EPA and Fire Service combine forces for dealing with chemical emergencies

Fires involving hazardous chemicals can be difficult to manage. But a new agreement with the Environmental Protection Authority means the New Zealand Fire Service will have better support in dealing with them in future.

“The agreement means our technical expertise with hazardous substances will be more accessible to the Fire Service in the event of a ‘hazmat’ emergency (an emergency involving hazardous materials),” says EPA chief executive Allan Freeth.

“In addition, the preparation for such emergencies will be improved as the two organisations will be working closely on the Regional Hazardous Substance Technical Liaison Committee and the National Hazmat Coordination Committee,” he says.

“The agreement recognises that both the Fire Service and the EPA can work together to add value and strive for excellence by collectively sharing and learning from each other, while also acknowledging each has a legal authority or function to provide support at hazardous substance emergencies.”

Dr Freeth says the agreement had been finalised under the Fire Service’s role of coordinating government departments, local authorities, professional groups and other relevant bodies to promote fire safety.

ENDS

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