Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Selection of Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) Handheld Detection Equipment for the United Arab Emirates Civil Defense Forces: Technologies versus Operations Integration

Abstract

The necessity to ensure public safety has amplified the importance of reliable detection of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) across diverse environments, with a focus on industrial and civilian contexts. While handheld detection devices offer undeniable advantages in terms of portability and user-friendly operation, the absence of comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) can potentially limit their efficacy and safety. The primary aim of this study is to explore and devise well-defined SOPs for handheld TIC detection devices, emphasizing their application in TIC identification. While acknowledging their application for both TICs and chemical warfare agents (CWAs), this study specifically illuminates the complexities of TICs, examining their unique physical properties and the wide array of detection technologies. It also provides a focused analysis of the roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of civil defence units, with special attention to the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This research further ventures into proposing robust selection procedures and the development of dynamic SOPs for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) equipment within various operational environments. The objective is to foster safer, more effective utilization of these critical tools in the detection of TICs. Through comprehensive scrutiny of TICs and the advancement of their detection processes, this study hopes to extend the existing body of knowledge in this area. The ultimate aim is to facilitate innovative approaches that enhance public safety measures and the management of industrial chemical threats, contributing significantly to the broader discourse on CBRN threat management.