Firefighting forces deal with chemical dangerous goods leakage accident emergency rescue measures

Chemical dangerous goods leakage accidents occur when hazardous substances are released due to design flaws, improper operations, or equipment malfunctions during the production, transportation, storage, and use of chemicals. These incidents can lead to severe consequences. With the rapid growth of the chemical industry, a large number of dangerous chemicals are produced and stored in warehouses across the country. Everyday use of chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen fluoride, and formaldehyde in chemical synthesis makes these substances a constant risk. Leaks can happen during transport via rail tankers or pipelines, and are further complicated by factors such as warfare, sabotage, and natural disasters, posing a serious threat to urban safety. The "Fire Protection Law of the People's Republic of China" mandates that public security fire departments handle rescue operations involving dangerous chemicals. Therefore, it is crucial for firefighting teams to understand the characteristics and patterns of such leaks, assess their impact on emergency response, and improve their capabilities accordingly. This research holds both theoretical and practical significance.

First, how to adapt to the characteristics of toxic, flammable, and explosive chemical hazards

Leaked chemicals are often highly toxic, such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide, benzene, phosgene, hydrogen cyanide, chlorine, and formaldehyde. Many of these substances have extremely low allowable concentrations in the air, with some like phosgene and hydrogen cyanide even classified as military-grade toxins. Inhalation of high concentrations can cause poisoning or death. Additionally, many industrial chemicals have low flash points and boiling points, making them highly flammable and prone to explosions. Examples include benzene, methanol, and liquefied petroleum gas. In such scenarios, the site becomes a dangerous environment where toxic gases, fires, and explosions coexist. Emergency responders face extreme risks. To effectively manage these situations, six key issues must be addressed: forming lean, well-prepared teams; ensuring technical expertise; equipping personnel with proper protective gear; maintaining clear command structures; executing efficient action plans; and providing adequate medical support and insurance for rescuers.

Second, how to respond to the characteristics of chemical leaks during rescue operations

Leakage is a common feature of chemical accidents, often caused by operational errors, equipment failures, or design flaws. For example, an explosion in Xi'an was caused by a ruptured valve, and a chlorine leak in Fushun occurred due to faulty railway tankers. To prevent further damage, the first step is to shut off the leaking source. This requires thorough pre-incident planning, including identifying critical locations and developing detailed emergency plans. Without this preparation, on-site actions may be disorganized. Another approach involves using specialized tools for temporary sealing, such as magnetic plugging devices or injection machines. These tools must be developed in collaboration with local units and rescue headquarters to ensure they are ready for emergencies.

Third, how to manage the sudden and fast-spreading nature of toxic aerosol clouds

Chemical leaks often occur suddenly, especially in road transport, making it hard to predict the location. Due to their volatility, toxic substances can quickly form dense aerosol clouds that spread rapidly downwind. Wind speed significantly affects the spread rate—light winds can carry toxic clouds over long distances in minutes. To respond effectively, emergency systems must act swiftly: dispatch centers must be on standby, teams must mobilize quickly, communication systems must be reliable, decision-making must be automated, and evacuation signals must be clear and timely. These steps are essential to minimize harm and save lives.

Fourth, how to adapt to the influence of weather and terrain on toxic cloud spread

Toxic clouds are highly sensitive to meteorological conditions. Wind direction, speed, and stability determine the spread and concentration of the cloud. Rain can reduce toxicity by dissolving some chemicals, while snow has less effect. Terrain also plays a major role. In hilly areas, clouds may flow around mountains, while valleys can trap them, increasing exposure risk. In urban settings, buildings and street layouts affect wind patterns, influencing how toxic clouds move. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective emergency planning. Rescue teams must study micro-meteorology, collect accurate weather data, and integrate this into real-time decision-making systems to enhance response efficiency and safety.