Prudent Practices in the Laboratory Handling and Management of Chemical Hazards, Updated Version (2011) / Chapter Skim
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3 Emergency Planning
3 Emergency Planning
Pages 31-44
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From page 31... ...
3 Emergency Planning 3.A INTRODUCTION 33 3.B PREPLANNING 33 3.B.1 Vulnerability Assessment 33 3.B.1.1 Fire 34 3.B.1.2 Flood 34 3.B.1.3 Severe Weather 34 3.B.1.4 Seismic Activity 35 3.B.1.5 Extensive Absences Due to Illness 35 3.B.1.6 Hazardous Material Spill or Release 35 3.B.1.7 High-Profile Visitors 35 3.B.1.8 Political or Controversial Researchers or Research 35 3.B.1.9 Intentional Acts of Violence or Theft 35 3.B.1.10 Loss of Laboratory Materials or Equipment 36 3.B.1.11 Loss of Data or Computer Systems 36 3.B.1.12 Loss of Mission-Critical Equipment 36 3.B.1.13 Loss of High-Value or Difficult-to-Replace Equipment 36 3.B.2 What Every Laboratory Should Know and Have 36 3.B.2.1 Survival Kit 36 3.B.2.2 Training 37 3.C LEADERSHIP AND PRIORITIES 37 3.C.1 Decision Makers, with Succession 37 3.C.2 Laboratory Priorities 37 3.C.3 Essential Personnel 37 3.D COMMUNICATION DURING AN EMERGENCY 38 3.D.1 Contact List 38 3.D.2 Communication Plan 38 3.D.2.1 Telephone 38 3.D.2.2 Text Messages 38 3.D.2.3 E-Mail 38 3.D.2.4 Internet and Blogs 38 3.D.2.5 Emergency Contacts 39 3.D.2.6 Media and Community Relations 39 3.D.3 Assembly Point 39 3.E EVACUATIONS 39 3.E.1 Shutdown Procedures 39 3.E.1.1 Processes Requiring Special Shutdown Procedures 39 3.E.1.2 Experiments Running Unattended 39 3.E.2 Assembly Points and Evacuation Routes 39 3.F SHELTER IN PLACE 39 31
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From page 32... ...
32 PRUDENT PRACTICES IN THE LABORATORY 3.G LOSS OF POWER 40 3.G.1 Short-Term Power Loss 40 3.G.1.1 Potential Effects 40 3.G.1.2 Laboratory Procedures 40 3.G.2 Long-Term Power Loss 40 3.G.2.1 Security Issues 40 3.G.2.2 Environmental and Storage Conditions 40 3.G.2.3 Discontinuation of Experiments 40 3.G.3 Preplanning 40 3.G.3.1 Generator Power 41 3.G.3.2 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) 41 3.G.3.3 Dry Ice 41 3.G.3.4 Other 41 3.H INSTITUTIONAL OR BUILDING CLOSURE 41 3.H.1 Short-Term Closure 41 3.H.2 Long-Term Closure 42 3.H.3 Alternative Laboratory Facilities 42 3.I EMERGENCY AFFECTING THE COMMUNITY 42 3.I.1 Disruption of Deliveries of Goods and Services 42 3.I.2 Laboratory Staff Shortage 42 3.J FIRE OR LOSS OF LABORATORY 42 3.J.1 Records for Replacement of Laboratory Equipment 42 3.J.2 Alternative Laboratories to Continue Operations 43 3.J.2.1 Preplanning and Prevention 43 3.K DRILLS AND EXERCISES 43 3.L OUTSIDE RESPONDERS AND RESOURCES 43
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From page 33... ...
The preparedness phase is the process of developing 3.B.1 Vulnerability Assessment plans for managing an emergency and taking action to ensure that the laboratory is ready to handle an To determine the type and level of emergency planemergency. This phase might include ensuring that ning needed, laboratory personnel need to perform a adequate supplies are available, training personnel, vulnerability assessment.
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From page 34... ...
Are the correct type and number of fire areas that are prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, conextinguishers present and do people know how to use sideration should be given to the adequate protection them? If possible, fire extinguisher training should of critical hazardous operations.
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From page 35... ...
Some experts have estimated that in the event of pandemic influenza, an institution or laboratory may expe 3.B.1.9 Intentional Acts of Violence or Theft rience a 50% reduction in workforce for a period of 4 to 8 weeks. How might this affect laboratory operations?
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From page 36... ...
Because many laboratories store data in a digital format and rely on computerized systems, loss of critical For individuals: data or systems poses serious problems. Every laboratory and all laboratory personnel should • change of clothing and shoes, have a backup plan for their digital data.
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From page 37... ...
Examples of priorities • communications during an emergency -- what to include securing pathogenic microbe libraries; secur expect, where to call or look for information; ing toxic, flammable, or unstable compounds; and • how and when to use a fire extinguisher; securing compounds that could be precursors to • security issues; pharmaceuticals. • protocol for absences due to travel restrictions or Review the operations and materials in the labora illness; tory and formulate a hierarchy.
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From page 38... ...
behind the laboratory doors can sometimes mean the difference between a reasonably appropriate response 3.D.2.2 Text Messages to the situation at hand and an overresponse that could tie up resources for an extended period. Text messaging utilizes cellular phone service but Within the laboratories, laboratory managers, princi- can be more reliable.
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From page 39... ...
laboratory to shut down the process, or they may ask for advice on how to do so themselves. 3.D.2.5 Emergency Contacts 3.E.1.1 Processes Requiring Special Shutdown Having the name and contact information for at least Procedures one friend or family member of laboratory personnel is prudent.
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From page 40... ...
identify problems and ensure that materials are safely stored. 3.G.1.2 Laboratory Procedures 3.G.3 Preplanning If laboratory personnel are present when power is lost, and power is not restored immediately, consider There are many options for minimizing the effects of the following actions: a power loss, including alternative energy sources and, when that is not practical, prioritizing experimental • Turn off equipment, particularly if leaving before needs, consolidating, and using dry ice.
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From page 41... ...
3.H.1 Short-Term Closure When generator power is not available or if equipment is sensitive to the slight power delay, UPS systems For laboratory closures lasting a day or less, the main may be the right choice for continued power. UPS concerns include experiments running unattended and systems are composed of large rechargeable batteries security.
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From page 42... ...
Plans for making the transition from active business continuity plans. to suspended laboratory operations should be a part of • E nsure that the institution or laboratory is a the organization's emergency response policy.
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From page 43... ...
(See section 3.H.3 for more information.) navigate the facility and familiarize themselves with the location of laboratory buildings or special facilities; 3.J.2.1 Preplanning and Prevention • informing emergency responders and local hospi To help prevent a fire or limit the effect of a fire, tals of the use of chemicals that present unusual ensure that the laboratory has the following in place: hazards; and • having chemical inventories accessible remotely • appropriate types and number of fire extinguish- through a password-protected system or file, ers and individuals trained to use them, which allows emergency responders to have an • sprinkler systems or other automatic extinguish- idea of what could be in the laboratory or building ing systems for sensitive areas or equipment, before they enter.
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