Gas Release Evacuation Plan - Term Paper Example

Gas Release Evacuation Plan In most industrial and transportation accidents, hazardous gases may often leak into the environment in such quantities or proximity to individuals that necessitates evacuation of the employees to safer grounds. Although there are a number of universal procedures that must always be followed, the type of gas release evacuation plan usually depend the size of the workforce and availability of onsite resources. This report proposes an evacuation plan that should be used in the event of a gas release. Gas Release Evacuation Plan Introduction The effectiveness of a gas release plan depends on the coordination of the occupants of the affected area. Generally, both the employees and the employers within an industrial setting should be made aware of their responsibilities and roles in the event of an emergency evacuation due to gas release. A disorganized gas release evacuation plan can result in confusion and injury and therefore the plan should clearly establish the emergency conditions that may warrant evacuation, a chain of command of the persons involved in the evacuation process, specific evacuation procedures of both employees and employers as well as a means of accounting for everyone immediately after the evacuation. The development of an evacuation plan aims at saving lives and ensuring that normalcy is restored as soon as possible. Far much as the development of the plan is systematic at times the use of common sense to know what can be done as early as enough is important in the overall execution and effectiveness of the plan. The commitment on the side of the organization also plays a major key role as it requires prior preparation in terms of investing in safety and disaster preparedness should such occurrences take place. Effective coordination is important to the successful execution of the plan as some aspects require collective responsibility and proper organization. Once such an evacuation plan is made available it is always good to test it practically. This can be done by executing a mock gas evacuation process and follow the procedures laid down. This not only helps people to know what to do incase of such a disaster in real life but also helps to gauge the effectiveness of the plan and the probability of minimizing loss. Periodical information and public awareness should also be done to help the general public to know exactly what to do incase of gas evacuation process (Wilson, 1995). Problem analysis In the current world where there has been increased technological advancement in usage of natural resources such as manufacture and usage of gas and related products accidents are bound to happen. The most important thing to note is what can be done incase of such unplanned calamities happen in order to reduce loss of life and destruction. Several gasses have different levels of toxicity and as their effect on both life and natural resources differs greatly should a disaster occur (Barbara,2006). It is important to note that human life is important and should such disasters take place the life of people, be they employees or family members should be taken into consideration. It is with this view that an evacuation plan is developed and made known to people to save life and other natural resources. The evacuation plan has both the precautionary aspect as well as the mandatory aspect. Precautionary evacuation is limited to a certain area over a short period while on the other hand mandatory evacuation covers a larger area and lasts longer before people can resume normalcy (Trevor, 2001). It has been argued by most scholars that the first and foremost fundamental step in developing an evacuation plan is to let the people know early in advance that should a disaster happen then evacuation is mandatory. This prepares them psychologically as such events bring about sudden change of life and results to psychological torture. It is within this that certain potential risk factors that can result to gas disasters are mentioned (Barbara,2006). Therefore the first important step in gas evacuation disaster is incidence notification either through sirens or national radios warning people. This also acts to alert the emergency team to respond and assess the situation. In the plan people should be told to report and raise alarm incase there is a gas leakage or some form of gas odor. Depending with level and the potential harm that such a gas can cause if it becomes clearly evident that there is need for evacuation then the evacuation process begins immediately and swiftly. Evacuation Procedures Gas evacuations processes are of two different types which are mainly mandatory and precautionary. Natural gas leaks and explosions are responsible for large number experienced fires preceding disasters everywhere worldwide. It is imperative that all household members know how to shut down natural gas outlets. It is necessary to contact your local area gas supplier for a guideline on preparations and response concerning gas appliances and gas service to one’s home. A full tank gas in your car can be fundamental in helping someone evacuate a perilous gas accident. In case you lack a personal vehicle it would be precautionary to make transportation plans with your local government, friends, community members, or neighbours. Reporting of gas odor Establishing escape routes in the house can assist in gas release evacuation that could eventually save life. A map of the floor pan should be established at strategic positions in which they can be sighted quickly by even a person in distress, both children and adults.The plan for evacuation must first be initiated as soon as it becomes obvious that due to an emergency of the occurred extent as to permit its operation, clearing and relocation of individuals is needed. In the planning the evacuation team leaders should be identified so that should such an occurrence take place they are the one to lead and show other people and assist them to get to the assembly area as they a wait national disaster response team to come and take over. Announcement process therefore is also vital to the residents while assigning an evacuation strategy. The relevant departments have the key duty for operation of a valuation constant with their procedures. Any of the remaining services as well are also prepared to support evacuation activities. There are different steps which are involved in gas evacuation plan. Evacuation from the area of incidence should follow a systematic manner by using designated areas and routes for people to use during evacuation. Proper check of the building and in haste should be done to ensure that there are no people left inside the building. People should take essential personal belongings while those who are physically disabled should get assistance. It is at this point that the help of other able bodied people is sort (Lee, 2005). As the evacuation process continues the evacuation captain should also assist in provision of gas masks and coordinate the exercise in a systematic manner deciding who are to be evacuated first. Those to be evacuated first include the disabled, sick and the injured as the rest follow immediately after. Of importance to note here is that time is of essence and speed is necessary in both decision making and moving people. Electrical equipments should not be turned on and if the fun is on should be put off to prevent the gas from diffusing. Taking note that door and windows and any other opening should be closed to prevent the spread of the gas (Trevor, 2001 Step one One of the steps include the evacuation operations-emergency control group formation; once azone is decided to be exiled control group agree and settle main evacuation paths to be used, borders of the areas to be evacuated and helps in classifying the essential traffic mechanism points. The control panel is also charged with identifying assembly areas to be used, location of the amenities within the evacuation area and how notification will be issued. The evacuation strategy is sometimes comprehensive of preparation of media release for instant transmission to the public and fan-out notification systems for affected people. If necessary, appointment of emergency site manger to direct the evacuation and relocation should be undertaken. Second step Another gas release evacuation plan is the evacuee registration and temporary shelters provision. If the evacuation of any residents is undertaken it is normally necessary for the registration areas to have temporary housings where inhabitants are directed to apt facilities and shelters. These residents tend to have need of inclusive range sustenance services. In this step assistance of volunteer agencies are highly required for some victims from the situation. Third step The third step which relates to some essential cases of important places like industrial facilities which cannot be fully evacuated and therefore some staff must remain on their jobs. Vital spots would also be those associated with telephone, hydro, traffic and other effective emergency services which are linked with fire incidences. Step four Public education and awareness of evacuation procedures is also essential. Public awareness of evacuation events will contribute to an effective evacuation process, on-going public awareness and education shall provide people with the irregular ideas of what the evacuation plan is all about. A concerned person should also be aware of any institutions policies regarding disasters and emergencies and how effectively can they handle a crisis without hiccups such as stampedes which are common in panic situations. Step five An immediate and one of the most important evacuation plans should be held as most gas release is rapid in nature. In case of a non-poisonous and non-corrosive gas anybody, preferablyan adult should manually shut off the cylinder valve but it would be better if he or she wears a nose-cover just incase an unexpected release of poisonous gases. Usually, small gas leaks kept in exhausted enclosures which can escape the confines of the exhausted enclosure or small leaks in exhausted enclosures when exhaust is absent should also require widespread evacuation as well.Hazardousgases should be safely stored in exhausted gas cabinets hence evacuation outside of the lab area is not necessary if the leaks originate from the inside of the cabinets. In the event of a leak that permeates outside of the gas cabinet or leaks of extremely toxic gases we should carefully follow the laid out lab safetyevacuation plan and around the building should also be cordoned off from non-experts and non-members of fire team. Step six Division of the gas release evacuation zones is also essential. Removal from broader areas is also sometimes compulsory for example in areas of volcanic outbreaks which also releases harmful gases in the environment. The government while trying to cub several release of these harmful gases in the air have put close watch on enhancing that this plan is implemented fully. Step seven Shelter in place where biological, chemical or radiological contaminants may be released into the environment in such measure or nearness to a place of business that a plan of making it safer to enduring within rather than to evacuate employees is normally recommended. Step eight Water points must well be guarded from gas release and whenever an underground gas leak occurs it is advisable to turn them off as many gases are soluble in water and can thus have it poisoned. In conclusion, gas release is an unexpected phenomenal disaster that must be meticulously handled to pre-empt disaster which can prove to be worse when the gas is odourless and colourless.. Once outside the building/ affected area The captains once outside should warn the public from coming near or entering the affected area by use of signs telling them not to enter in the building. The sign that ‘dangers do not enter’ should be legible from a far distance and should be put at the entry of the building. Once outside the building, at the assembly point all substances that can ignite a fire should be put off and the public should be warned in order to prevent any form of an explosion should the gas be found to be inflammable. At this point the help of the national response team is requested in addition the rescue leader will have to report to the head of the disaster management committee of all people present at the assembly point. As the national response takes over those who were injured should be facilitated to seek first aid and medical attention. It is also at this point that those who are not feeling fine should be requested to seek medical attention as well as told the dangers of inhaling the gas. The national radio should also scale up the process of information to the public in order to avoid such an area (Lee, 2005). In addition once those evacuated are outside the national disaster response should organize for provision of security as well as other essential services required such as water, food and shelter. They should also establish information center where people can have their concerns and issues related to emergency addressed. It is at this centers that those who are missing can be reported and their where about known. If transport is needed this should be organized and provide for through the assistance of the national disaster response. After a careful analysis it is also within there mandate to determine if such an emergency can be called off or when it should end (Hilderman, Hrudey and Wilson, 1999). Accounting for everyone after a gas release evacuation The last part of the evacuation process is accounting for every employee, staff as well as all the persons affected by the emergency gas release immediately after the evacuation. Generally, all people should assemble at a designated area in order to do ahead count and determine if some people were left at the scene of occurrence of the disaster. It is not advisable to leave as this makes it impossible to determine if you are stuck in the building or you are safe. Once in the assembly point all people should wait for further information from officials. At the assembly point the lead captain should take the register of all present and enquire if there are people whom someone might know and are not at that point of assembly (Wilson, 1995). Conclusion In conclusion far much as is not easy to predict when disaster strikes it is of great importance to be prepared of any such happenings in order to prevent lives. A proper executed plan that people are familiar with helps a lot in ensuring that lives are saved. Therefore it becomes every ones business should such a disaster occur. When people are well coordinated then the steps in gas evacuation becomes very easy to follow References Barbara, S. (2006). Its Time to Plan, Not Panic: Emergency Evacuation Preparedness and Coping Skills. New York. Hilderman, T., Hrudey, S. (1999) A Model for Effective Toxic Load from Fluctuating Gas Concentrations Journal of Hazardous Materials, 64, 115-134. Lee J., (2005). 3D GIS in Support of Disaster Management in Urban Areas, Directions Magazine, 18. Mawson A., (1980).Is the concept of panic useful for scientific purposes? In Second International Seminar on Human behavior in Fire Emergencies.Washington: National Bureau of Standards. Trevor A. (2001). Learning from Accidents.Washington: Gulf Professional Publishing. Wilson, D. (1995). Concentration Fluctuations and Averaging Time in Vapor Clouds, Center for Chemical Process Safety. American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York, 181 pages. Read More