A systemic approach to effective chemical emergency management

Much attention has been given, so far, in developing and implementing Safety Management Systems in order to reduce the probability of a major chemical accident. On the other hand, chemical emergency management has been given considerably less attention, although alot of related software packages are currently being used for this purpose. In this presentation, a new methodology is proposed, based on systems management and operational research, aiming at improving effective chemical emergency management. The methodology uses knowledge-based systems theory as a means to assist in taking rational decisions and the well established Project Evaluation and Review Technique to control the course of the chemical emergency management effort. The proposed scheme has been adopted in Greece during the development and implementation of an operational centre for chemical emergencies coupled with a detailed plan to be followed during such emergencies. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.