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Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN)

Home Office: The release of CBRN substances or material - guidance for Local Authorities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the first time this information has been published?
No, the original version of this guidance was published in October 2001, entitled 'Response to the deliberate release of chemicals and biological agents' for use by emergency planners and consequence managers in local and regional government.

Why did this guidance need to be updated? Will it be updated again in the future?
There is an ongoing need to ensure that this guidance is regularly updated to incorporate lessons learned and the views of local authorities, as well as other emergency responders and consequence managers. This latest version has been expanded to include information on radiological incidents, what to do in the case of accidental releases, and to take account of various changes in organisation such as the establishment of the Health Protection Agency and Regional Resilience Teams.

Has this guidance been written in consultation with the local authorities?
Yes. The contents of the original document published in 2001 and the revised version of August 2003 were both subject to consultation with the Local Government Association, SOLACE and the Emergency Planning Society.

Have experts been consulted when drawing up this guidance?
Yes. In addition to the local authority and emergency planning experts who were consulted, government scientists and expert bodies such as the Health Protection Agency, National Radiological Protection Board and the Emergency Planning College were consulted.

What other decontamination guidance has been issued?
We have also published

Strategic National Guidance on the Decontamination of People Exposed to CBRN substances or material [PDF 45 pages 396KB], in 2003

All guidance about CBRN planning and response should be read alongside broader procedural guidance particularly Dealing with Disaster (revised third edition).

Why has no guidance been produced for the public and householders?
The Home Office and emergency services will provide immediate information and advice in the event of a discernible threat or a specific incident. To give detailed advice in advance about how to handle every potential threat could be misleading and unhelpful.

More general advice and information can be found on the Government's Home Office 'Security' website security.homeoffice.gov.uk/  [External website], the UK Resilience website and the Preparing for Emergencies website

Is there a heightened risk to my family and me from a CBRN terrorist attack?
No, the guidance has not been produced in response to a specific threat. It is to assist in sensible contingency planning by local responders.

Who should I contact if I become suspicious about a possible CBRN incident?
You should call 999 as with any other emergency.

Would my local authority provide compensation if my property were damaged in a CBRN incident?
Your local authority may choose to act as they would after a natural disaster and provide any necessary decontamination to domestic properties.

The Government would issue advice at the time of an incident about longer-term plans, taking account of the prevailing circumstances.

Where can I find more information about terrorism?
On the Home Office website http://security.homeoffice.gov.uk/  [External website]

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