Emergency plans/procedures chemicals

Because other sections of this Handbook deal more specifically with cleanup methods, policies, and detailed spill procedures, this section only emphasizes some key points related to adsorption cleanup. The safety, health, and environment department must prepare formal written procedures for all types of chemical spillage. The specification of sorbent type must be based on an expert analysis of the MSDS (material safety data sheet) for every chemical onsite. The manufacturers technical data or MSD sheets provide information for the site-specific safety plan, such as flash point, ignition temperature, solubility, toxicology, density, reactivity, and chemical compatibility. The written procedures must cover all chemicals on site and all possible spill scenarios, particularly What is the worst incident that could happen Prevention techniques must obviously be in place and emergency plan procedures carefully prepared and practiced. 

ERPs do not necessarily need to be one document. They may consist of an overview document, individual emergency action procedures, checklists, additions to existing operations manuals, appendices, etc. There may be separate, more detailed plans for specific incidents. There may be plans that do not include particularly sensitive information and those that do. Existing applicable documents should be referenced in the ERP (e.g., chemical Risk Management Program, contamination response). 

Laboratory safety is absolutely essential for any organization. The protection of human health is foremost when dealing with toxic chemicals. Proper protective clothing and equipment should be used by all who may be exposed to these chemicals. Correct storage and handling procedures should always be employed in the laboratory. Emergency plans should be developed and made aware to all involved in case of an accidental exposure. 

Emergency response procedures for hazardous chemicals. Coordinating responses, event stabilization, tools and materials, evacuation, MSDSs, and emergency response plan. Part of eight-volume series, Working in the Hazard Zone. ... 

General laboratory rules and procedures Personal protection equipment requirements Spill and accident procedures Chemical storage rules and procedures Safety equipment requirements and inspection procedures Employee safety training requirements Exposure and medical evaluation processes Emergency evacuation plan... 

While most chemical facilities have an emergency plan, it may not be as detailed as required for the PSM rule and it may not have addressal of the response and recovery stages of an emergency. The plan is required to include types of accidents considered, emergency procedures and responsibilities, escape routes, locations for safe zones (assembly points), types of alarms, actions before evacuation, personnel accounting, rescue and medical responsibilities, reporting, local coordination, and the procedures for handling small releases of hazardous material. 

Joint documents (EPA, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and DOT), Technical Guidance for Hazards Analysis, Emergency Planning for Extremely Hazardous Substances, and Handbook of Chemical Hazard Analysis Procedures. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) develops and issues fire codes that are used by fire marshals and the authority having jurisdiction to enforce required fire safety measures. NFPA issued the new NFPA 45-2015 Standardfor Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals which included Chapter 12 on Educational and Instructional Laboratory Operations. This new section established new requirements for teachers and instructors who perform demonstrations. Instructors performing demonstrations must perform a documented risk assessment, provide a safety briefing to students, provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and use secured safety barriers between the student and the demonstration to prevent personal injury unless there is at least 10 feet between the demonstration and the students. Institutions are required to train instmctors in fire safety procedures, emergency plans, hazards in the laboratories, use of PPE, and how to conduct risk assessments. 

Warehouse Emergency Procedures for Fire, Chemical Spill, Medical, and Weather. A good emergency plan covers all of the possible events that could occur in a warehouse. It is very important that new employees understand the basic procedures to follow if a fire of any size breaks out, if a chemical spill occurs in a work area, if a medical emergency arises, and if a tornado, earthquake, or any other serious weather-related emergency arises. 

This is an independent mechanism that reduces risk by control, prevention, or mitigation. It could be a process engineering mechanism such as the size of vessels containing hazardous chemicals, a mechanical engineering mechanism such as a relief valve, or an administrative procedure such as an emergency plan against an imminent hazard. 

Wlien there are unwanted incidental releases of highly hazardous chemicals in the process area, the employer must inform employees of the actions/procedures to take. If the employer wants employees to evacuate the area, then the emergency action plan will be activated. Eor outdoor processes, where wind direction is important for selecting the safe route to a refuge area, the employers should place a wind direction indicator, such as a wind sock or pennant, at the highest point visible... 

The plan should be audited on a regular basis, at least annually to assure tliat it is current. Items to be updated include the list of potential hazards and emergency procedures (adapted to any newly developed teclmology). A guideline for auditing the emergency response phui, adapted from literature published by the Chemical Manufacturers Association, is presented below in question format."... 

A short synopsis of the overall emergency management structure, how other industrial emergency response, contingency, and risk management plans fit into the ERP for chemical emergencies, and applicable policies, procedures, actions plans, and reference documents should be cited. Policies should include interconnect agreements with adjacent communities and just how the ERP may affect them. 

Firefighters have to be able to read, understand, and act on complex written materials—not only fire law and fire procedures, but also scientific materials about fire, combustible materials, and chemicals. They have to be able to think clearly and independently because lives depend on decisions they make in a split second. They have to be able to do enough math to read and understand pressure gauges, or estimate the height of a building and the amount of hose needed to reach the third floor. They have to be able to read maps and floor plans so they can get to the emergency site quickly or find their way to an exit even in a smoke-filled building. 

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