10.0 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN AND CONTINGENCY PROCEDURES
An emergency situation is defined as a sudden, generally unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action. Emergencies at BOMARC may include accidents, injuries requiring medical care, fires, explosions, spills and significant releases to the environment, and extreme weather events, such as severe thunderstorms. The emergency procedures work on the BOMARC site are provided in this section.
Pre-planning shall include contacting the local fire/police/rescue authorities having jurisdiction and nearby medical facilities that would be utilized for emergency treatment of injured personnel to notify them of upcoming project activities and potential emergency situations. This shall be done in order to ascertain their response capabilities and to obtain a response commitment.
In the event that an emergency situation arises, the appropriate immediate response must be taken by the first person to recognize the situation. The field crew will immediately notify the project-site management of the incident, and the appropriate emergency service organization will be contacted. A list of local emergency assistance services, information services, and administrative personnel is provided in the front of this document. A copy of the emergency telephone numbers and directions to the hospital (emergency response units should transport injured personnel to the hospital) will be posted at the project office trailer.
The Project Manager must be notified of any accident, injury, or illness that is the result of site activities.
In the case of injury or illness, the proper emergency first-aid care will be rendered by a trained person. First-aid equipment and an emergency eyewash will be available at the area of field work. Personnel will be notified as to the locations of first-aid equipment during the initial safety briefing session.
If the injury or illness is from exposure to a hazardous substance, rapid identification of that substance should be attempted. This information must be provided to the medical personnel. MSDSs are provided for the chemicals of concern. The MSDS details first-aid procedures to follow in the event an exposure occurs.Unless the emergency event is extreme and obvious, the decision to cease all field activities and evacuate the site will be made by the PM or CM in the PM's absence. Field personnel will report to the project office trailer to sign-out, if possible. Local authorities (sheriff, fire department, civil defense) will decide if the emergency requires evacuation of the surrounding community. Responsibility for community evacuations will be with the local authority in charge of the emergency.
10.1 Personnel Roles/Lines of Authority
The roles and responsibilities of Project personnel for response to emergencies at BOMARC will be clearly defined and coordinated with subcontractors, IOC, McGuire AFB, and emergency service personnel. The responsibilities of specific project individuals and the coordination of emergency service personnel are defined as follows:
10.1.1 Project Manager (PM)
The PM will provide support to emergency responders and dedicate appropriate project resources to the response effort. If required, the PM will mobilize additional personnel and equipment to the project-site. The PM will make the proper notifications to the Home Office, IOC and McGuire AFB and provide recommendations concerning any additional action(s) to be taken.
10.1.2 Construction Manager (CM)
At all times during scheduled work activities, the CM, or designee, will be present on-site. This individual will be responsible for implementing these procedures and determining appropriate response actions. Specific responsibilities for the CM include:
· Evaluating and assessing emergency incidents or situations and provide recommendations to the PM.
· Assigning personnel and coordinating response activities on-site, as appropriate.
· Assuring that field personnel are aware of the potential hazards associated with the project.
· Summoning emergency response personnel.
· Notifying the PM and CHPof an emergency situation and keeping the PM assessed of events as they occur.
· Assuring that all emergency equipment is routinely inspected and functional.
· Working with the CHP regarding the correction of any work practices or conditions that may result in injury to personnel or exposure to hazardous substances.
· Assuring that appropriate emergency response agencies are aware of the provisions made herein.
· Evaluating the safety of project personnel in the event of an emergency and providing evacuation coordination, if necessary.
· Ensure that the area of the incident has been secured until the investigation (if necessary) is conducted.
· Maintaining project facilities and assisting site personnel in accessing those facilities.
10.1.3 Certified Health Physicist (CHP)
As the Project safety representative, the CHP will provide the PM with health and safety updates concerning an event and recommendations for employees and public safety. He/she will be in contact with the Home Office health and safety professionals for consultation.
The CHP will direct any decontamination efforts and cordon off unsafe areas, as necessary, to deter entry and the further spread of contaminants.
10.2 List of Emergency Contacts and Notification
The appropriate emergency response agencies shall be contacted prior to initiating any new activities. They shall be frequently advised and notified about upcoming site activities and potential emergency situations. This shall be done to ascertain response capabilities and to obtain a response commitment.
The PM, CHP, and CM will be notified immediately in the event of an emergency. The CM and CHP will immediately evaluate the incident and advise the PM of the measures taken. The PM will notify emergency response personnel, if necessary. Telephone numbers for emergency contact personnel and services are listed on Page 4. The list will be maintained with current contacts, and telephone numbers and will be posted in the Project Office trailer.
The information provided to the emergency contact should include the nature of the incident and the exact location. Specifically, the information includes the following:
· Name and telephone number of the individual reporting the incident
· Location and type of incident
· Nature of the incident (fire, explosion, spill, or release) and substances involved
· Number and nature of medical injuries
· Potential for additional risks or dangers
· Potential off-site risks or dangers
· Movement or direction of spill/vapor/smoke
· Response actions currently in progress
· Estimate of quantity of any released materials
· Status of incident
· Other pertinent information.
A complete incident report shall be completed by the CHP and distributed to appropriate entities in a timely manner.
10.3 Medical Emergency Response
Minor injuries will be treated on-site by qualified First Aid/CPR providers. In the event of moderate to severe physical injury, emergency medical services (EMS) shall be summoned.
Drawing 799147-B2 shows the Emergency Route to the hospital, see Appendix F.
10.4 Personal Exposure or Injury
The following procedures will be implemented in the event of a personal injury (other than first-aid only):
· Administer first-aid and radio the field office (CM and CHP) to arrange for dispatch of the EMS, if necessary.
· When the situation has been stabilized, in conjunction with the CHP or HPT, decontaminate the injured person. Do not perform decontamination if it interferes with emergency treatment, such as in a life-threatening situation.
· Move the person to the support area if there is no risk of further injury.
· Wait for emergency care, document the event in the logbook, and maintain radio contact with the CM or CHP.
· If the injured person can not be decontaminated at the project-site, the CHP or designeee shall go to the hospital or prompt care facility, monitor the patient and the facility for the presence of loose contamination, and decontaminate the patient or facility as necessary.
· In the case of a minor injury requiring medical treatment, transport the injured person to the hospital.
In the event of a chemical exposure, the following procedures shall be followed:
· Provide copy of MSDS to treatment facility as soon as possible.
· Skin Contact. Flush with water. Remove clothing, flush skin. Obtain medical attention.
· Inhalation. Remove the person from the area. Administer First-aid/CPR, as needed. Obtain medical attention.
· Ingestion. Contact the Poison Control Center for immediate treatment, then obtain medical attention. Inducing vomiting may cause further injury to the victim; follow instructions from the MSDS and/or Poison Control Center.
· Eye Contact. Flush eyes immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Obtain medical attention.
10.5 Fire Control
McGuire Air Force Base security must be notified immediately in cases of fire or evacuation occurring on the BOMARC site.
A 10-A:B:C fire extinguisher will be kept at the field office, on all heavy machinery, and work sites, as a minimum. In the event of a fire or explosion at the project-site, the following actions shall be implemented:
· Evacuate all personnel to a safe location upwind or crosswind of the incident. Contact the CM and CHP.
· Concurrently with the above, contact McGuire Air Force Base security and 911.
· If personnel are present who have had training in the use of fire extinguishers, use available fire extinguishers to extinguish fires in their incipient stages.
· Alert the local hospital of the possibility of fire victims, as appropriate.
· Document the incident in the field logbook and follow the procedures for incident reporting in Section 11.3.
10.6 Spill Prevention and Control
This spill prevention and control section sets forth the procedures for coordination of and response to potential spills/discharges of contaminated soil, chemicals, or water. The responsibilities of project personnel during spills/discharges has been outlined in Section 10.1.
10.6.1 Preemptive Measures
The following measures will be taken to minimize the possibility of spills/discharges:
· Site controls are to be maintained so that only authorized personnel have access to work areas
· Project personnel will be advised of appropriate spill/discharge control measures
· Appropriate secondary containment structures will be used for storage and transfer of hazardous materials and liquid wastes on-site
10.6.2 Spill Control Equipment
A spill response kit will be available at the site to handle small liquid spills, which could cause contamination to spread to clean areas of the facility and the surrounding environment. The spill response equipment will be placed in a central location. The location will change as the remediation changes, and the spill equipment location will be noted on the site status map. The spill response equipment kit is intended to control spills from solid and liquid waste stored at BOMARC as well as any minor spills of fuel, motor oil, etc. The immediate spill response kit consists of the following items:
· Broom
· Dust pan
· Speedidry™ absorbent
· Oil boom
· Flat shovel
· Empty drums or overpack drums for re-packing spilled material.
· Rubber Gloves
The following materials will be kept on site. They are not required to be specifically dedicated to spill response but may be used for other activities:
· Industrial hygiene and health physics instrumentation
· Flagging tape
· Barrier tape/rope (200 ft)
· Extension cord with ground-fault circuit interrupter
· Duct tape
· All-purpose markers
· Black pen
· Five-gallon buckets
· Polyethylene sheeting.
10.6.3 Spill Response
If a hazardous material release is observed at the project-site, the PM, CM and CHP will be immediately notified. An assessment will be made of the magnitude and potential impact of the release. If it is safe to do so, project personnel will attempt to locate the source of the release, prevent further release, and contain the spilled and/or affected materials as follows:
· The spill or release area will be approached from upwind.
· Hazards will be identified based on available information from witnesses or material identification documents (placards, MSDSs, logs). The potential hazards will be evaluated to determine the proper personal protection levels, methods, and equipment necessary for response.
· If necessary, the release area will be evacuated, isolated, and secured.
· Work zones, including a controlled area, will be set up.
· If possible, spill containment will initially be made without entering the immediate hazard area.
Entry to the release area will be made by personnel with the PPE, training, methods, and equipment necessary to perform the work. Hazardous spill containment and collection will be performed in four steps as follows:
· Contain the spill with absorbent socks, booms, granules, or construction of temporary dikes.
· Control the spill at the source by plugging leaks, up righting containers, over packing containers, or transferring contents of a leaking container.
· Collect the spilled material with shovels, pumps, or heavy equipment as necessary.
· Store the spilled material for further treatment or disposal. Treatment and/or disposal options of the material will depend on the amount and type of material
· The decontamination procedures established in Section 7.0 will be used after the response is complete.
If project personnel cannot safely respond to an environmental release, evacuation of the area may be warranted. The PM will make the appropriate contact with emergency responders and notifications. Upon their arrival at the site, the CHP will brief emergency responders of the current status and any potential hazards.
10.6.4 In-Transit Offsite Material Release
In the unlikely event that an incident occurs during transport, the carrier will provide the necessary notifications, as defined by DOT requirements. The PM will notify the Air Force, IOC and Home Office.
10.7 Site Evacuation Procedures
In the event that site evacuation is required, a long blast of an air horn will be sounded. Air horns will be located in the project office trailer and each active work area.
Personnel working in an EZ or CRZ will immediately make their way to the access control point for a "head count." Depending on the severity of the event and allowable time, personnel exiting an EZ and CRZ may be instructed to forgo or modify decontamination procedures.
Personnel in the Support Zone will immediately report to the access control point for a "head count" and further instructions. The CM and the CHP will remain in contact to properly execute evacuation procedures. If the office is unaccessible, personnel shall evacuate to a designated upwind location and perform a "head count."
Situations requiring evacuation may include unusually severe weather conditions, fires, or significant chemical spills or releases. In the event of project evacuation, the PM will make the necessary notifications. A site emergency map that delineates evacuation routes, emergency air horn locations, first aid kit locations, rally point, and EZ perimeters will be updated once the CHP has evaluated the project-site. Exact locations of emergency equipment may be modified by the CHP. The site emergency map will be kept current by the CHP as the situation warrants and project personnel will be notified.
10.8 Emergency Decontamination Procedures
Refer to the Radiation Protection Plan.
10.9 Adverse Weather Conditions/Natural Disasters
Personnel should be aware of the possibility for the occurrence of severe weather such as thunderstorms, hail, snow, or high winds. Necessary precautions or response, directed by the CHP, will be taken in the event of severe weather. For example, crane operations and excavation will be suspended when the potential for lightning occurs. Local weather broadcasts and the severe weather alert radio will be monitored by the Construction Manager, CHP, or designee when the likelihood for severe weather exists.
A severe weather checklist will be utilized as a guide for site preparation in the event of adverse weather conditions. The site will be properly secured (i.e. area policed of loose debris, erosion control deviser in good order, equipment staged, etc.) at the end of each workday. The security guard will notify the CM of events that occur after work hours. An inclement weather response team will be established in the event that severe weather is forecasted on the weekends or holidays.
10.10 Emergency Equipment
At a minimum, the following emergency equipment will be maintained at the project-site:
· Fire extinguishers
· First-aid kits
· Emergency eyewash
· Communication devices
· Spill control supplies.
This equipment will be inspected by the CHP on a weekly basis to verify that they are in good condition, ready to use, and easily accessible.
10.11 Critique and Follow-Up of Emergency Procedures
After verbal notifications are made, a written notification within 24 hours of all accidents or incidents including releases of toxic chemicals, fires, or explosions, will be made. The report shall include the following items:
· Name, organization, telephone number, and location of the Contractor
· Name and title of the person(s) reporting
· Date and time of accident/incident
· Location of accident/incident (i.e., site location, facility name)
· Brief summary of accident/incident including pertinent details such as type of operation ongoing at time of accident
· Cause of accident/incident, if known
· Casualties (fatalities, disabling injuries)
· Details of any existing chemical hazard or contamination
· Estimated property damage, if applicable
· Nature of damage, effect on contract schedule
· Safety and security actions taken by the Contractor
· Other damage or injuries sustained (public or private).
The CM and the CHP will investigate the cause of the incident to prevent its reoccurrence. The investigation should begin as soon as practical after the incident is under control and scene secured but not later than the first work day after the incident. Investigations will follow the procedures described below:
· Interview witnesses and participants as soon as possible or practical
· Determine the chronological sequence of events (opinions as to cause should not be solicited at this time)
· Note the location, movement, displacement, liquid levels, sounds, noises, or other sensory perceptions experienced by the participants or witnesses
· Obtain weather data
· Ascertain the location and position of all switches, controls, etc.
· Verify the condition of all safeguards
· Determine if a revision to emergency procedures is warranted.
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