Classification of Chemicals for Situation Analysis

In case of an emergency the first step should be to collect the necessary information of the chemicals involved. The selection of response methods is highly dependent on the nature and the extent of the spill, the local circumstances and the properties of the pollutant. Troughout the time span of an incident, from first notification to final response, it is necessary to obtain information for evaluating the impact created by the incident. Because of the enormous diversity of chemicals, a variety of classification systems have been developed, each with a different purpose. The systems are based either upon the physical hazards represented by the chemicals, their reactivity or their physical properties in the aquatic environment. When a chemical spillage occurs it is important to be familiar with the physical and chemical properties of the substance together with the dangers involved in case of release of the chemicals into the sea. Various handbooks and chemical cards are available for this purpose.