Emergency Planning and Response for the Process Industries

Effective emergency planning and response are essential components of process safety, ensuring that facilities are prepared to prevent, control, and mitigate incidents that could impact workers, the public, and the environment. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of emergency planning principles, regulatory requirements, and best practices for industrial emergency response programs.

Participants will learn the regulatory framework governing emergency planning, including OSHA 1910.38 and 1910.120 (HAZWOPER), as well as the EPA Risk Management Program requirements such as §68.180 and related sections governing emergency response programs, coordination, notifications, and exercises. The course clarifies applicability questions, common regulatory gaps, and the roles and responsibilities of emergency response personnel.

The course also covers practical, scenario-based planning activities, including development of emergency action plans, creation of scenario-specific risk registers, integration with community responders, drills and exercises, communication systems, and preparedness measures. Participants will explore key program elements such as hazard communication, medical surveillance, decontamination procedures, equipment readiness, and the alignment of site plans with local emergency response organizations.