Safety Memo to Media
The news media have a legitimate right to cover and report on hazardous materials incidents—but this does not include the right to interfere with the activities of firefighters and other public safety crews trying to handle and contain the emergency. The guidelines in this memo, developed by the Chemical Manufacturers Association, addresses these concerns.
A number of news reporters end photographers have been Injured In recent years at emergencies Involving hazardous materials (explosives, poisons, corrosives, compressed gases, combustibles, radioactive materials, etc.). The following guidelines will help you cover a hazardous materials Incident safely and without endangering the lives of firefighters and other emergency personnel:
- Always consider a hazardous materials area dangerous, and stay upwind at least a quarter mile until told otherwise by a fire officer or other competent authority.
- Hazardous materials may be present even though you can’t see or smell them. Some can enter the body through your skin, eyes and nose. Some will pass through your clothes, Including leather and rubber.
- A serious explosion may be imminent.
- Flammable vapors can be ignited by your car, radios, cameras, floodlights, etc.
- Be patient. Identification and evaluation of the problem may take a long time. Information will be given to the news media when It is available.
- Photo equipment can be damaged by fumes. Wrap all equipment In plastics, If necessary.
- If you have been exposed to vapor, fumes or smoke, decontamination may be necessary. Wash hands immediately; shower as soon as possible.
- The fire department does not provide the news media with protective clothing for use in hazardous materials emergencies.
- Do not fly news helicopters over the scene, as hazardous materials may enter the aircraft. Further, emergency crews expect the wind to be from a certain direction and helicopter downwash can change this and endanger firefighters and other emergency workers.
