First indications
that a chemical/biological substance may have been received
may include:
· A suspicious letter or package
· A strong smell/noxious fumes
· Groups of people experiencing sudden skin blisters
If you receive a suspicious/ package
through the post:
· Do not touch the package further
· Do not shake or empty the contents of the package
· Do not attempt to clear up any spillage/suspicious powder
· Shut all windows and doors in the room · Arrange for the
air conditioning systems to be shut down
· Notify the building co-ordinator - DO NOT REMOVE THE PACKAGE
TO ANY OTHER LOCATIONS
In addition to the above, consider
the following action if any material may have been released
in the building:
· Close all fire doors
· Close all windows in the rest of the building|
· In the event of any suspected biological contamination,
personnel other than those in the room in which the suspected
package has been discovered should be evacuated as soon as
possible. Then individuals in the contaminated room should
be evacuated to an adjacent unoccupied room away from the
hazard. The names of those in the room or area where the suspicious
package was found should be handed to the building co-ordinator,
who will pass it to the local public health authorities and
the police.
· Where possible, suspected contaminated persons should shower
with copious soap and water, and clothing should be discarded.
· In chemical incidents there may be a requirement to leave
the room as quickly as possible. This will be apparent if
for example exposed people immediately develop unexplained
symptoms, which may include skin irritation, streaming eyes.
Persons exposed to chemical/biological
material:
· Remain calm
· Do not touch any part of your face, or any other part of
your body
· Wash hands in soapy water. Where possible, shower with copious
soap and water, and discard clothing. These should be placed
in a sealed container and handed to the emergency services.
DO NOT USE BLEACH OR OTHER DISINFECTANT on your skin.
· Keep all persons finding and exposed to the material separate
from others and available for medical attention
· Other people should assemble at a safe distance from the
incident and continue to be guided by the police and other
emergency services
Symptom
of Anthrax :
· Symptoms develop between one and seven days after exposure,
but prolonged period of up to 60 days is possible
· Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal
system or, more rarely, the lungs
· Early treatment with the appropriate antibiotics can prevent
disease developing after exposure.
· Anthrax cannot be spread from one person to another.
· Skin - first the exposed skin itches, then a large boil-like
sore appears. The sore becomes a black scab. If not treated,
the infection can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream
· Gastro-intestinal - symptoms include fever, pain in the
abdomen, loose watery bowel movements and blood in vomit
· Inhalation - initially cold or flu-type symptoms will develop.
These may get worse, resulting in serious breathing problems.
Disclaimer: The contents of this section are
based on the experience, practice and reading knowledge of
our readers.Nilacharal is NOT responsible for the authenticity
of the contents.
