Working Dogs in a Contaminated environment, problems and possible solutions for the Safety At Work

Abstract Purpose: Identification of vulnerabilities and complications in the use of Search&Rescue Dogs; the analysis starts from events, endemic in Italy, like asbestos in the rubble, especially if the threat is discovered too late, until analyzing scenarios of terrorism and C.B.R.N.e. Background: Each event requires a coordinated response of the entire rescue’s system, standardized interforce protocols, highly qualified and periodically trained personnel. The current Italian rescue’s system is very fragmented and it can easily put the operators involved in scenario at risk Method and materials: Study and analysis of rescue’s operations in Italy. Analysis of procedures and protocols of agencies, institutions, and auxiliary and voluntary organizations on events involving Hazardous Materials (Hazmat). Finding: The cases analyzed, and the absence of interforce procedures, make it clear that working dogs and/or search dogs and their operators (handlers) are highly exposed to the risks from Hazmat, C.B.R.N.e. and Terrorism. Furthermore, there are no effective and certified decontamination’s procedures for animals, and it is necessary to provide suitable health’s surveillance for dogs and their operators (handlers). Conclusions: Delays in response adjustment can now be a significant cause of loss among rescuers and their dogs.