SEPA’s emergency preparedness and response
Reporting an incident
In the event of an incident involving the release of radioactive material or waste to the environment, you should report the incident by:
- Calling SEPA's 24 hour pollution hotline on 0800 807 060
- You can also report an incident using our online environment event form.
Under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, SEPA are a Category 1 Responder which places us alongside the emergency services in terms of duties.
This means we have a duty to plan, prepare, respond and recover in relation to internal and external risks and threats.
Emergency preparedness and response
We are prepared for a radiological incident by being ready to carry out radiological monitoring, modelling and assessments. We provide technical expertise and advice at the planning and preparing stage with partners. We participate in appropriate multiagency groups and participate in training and exercises.
SEPA's incident response
During an incident we will maintain our regulatory responsibilities alongside the actions we need to take to respond to the incident. We will carry out radiological monitoring, modelling and assessment of the incident. We will provide technical and scientific advice and participate in the relevant multiagency groups. We will work with all responders to provide consistent public information and communications.
How we are working with partners
Exercising of plans enables SEPA and our partners to train for, test, assess, practise, and improve incident response arrangements. An exercise debrief allows participants to feedback and amend and enhance plans for the future use. SEPA staff regularly participate in training and exercises with partner organisations.
Operators and emergency planners work together to develop offsite plans which have all the information our partners and site staff need to handle incidents well.