UK Government’s new decontamination service launched

The UK government has officially launched its new decontamination service. An Executive Agency of Defra, the new service will provide expert advice and guidance and will 'streamline' the ability to decontaminate buildings and the environment after a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident.

Setting up the service is part of the cross-government work to ensure the UK is prepared for a range of emergencies, developed under the CBRN Resilience Programme which is led by the Home Office.

The new service will:
* Provide advice and guidance to responsible authorities during their contingency planning for CBRN incidents, and regularly help to test the arrangements that are in place;

* Rigorously assess the ability of companies in the private sector to carry out decontamination operations, and ensure that responsible authorities have access to those services if the need arises;

* Advise central government on the national capability for the decontamination of buildings and the environment in the event of a major release of chemical, biological or radioactive materials;

* Help co-ordinate decontamination operations if required.

In the first seven months of operation the new service will:
* Put into place the first framework for contractors with specialist suppliers who have CBRN decontamination expertise and as far as possible ensure that the framework is scientifically robust.

* Have defined its operational structure, role and response arrangements, following consultation and agreement.

* Staff will be fully engaged in CBRN response preparations and planning across the UK

* Establish effective working relationships with centre of excellence for scientific advice on CBRN hazardous and their decontamination

* Create a database of contaminants, their effects and relevant decontamination techniques, backed up with a programme to ensure that it is reviewed and updated regularly

•Date: 4th October 2005 • Region: UK • Type: Article •Topic: Terrorism
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