Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR)

The threat of the deliberate use of chemical, biological and radiological material is considered unlikely however its use could be potentially life-threatening. The following information is designed to assist you if you find yourself involved in a potential CBR incident. These emergency procedures are available in a poster format in our publications section.

• Chemical
• Biological
• Radiological

Chemical

Characteristics

• Agent types - nerve, blister, blood, choking, irritating
• Form - May be a solid, liquid or gas and in some gases, odourless, colourless and tasteless. Agents may be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin
• Effects - May be immediately felt or delayed. The agent may produce incapacitation, serious injury or death, depending on the dose received
• Dissemination - Chemical agents may be disseminated by a spraying device, leaking package or container, a bursting device or explosive.

Self Protection

If you believe you have been exposed to a chemical agent:

• Hold your breath and move away from the site as quickly as possible
• If outdoors, move upwind. If indoors, move outside, covering your face with a handkerchief or cloth if possible
• If you think you may have droplets of chemical on your clothing or skin, immediately remove the outer clothing and wash exposed skin with cold water
• Try to isolate the scene, prevent other unprotected persons from entering
• If you feel affects such as shortness of breath, dizziness, choking, dimming of vision or muscular twitching, seek medical assistance immediately
• Call 000 and advise the Fire Brigade of a chemical incident. Give details of:
  • Exact location - street address if known
  • Wind direction (the direction the wind is blowing from)
  • Estimated number of victims
  • Victim's symptoms
  • Directions to approach upwind of the incident
  • Keep your hands away from your face to avoid contaminating your eyes, nose and mouth;
  • If possible (without leaving your workspace) wash your hands;
  • If possible have the building ventilation system shut down and turn off any fans; or equipment that is circulating air around your workplace; and
  • Wait for help to arrive.
• Contact University Security/Emergency and explain what has happened and what you have done

Biological

Characteristics

• Agent types (examples):
  • Bacteria - Anthrax, Plague
  • Virus - Smallpox, Viral Haemorrhagic Fever
  • Toxin - Poisons, Ricin, Botulism
• Form - Non-volatile, invisible to our senses. Normally ingested or inhaled, not absorbed through skin
• Effects - Usually delayed, ranging from hours to days or weeks
• Dissemination - Requires a dispersion device typically for aerosol dispersion

Self Protection

It is unlikely that you will know if you have been subjected to a biological attack. If you suspect you have been exposed to a package or device containing a biological agent:

• Do not disturb the package any further. Do not pass it around. Do not try to clean up the powder or liquid, or brush off your clothing;
• If possible, place an object over the package without disturbing it such as a large waste bin;
• Stay in your office or immediate work area. This also applies to co-workers in the same room. Prevent others from entering the area and becoming contaminated. Remember you are not in immediate danger;
• Call for help. This may be your supervisor or to 000 ask for Fire HAZMAT depending on your situation; Advise:
  • Exact location of incident - Street address, building floor
  • Number of people potentially exposed
  • Description of the package/device
  • Action taken eg., package covered with black coat, area isolated
• Contact University Security/Emergency and explain what has happened and what you have done

Radiological

Characteristics

• Types or radiation:
  • Alpha - Travels only centimeters, generally will not penetrate skin
  • Beta - More penetrating than alpha, may cause burns to skin, travels only a few meters
  • Gamma - Very penetrating, will travel tens to hundreds of meters depending on strength
• Form - Likely to be radioactive material, such as medical or industrial isotopes, combined with explosive or incendiary material
• Effects - Depending on dose, vomiting, fatigue, skin burns, bleeding, increased risk of infection, hair loss
• Dissemination - More likely by explosion

Self Protection

Radiological materials are undetectable by the human senses. It is unlikely that you will know if you have been exposed unless you see markings on a device indicating radiation. If you suspect you have been exposed or are being exposed to radioactive material:

• Reduce your exposure time to radioactive material to a minimum
• Keep away from the source - the further away from the radioactive material, the better
• Cover yourself with heavy or thick material to shield you from radiation
• Place a handkerchief over your mouth if you think there are radioactive particles in the air and move upwind
• Consider removing outer clothing if you think radioactive have lodged in your clothing
• Wash exposed skin and hair areas
• Seek medical advice
• Call 000 and advise Fire Brigade that you have been exposed to radioactive material. Advise:
• Exact location of incident or device
• Wind direction
• Description of incident or device
• Is the radioactive material on fire
• Approximate number of people exposed
• Contact University Security/Emergency and explain what has happened and what you have done

Are Victorians in danger from chemical or biological attacks?

Mr. Bruce Esplin, Victoria's Emergency Services Commissioner has urged people in the community to be vigilant and careful but not to over-react in relation to the recent spate of bio terrorism alerts. There have been no recent cases of anthrax in Australia. Tests on all recent suspected instances have proven negative.

Information sourced from EMA, Australia