ROBOTICS AND APPLICATION FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS

摘要

Robotics for application in hazardous materials incidents is a new technological advantage that can be utilized by emergency management and response organizations. The application could affect change to mitigation techniques where immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) conditions exist or where personnel do not have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to accomplish safe operations. Robotics can also be utilized to handle difficult rescue operations or assist in these types of operations.rnCost of the units will determine where units can be deployed and who would purchase these types of assets. This is an important factor since small departments that may not be able to purchase these units, could be directly impacted. Small departments will be affected by the deployment times to the incident or emergency site. Strategic and tactical challenges include procedures, training, and determination of when and where to deploy specialized equipment. Incident commanders and local managers must understand the resource in order to make robotics a viable operational asset.rnConcentrated areas for using robotics include radioactive releases, hazardous materials spills, and weapons of mass destruction. Discussion will ensue about ways to provide the training, procedures, and application of these units.