A new era in chemical safety
Tarragona has taken a significant step towards protecting its population and the environment with the implementation of an advanced network of chemical sensors. This innovative infrastructure, which is already operational, spans the northern and southern industrial zones of the petrochemical complex and the city’s port, covering a total of 432 devices.
The sensors have been strategically placed between industrial facilities and urban areas, allowing for rapid detection of toxic leaks. This system is crucial for preventing incidents that could generate toxic clouds capable of affecting the surrounding population. Among the substances that these devices can identify are ethylene oxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, chlorine, and ammonia.
The recent review of the special emergency plan for the chemical sector by the civil protection commission of the Generalitat has been key to integrating this network into existing protocols. The incorporation of the system also includes the use of the Es-Alert service, which allows for geolocated alerts to be sent to mobile phones in case of emergency.
The Es-Alert is activated from the Operational Coordination Centre of Catalunya (CECAT) and complements other already established mechanisms, such as the 121 operational sirens throughout Catalunya. Furthermore, municipalities are expected to inform the most vulnerable populations about potential chemical risks through their local plans.
With this initiative, Tarragona aims not only to improve its reactive capacity in the face of possible chemical incidents but also to increase trust among its citizens regarding industrial safety. Collaboration between institutions and companies is essential to ensure a safe environment for both workers and residents.
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