Emergency Planning

Mobile Chemical Decontamination Unit

During the summer of 2001, while engaged in exploration drilling west of the Hebrides, Conoco (uk) Ltd, donated a Mobile Chemical Decontamination Unit costing £30,000 to the Comhairle. The Convener accepted the unit from Dr Gillian Bishop on 30th May 2001.

Conoco subsequently donated a £43,000 rapid response counter pollution trailer to the Comhairle, along with a training package. The trailer is stationed at Market Stance Depot, Benbecula.

The community’s emergency response capability has been greatly enhanced by these gifts.

The official handover - Mr Alex A Macdonald, Convener; Dr Gillian Bishop; Mr George Mould, Scottish Ambulance Service; Mr Donald I Nicholson, Chair, Environmental Services Committee.	Dr Gillian Bishop, Environmental Scientist, Conoco (UK) Ltd.	Dr Bishop, George Mould and Murdo MacLeod, Emergency Planning Officer, standing in the entrance of the multi-shower unit.
Demonstrating the operation of the water heater.	Connecting the water heater to the shower unit.	When packed - all the equipment is contained in a twin-axle trailer, ready for immediate deployment.
George Mould - getting 'steamed up', waiting for his air supply to be connected.	Putting the last touches to the Chemical Protection Suit. The unit contains ten such suits, each with an independent air supply and communications equipment.	Petrol-electric set - left foreground.