In this paper we describe an emergency response system in Taiwan funded by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration that consists of seven emergency response teams (ERT) held by the Chung Yuan Christian University, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, and National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology in the north, central, and south parts of the island, respectively. The ERT system is set up for the effective and efficient response to incidents involving toxic chemicals and hazardous materials, and to reduce the potential impact on the environment from these incidents. During the past three years, more than two hundreds and eighty on-scene response services were provided. The incidents range from a leak in a tank truck to a large-scale fire in a chemical plant. The prompt and effective response has greatly reduced the impact from these incidents.

This paper will describe the system and functions of the ERT. The responded incidents are analysed and possible root causes are identified and classified. The information provided should be beneficial for areas with growing industrial development in developing strategies to prevent or reduce the potential impacts from chemical incidents.