Hazardous Materials are substances that are either flammable , combustible, explosive, toxic, noxious, corrosive, an irritant or radioactive . Any major highway , railroad or waterway near your facility is likely being used to transport some or all of these materials. An accident causing the release of material will quickly affect the surrounding area.

A hazardous material spill or release can pose a risk to life, health, property or business income. Planning for effective response to an emergency is an important method of reducing the impact of a hazardous material incident on a business and its employees.

Before the Incident

• Designate an emergency coordinator and emergency response team.
• Ask your local emergency management office about community evacuation plans.
• Establish a written plan that includes emergency facility shutdown procedures and orderly personnel evacuation.
• Identify local facilities that may assist or be involved such as hospitals , schools, day care centers and government offices.
• Identify local evacuation routes.
• Provide an annual plan and schedule for periodic plan exercises. Annually review the plan to verify all names and telephone numbers of key personnel.
• Note changes in transportation patterns, such as construction, that could reduce evacuation time.

If an Incident Occurs

• Follow the emergency government authorities’ orders, Keeping people safe is the first concern.
• Implement the emergency facility shutdown plan with all critical processes properly shutdown.
• Secure valuables and cash.
• Shutdown data processing systems. Take portable computers so some business may be continued by laptops off premises.
• Evacuate and lock the premises with security systems activated . Ensure any customers on the premises are also evacuated . Account for all personnel. Notify any field employees to not return to affected facility.
• Provide communication numbers to notify personnel of evacuation status and when it is safe to return to the facility.

After an Incident

• Do not return until the emergency government authorities give clearance . Do not take “word of mouth” information that it is safe to return. You can be held accountable by telling your employees or customers that it is safe to enter a dangerous area when in fact it isn’t.
• Check for damage and document it.
• Account for all personnel.
• Start up critical processes and data processing.

Take steps to reduce your risk of damage and loss due to hazardous materials incident. Follow your emergency shutdown and evacuation plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business.

Source - Sentry Insurance Safety Advisor