Home | Living | Emergency planning | Hazardous materials

Hazardous materials

Hazardous materials are substances that, because of their chemical nature, pose a potential risk to the environment if they are released. Hazards can exist during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. Usually, there is nothing to worry about but just in case, you should know what to do if a hazardous incident occurs.

• If you witness (or smell) a hazardous materials accident, call 999 as soon as safely possible. Please remember not to switch on your mobile phone if you think you are standing near flammable gas.
• Stay away from the incident site to minimise the risk of contamination.
• If you are in a car, stop and seek shelter in a permanent building if possible. If you must remain in your car, keep windows and vents closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater.
• If asked to evacuate your home, do so immediately. See our section on evacuation. Always follow the advice of the emergency services. If evacuation is going to be necessary after shelter, the emergency services and local authority will organise it for you.
• If requested to shelter, do so. See our section on shelter. If you live in the public information zone around a regulated site read the information provided to you.

If you were very near a possible radiation or toxic chemical release and you think you have become contaminated, wait for the emergency services. They will provide decontamination facilities. This will include asking you to remove any contaminated clothing and showering in portable shower units. Replacement clean and dry clothing will then be provided.

Don’t leave the scene or take yourself to hospital if you think you are contaminated. Wait for specialist advice.