Sheltering in buildings from toxic outdoor releases
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Chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants may be accidentally released outdoors, for example near SEVESO industrial sites. This presentation describes how the building envelope can be used as a protection from outdoor toxic releases. The objective is to protect immediately people from outdoor toxic release for a short time by maintaining a breathable atmosphere in one interior room. This strategy called “shelter-in-place” has been successfully used in a number of cases in the past. A good building airtightness is key to limit the pollutant transfer through the envelope and therefore to provide adequate protection. Besides, to be efficient, shelter-in-place strategy must entail : information and communication among the people potentially exposed addressing why and how to shelter-in-place; appropriate emergency warning systems regularly tested; procedures during and after the emergency. This presentation gives details concerning the approach and work performed in two schools in France. The buildings selected as shelters are described, including the overall context, the objectives and means, and construction details (structure, work performed, airtightness required and achieved, facilities). The procedure to follow during and after a crisis are also described. Overall, this presentation shows that shelter-in-place strategy is an effective measure against outdoor toxic releases; that accompanying measures (ex. safety drills) are fundamental; that severe demands on airtightness can be met provided that quality management approaches be implemented.
Newsletter 7 on Workshop 6: Risk management and training
