In 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Health asked the Center for Public Health Readiness and Communication to develop safety guidelines for public health workers when responding to public health emergencies. The Center’s guidance provides a framework that the state of Pennsylvania’s capability in Responder Safety and Health, Capability 14 of the Public Health Preparedness Capabilities developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The framework adapts guidelines for health care workers to address safety and personal protective needs in four different public health field situations: the public health field investigation, mass care services and shelters, points of dispensing, and community reception centers for population monitoring after radiation emergencies. In addition, the guidance contains information regarding the use of personal protective equipment in these settings as well as hazardous material exposure situations, so that public health professionals can make informed decisions about their response role and training needs.

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