Project
Arctic chemical preparedness and protection – Promoting preparedness for serious chemical threats and protecting rescuers in the Northern operating environment
Chemical accident scenarios in Northern Finland are undergoing a transformation. The green transition increases demand for sustainable products from chemical-intensive mining, steel and chemical industries. It also boosts new industries, such as bioproduct industry and hydrogen economy, in which accident risks related to processes and chemicals are not fully known. At the same time, increasingly common extreme weather events caused by climate change may affect the circumstances of chemical accidents and the occupational safety of rescuers in the same manner as the typically challenging weather conditions and long distances in the north. In the project, we aim to identify the changing chemical accident scenarios and seek solutions for improved preparedness and protection in these new circumstances.
Objectives
- Identifying realistic chemical accident scenarios related to the new and growing industrial sectors in Northern Finland.
- Preparing and providing rescue services with applicable operational models for these scenarios that take into account the requirements for rescue services and protection set by the northern conditions as well as the extreme weather events caused by climate change.
Data and methods
The execution of the project is divided into three work packages:
- Operating environment analysis and scenario preparation
We will study what type of information is currently used in preparing for chemical accidents and how the changes in the operating environment are taken into account in ensuring preparedness. We will also identify any possible areas of development. We will compile a data set of the chemicals used in the new and growing industrial sectors. Based on the data set, we will draw up realistic chemical accident scenarios to support preparedness.
- Functionality and physical strain of wearing protective equipment in cold and changing weather conditions
We will study the applicability, functionality and physical strain of wearing chemical protective equipment recommended for selected scenarios in extreme weather conditions with measurements made in a temperature and protective equipment laboratory.
- Operational models to support the decision-making of rescue services
We will draw up an operational model for rescue services according to which the weather conditions can be taken into account in chemical protection, and a risk assessment model to support preparedness for chemical accidents and the allocation of resources.
Results and impact
The project is expected to improve the level of preparedness for chemical threats and occupational safety especially in Northern Finland, but the recommendations and models developed in the project can also be applied more widely in rescue service operations.
Contact us
Tiina Santonen
Email
tiina.santonen [at] ttl.fi
Phone
+358 30 474 2666
Kirsi Jussila
Email
kirsi.jussila [at] ttl.fi
Phone
+358 30 474 6089
Research group
Partners
- Rescue Departments of North Ostrobothnia, Lapland and Kainuu
- Emergency Services Academy Finland
- Finnish Customs
Funding
Fire Protection Fund and Finnish Institute of Occupational Healt
