Scientific Support Unit
Scientific support units (SSU) are specialised vehicles carrying a vast amount of chemical monitoring equipment.
Purchased in late 2005 following the 7/7 bombings, an SSU can attend a wide range of incidents, including chemical spills and fires, where early on-site scientific analysis and monitoring will speed up the detection process and allow the Brigade and other emergency services to provide the correct response for the particular incident.
Until their arrival, the brigade had not been able to adequately undertake enhanced scientific analysis for chemical, biological and radiological testing at the scene. These durable and future-proof vehicles are fully upgraded to respond to a range of incidents including those where forensic fire investigators request the use of a mobile facility to enhance both public and firefighter safety.
The only two of these vehicles in the Brigade are stationed at Poplar and Hammersmith.
Read more about this topic: London Fire Brigade Appliances
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