NPSA have created the Know Your Chemicals app for all emergency services staff. It is an operational tool that will aid staff in identifying chemicals of concern while on duty.
The app contains a database of poisons and precursor chemicals for Home Made Explosives (HMEs) and chemical agents, including appearance, hazards, and legitimate uses. This information will aid users in being able to recognise illicit activity, remove themselves from potentially hazardous situations, and enable them to respond appropriately.
Users can access a dedicated ‘Learning’ section, where they can learn more about chemical hazard symbols and their meanings, and information about legislation relevant to the chemicals listed in the app. There are also images of clandestine laboratories, so that users can practice identifying processes that may indicate that hazardous materials are being manufactured.
Please see the Know your Chemicals app user guide for details on how to access the app.
NPSA, in collaboration with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), London Fire Brigade (LFB), and the National Ambulance Resilience Unit (NARU), produced a film to support UK Emergency Services in enhancing staff awareness of the threat posed by Home Made Explosives (HMEs). The film covers indicators of HME manufacture, including examples of typical chemicals and equipment, and the response required for a potential explosives scene. The film should be seen by all Emergency Services staff and is suitable for all three services.
The film can be accessed via Resilience Direct (account required) or by searching ‘Danger HME’ or ‘NPSA’ on Resilience Direct.
The virtual reality HME scene is a training tool for emergency services personnel that aims to provide first-hand experience of being in a bomb-factory scene without the inherent risks of a real-life scenario. The training requires the user to walk through a typical residential property and identify objects that could indicate illicit activity and mark them as suspicious. Afterwards, the user can review their selection and see what they may have missed. This can be done individually or in a group, and it is recommended that a trainer is present to ensure the safety of the person in the virtual reality environment.
The VR package can be used as a standalone training package for all emergency service personnel (it includes introductory videos covering a background to the subject), or as refresher training for specialist roles who have previously received training in this area.
People are an organisation’s biggest asset, however in some cases, they can also pose an insider risk. Find out what this means for you and what measures you can take to protect your assets from internal and external threats by visiting the NPSA Insider Risk web page for more information.
NPSA has launched an app allowing users of social media to better identify the hallmarks of fake profiles used by foreign spies and other malicious actors. Find out more about the app and how to download by visiting the Think Before You Link web page.
This is relevant to the construction, operation, and modification of emergency services facilities where there is sensitive information and/or sensitive assets that need to be afforded protection.
Outlines good information management practices for digital assets.