Experts systems to assist first responders to chemical emergencies

摘要

Response to emergency situations involving chemicals requires an understanding of the physical and toxic properties of the materials involved, hoe these materials interact with each other and the environment, and how to remediate the situation. This response, to be maximally effective, must be rapid and properly focused. This puts a burden of both speed and accuracy on the responders who often lack specialized training in toxicology or environmental chemistry. Experts systems are an ideal way to provide these first responders with access to this type of expert level advice on an as needed basis. This article focuses on why expert systems are appropriate toools for emergency response and defines the scope of several of them including: TSDSYS, LABSYS, HASP, FRES, and HERMES. Each of these tools fulfills a separate need. TSDSYS helps the user select and identify vendors of treatment, storage, and disposal options while LABSYS assists in the selection of environmental analytical testing laboratories. HASP assists in the generation of site and specific health and safety plans that are required before personnel can enter an emergenc site.FRES and HERMES are designed to provide support to first responders to chemical emergencies and rely on complex algorithms to provide guidance in a wide range of required areas.