Hazardous Substances

Accidental releases of toxic, flammable or corrosive substances — from industrial sites, vehicles or storage facilities — can pose serious risks to health and safety.

Who is Most at Risk?

Those living or working near the port, dockyard, industrial areas or major roads are most at risk from accidental releases. Emergency responders and transport workers may be at higher risk of direct exposure. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma are particularly vulnerable to airborne chemicals.

Before

  • If you live or work near industrial or port facilities, familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures for your area.
  • Know the symptoms of chemical exposure: burning eyes, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, nausea or disorientation.
  • Keep windows and doors that can be sealed quickly — in some incidents, sheltering indoors is the safest option.
  • Have a small supply of bottled water at home in case tap water becomes affected.
  • Keep a battery-powered or wind-up radio to receive instructions without power.
  • Never tamper with or move an unknown container or substance — report it to the RGP immediately.

During

Actions to take if you think you have been exposed to a hazardous substance

Call 999 and inform them of any exposure or symptoms.

The emergency services might ask you to take the following actions. You can take these actions before waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

  • If indoors, keep windows and doors closed and switch off air conditioning units and ventilation systems to prevent contaminated outdoor air from entering your property or building.
  • If you think someone else has been exposed to a hazardous substance, use caution and keep a safe distance to avoid exposure yourself.
  • Follow the REMOVE REMOVE REMOVE advice if you think you have been deliberately or accidentally exposed to a hazardous substance, or if you think you have been attacked with an acidic or corrosive substance.

REMOVE yourself from the hazard to avoid further exposure

  • If the skin is itchy or painful, find a water source. This is essential to remove as much substance from the skin as possible and reduce further harm.
  • Move away from the hazard as safely as you can. Do not delay.
  • It is important for the safety of yourself and others that you continue to stay away from the hazard.

REMOVE outer clothing if affected by the substance

  • Remove outer clothing to reduce possible further contact with any trapped substance by up to 90%.
  • Be very careful not to touch or spread the substance as this could lead to further injuries to the affected person or those helping them.
  • Use gloves or other protective materials to cover hands and, if possible, carefully cut away clothing such as T-shirts, rather than pulling them off over the head.
  • By avoiding clothing coming into contact with the face, it reduces the risk of the substance getting into eyes, mouth and nose.
  • Do not pull off any clothing stuck to the skin as it may damage that skin. A trained medical professional will remove them when safe to do so.
  • The discarded clothing may present a hazard to anyone nearby as it may be covered in or have absorbed the substance and may give off harmful fumes or particles.
  • Do not smoke, eat or drink.

REMOVE the substance from skin if affected

  • If the substance is not painful or itchy, remove the substance using a dry absorbent material to brush it off or soak it up.
  • If the substance is painful or itchy, do not wipe the skin as this may spread contamination or cause further harm. Rinse the affected area continuously with clean water as soon as possible to remove any residual substance. Try to make sure the water can run from the affected area without pooling on the skin and potentially spreading the substance to a wider area.

If you are outside and are alerted to a chemical emergency nearby, you should shelter — go in, stay in, tune in. Emergency services will update on which areas should shelter and for what duration. The distance from the release and direction affected may change over time.

After

  • Do not return to an affected area until authorities confirm it is safe.
  • Follow official guidance on ventilating your home, disposing of contaminated items, or checking food and water supplies.
  • Seek medical attention if you have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, even if mild.
  • Report any lingering odours, discolouration of water or damage to plants or wildlife to the Gibraltar Environment Agency.

Further Information and Resources