If you feel something like this, try to leave the infected place as soon as possible.
If you or another person is poisoned by chemicals, first of all you need to stop their exposure. That is, to go a sufficient distance from the source of danger or, if this is not possible, lock yourself at home and seal the room.
Call an ambulance, and while waiting for help, do Chemical accident / EMERCOM of Russia the following:
Before the official announcement that the danger has passed, refrain from drinking tap water.
If you live in the private sector, do not eat fruits and vegetables from the garden, meat of livestock and poultry slaughtered after the accident, until the conclusion of their suitability for food.