Emergency Response Recommendations

Investigations with open recommendations relating to Emergency Planning and Response:

Investigation		Recipient	Recommendation Number	Recommendation Text
West Fertilizer Explosion and Fire		Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency	2013-02-I-TX-R9	Assist training partners to develop and provide continual oversight for an FGAN training program. In addition, evaluate the training curriculum to confirm that it adequately meets course objectives as well as the details of recommendation 2013-02-I-TX R8.
			2013-02-I-TX-R10	Develop an outreach program that notifies regional, state, and local fire departments about available FGAN training opportunities. The program should include the following: a. Guidance for fire departments on how to identify FGAN hazards within their communities by engaging State Emergency Response Commissions and Local Emergency Planning Committees b. Details on how to obtain FGAN training by submitting a proposal in response to the funding opportunity c. Information on training partners and programs that provide FGAN training.
		State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas	2013-02-I-TX-R13	Develop a fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (FGAN) training certification program for fire departments that either have FGAN facilities in their jurisdictions or respond as mutual aid to other jurisdictions with FGAN facilities. The certification program should include multiple delivery methods to enable a broad reach. The certification program should allow for instructor-led, web-based, and train-the-trainer courses; initial orientation; and refresher training. The training also should accommodate both resident and mobile capabilities to facilitate flexibility in delivery. The criteria for the certification program should address the following: a. Previous FGAN fire and explosion incidents, incorporating lessons learned b. Hazards posed by other materials and chemicals stored near FGAN, including FGAN incompatibility with those materials and chemicals c. Pre-incident planning for fires involving FGAN d. On-scene emergency response and decision-making requirements for FGAN fires, including risk assessment, scene size-up, and situational awareness e. National Incident Management System and Incident Command System.
		State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas	2013-02-I-TX-R14	Develop an outreach component for the training certification program that notifies regional, state, and local fire departments with FGAN facilities in their jurisdictions about the training certification opportunities available for FGAN. Ensure that the following items are included in the development of this program: a. Guidance for fire departments on how to identify FGAN hazards within their communities by engaging State Emergency Response Commissions and Local Emergency Planning Committees b. Encouragement for members in jurisdictions with FGAN facilities to become certified in FGAN training c. Information on training partners and programs that provide FGAN training.
		Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services	2013-02-I-TX-R15	Develop and administer a hazardous materials training module for career and volunteer fire departments that addresses fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (FGAN) and other hazardous materials or chemicals that could pose new specialized hazards. Ensure that the training includes multiple delivery methods to enable a broad reach. The training should allow for instructor-led, web-based, and train-the-trainer courses; initial orientation; and refresher training. The training also should accommodate both resident and mobile capabilities to facilitate flexibility in delivery. Objectives of the training course should address the following: a. How to respond to industrial fires involving FGAN and other hazardous materials or chemicals that could pose new specialized hazards to responding firefighters b. Previous FGAN fire and explosion incidents, incorporating lessons learned c. Hazards posed by other materials and chemicals stored near the FGAN, including FGAN incompatibility with those materials and chemicals d. Pre-incident planning for fires involving FGAN and other hazardous materials or chemicals that could pose new specialized hazards to responding firefighters e. On-scene emergency response and decision-making requirements for FGAN fires, including risk assessment, scene size-up, and situational awareness f. National Incident Management System and Incident Command System.
		Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services	2013-02-I-TX-R16	Develop an outreach program that notifies state, regional, and local fire departments about available FGAN training opportunities. The program should include the following elements: a. Guidance for fire departments on how to identify FGAN and other recognized hazards associated with other hazardous materials or chemicals within their communities by engaging with State Emergency Response Commissions and Local Emergency Planning Committees b. Promotion of use of the hazardous materials training module with TEEX training partners.
		Texas Commission on Fire Protection	2013-02-I-TX-R11	Develop minimum standards for course curricula to include hazard awareness of fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (FGAN) for those fire departments that either have FGAN facilities in their jurisdictions or respond as mutual aid to other jurisdictions with FGAN facilities. In addition, develop a training program specific to FGAN. Objectives of the program’s training course should address the following: a. Previous FGAN fire and explosion incidents, incorporating lessons learned b. Hazards posed by other materials and chemicals stored near FGAN, including FGAN incompatibility with those materials and chemicals c. Pre-incident planning for fires involving FGAN d. On-scene emergency response and decision-making requirements for FGAN fires, including risk assessment, scene size-up, and situational awareness e. National Incident Management System and Incident Command System.
		Texas Commission on Fire Protection	2013-02-I-TX-R12	Implement outreach to regional, state, and local fire departments that either have FGAN facilities in their jurisdictions or respond as mutual aid to jurisdictions with FGAN facilities, informing them about the new FGAN training certification requirements and opportunities to receive training. Include the following in the outreach: a. Guidance for fire departments on how to identify FGAN hazards within their communities by engaging State Emergency Response Commissions and Local Emergency Planning Committees b. Encouragement for fire departments in jurisdictions with FGAN facilities to become certified in FGAN training.
		West Volunteer Fire Department	2013-02-I-TX-R18	Develop standard operating procedures for pre-incident planning for facilities that store or handle hazardous materials such as fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (FGAN).
Universal Form Clamp Co. Explosion and Fire	Occupational Safety and Health Administration		2006-8-I-IL-R1	Amend 1910.106 Flammable and Combustible Liquids to require facilities that handle flammable and combustible liquids to implement the requirements of 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans.
Universal Form Clamp Co. Explosion and Fire	Occupational Safety and Health Administration		2006-8-I-IL-R2	Amend 1910.38 Emergency Action Plans to require employers to conduct practice evacuation drills at least annually, but more frequently if necessary to ensure employees are prepared for emergencies.
MFG Chemical Inc. Toxic Gas Release		City of Dalton, GA	2004-9-I-GA-R9	Revise fire department and police department procedures and training to clearly define facility and evacuation zone access control responsibilities when hazardous chemicals are involved or suspected in an emergency.

Investigations with closed recommendations relating to Emergency Planning and Response:

Investigation	Recipient	Recommendation Number	Recommendation Text
West Fertilizer Explosion and Fire	Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency	2013-02-I-TX-R7	Through a new or existing program and in conjunction with training partners, create and implement a competitive funding mechanism to provide training to regional, state, and local career and volunteer fire departments on how to respond to fire and explosion incidents at facilities that store fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate (FGAN). Continue to use available funding to ensure training effectiveness.
West Fertilizer Explosion and Fire		2013-02-I-TX-R8	During the proposal review process for the program, ensure that the FGAN training includes multiple delivery methods to enable a broad reach. Training should allow for instructor-led, web-based, and train-the-trainer courses; initial orientation; and refresher training. Training also should accommodate both resident and mobile capabilities to facilitate flexible delivery. Objectives of the selected training course should address the following: a. Previous FGAN fire and explosion incidents, incorporating lessons learned b. Hazards posed by other materials and chemicals stored near FGAN, including FGAN incompatibility with those materials and chemicals c. Pre-incident planning for fires involving FGAN d. On-scene emergency response and decision-making requirements for FGAN fires, including risk assessment, scene size-up, and situational awareness e. National Incident Management System and Incident Command System.
Hoeganaes Corporation Fatal Flash Fires	City of Gallatin TN Fire Department	2011-4-I-TN-R13	Implement a program to ensure that fire inspectors and response personnel are trained to recognize and address combustible dust hazards.
CITGO Refinery Hydrofluoric Acid Release and Fire	CITGO, Inc.	2009-14-I-TX-R1	Within 30 days, develop and initiate actions to ensure adequate water supply to the CITGO HF mitigation system. Actions could include, but are not limited to, increasing onsite storage capacity, installing a permanent backup system, and developing procedures and training for water management in an emergency. Every 30 days, report actions planned or completed to the Refinery Terminal Fire Company and Local Emergency Planning Committee. Continue the 30-day periodic reporting until all planned actions are fully implemented.
Bayer CropScience Pesticide Waste Tank Explosion	Kanawha-Putnam Emergency Planning Committee	2008-08-I-WV-R8	Work with the Kanawha and Putnam counties Emergency Response Directors to prepare and issue a revision to the Kanawha Putnam County Emergency Response Plan and Annexes to address facility emergency response and Incident Command when such functions are provided by the facility owner.
Bayer CropScience Pesticide Waste Tank Explosion	West Virginia Fire Commission	2008-08-I-WV-9	Revise the Fire Department Evaluation Administrative Section Matrix addressing the periodic inspection of local fire departments to include a requirement for inspectors to examine and identify the status of National Incident Management System fire department personnel training.
Little General Store Propane Explosion	Association of Public Safety Communications Officials	2007-4-I-WV-R6	Develop a guide card for propane emergencies to assist 911 operators in the collection of pertinent information on propane emergencies. The questionnaire in Section 1.9.1 in the Propane Education and Research Council's Certified Employee Training Program may be used as a model.
	National Propane Gas Association	2007-4-I-WV-R10	Work with the West Virginia E911 Council with development of propane emergency guidance by providing the Council with the customer leak questionnaire located in Section 1.9.1 of the Certified Employee Training Program and technical assistance.
	Propane Education & Resource Council	2007-4-I-WV-R8	Revise the Certified Employee Training Program to include emergency response guidance for propane service technicians who respond to propane emergencies similar to guidance provided to emergency responders in the Propane Emergencies program.
	West Virginia 911 Council	2007-4-I-WV-R11	Work with the National Propane Gas Association to develop and distribute propane emergency guidance for use by all county and municipal 911 communication centers in West Virginia.
	West Virginia Fire Commission	2007-4-I-WV-R2	Revise the Fire Commission rules and codes to require annual hazardous materials response refresher training for all firefighters in West Virginia.
	West Virginia Fire Commission	2007-4-I-WV-R3	Revise the Fire Commission rules and codes to require that all West Virginia fire departments perform at least one hazardous material response drill annually.
	West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services	2007-4-I-WV-R4	Revise the Office of Emergency Medical Services rules and codes to require annual hazardous materials response refresher training for all emergency medical personnel in West Virginia.
EQ Hazardous Waste Plant	Environmental Protection Agency	2007-1-I-NC-R1	Ensure that the emergency response planning required for permitted hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (40 CFR 264.37) includes providing written information to state and local emergency response officials on the type, approximate quantities, and locations of materials within the facility (similar to reporting requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act). Additionally, ensure that permit holders periodically update this information throughout the ten-year permit period.
MFG Chemical Inc. Toxic Gas Release	City of Dalton, GA	2004-9-I-GA-8	Establish, equip, and train a hazardous materials response team. Work with the Whitfield County Emergency Management Agency to update the Emergency Operations Plan, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the response team.
	Governor of the State of Georgia	2004-9-I-GA-R12	Clearly designate and define the roles of the agencies responsible for ensuring compliance with all sections of the SARA Title III (Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act) including review of Local Emergency Response Plans and accompanying attachments, such as standard operating procedures.
	Governor of the State of Georgia	2004-9-I-GA-R13	Designate a responsible agency and develop a system that will encourage and assist local authorities to obtain and use Risk Management Plans for those facilities that are required to develop this information to aid in the development of the site-specific emergency response plans.
	MFG Chemical	2004-9-I-GA-R3	Create a comprehensive emergency response plan and provide equipment and training that is appropriate to the duties assigned to employees in the event of an emergency.
	Whitfield County, GA	2004-9-I-GA-R10	Establish a Local Emergency Planning Committee to assist the Whitfield County Emergency Management Agency to: - Develop site-specific agency emergency response plans and standard operating procedures, - Develop training programs and conduct drills for emergencies at fixed facilities, - Educate the community regarding proper protective actions, such as shelter-in-place and evacuation procedures.
	Whitfield County, GA	2004-9-I-GA-R11	Work with the City of Dalton, representatives from local facilities, and relevant community representatives to review and revise the Emergency Operations Plan to: -Update the list of facilities handling hazardous chemicals, including those covered by the EPA Risk Management Program regulation, -Develop standard operating procedures addressing communication of emergency information, evacuation, and shelter-in-place, -Conduct community training and drills that involve operation of the emergency notification system and potential actions in the event of an emergency, -Implement an automated community emergency notification system.
Honeywell Chemical Incidents	Baton Rouge LA Fire Department	2009-13-I-LA-R23	Evaluate and update as necessary community notification procedures to include timely notification of residents in the event of a chemical release. Conduct periodic refresher training with staff on the requirements in the procedures.
DPC Enterprises Glendale Chlorine Release	DPC Enterprises, L.P.	2004-2-I-AZ-R1	Establish and implement DPC corporate engineering standards that include adequate layers of protection on chlorine scrubbers at DPC facilities, including: -additional interlocks and shutdowns, such as automatically stopping chlorine flow to the scrubber upon oxidation-reduction potential alarm; -mitigation measures, such as systems to automatically add caustic to over-chlorinated scrubbers, or back-up scrubbing capability to treat emissions from over-chlorinated scrubbers; -increases in the final caustic concentration in the scrubbers to eight percent or higher to provide a substantial safety margin against over-chlorination; and -use of the site's continuous bleach manufacturing system to convert scrubber solution to saleable bleach.
		2004-2-I-AZ-R2	Revise scrubber SOPs to include: -clearly described operating limits and warnings about the consequences of exceeding those limits, and -the safety and environmental hazards associated with scrubber over-chlorination.
		2004-2-I-AZ-R3	Train employees on the revised SOPs and include a test to verify understanding. Periodically review operator understanding of and conformance to the scrubber SOPs.
	Glendale, AZ Fire Department	2004-2-I-AZ-R7	Work with the Glendale Police Department to integrate them into the incident command structure during hazardous material incidents, and address communications issues, such as radio interoperability, to ensure the timely transmission of critical safety information to responding officers.
	Glendale, AZ Fire Department	2004-2-I-AZ-R8	Conduct hazardous materials exercises with the Glendale Police Department to identify and resolve police/fire integration issues. Coordinate exercise planning with the Arizona Division of Emergency Management Exercise Officer and with the Maricopa County LEPC. Schedule periodic hazardous materials incident drills to ensure safe and effective responses to future hazardous materials incidents.
	Glendale, AZ Police Department	2004-2-I-AZ-R9	Work with the Glendale Fire Department to integrate the Glendale Police Department into the command structure during hazardous material incidents, and address communications issues, such as radio interoperability, to ensure the timely transmission of critical safety information to responding officers.
		2004-2-I-AZ-R10	Ensure that police officers responding to hazardous material incidents are briefed on specific incident conditions, and are equipped with and trained on the proper use, capabilities, and limitations of appropriate protective equipment.
		2004-2-I-AZ-R11	Ensure that police officers receive hazardous materials - operations level training, and annual hazardous materials and air purifying respirator (APR) refresher training.
		2004-2-I-AZ-R12	Conduct exercises with the Glendale Fire Department to identify and resolve police/fire integration issues. Coordinate exercise planning with the Arizona Division of Emergency Management Exercise Officer and with the Maricopa County LEPC. Schedule periodic hazardous materials incident drills to ensure safe and effective responses to future hazardous materials incidents.
Georgia-Pacific Corp. Hydrogen Sulfide Poisoning	Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry	2002-01-I-AL-R10	Evaluate and amend as necessary the ATSDR Medical Management Guidelines to consider the risk to responders posed by exposure to victims of high levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. Specify procedures for adequate decontamination. Communicate the results of this activity to relevant organizations, such as the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses.
DPC Enterprises Festus Chlorine Release	Jefferson County MO Emergency Management Agency	2002-04-I-MO-R12	Work with DPC to implement a community notification system that will immediately alert neighboring residents and businesses of a chemical release.
DPC Enterprises Festus Chlorine Release	Jefferson County MO Emergency Management Agency	2002-04-I-MO-R13	Work with DPC, local emergency planning and response authorities in Jefferson and adjacent counties, the City of Festus, and Crystal City to improve overall response and mitigation time.
First Chemical Cops. Reactive Chemical Explosion	Jackson County Board of Supervisors, Jackson County Emergency Management Agency, Jackson County Local Emergency Planning Committee (MS)	2003-01-I-MS-R8	Update the community notification system to: Immediately alert residents in the Moss Point community when an incident occurs that could affect their health and safety. Determine when a community response should be initiated. Communicate the nature of the incident and the appropriate response by residents. Alert residents when the incident is over (i.e., the all-clear has sounded).
First Chemical Cops. Reactive Chemical Explosion		2003-01-I-MS-R9	Conduct an awareness campaign to educate residents on the proper steps for a shelter-in-place and orderly evacuation.
Herrig Brothers Farm Propane Tank Explosion	National Propane Gas Association	1998-07-I-IA-R8	Ensure that fire fighter-training materials address proper response procedures for BLEVEs.

Last updated September 7, 2017