Abstract
In this paper the author provides an overview of the way in which the UK Fire Service, part of the Home Office, trains and equips itself to meet the challenge of fires, spillages and accidents occurring during the transport of chemicals on UK roads. He outlines legislation affecting the fire authorities, the HAZCHEM code for road tankers, the importance of the Emergency Action Code (EAC) which is part of the HAZCHEM system, and the importance of access to chemical data banks. The paper also includes a brief description of Fire Service training in handling chemicals, an outline of Fire Brigade procedures at incidents, procedural checklists and sources of information for chemical hazards.