Guideline for Company Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

State the ownership and management of the installation. Write up of the nature of business, products and method of the installation’s activities and the various agencies involved in the operation such as supplying raw material, etc. (If any other companies are used in the process, state down the company)

Eg: ABC’s plant is owned and managed by XYZ company (Multi National Company – consist of UK, US and Dutch).

The main business of the plant is to produce chlorine gas for supplying to consumers all over the island of Singapore.

MNE company (local company) supplied all the raw materials.

State the address of the Installation. State all the possible entrances to the installation from the main access roads (Indicate the entrances on the site plan, surrounding lands should be included in the site plan.)

Identify and describe the neighboring occupancies (such as highly populated residential or environmental sensitive areas) surrounding the installation.

To provide a brief description of the layout of the site such as the location of the admin block, process plants, tank farm, storage warehouse etc with the aid of a schematic site map.

Detailed description of the location, quantity stored and the storage conditions of hazmat such as storage temperature, pressure etc at site. Location of the Hazmat must be indicated on the site plan(s) clearly.

A brief summary of the processes, operations and other activities such as hot works carried out within the process areas. State the duration of the each processes and operations (24 hours daily, only normal office works)

Provide a summary table of all process at various location of the installation.

State the main areas of hazards (flammable, toxic, etc) and the Safety / Emergency Control Measures that are in place to handle the hazards. The MSDS of each hazmat that could be found at site must be included in the ERP.

Eg. Releases from XXXX Handling

1. Hazards

   The two principal potential hazards following a release of XXXXX are evaporation of the volatile liquid leading to the formation of a flammable vapour cloud in the atmosphere, and radiation from an ignited pool fire. Ignition of the cloud might also lead to a vapour cloud explosion.

   If XXXXX were spilled onto open, flat ground, it would spread out to form a shallow pool. If the releases were not stopped, the pool would continue to spread until it reached an equilbrium size where the spill rate was equal to the evapouration rate (for unignited releases) or burning rate (for ignited releases)

2. Emergency Control Measures

   XXXXX vapour is normally1.5 times heavier than air and the vapour produced as XXXXX vaporises from the liquid at its normal boiling point is even heavier. Therefore, it will tend to spread along the ground assisted by the visible fog of condensed water vapour created. Ignitable mixtures extend beyond the visible area. Such escape can be controlled by water spray. Water should be applied to fire-exposed tanks and cool surrounding risks. Eliminate all sources of ignition and the flow of gas should be stopped, if possible.

3. Safety Control Measures:

   1. XXXXX gas leak detectors are installed to detect gas leaks.

   2. Automatic water spray system with heat detectors is installed to activate and drench the tanks when the temperature is high.

   3. Daily monitoring by shift personnel for leakage

Identify and describe all the possible scenario(s), including the worst case scenarios that could happen. State briefly all the assumptions, risk studies methodology adopted and mitigation measures identified in these scenarios. Tabulate and draw all the possible hazard zones, consequence distances and safety distances necessary for each scenario involved on the site plan. See Annex 2 for the criteria for determining hazard distances.

The aim of this emergency response plan is to detail the various preventive measures and operational actions that need to be undertaken by the company to contain any hazmat leaks, spill and control or extinguish any fire in the event of a emergency situations that occur within the installation so to prevent and reduce injury to personnel and minimize property damage and loss.

The emergency operation to be conducted in phases is as follows:-

Detail description of the emergency actions to be carried out by Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) See Annex 3 as follows:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to be adopted to notify SCDF and Police in the event of an emergency discovered during and after office hours.

Eg: During office hour, any occurrence of incident resulting in an emergency alarm, the shift supervisor on duty will activate in house emergency response procedure. The site incident commander (SIC) will be notified and he will inform SCDF Control Room by telephone after initial assessment of the situation. The SIC will be the liaison officer with SCDF ground commander. He will provide information and necessary assistance to SCDF ground commander.

State the working population of during day and night including Sundays and public holidays.

See guidelines in http://www.scdf.gov.sg

See guidelines in http://www.scdf.gov.sg

State the role and responsibilities of various group (Site main controller, site incident controller, emergency response team, security personnel, key personnel) in Annex.

The key personnel to be notified must be contactable during office hour and after office hour (Contact No. must include both the contact numbers during office hour and after office hour, eg individual Handphone / Pager or Home contact no.)

To provide the contact number of the neighboring companies within 500m radius, whereby in the event of the incident escalating beyond the boundaries of the installation, the company will have to inform its neighbors.

To identify the various sectors of operations so as to determine the potential hazard zones and evacuation zones.

Note:

The incident site will be sectorised into HOT, WARM and COLD zone during emergency. The definitions of the various zones are as follows:

Hot Zone – This is the area around the incident that required all personnel entering to be fully protected by means of Breathing Apparatus sets and proper protective clothing and to be decontaminated upon leaving the zone.

Warm Zone – This is the area directly outside Hot Zone. All personnel in this zone should be equipped with Breathing Apparatus and if situation requires, done the mask for full protection against toxic hazard gas,

Cold Zone – This is non-hazard zone outside the Warm Zone.

Detail the procedures and method of activation of SCDF and upon arrival of SCDF ground commander.

For Example:

1. For activation of SCDF:

   The message to be used to activate SCDF and Police Force during emergency shall include the following information :-

   1. Location of the incidents.

   2. Type of incident.

   3. Chemical involved.

   4. Leakage with or without fire.

   5. Chemical company name and contact number.

   6. Casualties involved

2. Upon arrival of SCDF Ground Commander Site incident commander will marry up with SCDF Ground Commander, brief him on the incident and the actions that the ERT had done prior to arrival of SCDF and provide him all necessary information (such as location map, etc) and necessary communication equipment.

Explain the purpose of each control point (Reporting Point, Evacuation Assembly Area, First Aid Point, etc). Indicate the location of all control points on the layout map.

Details of other safety measures adopted by company to minimize the risks involved during an emergency.

To describe briefly the emergency shutdown procedures for various process and equipment, during an emergency such as the gas leakage, loss of containment storage tank etc. Attach details of shutdown procedure of various process and equipment as Annex.

General description of how evacuation will be conducted. Attach the company’s emergency evacuation plan as an Annex.

To describe briefly of the containment procedures in-place for hazmat spill, leak and vapor release. Attach full plan as an Annex.

Tabulate the information (Type, quantity and function) of the containment equipment or facilities that are available in the company.

Describe how monitoring activities will be carried by the company. Attached monitoring plan as an Annex.

Tabulate the information (Type, quantity, general functions / capabilities and location) of the monitoring equipment (portable gas detectors, pH meters, organic vapor monitor, etc) that are available in the company.

Descriptions of the fire fighting and rescue procedures that will be carry out by the installation to mitigate the incident. Attached full details of the fire fighting and rescue procedure / plan in Annex.

Tabulate the information (Type, quantity, general functions / capabilities and location) of the fire fighting and rescue equipment (fire hydrant, tug boat, fixed monitor, fire hoses, fire nozzles, portable pump, foam carrier, foam tender, fire engine, etc) that are available in the installation.

Descriptions of the clean-up procedures that will be carried out by the company at the recovery stage. Attached full details of containment procedure / plan in Annex.

Tabulate the information (Type, quantity, general functions / capabilities and location) of the clean up equipment (boom, absorbent, overpack drums, etc) that are available in the installation.

Tabulate the information (Name, Address, Contact Person and Contact No, type of the clean up actions take will be done) the clean-up contractors used by the installation.

Description of the detection system such as smoke, fire fighting monitoring and gas detection, leakage detection system, wind vane/wind sock etc available in installation. Indicate the location of detection system on the site installation map.

Description of the extinguishing system (such as fire-water extinguishing, sprinkler system, drencher system for fuel oil tanks, hydrant, fire extinguishers carbon dioxide and foam system) available in installation. Indicate the location and quantities (if any) of the various extinguishment system on the site map.

Tabulate the information of the extinguishing agents (type – foam concentrate stock, chemical powder, brand name, package, location and quantities) used.

Tabulate the information (name, quantity and location) of the containment equipment used.

Tabulate the information (name, quantity and location) of other protection and general equipment used in the installation.

Tabulate the information (type, capacity, quantity and location) of the safety and first aid equipment such as breathing apparatus, resuscitators, stretcher, blanket, first aid box, etc.

Show the organization structure of the in-house emergency response team. Describe the roles, responsibilities and functions of the in-house company emergency response team (CERT). See Annex 3

When the a fire alarm sounds, the Security Guard announces the location of the fire indicated on the alarm control panel in the Gatehouse.

Show the incident organisation chart. Describe the roles and responsibilities of the key personnel in the incident organisation chart.

Indicate the location of the command centre on the installation map

Indicate the location of site incident controller, site main controller, etc.

SIC assesses and declares the appropriate alCERT level.

Communication flowchart showing details on the linkage between Site Main controller, site incident controller, inhouse emergency response team commander and SCDF ground commander. State also means of communication (walkie-talkie, etc) between each party.

Assistance Shift Supervisor assigns an CERT Assembly Area (CERT AA) depending on the location of the fire.

The other CCERT members gather at CERT AA and prepare to receive further instructions to fight fire or rescue casualty.

Activation of certain fire fighting facilities have been pre-allocated to the Shift Technicians.

If the fire is at Solvent Recovery, the CERT will use fire extinguishers located at Effluent Treatment Plant Room.

If the fire is at Canteen Building, the CERT will use fire extinguishers located behind the LPG Storage Area at the covered carpark, Administration Building.

Breathing Apparatus (BA) sets must be used for any attempt to enter the scene for emergency operation or rescuing of casualty. The rescue must be done in pairs and the BA sets should be used only once.

One CERT member will be assigned as Recorder to take note of the number of employees entering the emergency scene / building.

One Shift Technician from Solvent Recovery will open North and South entry gates to Solvent Recovery if there is an emergency in the area.

Other duties of CERT including mobilizing of foam tenders, SCBA cylinders and ambulance stretchers as required.

All casualties are to be sent to the First Aid Post at Administration Building as soon as possible, using stretchers, if necessary.

On arrival of the SCDF, the SIC shall handover to Duty Officer and brief him about the actions taken.

SIC will provide assistance to the SCDF as necessary until the emergency is over.

Table of Fire Fighting and Rescue Equipment

Table 1: Summary

Table 2: Details

* State the Health / Flammability / Reactivity value of chemical

The SIC shall assess the damage of the affected area (in term of estimate losses of equipment, machinery, personnel, injured and material losses, etc). He shall prioritize list of necessary repair / reconstruction work, CERT assignments and estimate of completion schedules.

Once notified, the CERT shall mobiise the chemical spill control trolley located in the Spill control kit store to the scene of incident.

The SIC shall assess the situation and determine the level of PPE and course of emergency action.

After donning the appropriate PPE as recommended PPE as recommended by the MSDS, the CERT shall attempt to isolate the source of spillage and prevent liquid chemical from flowing out of the site. This can be done by activating the penstock valves (if not already activated automatically) or by dropping sand bags into the affected drain ahead of the spill. Spillages on surfaces can be contained with adsorbent socks or saw dusts.

For minor spill, the ERT shall attempt to clean up and neutralize the spill as recommended by the individual MSDS on the appropriate decontamination methods for each chemical.

For moderate to major spill, the SIC shall inform the Engineer Officer or the Safety, Health and Environment Manager to contact one of waste disposal contractors for assistance.

Drums containing contaminated waste are to be clearly labeled and properly treated via the Solvent Recovery or licensed waste disposers.

The SIC shall inform ensure the appropriate medical support is provided to injured personnel, notify next-of-kin, obtain the prognosis and estimate of medical cost. He should also need to satisfy reporting requirement of MOM, NEA or MOH as necessary.

The SIC shall inform SCDF, MOM and NEA and conduct joint investigation on the accident. The SIC shall prepare and submit necessary report.

Table of Equipment for recovery purposes

8. Table of Equipment for recovery purposes

Site Main Controller (SMC)

SMC is the senior member of the installation management. He is the person who is overall in-charge of the emergency response operations in the installation and liaises with senior officials of government agencies such as SCDF, SPF, NEA, etc. Under circumstances whereby the SMC is unable to leave the plant, he/she may appoint another suitable representative to link up with the Incident Manager at TACT HQ.

The Key Responsibilities of the SMC includes:

1. Coordinate the activities of external emergency organizations and work closely with the Incident Manager at TACT HQ during consequence management.

2. Provide TACT HQ with the following information

   1. Site Layout Map

   2. Building plan

   3. Company emergency response plan

   4. Company’s hazmat inventory and location of hazmat inventory

   5. Overall workers population

   6. Incident resources available at site

3. Provide the Incident Manager with the necessary information and decisions to any actions that concerns the company SOPs and policies

4. Authorize the shut down of operations in the installation

5. Authorize the release of information to the media and government agencies

6. Assist the Incident Manager in determining the termination of the emergency and authorizing re-entry upon complete recovery

Site Incident Controller (SIC)

He/She shall be a senior member of the installation supervisory staff. He is overall of the actual ground response operations. He/She is to provide assistance and information to SCDF ground commander during operation.

The Key Responsibilities of SIC includes:

1. Establishing the on-site emergency response team

2. Sizing up incident situation and recommending response strategy and tactical plan

3. Determining incident control zones

4. Setting up field incident command post

5. Commanding and directing emergency response team

6. Ensuring emergency responders safety and monitor personnel fatigue and stress

7. Deploying emergency equipment and appliances

8. Directing rescue operations if necessary

9. Maintaining constant communication with SMC and the emergency responders

10. Working closely with SCDF emergency officer in charge at the incident command post

11. Ensuring proper decontamination of equipment and responders

12. Coordinating recovery activities

* Grouping included : Site Incident Controller (SIC), Site Main Controller (SMC), Emergency Response Team, etc.

Emergency Notification Procedures for various emergency scenarios

1.1 The first person who discovers the fire will:

1.1.1 activate the nearest fire alarm call point

1.1.2 confirm location with the Gatehouse by calling Ext 123

1.1.3 attempt to put out the fire if situation permits

1.2 An indication will be displayed at the Gatehouse fire alarm panel as to where the alarm was activated.

1.3 A signal will automatically be transmitted via the direct line to the alarm monitoring agency and the SCDF.

1.4 The Security Gurard will announce the location of the emergency and the ERT will proceed immediately to the scene of emergency. The SIC will confirm the nature of the emergency and instruct the Security Guard to verify with the alarm monitoring agency.

2.1 The first person who discovers the emergency shall:

2.1.1 try to locate the source of spillage and contain the spill without taking undue risk.

2.1.2 confirm location with the Security Guard by calling Ext 123.

2.2 The Security Guard shall contact the SIC to proceed to the scene of spillage.

2.3 The SIC shall determine the severity of the spillage and instruct Security Guard to take one or more of the following actions:

2.3.1 announce over the PA system to summon the ERT

2.3.2 notify the Pollution Control Department of NEA

2.3.3 notify SCDF

3.1 The first person who discovers the emergency shall:

3.1.1 Apply first aid if he or she is trained.

3.1.2 call the Security Guard at Ext 123 to inform of the nature of medical condition and location of emergency

3.2 On receiving the call, the Security Guard shall immediately contact the SIC.

3.3 The SIC and first response team shall proceed to the scene. He shall instruct the Security Guard or support team personnel to take one or more of the following actions:

3.3.1 announce over the PA system to summon for first aiders

3.3.2 summon an ambulance by calling:

(i) For non-emergency case, private ambulance at tel no. 1777.

(ii) For emergency case, SCDF ambulance at tel no. 995

3.3.3 Should the need arises, the SIC shall instruct an employee to use his private car to deliver the casualty to one of the medical centers below:

4.1 On receiving a call on chemical release, the Security Guard shall confirm the exact location with the informer.

4.2 The Security Guard shall contact the SIC through the walkie-talkie to mobilize ERT members of the area(s) nearest to the location of the incident via the paging system: ”CERT members from ABC Plant, proceed to (location) immediately”

4.3 SIC will assess the situation and declare the appropriate Alert Level accordingly.

4.4 SIC will instruct the ERT members to don full protective clothing and SCBA set where necessary.

4.5 SIC will instruct an ERT member to perform the necessary gas test at appropriate locations.

4.6 SIC shall direct efforts to isolate the source of release and contain any spillage with absorbents if necessary.

4.7 For releases from a tanker, the SIC shall instruct the tanker driver to switch off the engine and evacuate.

4.8 SIC may give instruction to remove other chemical containers / drums / bags away from the scene if necessary.

4.9 For Solvent Recovery area, the SIC shall instruct the Process Engineer in the Control Room to do any following action(s):

a. stop all pumps by activating the emergency switch

b. stop feed and steam supply to distillation columns and hold level

c. stop any tanker loading / unloading

d. stop all contractors working in Solvent Recovery

e. help to contain the spillage

4.10 For spillage of flammable chemical, cover with foam

4.11 Attempt to recover and transfer into appropriate containers. Spilled chemical may be recovered by pumping into drums or an empty storage tank using an air pump.

4.12 The SIC shall oversee the recovery operations by observing the followings: a. Do not take any undue risk b. Wear suitable protective clothing (Chemical suits, gloves, boots, SCBA)

4.13 Neutralize the chemical where appropriate and wash area with plenty of water and channel all waste water to a holding tank for subsequent treatment in the Effluent Plant where possible. Otherwise, drum the chemical for subsequent disposal.

4.14 If the quantity of spillage is substantial or the chemical has threatened to enter public drainage system, immediately instruct Gatehouse to notify SCDF and Pollution Control Department of NEA.

4.15 If spillage is serious and cannot be controlled, evacuate from scene and await for help

Table of Containment Equipment

5.1 The CERT member shall use the appropriate portable instrument directed by SIC to monitor the level of the relevant chemical and keep the SIC updated.

5.2 SCBA must be donned for entry into areas where the level has exceeded the PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) or instructed by SIC.

5.3 The SIC shall order evacuation if the level has exceed the PEL (Short Term).

5.4 The CERT member shall monitor the wind direction by observing the wind-sock mounted on the top of the Plant to determine the direction of vapour spread.

5.5 CERT shall monitor the presence of flammable solvent at designated locations where fixed monitors have been installed. He shall notify SIC where any alarm has been set off.

Table of Monitoring Equipment

6.1 When the a fire alarm sounds, the Security Guard announces the location of the fire indicated on the alarm control panel in the Gatehouse.

6.2 SIC assesses and declares the appropriate alCERT level.

6.3 Assistance Shift Supervisor assigns an CERT Assembly Area (CERT AA) depending on the location of the fire.

6.4 The other CCERT members gather at CERT AA and prepare to receive further instructions to fight fire or rescue casualty.

6.5 Activation of certain fire fighting facilities have been pre-allocated to the Shift Technicians.

6.6 If the fire is at Solvent Recovery, the CERT will use fire extinguishers located at Effluent Treatment Plant Room.

6.7 If the fire is at Canteen Building, the CERT will use fire extinguishers located behind the LPG Storage Area at the covered carpark, Administration Building.

6.8 Breathing Apparatus (BA) sets must be used for any attempt to enter the scene for emergency operation or rescuing of casualty. The rescue must be done in pairs and the BA sets should be used only once.

6.9 One CERT member will be assigned as Recorder to take note of the number of employees entering the emergency scene / building.

6.10 One Shift Technician from Solvent Recovery will open North and South entry gates to Solvent Recovery if there is an emergency in the area.

6.11 Other duties of CERT including mobilizing of foam tenders, SCBA cylinders and ambulance stretchers as required.

6.12 All casualties are to be sent to the First Aid Post at Administration Building as soon as possible, using stretchers, if necessary.

6.13 On arrival of the SCDF, the SIC shall handover to Duty Officer and brief him about the actions taken.

6.14 SIC will provide assistance to the SCDF as necessary until the emergency is over.

Table of Fire Fighting and Rescue Equipment

7.1 Clean up of Chemical Release

7.1.1 The SIC shall assess the damage of the affected area (in term of estimate losses of equipment, machinery, personnel, injured and material losses, etc). He shall prioritize list of necessary repair / reconstruction work, CERT assignments and estimate of completion schedules.

7.1.2 Once notified, the CERT shall mobiise the chemical spill control trolley located in the Spill control kit store to the scene of incident.

7.1.3 The SIC shall assess the situation and determine the level of PPE and course of emergency action.

7.1.4 After donning the appropriate PPE as recommended PPE as recommended by the MSDS, the CERT shall attempt to isolate the source of spillage and prevent liquid chemical from flowing out of the site. This can be done by activating the penstock valves (if not already activated automatically) or by dropping sand bags into the affected drain ahead of the spill. Spillages on surfaces can be contained with adsorbent socks or saw dusts.

7.1.5 For minor spill, the ERT shall attempt to clean up and neutralize the spill as recommended by the individual MSDS on the appropriate decontamination methods for each chemical.

7.1.6 For moderate to major spill, the SIC shall inform the Engineer Officer or the Safety, Health and Environment Manager to contact one of waste disposal contractors for assistance.

7.1.7 Drums containing contaminated waste are to be clearly labeled and properly treated via the Solvent Recovery or licensed waste disposers.

7.1.8 The SIC shall inform ensure the appropriate medical support is provided to injured personnel, notify next-of-kin, obtain the prognosis and estimate of medical cost. He should also need to satisfy reporting requirement of MOM, NEA or MOH as necessary.

7.1.9 The SIC shall inform SCDF, MOM and NEA and conduct joint investigation on the accident. The SIC shall prepare and submit necessary report.

Table of Equipment for recovery purposes