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SECTION 1 - PRELIMINARY
1.1 Foreword
It is important that Scotland has the capability to effectively respond to and recover from the consequences of any chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear ( CBRN) incident, regardless of the cause. Site stabilisation and clearance, including potential needs for decontamination, and the disposal of resultant wastes are associated post-incident issues which require special consideration and planning. In recognition of this, the Scottish Government acknowledges the need for robust arrangements to be in place at local and national level, and for there to be a clear understanding of the issues and the roles and responsibilities of government departments, local authorities and other responders in delivering effective site clearance.
The Scottish Government therefore wishes to address this need in a manner which is consistent with the guidance contained in the Preparing Scotland document and the aims, objectives and delivery mechanisms of the United Kingdom CBRN Programme. The response arrangements are in line with the Counter Terrorist - Contingency Planning Guidance Document issued by the Home Office.
This guidance has been prepared under the auspices of the Scottish CBRN Programme Board and is designed to assist those responders with a role in planning for and dealing with site clearance and the disposal of resultant wastes generated by all types of CBRN incidents. This guidance can also be used to assist in the recovery from a major Hazmat incident.
The prime objective in the event of an incident involving site clearance activity is to support the restoration of services and the return to normal activity in a safe and timely manner having due regard to potential health, social, infrastructural, economic and environmental impacts.
It is acknowledged that site clearance is a complex and time consuming process and that an integrated multi-agency effort is the only way to plan for and undertake this effectively. Therefore, this guidance has been produced in consultation with a wide range of agencies and is designed to provide a starting point for the development of related plans.
Strategic Co-ordinating Groups ( SCGs) are expected to use the information in this document to inform their planning and response to CBRN incidents occurring in their areas.
This guidance is a living document and will be subject to continuous development as lessons are learned from exercises and live incidents.
The CBRN Programme Manager
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
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