Emergency Response Plan PDF

Objective 8 Explain the purpose and describe the typical components of an emergency response plan. EMERGEMCY RESPONSE PLAN An emergency is a sudden or unexpected happening or situation that requires prompt attention. An emergency in a workplace is usually a situation that could lead to the injury o...

Objective 8 Explain the purpose and describe the typical components of an emergency response plan. EMERGEMCY RESPONSE PLAN An emergency is a sudden or unexpected happening or situation that requires prompt attention. An emergency in a workplace is usually a situation that could lead to the injury of workers or the public, or a situation that poses a danger to the environment. Emergency response and contingency planning is utilized to minimize the effects of an emergency situation. The complexity of these plans is determined by the industry in which the company operates, the size of the particular operation, its geographical location or proximity to populated or environmentally sensitive areas, and its distance from additional resources. In simple terms, a company is responsible for planning for the worst situation. Emergency and contingency plans are developed and used extensively. Industries are encouraged to refer to and adopt industry-specific guidelines. Emergency response and contingency planning exemplifies a company’s readiness to fulfill its legal and ethical responsibilities in case of an emergency. The following are key elements of a successful emergency response plan: • An identification of the most probable emergencies • The steps of the notification process (who to notify and when) • An outline of the immediate actions to be taken by personnel • A description of how to minimize any adverse effects on personnel, property, or the environment Identification of Typical Emergencies The identification of potential emergencies involves a risk assessment exercise that uses a comprehensive understanding of facility processes. This procedure requires input from management, operating personnel, maintenance personnel, safety personnel, and perhaps specialists or design engineers. It is the responsibility of the planning group to categorize and rank, in order of probability, all emergency situations. The completed list should be circulated within the organization and to relevant external people or agencies for comment and agreement. Page 33 of 56 It is important to consider the anticipated consequences for personnel, property, and the environment. Environmental effects may be particularly critical where damage, alteration, or pollution may seriously affect a neighboring facility, such as a community or wildlife sanctuary. Such anticipated domino effects resulting from an emergency must be fully explored during the planning stages. At this stage, the planning group has identified the following: • Inherent dangers in the plant processes • Possible failures of a mechanical, electrical, computer, or structural nature • The likelihood of human error • Third party errors Some examples of these dangers include the following: • Temperature control of gases or chemicals • Malfunctioning valves • Electrical equipment arcing • Complete failure or misinterpretation of a data link • Structural collapse or pressure vessel failure • Providing a wrong instruction or performing a dangerous act (alcohol or drug related misjudgment) • Contractors, personnel, or equipment performing a dangerous act Notification Immediate notification of the appropriate personnel is the second most critical component of a successful emergency response. It is important to notify the police and other emergency services at an early stage. Notifying police services is mandatory in any serious situation since the police also have direct links to other specialists in communications and response. Police and fire services are trained experts in emergency response and can provide the most immediate and professional help. The initial notification must be made to the on-site commander (OSC) by the person who discovered the emergency. It is the responsibility of the OSC to activate the command centre and perform the subsequent notifications to the police and other emergency services as required. Notification lists and charts must be site specific and must be exercised and tested following completion to ensure its effectiveness. Figure 9 illustrates a typical form used for initial notification. Page 34 of 56 Page 35 of 56 Key Personnel in an Emergency Response to an emergency must be rapid and organized. The following are the key personnel in an emergency situation: • On-site commander (OSC): An individual who is normally on-site and is familiar with the operations at the facility. This person could be the shop supervisor or operations foreman. • Communications officer (CO): Activates all communication systems and maintains and facilitates a communication log. This person could be a senior administrative assistant • Response operations supervisor (ROS): Carries out the response actions at the emergency, under the direction of the OSC. This position requires a person who is normally on-site, is familiar with the plant processes, and is trained in the use of emergency response equipment and techniques. A senior operator, shop foreman, or shipping supervisor would be a good person for this role. • Security officer (SO): Ensures security of the site and safety of personnel. This person could be a commissionaire or senior administrative assistant • Alternates: Alternative individuals who are qualified and capable of filling the above roles in the event of any absences must be available in an emergency situation. Page 36 of 56 Standard Emergency Response Procedures Standard emergency response procedures include the following steps: 1. Recognize the problem: It is important to remain alert to situations that may require immediate attention. These could be environmental situations, fires, personal injury, or operational problems. 2. Evaluate the hazard: Evaluate the importance of the hazard. Gather information so the proper resources can be obtained in response. 3. Take control: Whatever the situation, someone needs to take control. Take the action needed to immediately control the situation. This may mean stopping operations, stopping the flow of a fuel spill, notifying co-workers, or identifying hazardous exposures. 4. Call for help: Notify your supervisor. Sound an alarm. Radio for help. 5. Act: Take whatever action possible to lessen the impact of the situation, based on your training and workplace emergency response procedures. 6. Follow-up: Problem situations should not be repeated. Document as much information as possible so an effective accident/incident investigation maybe done. Such documentation may be a legal requirement Page 37 of 56