Model Safety Program DATE: _____________ SUBJECT: Workplace Emergency Preparedness REGULATORY STATUTE: See Section 13. OSHA Requirements
RESPONSIBILITY: The company Safety Officer is _________________. He/she is solely responsible for all facets of this program and has full authority to make necessary decisions to ensure success of the program. The Safety Officer is the sole person authorized to amend these instructions and is authorized to halt any operation of the company where there is danger of serious personal injury. This policy includes respiratory hazards. Contents of the (YOUR COMPANY) Emergency Preparedness Program 1. Written Program. 2. General. 3. Facility Planning Requirements. 4. Chain of Command. 5. Communications. 6. Accounting for Personnel. 7. Emergency Response Teams. 8. Training. 9. Drills and Performance Evaluation Criteria. 10. Personal Protection. 11. Medical Assistance. 12. Security. 13. OSHA Requirements.
(YOUR COMPANY) Emergency Preparedness Program 1. Written program. (YOUR COMPANY) will review and evaluate this standard practice instruction on an annual basis, or when facility operational changes occur that require revision. Effective implementation of this program requires support from all levels of management within this company. This written program will be communicated to all personnel that are affected by it. It encompasses the total workplace, regardless of number of workers employed or the number of work shifts. It is designed to establish clear goals, and objectives. 2. General. The importance of an effective workplace safety and health program cannot be overemphasized. There are many benefits from such a program including increased productivity, improved employee morale, reduced absenteeism and illness, and reduced workers' compensation rates; however, accidents still occur in spite of efforts to prevent them. This Standard Practice Instruction (SPI) details the basic steps and planning documents this company will initiate to prepare for emergencies at our facility(s). These emergencies include accidental releases of toxic gases, chemical spills, fires, explosions, natural disasters and personal injury. This SPI is intended to serve as a guideline for planning for emergencies, to establish the required planning documents needed for emergency preparedness, and to assist company employees in updating and revising existing written programs. 3. Facility planning requirements. Proper planning for emergencies is necessary to minimize employee injury and property damage. The effectiveness of response during emergencies depends on the amount of planning and training performed. Management must show its support of plant safety programs and the importance of emergency planning. If management is not interested in employee protection and minimizing property loss, little can be done to promote a safe workplace. It is therefore management's responsibility within this company to see that this program is instituted and that it is frequently reviewed and updated. The input and support of all employees must be obtained to ensure an effective program. The emergency response plans required by this company will be developed locally and will be comprehensive enough to deal with all known types of emergencies. 3.1 Emergency action plans. When emergency action plans are required by a particular OSHA standard, the plan will be in writing, the plan will include, as a minimum, the following elements: 3.1.1 Emergency escape procedures and emergency escape route assignments. 3.1.2 Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to perform (or shut down) critical plant operations before they evacuate. 3.1.3 Procedures to account for all employees after emergency evacuation has been completed. 3.1.4 Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them.,
3.1.5 The preferred means for reporting fires and other emergencies. 3.1.6 Names or regular job titles of persons or departments to be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan. 3.2 Hazard audits. The emergency action plan will address all potential emergencies that can be expected in our facility(s). Therefore, it will be necessary to perform a hazard audit to determine potentially toxic materials and unsafe conditions. 3.2.1 Chemical information. For information on chemicals, the manufacturer or supplier will be contacted to obtain Material Safety Data Sheets. These forms describe the hazards that a chemical may present, list precautions to take when handling, storing, or using the substance, and outline emergency and firstaid procedures. 3.2.2 Emergency essential employees. The plan will list in detail the procedures to be taken by those employees who must remain behind to care for essential plant operations until their evacuation becomes absolutely necessary. This may include monitoring plant power supplies, water supplies, and other essential services that cannot be shut down for every emergency alarm. 3.2.3 Emergency evacuation. For emergency evacuation, floor plans or workplace maps that clearly show the emergency escape routes and safe or refuge areas will be included in the plan. All employees will be told what actions they are to take in the emergency situations that may occur in the workplace. 3.2.4 Plan revision. This plan will be reviewed with employees initially when the plan is developed, whenever the employees' responsibilities under the plan change, and whenever the plan is changed. 4. Chain of Command. Each SPI developed by this company which addresses an emergency preparedness topic will ensure that a clear chain of command is established. The goal of which is to minimize confusion so that employees will have no doubt about who has authority for making decisions. Responsible individuals will be selected to coordinate the work of the emergency response team. Where necessary, a facility coordinator in charge of facilitywide operations, public relations, and ensuring that outside aid is called in will be established. Because of the importance of these functions, adequate backup must be arranged so that trained personnel are always available. The duties of the Emergency Response Team Coordinator where established will include the following: 4.1 Assessing the situation and determining whether an emergency exists that requires activating the emergency procedures. 4.2 Directing all efforts in the area including evacuating personnel and minimizing property loss.
4.3 Ensuring that outside emergency services such as medical aid and local fire departments are called in (or provisions for notification) when necessary. 4.4 Directing the shutdown of plant operations when necessary. 5. Communications. Each SPI developed by this company which addresses an emergency preparedness topic will ensure that communications requirements are addressed. During a major emergency involving a fire or explosion it may be necessary to evacuate offices in addition to manufacturing areas. Also, normal services, such as electricity, water, and telephones, may be nonexistent. Under these conditions, it may be necessary to have an evacuation relocation point established to which employees can report or that can act as a focal point for incoming and outgoing calls. Since time is an essential element for adequate response, the person designated as being in charge will make this the alternate headquarters so that he/she can be easily reached. 5.1 Communications equipment. Emergency communications equipment such as amateur radio systems, public address systems, or portable radio units should be present for notifying employees of the emergency and for contacting local authorities, such as law enforcement officials, the Red Cross, the local Federal Emergency Management Office, and the fire department. 5.2 Employee emergency notification. A method of communication also is needed to alert employees to the evacuation or to take other action as required in the plan. 5.2.1 Alarms will be audible or seen by all people in the facility and will have an auxiliary power supply in the event electricity is affected. The alarm should be distinctive and recognizable as a signal to evacuate the work area or perform actions designated under the emergency action plan. 5.2.2 Employee reporting requirements. This employer will explain to each employee the means for reporting emergencies, such as manual pull box alarms, public address systems, or telephones. Emergency phone numbers will be posted on or near telephones, on employees' notice boards, or in other conspicuous locations. 5.2.3 Written warning plan. The warning plan should be in writing and management must be sure each employee knows what it means and what action is to be taken. 5.2.4 Offduty key personnel notification. It may be necessary to notify other key personnel such as the plant manager or physician during offduty hours. An updated written list will be kept of key personnel listed in order of priority. 6. Accounting for Personnel. Management will need to know when all personnel have been accounted for. This can be difficult during shift changes or if contractors are on site. A responsible person in the control center should be appointed to account for personnel and to inform police or Emergency Response Team members of those persons believed missing.
7. Emergency Response Teams. Emergency Response Teams are the first line of defense in emergencies. Before assigning personnel to these teams, it must be determined if employees are physically capable of performing the duties that may be assigned to them. The type and extent of the emergency will depend on the facility plant operations and the response will vary according to the type of process, the material handled, the number of employees, and the availability of outside resources. Emergency Response Teams should be trained in the types of possible emergencies and the emergency actions to be performed. They should be informed about special hazards, such as storage and use of flammable materials, toxic chemicals, radioactive sources, and water reactive substances, to which they may be exposed during fire and other emergencies. It is important to determine when not to intervene. For example, team members must be able to determine if the fire is too large for them to handle or whether search and emergency rescue procedures should be performed. If there is a possibility of members of the Emergency Response Team receiving fatal or incapacitating injuries, they should wait for professional firefighters or emergency response groups. Depending on the size of the facility there may be one or several teams trained in the following areas: 7.1 Use of various types of fire extinguishers. 7.2 First aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 7.3 Shutdown procedures. 7.4 Evacuation procedures. 7.5 Chemical spill control procedures. 7.6 Use of selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA). 7.7 Search and emergency rescue procedures. 7.8 Natural disaster operation procedures. 8. Training. Training is important to the effectiveness of an emergency plan. Before implementing an emergency action plan, a sufficient number of persons must be trained to assist in the safe and orderly evacuation of employees. Training for each type of disaster response is necessary so that employees know what actions are required. 8.1 Additional training. In addition to the specialized training for Emergency Response Team members, all employees will be trained in the following: 8.1.1 Evacuation plans. 8.1.2 Alarm systems.
8.1.3 Reporting procedures for personnel. 8.1.4 Shutdown procedures. 8.1.5 Types of potential emergencies. 8.2 These training programs will be provided as follows: 8.2.1 Initially when the plan is developed. 8.2.2 For all new employees. 8.2.3 When new equipment, materials, or processes are introduced. 8.2.4 When procedures have been updated or revised. 8.2.5 When exercises show that employee performance must be improved. 8.2.6 At least annually. 9. Drills and performance evaluation criteria. Emergency control procedures will be written in concise terms and made available to all personnel. A drill will be held for all personnel, at random intervals at least annually, and an evaluation of performance made immediately by management and employees. When possible, drills will include groups supplying outside services such as fire, emergency services, and police departments. The emergency plan will be reviewed periodically and updated to maintain adequate response personnel, and program efficiency. Performance evaluation criteria will be developed and used to measure the effectiveness of periodic drills. Drills will incorporate the use of different types of scenarios such as releases of toxic gases, chemical spills, fires, explosions, natural disasters, and personal injury. 10. Personal Protection. Effective personal protection is essential for any person who may be exposed to potentially hazardous substances. 10.1 Types of hazardous circumstances. In emergency situations our employees may be exposed to a wide variety of hazardous circumstances, including. 10.1.1 Chemical splashes or contact with toxic materials. 10.1.2 Falling objects and flying particles. 10.1.3 Unknown atmospheres that may contain toxic gases, vapors or mists, or inadequate oxygen to sustain life. 10.1.4 Fires and electrical hazards.
10.2 Safety equipment. It is extremely important that our employees be adequately protected in these situations. Some of the safety equipment that may be used includes: 10.2.1 Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields for eye protection. 10.2.2 Hard hats and safety shoes for head and foot protection. 10.2.3 Proper respirators for breathing protection. 10.2.4 Whole body coverings, gloves, hoods, and boots for body protection from chemicals. 10.2.5 Body protection for abnormal environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures. 10.2.6 Equipment selection. The equipment selected will be approved jointly by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), or will meet the standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The choice of proper equipment is not a simple matter and consultation will be made with health and safety professionals before making any purchases. Manufacturers and distributors of health and safety products will be consulted where necessary to answer questions if they have enough information about the potential hazards involved. 10.2.7 Respiratory protection. An individual respiratory protection program will be developed and maintained. Professional consultation may be needed in providing adequate respiratory protection. Respiratory protection is necessary for toxic atmospheres of dusts, mists, gases, or vapors and for oxygendeficient atmospheres. 10.2.7.1
There are four basic categories of respirators:
10.2.7.1.1 Airpurifying devices (filters, gas masks, and chemical cartridges), which remove contaminants from the air but cannot be used in oxygendeficient atmospheres. 10.2.7.1.2 Airsupplied respirators (hose masks, air line respirators), which should not be used in atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life or health. 10.2.7.1.3 Selfcontained breathing apparatus, which are required for unknown atmospheres, oxygendeficient atmospheres, or atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health (positivepressure type only). 10.2.7.1.4 Escape masks. Before assigning or using respiratory equipment the following conditions will be met:
10.2.7.2 Medical management. A medical evaluation must be made to determine if the employees are physically able to use the respirator. 10.2.7.3 Written procedures will be prepared covering safe use and proper care of the equipment, and employees must be trained in these procedures and the use and maintenance of respirators. 10.2.7.4 Fit testing. A fit test will be made to determine a proper match between the facepiece of the respirator and the face of the wearer. This testing will be repeated periodically. Training will be provided to each employee providing an opportunity to handle the respirator, have it fitted properly, test its facepiecetoface seal, wear it in normal air for a familiarity period, and wear it in a test atmosphere. Where a specific standard exists within the OSHA "Z" Standards the fit test protocol will be used. 10.2.7.5 Maintenance. A regular maintenance program will be instituted including cleaning, inspecting and testing of all respiratory equipment. Respirators used for emergency response will be inspected after each use and at least monthly to assure that they are in satisfactory working condition. A written record of inspection must be maintained. 10.2.7.6 Availability. Distribution areas for equipment used in emergencies will be readily accessible to employees. 10.3 Confined spaces. Emergency situations may involve entering confined spaces to rescue company employees who are overcome by toxic compounds or who lack oxygen. These confined spaces include tanks, vaults, pits, sewers, pipelines, and vessels. Entry into confined spaces can expose the employee to a variety of hazards, including toxic gases, explosive atmospheres, oxygen deficiency, electrical hazards, and hazards created by mixers and impellers that have not be deactivated and locked out. Personnel should never enter a confined space under normal circumstances unless the atmosphere has been tested for adequate oxygen, combustibility, and toxic substances. Conditions in a confined space must be considered immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) unless known otherwise. If a confined space must be entered in an emergency, the following precautions will be followed: 10.3.1 All lines containing inert, toxic, flammable, or corrosive materials will be disconnected or valved off before entry. 10.3.2 All impellers, agitators, or other moving equipment inside vessels will be locked out. 10.3.3 Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn by employees before entering a vessel. Mandatory use of safety belts and harnesses will be stressed. 10.3.4 Rescue procedures will be specifically designed for each entry. When there is an atmosphere immediately dangerous to life or health or a situation that has the potential for causing injury or illness to an unprotected worker, a trained standby person will be present. This
person will be assigned a fully charged, positivepressure, selfcontained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. The standby person must maintain unobstructed life lines and communications to all workers within the confined space and be prepared to summon rescue personnel if necessary. The standby person will not enter the confined space until adequate assistance is present. while awaiting rescue personnel, the standby person may make a rescue attempt utilizing life lines from outside the confined space. A more complete description of procedures to follow while working in confined spaces may be found in National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication Number 80106, Criteria for a Recommended Standard...Working in Confined Spaces, and 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit Required Confined Space Entry Program (General Industry) 11. Medical Assistance. In a major emergency, time is a critical factor in minimizing injuries. This employer will ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of employee health. If health problems develop in the workplace, medical help will be available to resolve them. To fulfill the above requirements, the following actions will be considered: 11.1 A survey the medical facilities near this facility will be conducted and arrangements will be made to handle routine and emergency cases. A written emergency medical procedure will then be prepared for handling accidents with minimum confusion. 11.2 If this facility is located far from medical facilities, at least one and preferably more employees on each shift will be adequately trained to render first aid. The American Red Cross, some insurance carriers, local safety councils, fire departments, and others may be contacted for this training. 11.3 Firstaid supplies will be provided for emergency use. This equipment will be ordered through consultation with a physician. 11.4 Emergency phone numbers will be posted in conspicuous places near or on telephones. 11.5 Sufficient ambulance services will be available to handle any emergency. This will be conducted with advance contact with ambulance services to ensure they become familiar with plant location, access routes, and hospital locations. 12. Security. During an emergency, it is often necessary to secure the area to prevent unauthorized access and to protect vital records and equipment. An offlimits area should be considered (where necessary) by cordoning off the area with ropes and signs. It may be necessary to notify local law enforcement personnel or to employ private security personnel to secure the area and prevent the entry of unauthorized personnel. 12.1 Certain records also may need to be protected, such as essential accounting files, legal documents, and lists of employees' relatives to be notified in case of emergency. These
records will be stored in duplicate outside the plant or in protected secure locations within the plant. 13. OSHA Requirements. The following is a list of some of the OSHA requirements pertaining to emergency response that may be used as source documents for developing the required Standard Practice Instructions within this company pertaining to Workplace Emergency Preparedness. These references refer to appropriate sections of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 29, Part 1910, which are the OSHA General Industry Standards). Subpart E Means of Egress 1910.37 1910.38
Means of egress Employee emergency plans and fire prevention plans Appendix to Subpart E Means of egress
Subpart H Hazardous Materials 1910.120
Hazardous waste operation and emergency response: Interim final rule
Subpart I Personal Protective Equipment 1910.132 1910.133 1910.134 1910.135 1910.136 1910.146
General requirementspersonnel protection Eye and face protection Respiratory protection Occupational head protection Occupational foot protection Permit Required Confined Space Entry
Subpart K Medical and First Aid 1910.151
Medical services and first aid
Subpart L Fire Protection 1910.155156 Fire protection and fire brigades 1910.157163 Fire suppression equipment 1910.164 Fire detection systems 1910.165 Employee alarm systems Appendix AE of Subpart L