Development of Toxic Chemical Emergency Response Technology Education – Toward Zero Environmental Accidents
Focusing on technology-enabled disaster prevention and practical applications, the Environmental Incident Response Consultation Center at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) participated in the 27th “Taipei International Safety Technology Application Expo & Taipei International Fire Safety and Disaster Prevention Expo,” held from April 22 to 24, 2026. The Center showcased comprehensive achievements in smart disaster prevention technologies and emergency response training, while promoting the concept that “prevention is better than cure, and training is preparedness,” calling on industries to strengthen disaster prevention education and enhance resilience toward the goal of zero environmental accidents.
“Toxic Chemical Disaster Response Technology Education Pavilion”
At the exhibition, the YunTech Response Center established a dedicated pavilion themed “Toxic Chemical Disaster Response Technology Education,” presenting its integrated achievements across four key areas:
- Professional personnel training
- International certification training for firefighting professionals
- Advanced high-tech professional training
- Technology-enabled disaster prevention and education
Smart Disaster Prevention Technologies and Training Systems
The exhibition highlighted innovation in disaster response technologies and practical applications, featuring multiple advanced systems and devices, including:
- Hot-zone inspection robots
- Interactive gas detection demonstration systems
- Immersive interactive training modules
- Integrated virtual–physical simulation training platforms
Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive experiences, the Center showcased how academic research outcomes can be applied in real-world disaster response scenarios, demonstrating the critical value of technological integration in improving emergency efficiency and safety.
National Policy Alignment and Capacity Building
In response to increasing risks from climate change and compound disasters, the government has actively promoted the development of a “disaster-resilient society,” emphasizing the use of technology to strengthen prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. Cross-ministerial collaboration and central–local integration are key to building a rapidly responsive and continuously operational disaster management system.
The YunTech Response Center also supports initiatives led by the Ministry of Environment (Chemicals Administration) and the National Fire Agency of the Ministry of the Interior, working together to enhance response capabilities for toxic and regulated chemical incidents. By integrating technological applications with professional training, the Center strengthens national disaster prevention capacity through a dual-track approach.
Integrated Training System and National Training Facility
To support national policy implementation, the Ministry of Environment (Chemicals Administration) and the National Fire Agency, with execution by the Construction and Planning Agency of the Ministry of the Interior, have established the “Central Region Toxic Chemical Disaster Training Center” in Zhushan, Nantou County. Officially inaugurated, the facility covers approximately 1.7 hectares and is the world’s first professional training site centered on high-tech industry and petrochemical disaster simulation.
The petrochemical disaster simulation zone is the largest of its kind in Asia, featuring furnaces, reactors, and distillation towers, along with integrated gas, liquid, and open-flame leakage modules. It provides highly realistic training environments. Since its pilot operation, more than 4,500 trainees have completed programs at the center. In the future, it is expected to train thousands of participants annually, ranging from basic to expert levels, including industrial emergency personnel, environmental and fire safety agencies, and military response units. The curriculum incorporates international certification standards and interactive training models to enhance real-world operational capabilities.
Training Achievements and International Certification
Since 2021, the YunTech Response Center has been accredited by the Chemicals Administration of the Ministry of Environment as a professional training institution. To date, it has trained over 6,500 certified chemical emergency response professionals and supported more than 28,000 participants in education and training programs for government and industry.
The Center has also assisted the National Fire Agency in advancing internationally aligned training programs, achieving NFPA 470 hazardous materials response operations certification. It continues to support curriculum development and instructor training, strengthening national disaster preparedness and response capacity.
Long-Term Impact and Industry Collaboration
Since its establishment in 2002, the YunTech Response Center has accumulated nearly a quarter-century of professional expertise and practical achievements in environmental safety and disaster prevention. In 2024, in collaboration with the Taiwan Chemical Industry Safety Management Association, the Center conducted an industrial emergency response training program at a major technology company in northern Taiwan. The program included three phases: chemical risk and response training, incident command training, and full-scale plant-level drills. Following training implementation, chemical and fire incidents were reduced to zero, demonstrating tangible progress toward the goal of zero environmental accidents.
University Leadership Statement
YunTech President Zhang Chuan-Yu stated:
“In the future, YunTech will continue to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics to further enhance smart disaster prevention applications and professional training programs. Through strengthened collaboration among government, industry, and academia, the university will support the implementation of national disaster prevention policies, reinforce the integration and resilience of Taiwan’s disaster response system, and move toward a safer and more sustainable future.”
Event Highlights (Captions)
- Director Hong Zhao-Jia with Fire Agency Director-General Hsiao Huan-Chang and distinguished guests
- Interactive demonstration of gas detection system
- 3D VR immersive training environment
- Tracked inspection robot demonstration
- Remote-controlled robotic system and control station
Organizing Unit: Environmental Incident Response Consultation Center
Director: Hong Zhao-Jia
Contact Person: Liao Cai-Hui (Assistant)
Tel: +886-5-534-2601 ext. 4451