Emergency response plan for an accident involving sulphur dioxide in Umeå

Major accidents involving chemicals are relatively rare. Rescue Services thus lanck experience in such accidents, which they normally have from more more frequent incidents such as fires and traffic accidents. A thorough and detailed preparedness plan - to support decision-making in such emergencies - can partially substitute for this lack of experience. This document is intended to support Resucue Services when planning for major chemical accidents. It begins by arguing the merits of thorough preparedness planning. The main part of the document is an example of a plan developed for the Rescue Services in Umeå, on how to deal with a transport accident involving the release of sulphur dioxide on one of the main roads through the city. This example can, in chosen parts or in whole, serve as a starting-point for other planning programs with the Rescue Services in Swedish.