South Korea distributes Information Book for Chemical Accident Site Response.

The National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) has launched an initiative to distribute an “Information Book for Chemical Accident Site Response” to relevant organizations such as firefighting units, local governments, and police departments from April 9.

The book contains specialized information needed for on-site response in the event of chemical accidents.

Expanded Material Information and Comprehensive Coverage

Originally containing 97 types of material information, the book has now been expanded to 150 types.

These 150 types of material information are selected based on chemical substances that have caused accidents in Korea over the past 10 years. They include substances such as hydrochloric acid (hydrogen chloride), ammonia, and sulfuric acid.

The book provides details on chemical characteristics, risks, countermeasures, personal protective equipment, detection equipment, evacuation distances, acceptable exposure standards, and emergency measures. To facilitate understanding, key response information is presented using pictograms and photos.

Use of Technology and Future Plans

An “accident situation sharing app” operated by the Korea Chemical Safety Institute provides real-time material information to responders. The app significantly reduces the time required to provide material information, ensuring optimal response time.

The full text of the material information book will be available as a PDF on the Korea Chemical Safety Institute’s website.

The Institute plans to create 150 types of material information each year, with a total of 900 types by 2028. The aim is to help emergency responders take prompt initial action in the event of a chemical accident.

Park Bong-kyun, head of the Ministry of Environment’s Chemical Safety Institute, emphasized the importance of providing accurate information to effectively respond to chemical accidents.