Emergency Planning & Response

Despite best planning, accidents may still occur. If an accident occurs, it is essential that employees receive emergency pre-planning and training so that they are aware of, and able to execute, proper responses. For this reason, employers must develop and implement an emergency action plan for the entire plant. In addition, the employer should include other emergency preparedness best practices in the PSM program to give employees every chance of mitigating hazards associated with acutely hazardous materials, including but not limited to the following:

• Pre-startup safety review
• Written hazard communication program
• Injury and illness prevention plan (IIPP)
• Incident investigation
• Hot work permit
• Maintenance of mechanical integrity
• Compliant disclosure of trade secrets

The emergency action plan must also include procedures for handling small releases of hazardous chemicals.

To learn more about Process Safety Management visit our Cal/OSHA Process Safety Management Online Training web page.