A two-week international training course of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), entitled “Emergency Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents,” has concluded in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The programme brought together 17 specialists from nine ICDO Member States: Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, and Tunisia.

Comprising 50 training hours, the course was designed to strengthen the professional preparedness of civil defence and emergency response personnel to effectively manage incidents involving hazardous chemical, biological, and radioactive materials.

Throughout the programme, participants studied international systems for the classification and identification of hazardous materials, the interpretation of hazard symbols and identification numbers, and methods for recognizing potential threats at incident scenes. Particular attention was devoted to chemical and industrial accidents, radiological and nuclear hazards, biological threats, and the specific challenges associated with responding to hazardous materials incidents.

A significant component of the training focused on personal protective equipment, hazardous materials detection devices, and radiological monitoring techniques. Participants examined different levels of personnel protection, the principles of using specialized detection instruments, and the technical equipment employed by civil defence units during hazardous materials emergencies.

A dedicated module addressed the organization and management of emergency response operations. Topics included situational assessment, the selection of safe intervention procedures, the deployment of specialized equipment, coordination among response teams, and the command and management of resources at incident scenes.

The programme combined theoretical instruction, professional discussions, and practical exercises designed to consolidate knowledge and strengthen decision-making skills in high-risk environments.

Responding to hazardous materials incidents requires a high level of professional competence, accurate risk assessment, and strict adherence to safety procedures. Errors in identifying hazards or selecting appropriate protective measures can pose serious risks to both emergency responders and the public. Specialized training in this field is therefore essential for strengthening the operational capabilities of civil defence services.

The course held in Saudi Arabia represents another step in the implementation of ICDO's international training programmes aimed at strengthening the capacities of its Member States, facilitating professional knowledge exchange, and enhancing the preparedness of national emergency response services to manage complex emergencies, including incidents involving hazardous chemical, biological, and radioactive materials.