National Recovery Guidance - Infrastructure Issues - Access to and security of sites
Background and Context
In the aftermath of an emergency, access to and security of affected sites will become an important issue for a number of reasons. Access to sites must be limited for investigative purposes, insurance reasons, as well as protection of human health. The site must be secured as it may be unsafe for people to enter it, or it may be contaminated.
Multi-agency involvement will be necessary to ensure that sites are secure and access is given only to appropriate parties until it is deemed safe.
Policy and Guidance
England
General
Following the rescue phase; in any incident where there is a police investigation into the cause and/or fatalities, the police will co-ordinate activities at the scene to recover the deceased and recover evidence as part of a criminal investigation; where relevant this will also be done in conjunction with other statutory investigative bodies e.g. HSE, RAIB. The police may appoint a Scene Evidence Recovery Manager to facilitate this purpose. This officer will (on behalf of the Senior Investigation Officer (SIO) and the Senior Identification Manager (SIM) develop a plan for the site to recover human remains and evidence (including property). This will normally involve the formation of a Scene Evidence Recovery Group, involving specialist police staff, H&S advisors, contractors and other relevant organisations e.g. RAIB. This group will determine priorities, protocols for operating and ensure safe operating practices.
However, in the rescue phase the police will normally operate a system of scene access control, which is a system of logging and escorting people who need urgent access to sites and the inner cordon area such as specialist medical staff, utilities companies, district surveyors, salvagers and conservators. During the rescue phase no person will be given authority to gain access to the ‘rescue zone’ without the authority of the on site fire service commander.
The (non-statutory) guidance on site clearance published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in October 2005 - Guidance on development of a site clearance capability in England and Wales [external website] - also contains advice on managing site access and security.
The HSE has a duty as a category 2 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act to provide relevant and specialist advice. This will continue into the recovery phase. Guidance on the role of the HSE in an emergency can be found in HSE’s role in response to a serious incident/emergency [external website]
Access by the Insurance Industry
Loss adjusters (who are commissioned through the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA)) will need to be given access to the site to inspect properties before an insurance claim is settled. This will only occur when the site has been deemed safe.
A protocol is in place between the Association of British Insurers (ABI), The Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA), aviation insurers’ representatives, Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB), the Local Government Association (LGA), the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
The protocol sets out a framework for co-operation between the parties in the event of an emergency. It is not legally binding, but there is an expectation that parties to the protocol will abide by its provisions and co-operate to the fullest possible degree in ensuring it is operationalised. The protocol was introduced on 20 September 2007 and will be reviewed biennially in the light of experience.
Animal Diseases
During an animal disease outbreak DEFRA policy on restrictions on public rights of way and access to open country is based on a clear principle that that there should be a presumption in favour of maintaining public access, more details can be found in Defra's revised Contingency Plan for Exotic Diseases of Animals (December, 2009) [external website].
In Wales, such information can be found on the Welsh Exotic Animal Disease Contingency Plan [external website]
For information in Scotland, please see the Scottish Government website [external website]
CBRN Emergencies
In the event of a CBRN emergency, Home Office guidance features points regarding cordons for areas affected by chemicals through terrorist incidents.
HAZMAT guidance provides information on maintaining cordons following accidents at sites which are controlled by COMAH regulations.
Wales
No differences.
Scotland
[TBC]
Northern Ireland
[TBC]
Roles and Responsibilities
Local and Regional
Following an emergency, the Police are responsible for co-ordinating all the activities at the scene, including managing the cordons and traffic control. Whilst the police have a role in ensuring the security of the site, local authorities and the private sector may also be involved in crime prevention in areas made vacant by evacuation. For more information, see Evacuation and Shelter Guidance, Chapter 6. Military aid may also be required.
Once the site is released by the Police, the Local Authority has limited responsibilities to maintain cordons, which are applicable only to building and highway safety. The Health Protection Agency, through the local Director of Public Health, also has responsibilities on public health grounds. Otherwise, responsibility for site access and security falls on the site owner and insurers.
The HSE will be required to deem a site safe for re-entry in relation to those sites (eg. workplaces) where they have ‘jurisdiction’ / have been carrying out an investigation.
Lead Government Department
There is no one Lead Government Department responsible for access to and security of sites. This will be a cross governmental effort, if required, and will be emergency specific.
DEFRA will be the chief contact in the event of an incident involving animal disease. DEFRA will work with relevant organisations to determine whether access needs to be restricted to parts of the countryside to prevent the spread of disease.
Other Government Involvement
The departments involved will be determined by the type of incident that has occurred.
Devolved Administrations
Wales
In Wales, the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer at the Welsh Assembly Government will work closely with Animal Health and DEFRA on access issues.
Scotland
[TBC]
Northern Ireland
[TBC]
Funding
In the case of accidental or malicious damage, local authorities may look to claim back the costs from the party responsible for causing the damage.
Links to Other Topic Sheets
- Dealing with insurance issues
- Needs of people – Non-health
- Financial support for individuals
- Displaced communities
- Investigations and prosecutions
- Financial impact on local authorities
- Repairs to domestic properties
- Site clearance
- Environmental pollution and decontamination
- Animal health and welfare
Case Studies (Incidents and Exercises)
List of Contacts
Health and Safety Executive
Local responders can contact the HSE on their Infoline: 0845 345 0055 The HSE can also be contacted in an emergency on their out of hours number: 0151 922 9235 (duty officer) or 0207 928 8382 (duty press officer)
