BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Ministry of Communications yesterday carried out a full-scale simulation of an anthrax scare, complete with “Hazmat” (hazardous materials) emergency response teams being deployed, at the Mail Processing Centre, Old Airport in Berakas.

In the drill, staff at the centre immediately alerted the Fire and Rescue Department through the emergency hotline (995) after one of the workers “accidentally” dropped some mail and came into contact with an “unknown white powder”.

Fire and Rescue personnel, Royal Brunei Police Force and a medical response team were deployed, while the Mail Processing Centre began a self-imposed lock down to stop any further potential contamination.

During the drill, observers from involved agencies, led by Ministry of Communications Deputy Permanent Secretary Hj Mahmud Hj Mohd Daud, viewed the procedure from above the mail processing area and outside where a decontamination zone was established.

According to the authorities, should an item suspected to be hazardous, such as anthrax, be discovered, the area of the Mail Processing Centre where the discovery is made, is sealed off. In order to contain the threat, no-one is allowed to enter or leave the area.

In yesterday’s simulation, staff also turned off the ventilation and air conditioning in the affected area, and awaited the Fire and Rescue Department’s arrival. The phone call to the emergency hotline also activated calls to the RBPF and Ministry of Health, the latter sending a medical response team.

First respondents from the Fire and Rescue Department, its Hazmat unit, were briefed by the fire warden at the building on arrival.

Personnel from the Hazmat Unit began setting up a “decontamination line”, where chemical showers were set up for people who may have been exposed to the hazard.

Donning chemical-safety suits, members of the Hazmat Unit then entered the affected area and collected samples of the material to be sent for identification. The parcel containing the hazardous substance was placed in a container so it could be safely transported through public areas.

Before evacuating the staff from building, the Hazmat personnel decontaminated the designated danger area.

Outside, the workers exposed to the hazard were taken to a tent where coordinating officials assisted in the decontamination process and issued them “clean” clothes before recording their details and sending them home.

It was explained that although anthrax is an airborne contaminant, it cannot spread from person to person, as it is spread through spores.

All the Hazmat personnel who entered the affected area were decontaminated, as were the containers. After successful decontamination, the RBPF then entered the premises to investigate.

Fire and Rescue Department Senior Superintendent Ranee Hj Othman said that people should call the authorities immediately at 995 if they encounter any suspicious parcels or letters.The Brunei Times

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