Preparedness Planning

 

GOAL

Adequate preparedness planning (on-site and off-site) so that adverse effects of chemical accidents are effectively mitigated.

It is not possible to totally eliminate the risk of a chemical accident at hazardous installations even with the best accident prevention system in place.

Therefore, appropriate preparedness planning is important in order to effectively respond to accidents and minimise impacts to human health, the environment and property.  It Is critical that emergency planning reflects a realistic assessment of what is needed for an appropriate response based on a range of possible accident scenarios. 

Preparedness planning is a joint responsibility of government authorities, industry and others. 

Suggested activities include:

  • Require owners/operators of hazardous installations to: develop and maintain on-site plans based on the identification and assessment of potential risks and an elaboration of possible accident scenarios; and provide information needed to prepare off-site plans.  Authorities should develop standards and guidance related to on-site plans
  • Develop off-site plans that take into account the risks to the local community.  All relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the public, should participate in the preparation of the off-site plan
  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of all parties concerned and describe the chain of command and line of communication
  • Assess the skills, equipment and other resources that are available for the response. Identify any specialised equipment or resources required to deal with the emergency scenarios identified
  • Take into account potential complicating factors that could make response more difficult (such as extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, loss of power or water supplies, trouble with communication/transportation) 
  • Ensure that the on-site and off-site plans are coordinated
  • Regularly review and test emergency plans, and use them for training purposes so that responders are knowledgeable and prepared when an emergency occurs 
  • Establish provisions for mutual aid, if the emergency is beyond the capacity of the local resources
  • Identify how the public will be warned and informed of what to do in the event of an emergency

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