IN-PLACE PROTECTION

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the objective of In Place Protection Identify the means of warning List the criteria in choosing room List the required items Explain the IPP procedure

Scope Introduction Means of Warning Criteria in choosing a room to seal Items required Procedures in implementing IPP

Introduction Chemicals are commonly found and used in our daily life - at home, in the industries, on the road, etc There is a possibility that a hazardous chemical, biological or radiological contaminants may be released in an accident Or released intentionally as an act of terrorism

Introduction In such circumstances, you may have to stay indoors and take precautionary measures to safeguard yourself and your family. In-Place Protection This is known as In-Place Protection The concept is similar to the case where you close the windows to keep out dust and noise.

OBJECTIVE OF IPP To minimise the infiltration of harmful, hazardous materials into your home or office.

Means of Warning In the event of a chemical incident, you will be notified by the authority to adopt in-place protection through Public Warning System (PWS) Radio and TV Mobile public address system Loudhailers Door-to-door notification

Criteria in Choosing a Room to Seal You may use your entire house or only a selected room The criteria in choosing a room to seal are as follows Preferable an inner room that will afford some protection against ordinary explosion Be large enough for the expected number of occupants, so air in it will last for as long as required Storeroom and toilet may not be large enough

Criteria in Choosing a Room to Seal Be with as few as possible openings and windows that will require sealing Have a toilet and water supply Preferable without air-conditioner in the wall as this is difficult to seal off well. If aircon is present, switch it off.

Items Required Some general items required to adopt in-place protection Rolls of wide adhesive sealing tapes (e.g. duct/ masking tapes) Sheets of plastic or thrash bags A portable, battery operated radio Scissors Floor cloths Drinking water, food First aid kit

Procedures When you are told to seek in-place protection Stay calm and immediately gather your family members and pets indoor Close all doors leading to the outside Close and lock all windows (windows seal better when locked) Turn off all fans, ventilation and air conditioning units that draw air from the outside Go to the room which you have chosen for in-place protection

Procedure Seal off any obvious gaps around the windows, doors, vents, etc with adhesive tapes, wet towels or any other non-porous materials

Procedure If there is sufficient time (at least 1 hour preparatory time) You may cover the openings (e.g. windows, vents. Etc) with plastic sheets or thrash bags --- higher level of protection You may proceed to seal off all gaps in your entire house

Procedure Monitor the local radio or TV stations for further information/instructions from the authority Leave the room only when the All Clear signals have been given You may proceed to remove all seals and open the windows to let the fresh air into your house

Procedure If you are not at home in the event of a chemical incident If you are inside a vehicle : If you are very close to your home, office or a public building, drive there immediately and follow the IPP procedure once indoors. If not, Close all the windows, doors and vents of the vehicle. Seal the air-conditioning vent with tape. Turn off the air conditioner and ventilation of the vehicle Drive away from the affected area. Never attempt to drive through a gas cloud. Cover your nose nd mouth with a piece of cloth Turn on the radio to listen to further instructions

Procedure If you are out in the open : Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or cloth Dont walk into or with the wind as it carries along with it the hazardous chemical Move in a crosswind direction, with the wind blowing on your side Get to the nearest building or look for transport to move away from the affected area.

video Video Show On IPP

CONCLUSION QUESTIONS & ANSWERS