Guidelines for Use of Personal Protective Equipment by Law Enforcement Personnel During a Terrorist Chemical Agent Incident. Revision 2
Abstract
The challenges facing law enforcement officers vary greatly between those of a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident and a deliberate attack using chemical agents. The CWIRP undertook this study to characterize these challenges in terms that are understandable to the law enforcement departments and individuals that may find themselves in these situations. In doing so, the CWIRP has attempted to identify and evaluate various personal protective equipment (PPE) alternatives that law enforcement officials may choose to use based on the types of missions being performed at the incident scene. Primary consideration was given to the protection of patrol officers operating on the perimeters of the incident and performing necessary crowd control and security functions as well as tactical teams that may be called on to perform operations inside of the Warm Zone. Protective clothing options for bomb technicians are basically limited due to the inherent dangers associated with the mission. The CWIRP did not identify any alternative protective ensembles beyond the already available chemical/biological (C/B) bomb suit. It is the Program's intent to provide law enforcement officials with sufficient information to make informed decisions about how to equip their departments for responding to a chemical terrorist attack.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA435808