How to Optimize Your PSM Program | The 14 PSM Elements: 12 Emergency Planning and Response | Blog No. 66

[This blog series derives from a technical paper written by Eli Macha, President of Macha PSM]

There are two quite diverging paths when it comes to emergency planning and response. Facilities may choose to either be responding or non-responding. And the advice this paper will give falls along those lines. It has often been the case with facilities that choose to be responding facilities, have a PSM program which is totally in disarray. This seems to put the cart before the proverbial horse. A robust emergency response team takes a great deal of effort which might be better spent on preventing a release by having a solid PSM program. So, the recommendation for PSM practitioners who are trying to develop or resurrect a struggling PSM program is to revert to being a non-responding facility until the rest of the PSM program is functioning at a high level. The plan and coordination requirements are much easier than having a fully trained and equipped hazmat team.

Another item that makes the “to don’t” list is, do not forget to document an annual coordination with the local emergency responder. Oftentimes, someone from the fire department will come by the facility and perhaps even take a walk of the system. When asked for documentation of the visit, facilities are shocked to discover the fire department did not provide any. It is the responsibility of the facility to capture and document this event. Another easy one to avoid is failing to train general personnel in ammonia emergency response. Train and then document the training. Employees should know where the evacuation points are, how to avoid the wind direction, how to use emergency eyewash and shower stations, etc.

Quite simply, if one is looking to level up their emergency planning and response, the best way to accomplish this is by becoming a responding facility. While this is a great service to the facility employees and nearby community, it is not without a sacrifice of time and money. Facility owners would do well to count the cost before embarking on the journey!