Emergency Planning and Response

DOE-HDBK-1101-96

2.12 Emergency Planning and Response

29 CFR 1910.119 (n)

The employer shall establish and implement an emergency action plan for the entire plant in accordance with the

provisions of 29 CFR 1910.38(a). In addition, the emergency action plan shall include procedures for handling small

releases. Employers covered under this standard may also be subject to the hazardous waste and emergency response

provisions contained in 29 CFR 1910.120(a), (p) and (q).

Intent

Emergency planning and response are required under the PSM Rule to mitigate the consequences of

catastrophic chemical releases. Emergency plans form the last line of defense in protecting workers

from such events. Plans must specify evacuation routes, safe zones, and alarms; incident reporting;

actions an employee should take to stop releases; and preplanning for incidental releases. The PSM

Rule requires DOE contractors to develop an emergency action plan in compliance with 29 CFR

1910.38(a). Plans must include procedures for dealing with small chemical releases. In addition,

DOE contractors are subject to the emergency response provisions in 29 CFR 1910.120, Hazardous

Waste Operations and Emergency Response.

Corresponding DOE Programs and Requirements

DOE O 151.1, COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, deals with

emergency preparedness for DOE contractors. Little modification of DOE requirements or site

emergency plans is expected to address the emergency planning and response requirements of the

PSM Rule. Existing emergency plans for DOE facilities must already comply with the requirements

of 29 CFR 1910.38 and 29 CFR 1910.120, both of which are required by DOE order. Nevertheless,

emergency plans should be reviewed to ensure that they adequately address the requirements of this

element.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed written emergency plans are required for subcontractor facilities with processes covered by

the PSM Rule.

Minimum Implementation Criteria

Emergency plans must be developed and current for all processes covered by the PSM Rule. DOE

contractor employees must be trained to respond in accordance with the plans, which must contain:

emergency procedures and responsibilities;

escape routes;

the location of safe zones;

types of accidents considered;

a description of alarms;

procedures for safe shutdown before evacuation;