Emergency planning

The emergency plan and arrangements prepared by the operating organization shall include, as necessary  

Exercises shall be conducted at suitable intervals and shall involve, to the extent practicable, all those persons with duties in responding to the emergency. The results of the exercise shall be reviewed and, where necessary, the lessons learned shall be incorporated into revisions of the emergency plan. 

FaciUties, instruments, tools, equipment, documentation and conununication systems to be used in emergencies shall be kept available and shall be maintained in such conditions that it is unlikely that they would be affected or made unavailable by the accidents postulated to happen. 

It is worth repeating that emergency planning and development is the subject of local legislation. What is provided here are some guidelines based on the Canadian experience. They do not represent the laws of any jurisdiction. 

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The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) Tide III requires emergency planning based on threshold planning quantities (TPQ) and release reporting based on RQs in 40 CER part 355 (used for SARA 302, 303, and 304). The TPQ for acrolein is 500 lb (227 kg), and its RQ is 1 lb (0.454 kg). SARA also requires submission of aimual reports of release of toxic chemicals that appear on the Hst in 40 CER 372.65 (for SARA 313). Acrolein appears on that Hst. This information must be included in all MSDSs that are copied and distributed for acrolein. 

The fourth level of defense-in-depth is activated if all of the previous levels fail and radioactivity is released from the power-generating system. This level consists of containment systems and accident management processes that prevent the dissernination of radioactivity to the atmosphere even if it is released from the nuclear systems. The fifth level is the provision for emergency planning outside the plant boundary in the highly unlikely event that all of the first four levels of defense were to fad. 

The NRC also imposes special security requirements for spent fuel shipments and transport of highly enriched uranium or plutonium materials that can be used in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. These security measures include route evaluation, escort personnel and vehicles, communications capabiHties, and emergency plans. State governments are notified in advance of any planned shipment within their state of spent fuel, or any other radioactive materials requiring shipment in accident-proof. Type B containers. 

Emergency response On-site communications Emergency shutdown equipment and procedures Site evacuation Safe havens Personal protective equipment Medical treatment On-site emergency plans, procedures, training, aud drills... 

Employee Emergency Plans and Eire Prevention Plans—29 CER 1910.38... 

Emergency response plan new or modified unit included in the facility plan, maps and emergency plan procedures updated, training performed... 

Has the facility conducted an emergency drill within the last two years (Note date of last drill and whether coordinated with local emergency planning committee.) ... 

The emergency plan should state the action to be taken, by whom, to inform the local authorities, and the client. In turn the plan should detail the response to overcome the problem quickly. 

Check when the emergency plans were last tested. Ask what simulations are used to train people in emergency management. 

Audit (Process Safety Audit) An inspection of a plant or process unit, drawings, procedures, emergency plans, and/or management systems, etc., usually by an independent, impartial team. 

If a person is appointed to hold the lifeline and to keep continual watch over the person within the confined space, it is forbidden to leave the post. It is necessary to be ready to summon help if required. (A specific emergency plan should be established)... 

Table 13.5 Minimum information to be supplied to local authority for an off-site emergency plan under the COMAH Regulations...

An outline of the initial actions and procedures in the on-site emergency plan. 

Checks on environmental policy, organization and responsibilities, legislation, training records, emergency plans, performance targets, means of investigating incidents and written work instructions. 

HSG 191 Emergency planning for major accidents - Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999... 

Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) The U.S. Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) also known as the Community Right-To-Know Act or SARA, Title III provides for the collection and public release of information about the presence and release of hazardous or toxic chemicals in the nation s communities. The law requires... 

You should be familiar with various occupancies and locations in your community where hazardous materials are used, stored, transported, or produced. To accomplish this familiarization, you must complete pre-emergency planning and inspection activities. 

Submission of EPA Form R. the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Reporting Form, Is required by section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community RIght-to-Know Act (Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthoiizatlon Act of 1986), Public Law 99-499. The Information contained in Form R constitutes a report, and the submission of a report to the appropriate authorities constitutes reporting. ... 

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Information Hotline U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 401 M Street. S.W. (OS-120)... 

Note Chemicals may be added to or deleted from the list. The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Information Hotline, (800) 535-0202 or (202) 479-2449 in Washington, D.C. or Alaska, will provide up-to-date information on the status of those changes. See page 11 of the instructions for more information on the do minimis values listed below.]... 

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