Emergency Planning

As per section 41-B(4) of the factories Act 1948 every occupier of a hazardous process factory shall with the approval of the Chief Inspector of Factories (CIF), draw up an on site emergency plan and detailed disaster control measures for his factory and make know to the workers and the general public in the vicinity, the safety measures to be taken in the event of and accident. And as per Rule 13 of Manufacture, storage and import of hazardous chemicals rules 1989 is shall be the duty of the concerned authority to prepare and keep to date an off site emergency plan detailing how an emergency on the site will be dealt with.

Need for Emergency Planning Why have an emergency plan?

A definite plan to deal with major emergencies is an important element of OH&S programs Fires, explosition and toxic release of chemicals are the outcomes of and emergency. So it is necessary to have an action plan to tackle such emergencies . Risk of and accident can be reduced by good design, operation and maintenance inspection of the plant The lack of an emergency plan could lead to severe losses such as multiple casualties and possible financial collapse of the organization.

What is the overall objective of the plan?

Contain and control the accident Rescue and treatment of casualty Safe guard people Identify causalities, notify the relatives and render necessary help to them Rehabilitate the area affected Provide information to media and Preserve records / equipments for subsequent enquiry preventing fatalities and injuries; reducing damage to buildings, stock, and equipment; and accelerating the resumption of normal operations.

What are elements of the emergency plan

The emergency plan includes all possible emergencies, consequences, required actions, written procedures, and the resources available detailed lists of personnel including their home telephone numbers, their duties and responsibilities floor plans, and large scale maps showing evacuation routes and service conduits (such as gas and water lines).

What are technological and natural hazards?

fire explosion building collapse major structural failure spills of flammable liquids accidental release of toxic substances other terrorist activities exposure to ionizing radiation loss of electrical power loss of water supply loss of communications environment agencies floods, earthquakes

What is the series of events or decisions that should be considered?

declare emergency sound the alert evacuate danger zone close main shutoffs call for external aid initiate rescue operations attend to casualties fight fire

The final consideration is a list and the location of resources needed

medical supplies auxiliary communication equipment power generators respirators chemical and radiation detection equipment mobile equipment emergency protective clothing fire fighting equipment ambulance rescue equipment trained personnel

Onsite Emergency Planning

Essential elements of Emergency plant

Assessment of size and nature of events and the probability Assessment of resources available at site and outside agencies Procedures for raising alarm and communication within and outside works (Sirens, walkie-talkie, telephone etc.) Appointment of key personnel and defining their duties Provision for emergency Action required on site Action required off site

Key personnel
Individuals nominated to take specific responsibilities during the emergency
Work Incident Controller (WIC) : Takes full charge of the site until works main controller takes charge. He must be an experienced and knowledgeable person.

Trained first aider Operators required to shut down the plant Emergency Engineering Staff Public Relation Staff Roll call leaders Traffic Controllers Running messengers

Responsibilities

Assess the situation, decide and activate the emergency procedures. Take action for controlling the incident, securing the safety of the personnel and minimizing damage to environment, plant and material. Direct rescue and fire fighting operations at site Co-ordinate with emergency services at site. Search for causalities and arrange proper aid for them . Evacuate non-essential person from site to safe location . Ensure good communication with emergency control centre. Preserve evidence for enquiry . WIC can wear a special jacket or hat for easy identification.
Work Incident Controller

Works Main Controller (WMC)

He takes decisions affecting the whole works and therefore chosen from one of the senior managers. He has overall responsibility of direction emergency action from emergency control centre. In addition he will Direct shutting down for plants and evacuation of personnel Ensure treatment of causalities Control traffic Arrange communication with media and Govt. Control rehabilitation efforts .

Emergency Control Centre

It is the safe place from where WMC directs emergency action.

Facilities Needed : Important internal telephone numbers Wireless sets Site plan of factory layout Paper and pen List of key personnel List of trained first aiders Shift schedule of employees

Action On Site Emergency Planning

Evacuate

non-essential personnel to assembly points. Persons should be designated to take roll call in the assembly points. of personnel.

Accounting Inform

relatives of personnel at site . Rehabilitation.

Rehearsing Emergency Procedures

To test plan, rehear drills or mock drills are to be conducted once in every six months.

Essentials

A clear organization structure giving details of command structure warning procedures and emergency control centers. An efficient communication system . A list of available equipments like bull dozers, cranes, firefighting and breathing apparatus . Availability of specialist organization and people. Details of organizations like fire service, police, hospital ,factory inspectorate, voluntary organizations and emergency services of industry . Plans of evacuation, safe routes, medical treatment and rehabilitation. System to educate all concerned including the public in the vicinity and to rehearse it. Co-operation of all agencies is necessary in formulating the plan