Emergency response elements

Examine co-ordination among emergency response elements... 

Number of emergency response elements that are not fully functional when activated in... 

A DOT regulation covers both domestic and international shipping (9). For transportation safety, the DOT has information for first responders to incidents involving elemental phosphoms (10). In addition, the Chemtrec phone number 1-800-424-9300 accesses DOT emergency information and assistance in the United States. Also, the phosphoms producers in the United States have estabUshed a Phosphoms Emergency Response Team (PERT) to assist in handling P emergencies. 

Non-RCRA-permitted TSDs and waste treatment activities not covered by RCRA (e.g., wastewater treatment facilities permitted under the Clean Water Act) are not covered by HAZWOPER, except for emergency response and some limited waste management operations. Specific HAZWOPER elements are assimilated into the existing health and safety program based on hazard analyses. Worker protection requirements are met through existing health and safety plans [1]. 

An OSHA emergency response plan (ERP) is a written plan to prepare for and handle anticipated emergencies prior to the emergency. If employees are expected to respond to spills or releases requiring an emergency response, OSHA requires the development of an ERP that contains required elements as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.120 (q)(2) and (l)(3)(iv). The following are the minimum type of procedures ... 

In preparing your proposal, the first step will be to inventory all the PSM and ESH programs and elements that exist, or should exist, within your company. To help with this. Exhibits 2-4,2-5, and 2-6 provide lists of typical programs and elements. Although some of the titles vary, there is considerable overlap between these three exhibits. For example, they each have emergency response, hazards materials programs and work permit requirements. 

Exhibits 2-5 and 2-6 are modified sample lists of programs and elements for an actual company (here called Xmple, Inc.) drawn from the files of Arthur D. Little. These are in addition to the PSM requirements shown in Exhibit 2-4. You should develop similar lists for your company. These can usually be obtained from PSM and ESH manuals or the specialist staff who support the programs and elements. Be careful to make sure you understand the scope of each program, as the titles can sometimes be a little misleading. For example, spill response may cover only measures to be taken to stop further spillage, while containment and clean-up are covered under emergency response. 

As mentioned earlier, most facilities need not start from scratch when seeking to effectively manage chemical reactivity hazards. Elements of a hazards management system, such as an emergency response plan or a... 

RMP requires covered processes to have a hazard assessment, a prevention program, and an emergency response program. The hazard assessment must evaluate the accidental release of regulated substances, including the worst case scenario. RMP contains requirements for prevention of accidental releases, which include the same basic elements as the OSHA PSM Standard. Therefore, the limitations described in Section 5.1.2.2 with respect to process safety information and process hazard analysis also apply to RMP. 

Another PSM and RMP element is the requirement for emergency response planning. Emergency response planning is required for both on-site and off-site (public areas). 

Plant operator training in HazMat Response is also required by PSM and RMP. The plant operators who respond to a fire or spill of any listed chemical must be trained on how to properly handle such incidents. This training element is absolutely critical in any emergency response incident. 

Effective communication is a key element of emergency response, and a media or communications plan is essential to good communications. Be prepared by organizing basic facts about the crisis and your chemical system. Develop key messages to use with the media that are clear, brief, and accurate. Make sure your messages are carefully planned and have been coordinated with local and state officials. Considerations should be given to establishing protocols for both field and office staff to respectfully defer questions to the proper spokesperson. 

Elements to Be Included in the Plan Emergency response notification... 

In the site manager/safety professional s effort to incorporate and manage a facility emergency response plan, and in the response itself, two elements mentioned earlier... 

Failure to promptly report a fire could result in greater damage and, more importantly, could delay warning affected personnel. The alarm and surveillance element of fire prevention triggers emergency response and has a major impact on the control of property losses, safety of personnel, and community impact. Some key components of alarm and surveillance are ... 

The fundamental requirement for effective emergency response is a plan that documents the elements of the emergency response process for a facility and the responsibilities of the personnel who will manage each element. 

The ERP should be written in a format that is easily understood by all personnel and be accessible to Incident Commanders (1C), responders, safety and health professionals, engineering staff, operations staff, and others involved in emergency response. Table 11 -4 shows typical elements of an ERP. 

Developing plans for response to credible fire events is an important emergency planning element. Different fire events require different responses. Complete extinguishment is the appropriate approach for some events. For others, the optimum approach may be to cool adjacent structures until the source of the fuel can be isolated or until the fuel is depleted. Still others may require that firefighters secure perimeter areas and allow the fire to burn itself out. 

A replication-deficient adenovirus has been used to deliver a gene construct, which contains within its promoter region a radiation-responsive element. Upon irradiation with conventional doses of X rays, this construct initiates transcription of the gene coding for the toxic cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-a (35). The above is an exquisite example of how emerging delivery and gene therapies are fast blurring the distinction between an active and an excipient (Fig. 3D). 

Following a release, the plant staff must respond and alert the surrounding population that an emergency exists on the site. This is facilitated by having a well-thought-out and rehearsed emergency response plan in place. The essential elements of this plan are associated with postrelease mitigation. 

Central to all emergency preparedness programs is a written emergency response plan (ERP). An ERP obviously is a key element of emergency preparedness, yet it is only one procedural part of a systematic process that includes the following sequential steps ... 

Perhaps the most essential element of an ERP is the establishment of the organization that will manage an emergency response once the event has developed beyond a Level One Emergency. The EMO must be capable of rapid assembly, and must be able to carry out all of its assigned responsibilities. 

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