HAZWOPER: Obtaining Information in an Emergency Video and DVD Excerpt: As a first responder at the scene of a hazardous materials incident you must obtain specific information about any material involved in the incident as soon as possible. Many reference texts and organizations can provide response personnel with technical data and physical assistance regarding both the hazards associated with an incident, and methods to deal with these hazards. Some of those texts are facility emergency response plans, spill prevention control and countermeasure plans (SPCC), National Fire Protection Association 704 system (NFPA), the Department of Transportation “Emergency Response Guidebook”, material safety data sheets, and shipping documents are an immediate source of information in an emergency.

Emergency Response Plans

Each facility should have a comprehensive, written facility emergency response plan which observes the following priorities: The safety of on-site personnel must not be compromised, the safety of others at or near the scene must be ensured, the environment must be safeguarded, and property must be protected. Each facility emergency response plan must be workable, suitable for the area to be covered, and whenever possible involve local officials. It must be prepared in advanced, and must be written. All personnel involved must be familiar with the plan. Practice drills are the way to train those involved in emergency response activities. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration, or OSHA, has issued a standard specifically developed to protect workers in a hazardous materials environment, and to help them handle hazardous waste safely and effectively. This regulation is found in 29 CFR 1910.120 and it deals with Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, or HAZWOPER. This standard requires that each employer develop and implement a written facility emergency response plan to handle possible emergencies. The plan must include:

• Personnel roles, lines of authority, and communication procedures.
  
• Pre-emergency planning.
  
• Emergency recognition and prevention.
  
• Emergency medical and first-aid treatment.
  
• Methods or procedures for alerting on-site employees
  
• Safe distances and places of refuge.
  
• Site security and control
  
• Critique of response and follow-up
  
• Personal Protective and emergency equipment
  
• Evacuation routes and procedures
  
• Site topography layout and prevailing weather conditions
  
• Procedures for reporting incidents to local state and federal agencies
  
• Procedures must be integrated into the disaster, fire, and/or emergency response plans of the site’s nearest local, state, and federal agencies
  
• The plan requirements must be rehearsed regularly, reviewed periodically, and updated as necessary
  
• A distinguishable alarm system must be in operation to alert employees of emergencies
  
• The emergency plan must be available for inspection by employees, employee representatives, OHSA, and EPA officials, and other federal agencies.

Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC Plans)

Any facility with above ground petroleum storage tanks that could possibly discharge oil into navigable waters, or adjoining shorelines is required to have an SPCC plan. SPCC plans are approved by a professional engineer and must be regularly updated by each facility. The information contained in an SPCC plan is different for each facility. Typically, the plan provides a physical description of the facility including a map and plot plan, data concerning drainage tanks and supply lines are included. The contingency plan section of the SPCC plan is an excellent source of information in an emergency.