(47bs) Emergency Response Plan: It's Above and Beyond Best Practices

Human life is of prime importance in the any industry – offshore, refinery, chemicals, mining, etc., where potential for exposure to hazards can result in harm to people. Although the best way of managing an unexpected event or emergency is through prevention, it is also critical to have measures in place such as a robust Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to manage personnel in emergencies. A well-designed ERP that includes proper escape plans and rescue facilities and procedures can decrease confusion and increases safety of personnel. Among various elements of ERP one of the key decisions to be made is whether or not to follow a Temporary Refuge (TR) philosophy which begins with instructions to assemble in the muster points. Currently, there are regulations and guidelines that require or recommend having a TR and some that do not. This paper explores various escape and rescue philosophies, and the  pros and cons of having an evacuation plan. These will be discussed to provide a clearer picture on implications of having one onboard. Chain of command during an emergency is another aspect of ERP that needs clarity.  This paper will gather information from major accident investigations and the current ERP regulations and best practices. This information will be combined with expert experience with process safety design and human factors to help determine pros and cons of including a TR in the ERP as well as show the significance of having a specified chain of command for all emergency events.