PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR RESCUERS INVOLVED IN CBRN INCIDENTS. CASE STUDY FOR SELECTED HAZARD SCENARIOS

Abstract

One of the challenges in modern rescue are terrorist attacks in which use is made of chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear (CBRN) agents. The mass nature of such incidents causes participation in the operations of various services. The first stage of responding to CBRN incidents is often attended by several hundred rescuers. Important factor influencing the speed and effectiveness of actions thus increasing the safety of rescuers is the appropriate selection and optimization of personal protective equipment (PPE). Although the discussion on the selection of PPE during CBRN incidents has been going on for many years, the main emphasis is on solutions used by the military. There is much less work on PPE for rescuers who are usually the first line of defence. The variety of tasks performed by them and a multitude of factors determining the selection of PPE makes it difficult to find a unified approach to this problem. The aims of this paper consist of identification of factors that should be taken into account when selecting PPE for rescuers, reviewing the standards in this area and select the optimal PPE for rescuers during CBRN incidents based on the two the most realistic hazard scenarios. This study contains a critical review of literature and standards in the field of PPE for rescuers, includes outcomes from observation and may be a catalyst for a discussion of this problem.