Chemical Company Needs a "Plan"
Issue: Velsicol Memphis is a complex chemical company that uses and manufactures various hazardous substances. With this kind of operation it is imperative to have a customized, usable Emergency Response Plan. While their existing plan was comprehensive, it was not user-friendly and it was outdated. In addition, there was no consistent approach to training employees on emergency procedures. Pickering's experience in preparedness planning and our ability to use custom approaches to match the client's needs made this partnership an ideal match.
Approach: After assessing Velsicol's needs, we decided that a small "Pocket Sized" plan would be an ideal tool for each employee to have in their "Hip Pocket" in the event of an emergency. Packed with emergency procedures, contact lists, response and evacuation procedures, and chemical and health information, this Emergency Response Plan provides each employee with the information they need. Additionally, this plan satisfies regulatory requirements and provides a framework for ensuring plant personnel are properly trained to face an emergency situation.
Tasks: This process entailed the following tasks:
- Evaluating Velsicol's existing ERP and identifying "good" information
- Conducting Plant visits to validate facts and flush out ideas
- Developing the plan format and setting up files
- Preparing appropriate maps for evacuation, storage, drainage and emergency equipment
- Working with the client to incorporate the client's ideas and needs
- Printing a Final Emergency Response Plan consistent with Client expectations
To complete the Emergency Response Process Pickering also trained each employee at Velsicol in the disciplines necessary for their job function in an emergency. This training was completed in less than 30 days and included the following disciplines:
- 40-Hour HAZWOPER
- Confined Space Entry
- Incident Command
- Emergency Preparedness Awareness
- Emergency Response Plan and Incident Management Overview
Result: With a user-friendly plan and the know-how to use it, Velsicol employees now have confidence they are prepared should an Emergency situation arise.