Emergency Management and SARA

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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum width required for stairs?

44 inches (correct)

30 inches

36 inches

54 inches

What is the capacity of a 34 inch door based on the capacity factor?

300 persons

250 persons

120 persons

170 persons (correct)

What determines the egress capacity of a building?

Width of corridors

Total floor area

Component with the least capacity (correct)

Height of ceilings

How is the capacity for stairs calculated?

Width divided by capacity factor Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a part of the means of egress?

Exit access, exit, and exit discharge Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum capacity for stairs that are 44 inches wide?

146 persons Signup and view all the answers

What does a shelter-in-place involve?

Taking refuge indoors with minimal windows Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required component of a fire prevention plan?

Designated fire drills schedule Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the hazards associated with exposure to high concentrations of Halon gas?

Asphyxiation due to oxygen deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the plan administrator in a fire prevention plan?

Acts as the focal point of fire prevention plans Signup and view all the answers

What effect can inhaling high concentrations of Halon gas have on the central nervous system?

Dizziness and tingling in extremities Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is necessary to control flammable and combustible waste materials?

Specific storage and handling procedures Signup and view all the answers

What can cause pressures to increase rapidly in containers with large L/D ratios?

Internal gas expansions Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary condition for Combustion Explosions of Dust in an Enclosure to occur?

Airborne dust with an ignition source Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger from a Boiling Liquid-Expanding Vapor Explosion (BLEVE)?

Thermal and physical effects from container parts being thrown Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic of Unconfined Vapor Cloud Explosions?

Can dissipate to harmless levels Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to a Chemical Reactor Runaway?

Insufficient stirring Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause for explosions of pressure vessels containing nonreactive materials?

Weak vessel structures Signup and view all the answers

What happens in the event of a deflagration of mists?

Ignition can produce violent explosions Signup and view all the answers

What could significantly amplify the effects of a combustion explosion in an enclosure?

High concentrations of dust with low ignition points Signup and view all the answers

What is typically a result of a nuclear reactor explosion?

Blast wave or pressure wave Signup and view all the answers

How can an open-air vapor cloud become dangerous?

If it's ignited and accelerates rapidly enough Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of developing a check-in/check-out procedure in underground construction?

To ensure an accurate count of personnel present Signup and view all the answers

What training should employees receive regarding bloodborne pathogens?

Initial and annual bloodborne pathogens training Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of a Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP)?

To analyze possible design deviations Signup and view all the answers

When should the air supply decrease alert be activated for respirator users?

When it drops to 20-25% of full capacity Signup and view all the answers

What does Process Safety Management emphasize in relation to hazards?

Identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary method used in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)?

Mapping operation diagrams for failure analysis Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario should two 5-person rescue teams be deployed in underground environments?

Where 25 or more employees are working Signup and view all the answers

What analysis method systematically studies component failures in operations?

Fault Tree Analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Emergency Response Team in chemical hazard scenarios?

To respond to chemical exposures and evacuations Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature of the fireball associated with thermal effects?

2400 F Signup and view all the answers

Which factors relate to the explosion severity of combustible dust?

Maximum explosion pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise Signup and view all the answers

What can dust confinement in the air contribute to during an explosion?

Increased pressure and temperature Signup and view all the answers

How does the radiant energy from the fireball dissipate?

In relation to the distance squared Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following has the greatest impact on the power of a dust explosion?

Particle size of combustible materials Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens after a first explosion involving dust?

Accumulated dust becomes airborne and may cause a second explosion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor determining ignition sensitivity?

Minimum concentration of combustible dust Signup and view all the answers

What is the relation of blast wave distance to the charge weight?

Cube root of charge weight Signup and view all the answers

How should materials be managed to control explosion risks?

Limit quantities and store in remote areas Signup and view all the answers

What role do inert dusts like limestone play in explosions?

They reduce the ability of dust to burn Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emergency

An emergency happens suddenly, disrupts regular activities, and requires immediate action.
A disaster is a major emergency resulting in substantial property damage, fatalities, or both.
Emergencies include natural disasters (e.g., fires, floods, earthquakes), system failures, or traffic problems.

Types of Emergencies

Behavior of people in emergencies is often panic-driven, impacting safety and causing unintentional harm.
Key concerns in emergencies include priorities for people’s safety, property protection, environmental cleanup, and restoring normal operations.

SARA and EPCRA-SARA III

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 requires chemical plants to develop emergency response plans.
EPCRA-SARA III is part of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (1986).
It requires industries to inform federal, state, and local governments about the storage, use, and release of hazardous substances.

Radiological Accidents

Accidents involving radioactive materials require specific response protocols.
Information resources on hazardous substances are provided by agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Chemical Transportation Emergencies

Chemical transportation emergencies require preemptive planning to prevent and effectively handle releases of hazardous materials.

Emergency Center

Emergency planning and procedures for facilities are essential for effective response to emergencies.
Emergency operating procedures require employees to evacuate, account for those who remain behind, and perform emergency tasks.
Emergency response plans should outline procedures for fire evacuations, procedures for employees remaining to handle critical functions before evacuation, procedures to track employees after evacuation, and roles of individuals performing rescue or medical assistance and who to contact for more info.

Disaster Dilemma

Technology and emergencies have a complex relationship.

Maintaining Fire Extinguishers

Regular inspections, hydrostatic testing, and annual internal checks are crucial for safety.
Documentation related to inspections and testing is required.

Emergency Planning for Elevators

Elevators are designed to return to the primary recall floor in case of emergencies (e.g., fire).
The primary recall floor is typically near an exit, and marked with a star on the control panel.
If a fire is detected, the elevator will stop at the floor before or after the primary recall floor.

Elevators

The travel distance from any point in a room to an exit should not exceed 150 ft (46 m).
In buildings with sprinkler systems, the maximum travel distance can be increased to 200 ft.
Industrial buildings without sprinklers may have a maximum travel distance of 250 ft.
There are minimum requirements for width of corridors and passageways of 44 inches (1120 mm)

Minimum width of components

Door: 34 inches with 0.2 person capacity (170 person capacity)
Stair well: 44 inches with 0.3 person capacity (147 person capacity)
Door: 44 inches with 0.2 person capacity (220 person capacity)
The component with the smallest capacity determines overall egress capacity

Interior Finishes

Flame spread and smoke development ratings are used to classify interior materials for fire safety.

Fire Prevention Plans

Written procedures for handling flammable and combustible materials must be communicated to the employees.
Maintenance of equipment to reduce fire hazards should be properly documented along with individuals assigned responsibility.

Underground Construction

Procedures should be in place to help control the amount of fuel and potential hazards.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Hepatitis B vaccine and annual training for employees who work with hazardous materials.

Emergency Procedures for Chemicals

Procedures that need to be followed with hazardous materials. Emergency evacuation procedures and route assignments
Procedures for employees performing critical operations before evacuation.
Procedures for tracking employees after evacuation.
Roles and responsibilities for rescue and medical tasks
Who to contact for further details or clarification of the procedure Means for reporting fires and other emergencies

Emergency Response Team Training

First Aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
The OSHA blood-borne pathogens standard.
Shutdown procedures.
Chemical spill control procedures.
Search and emergency rescue procedures.
Hazardous materials emergency response.

OSHA Respirators in Emergency situations

Employer must select and provide suitable respirators.
Create a written respiratory protection program that outlines how respirators are to be used in emergency situations .
Verify the suitability of emergency respirators.
Properly store and inspect emergency respirators.

Emergency Procedures for Workplace Chemical Hazards

Escape procedures and escape routes.
Special procedures for people performing or shutting down critical plant operations.
Systems to account for everybody after evacuation, and information.
Employee rescue and medical roles.
Methods for reporting emergencies and fires.
Use of different fire extinguishers.
First aid (including CPR) and breathing apparatus, including requirements.

Process Safety Management

Perform a Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) every 5 years.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of emergencies, including types, responses, and the significance of legislation like SARA and EPCRA-SARA III. It explores how human behavior impacts emergency situations and the legal requirements for chemical plants regarding emergency preparedness. Test your knowledge on how to effectively manage emergencies and understand key safety concerns.