Emergency Management - doe-std-1136-20040189

DOE-STD-1136-2004

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiation Protection in Uranium Facilities

9.0 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

It is DOE policy that all DOE facilities and activities be prepared to deal with operational

emergencies in a way that minimizes consequences to workers, the public, and the environment. Formal

emergency management programs are the final element of DOE's defense-in-depth against adverse

consequences resulting from its operations.

9.1 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN DOE

DOE Order O 151.1B (DOE 2003c) requires all DOE elements and contractors to plan and prepare

for the management of emergencies. DOE Order O 151.1 cancels the 5500-series, which previously formed

the basis for DOE's Emergency Management System (EMS). However, where a contractual obligation to

comply with the 5500-series Orders exists, they will remain in effect until the contract is modified to delete

the references to the requirements in the canceled Orders. There is little difference between the facility

emergency planning/preparedness requirements of the 5500-series Orders and DOE O 151.1B. Except as

noted, the following discussion of emergency management principles, requirements, and guidance is

applicable to all DOE facilities, regardless of which Orders pertain.

9.1.1 KEY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

DOE emergency management policy and direction is based on four key principles: planning and

preparedness commensurate with hazards; integrated planning for health, safety, and environmental

emergencies; classification of and graded response to emergencies; and multiple levels (tiers) of

emergency management responsibility.

Note on Terminology: Within the EMS, "planning" includes the development of emergency plans

and procedures and the identification of personnel and resources necessary to provide an effective

response. "Preparedness" is the procurement and maintenance of resources, training of personnel,

and exercising of plans and procedures. "Response" is the implementation of the plans during an

emergency to mitigate consequences and recover.

9.1.1.1 Planning and Preparedness Commensurate with Hazards

Because of the wide range of activities and operations under DOE's authority, standards and

criteria suited to one type of facility or hazard may be inappropriate for another. To deal with this diversity

in circumstances while ensuring an adequate overall state of preparedness, DOE Orders specify standards

for the structure and features of emergency management plans and require the details of each feature be

tailored to the hazards of the facility. This approach provides a more complete and quantitative

understanding of the hazards while providing for focused and cost-effective emergency planning and

preparedness.

9.1.1.2 Integrated Planning for Health, Safety, and Environmental Emergencies

A wide variety of operational emergencies can occur at DOE operations. Some may involve loss of

control over radioactive or other hazardous materials unique to DOE operations, while others may involve

security, the impact of natural phenomena, environmental damage, or worker safety and health. Planning,

preparedness, and response requirements for some types of emergency conditions are specified by other

agencies having authority over DOE facilities and activities. For example, Federal regulations on

occupational safety, environmental protection, and hazardous waste operations all have certain

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