Liaison with external organisations

A number of central and local government depart­ments and agencies would have duties and responsibi­lities in the event of an accident at a nuclear licensed site. In particular the police and local authorities would play an essential part in the management of actions for the protection and welfare of the public. All these organisations would be notified according to a planned communications procedure and would, where neces­sary, send liaison officers to the appropriate control centre. The following organisations in particular would be involved in emergency arrangements at or near the affected site:

• Police Advice to the public, evacuation of the public and the issue of potassium iodate tablets, control of access to effected areas.

• Fire Service Fire fighting and rescue assistance to the emergency controller.

• Ambulance Service Transport of casualties from the site to hospital.

• County Welfare Service Temporary accommoda­tion for evacuees.

• Nuclear Installations Inspectorate Investigation of the circumstances of an emergency and the assess­ment of its consequences. The provision of informa­tion and advice to the Health and Safety Executive, government departments and the operator.

• Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food Con­trol of the distribution of milk and agricultural products. Advice to farmers.

• Department of the Environment Ensuring supplies of potable water and for arranging the disposal of any radioactive waste arising from the incident.

• Meteorological Office The provision of frequent local weather forecasts.