Hi Mark and Nathan
I agree, the extent of any contamination would largely depend on the scale of the fire and on the material damage to the building, fixtures and fittings.
I recall reading a complete COSSH hazard assessment manual once (sad I know!) that covered chemicals that you might expect to be used/encountered in workplaces. Your local fire brigade may have a COSSH risk assessment that also covers risk from residential properties as this is in essence one of their work areas?
Ruth
-----Original Message-----
From: Contaminated Land Management Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mark Henderson
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 10:33 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Fire Damaged Properties
Nathan
Back in the nineties I worked on several MRF fire sites, notably in Milton Keynes and Thetford, which were commissioned by the LA. Issues at that time were dioxins (from partial combustion of plastics) in fallout across surrounding residential areas. Hydrochloric acid in smoke produced in huge quantities by the reaction of atmospheric moisture/firewater and hydrogen chloride was also an issue. The presence of numerous polymer products throughout the house could far outweigh any risk from a few 'under the sink' chemicals. I suspect those LA's could be contacted to see what guidance they were aware of at the time (my memory fails me 20 years on) and the consultant reports produced.
The irony is that more hazardous compounds can be produced by putting out fires than if they were allowed to fully combust at full temperature.
There are companies out there specialising in assessing fire damaged households but they tend to be commissioned by insurance companies.
Regards
Mark Henderson MSc DIC BSc(Hons)
Principal Environmental Consultant
M L M ENVIRONMENTAL
Building 7200, Cambridge Research Park, Cambridge CB25 9TL
Tel: 01223 815600 Fax: 01223 815630
Web Site: www.mlm.uk.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Contaminated Land Management Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nathan Pittam
Sent: 10 July 2012 15:34
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fire Damaged Properties
I was wondering if anybody had any experience of dealing with replacement of fire damaged residential properties and the hazards that may exist on site regarding Land Contamination. My concerns arise from combustion byproducts and spillage of chemical stored in the home and also the possibility of hazardous chemicals used in the production of firefighting foam should this have been used. Any advice greatly appreciated. I have found the publication below which may be of interest.
http://www.haifire.com/Resources/publications/Environmental_Impacts_of_Firefighting_Foams.pdf
Regards
Nathan
Nathan Pittam
Scientific Officer
Place Directorate (Environment)
Babergh District Council
Tel: 01473 826637
[log in to unmask]
www.babergh.gov.uk
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