CHEMICAL BIOHAZARD TRAINING

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CHEMICAL / BIOHAZARD TRAINING

• PHILIP BOLLEY
• UNISON CONVENOR
• 25 NOVEMBER 2003

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AIMS

• To state Unisons high level of concern on the
  present level of preparation for a chemical /
  biohazard incident.
• To give staff the necessary tools and information
  to provide a prepared and timely response to
  chemical incidents.
• To minimise injury to staff, causalities and the
  public.

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THREATS

• WAR ON TERROR
• AL- QAEDA

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3 QUESTIONS

• Would you choose to be involved in a chemical
  incident?
• If you were involved would you want to be
  protected or non protected?
• Would you want to be familiar or non familiar
  with the equipment?

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WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING IT HAPPEN?

• Chief Executives of Health Authorities and Trusts
  are responsible for ensuring their organisation
  has robust arrangements for responding to a major
  incident.

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Recent pole of AE staff

• Do you feel prepared to respond to a chemical or
  biohazard incident?
• Are you familiar and confident to use chemical
  and biohazard protective equipment?
• Do you feel there is a visible commitment from
  the Trust on this issue?

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RESULTS
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BASIC RIGHTS AT WORK

• All workers have the right to refuse to work in a
  hazardous working environment.
• All workers have the right to safe systems of
  work. All employers have the duty to devise,
  provide maintain and regularly update safe
  systems of work.
• All workers in contact with hazardous materials
  have the right to instruction and practical
  training regarding management of the hazard.

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Proposals

• Establish a core team of staff highly proficient
  in all aspects of chemical incident training.
• Adequately fund time for training.
• Retainer fee should be considered.

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Summary

• Ambulance service is the gateway to other NHS
  services.
• Staff and Unison are of the opinion that the
  Trust is not in a position to manage a major
  chemical biohazard incident.