Bay County Water Treatment Plant - Executive Summary

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It is the policy of Bay County Utility Services to store, handle, and use chlorine in such a manner as to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the public and the employees at all times.  To achieve this policy, Bay County Risk Management developed Standard Operating and Emergency Procedures for the Use of Chlorine Gas Containers in September, 1994.  These procedures have been refined and updated several times since 1994.  The most recent update of these procedures is included in our RMP submission. 
 
Probably, the most important change to these procedures is the level of training all Water Plant Operators and Mechanics have achieved.  All plant personnel, from the Superintendent level on down, are now HAZMAT Level III certified.  Additionally, four new self-contained breating apparatuses, spare air tanks and threat level "A" suits have been obtained.  Since the Water Plant is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week,  there are as a minimum, two trained personnel present and ready 
to respond to a chlorine alarm/leak.  This will save precious minutes while the Bay County HAZMAT Team is activated to respond to the situation.   
 
See the Bay County Standard Operating and Emergency Proceedures for the Use of Chlorine Gas Containers (included) for details on day-to-day use of chlorine containers and response to minor and major chlorine leaks. 
 
 
 
   BAY COUNTY 
 
   STANDARD OPERATING AND  
 
   EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR THE 
 
   USE OF CHLORINE GAS CONTAINERS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 1, 1994 
Revised August 24, 1995 
Revised September 18, 1995 
Revised November 28, 1995 
Revised March 4, 1996 
Revised April 30th, 1996 
 
SECTION 1    GENERAL STATEMENT 
 
1.01        Chlorine gas is in use constantly, 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, for the purpose of water treatment.  In its intended usage, it is a very beneficial chemical that protects the general health and welfare of the public.  When chlorine gas is misused or allowed to leak into the atmosphere, it poses a definite health thre 
at to all that may get in its path.  Thus, the general objective is to contain chlorine to its beneficial usage and to prevent the escape of the gas into the atmosphere. 
 
SECTION 2    PURPOSE 
 
2.01        The purpose of this plan is to establish policy to ensure the safety of the affected County employees and the public. 
 
SECTION 3    BACKGROUND 
 
3.01        Chlorine gas is known as a potential danger to a worker's health in its manufacture and its usage.  As with any other chemical, the more the worker knows and understands about chlorine, the less likely he or she is to have a major problem with the material.  Chlorine gas is primarily a respiratory irritant.  In sufficient concentration the gas irritates the mucous membranes, the respiratory system, and the skin.  In extreme cases, difficulty in breathing may occur to a point where death can occur from suffocation.  The characteristic, penetrating odor of chlorine gas usually gives warning of its presence in the air.  Its greenish-yellow color makes 
it visible at high concentrations.  The gas is more than twice as heavy as air.  The handling and use of both liquid (which exists only when there is sufficient pressure) and gaseous chlorine requires close adherence to safety precautions and procedures established within this plan. 
 
SECTION 4    POLICY 
 
4.01        It is the policy of Bay County to store , handle, and use chlorine in such a manner so as to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the employees and the public at all times.  The hazardous nature of chlorine makes it mandatory that all employees be aware of the proper procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency, and ensure that the emergency measures be conducted in a timely manner.  
 
SECTION 5    EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE 
 
5.01        Periodic inspections by knowledgeable persons should be conducted and documented to assure that the equipment being used with the chlorination system is kept in suitable operating condition. 
 
SECTION 6    CHLORINE GAS ROOM 
 
6.01        Shall be labeled to  
protect incidental personnel from accidental leakage of chlorine gas. 
 
6.02        Shall be above ground. 
 
6.03        Shall be provided with natural ventilation (louvered doors and/or walls) or a sparkproof ventilation system capable of producing a complete exchange of air within two minutes. 
 
6.04        Shall have a control switch located outside the room for the manually operated exhaust fan. 
 
6.05        Containers shall be adequately secured (e.g., using a container support or chock). 
 
6.06        Shall be provided with an automatic chlorine detection unit and a suitable warning sign shall be posted. 
 
6.07        Floor should have a nonslip finish. 
 
6.08        Shall have a potable water outlet and an emergency shower/eyewash station in the immediate area. 
 
SECTION 7    STORAGE REGULATIONS 
 
7.01        Chlorine shall be stored in adequately ventilated, unoccupied rooms, or if stored outdoors, containers shall be shielded from the direct rays of the sun, unless the container is properly insulated and designed for unshaded outdoor  
storage.  Indoor storage areas shall be cool and dry. 
 
       When stored outdoors, containers should be placed on rails, pallets, or similar devices that keep them off the ground in order to help minimize heat exposure. 
 
7.02        Where feasible, at least two exits, remote from each other and opening outward, should be provided for chlorine storage rooms/buildings. 
 
7.03        Chlorine storage enclosures shall be outfitted with an inspection window to permit viewing of the interior without having to enter. 
 
7.04        Chlorine storage enclosures shall be completely isolated from work areas.  If separated from a work area by a common wall, all holes, ducts, doors, and passthroughs which could allow chlorine to enter the work area shall be secured and sealed.   
 
7.05        Ventilation switches shall be located outside the storage area in readily accessible locations which are sure to be free of chlorine in an emergency.  Fan switches shall be equipped with indicator lights. 
 
7.06        Chlorine containers with expo 
sed rust, painted over rust, or visibly damaged  valves shall not be accepted. 
 
7.07        Chlorine containers shall be hydrostatic tested by the vendor every 5 years with the most recent month/year test date stamped into the container.  Containers with a test date extending beyond 5 years shall not be accepted, except for those conditions as described in Section 7.08. 
 
7.08        The vendor may conduct one FULL hydrostatic test on a chlorine container.  Full tests are indicated by a star stamped before and after the test date  
       (i.e. *00/00/00*).  The life of the container may be extended 10 years after the date of the test.  Containers with full hydrostatic test dates extending beyond 10 years or with more than one full hydrostatic test date shall not be accepted.  
 
7.09        A log shall be kept for containers meeting the criteria established in section 7.06 - 7.08 of this plan.  The log shall include but may not be limited to the following information:  container number, date received, hydrostat 
date, and date returned. 
 
7.10        Chlorine containers shall be secured so they will not roll. 
 
7.11        Chlorine containers shall be protected from flame, heat, corrosion, and mechanical damage. 
 
7.12        Incompatible materials which may react violently with chlorine, such as hydrogen, ammonia, acetylene, fuel gases, ether, turpentine, most hydrocarbons, finely divided metals, and organic matter, shall not be stored immediately adjacent to chlorine gas containers.  The degree of separation required will be dictated by quantities stored and the type of storage facility (outdoor vs. indoor, concrete walls vs. wood, etc.). 
 
7.13        Storage areas shall not be located in areas which have low spots in which chlorine gas could accumulate in case of a leak. 
 
7.14        Full and empty shipping containers shall be so marked, and containers in use shall be plainly marked "IN USE" to distinguish them from those not being used. 
 
7.15        Containers are considered "empty" when they cannot deliver sufficient pressure 
to operate chlorinators.  
 
SECTION 8    HANDLING REGULATIONS 
 
8.01        Areas with chlorine containers and systems shall be checked daily for leaks.  All newly made connections shall be checked immediately after the chlorine container valve is opened.  Required repairs and adjustments  shall be made promptly.  No water shall be applied to the source of leaking chlorine. 
 
8.02        Steel and iron in contact with the chlorine may not be heated, welded, or flame cut.  Steel and iron will ignite and burn in an atmosphere of chlorine at about 251mC (484mF). 
 
8.03        Written operating instructions shall be formulated, posted, and updated periodically in locations where chlorine is handled or used. 
 
8.04        Every precaution shall be taken to keep chlorine equipment free of moisture.  Piping, valves, and containers shall be capped or closed when not in use to keep atmospheric moisture out of the system. 
 
8.05        Transportation and use of chlorine shall comply with all applicable Federal, state, and local regu 
lations. 
 
8.06        When moving chlorine containers, valve protection hoods shall be in place.  Containers shall be moved only with the proper equipment (e.g., lifting bars and hoists) and shall be secured so as to prevent dropping or loss of control while moving.  No slings or magnetic devices shall be used to move chlorine containers. 
 
 
8.07        Containers and valves may not be modified, altered, or repaired except as normally intended by the supplier. 
 
8.08        Discharge rates may not be increased by use of hot water, radiant heat, or application of flames or heated objects to the containers.  Air circulated around the containers at work room temperature may be used.  Properly designed chlorine vaporizing equipment (as distinct from storage and shipping containers) may be heated. 
 
8.09        The amount of chlorine used shall be determined by a positive method, (e.g., weighing the container). 
 
8.10        New gaskets shall be used each time chlorine system connections are made. 
 
8.11        Chlorine container  
valves may not be opened more than one complete turn.  Wrenches used in opening valves shall not be longer than 6 inches.  Extensions shall not be used. 
 
       If the top valve will not open initially, loosen the packing nut no more than 1/4 to 1/2 turn, open the valve, then tighten the packing nut.  If loosening the packing nut does not allow the valve to be opened, tighten the nut and rotate the container so that the bottom valve is at the top.  Repeat the process with this valve.  If neither valve will open, call Jones Chemical at (800)595-2436 to come open the container or replace it. 
 
8.12        Piping systems for chlorine shall be properly designed and manufactured from approved materials meeting or exceeding the provisions of the current applicable American National Standards, and shall be equipped with appropriate expansion chambers or pressure relief valves or rupture discs discharging to a receiver or safe area.  All precautions shall be taken to prevent hydrostatic rupture of chlorin 
e systems and containers. 
 
8.13        Before chlorine is admitted into a repaired system, the system shall be thoroughly cleaned, dried, and pressure tested, using approved procedures.  Similar actions shall be required of vendor representatives before admitting chlorine into a new system. 
 
8.14        No liquid chlorine containers shall be directly connected to containers of other liquids unless backflow is prevented by installation of suitable check valves, traps, or vacuum breakers.  Suckback can cause a violent reaction or explosion. 
 
8.15        No personnel shall work alone in a space where chlorine is first being admitted into a newly designed or installed system, when repairing leaks, or during replenishment of chlorine to a previously properly functioning system.  
 
8.17        Containers and systems shall be handled and opened with care.  When opening containers or systems, adequate ventilation shall be available to remove inadvertent discharges of chlorine. 
 
8.18        Any odor of chlorine from a normal 
ly closed system shall be reported without delay to responsible supervisory personnel (immediate supervisor/Superintendent/Utility Services Director), who, if necessary, will notify the HazMat Response Team, and the Chief of Emergency Services by radio contact with Bay County Control or by dialing 9-1-1.  In the event additional consultation is needed during a chlorine emergency, Jones Chemical's contact, Dudley Bexley, is available on a 24 hour basis at (205)457-1337.  Another available contact is CHEMTREC (for emergencies call 1-800-424-9300 and for information call 1-800-269-8200).  
 
8.19        Inadvertent entry of chlorine into disconnected containers and systems while work is in progress shall be prevented by blanking off chlorine supply lines to such systems.  Repairs of leaks may not be accomplished on chlorine systems while the systems are in service, except when it is determined that a chlorine repair kit can be used with reasonable safety by trained and protected personnel with su 
ch assigned emergency response duties.  Procedures for such a determination and response are established in Section 10 of this plan. 
 
8.20        Emergency Containment Kits should be inventoried annually and after each use and stored in a tamper proof container.  All personnel with emergency response duties shall know the location of the kit. 
 
SECTION 9    PROCEDURES FOR CHANGING CHLORINE CONTAINERS 
 
9.01        Approved skin, face and eye protection (neoprene gloves, apron and boots; safety glasses and/or face shield shall be worn by employees opening, connecting, or disconnecting chlorine containers and systems.  Respiratory protection (an appropriate cartridge respirator or a pocket escape respirator) shall be at hand and ready for use during this operation.  Furthermore, opening, connecting, or disconnecting containers shall be conducted only when an equipped (donning SCBA-F*, neoprene gloves, apron and boots) back-up employee is present during the operation.  The back-up employee shall monitor t 
he atmosphere and remain prepared to respond in the event an emergency develops.  The minimum requirement of two operators to complete this task shall be strictly adhered to.   
       *The back-up employee shall don the SCBA, but is not required to engage the air supply except in the event of an emergency.  The face mask should be in place and checked for a tight seal.  However to conserve the bottled air supply, the employee may leave the breathing tube disconnected and breathe outside air through the disconnected tube.  In the event of an emergency, the employee need only to connect the tube to the regulator and turn the regulator on to engage the bottled air supply. 
 
       The proper tools and a filled squeeze bottle of the proper strength ammonia solution should be used for this operation.  Also, the Emergency Repair Kit "B" should be immediately available.  The emergency shower/eye wash should be checked and flushed before chlorine containers are changed. 
 
 
 
9.02        After complying with Sect 
ion 9.01, the following steps should be followed for connecting and disconnecting chlorine lines to and from one ton containers.   
 
       Step 1:  Look at the pressure gauge to make sure there is no gas in the line which is to be connected to the new containers.  If there is, then bleed the gas back into the system.  This is accomplished by closing the valve on the on-line manifold and opening the valve on the manifold to which the new container will be connected until the pressure gauge drops back to zero.  Once the gauge drops to zero, reverse this procedure in order to return the valves to their previous status then proceed to the next step. 
 
       Step 2:  Make sure the valves are closed on containers to be removed, then disconnect whips, remove gaskets and clean the surface.  Replace the cap over the now closed, off-line valve. 
 
       Step 3:  Record the weight of the empty containers in the log book. 
 
       Step 4:  Lift empty containers off the scale.  Be careful not to bend the whips.  Attach  
the hoods on empty containers then rotate the container 180 degrees so that the hood faces the building.  Set the containers down at the end of the bay.  Put the appropriate labels on the containers (Empty, Full, On-Line). 
 
       Step 5:  Set the scale at zero then place the new containers on the scale so that the valves are facing away from the building.  Be careful not bend the whips.  Remove the hoods and subtract the tare weight of the containers from the scale weight--the resulting weight should be around 4,000 lbs.  The valves must be in a vertical position (one valve above the other). 
 
       Step 6:  Make sure the top valve is closed before removing its cap.  Install a fiber washer between the whip and the container valve (FIRST MAKE THE SURFACES ARE CLEAN OR YOU MAY GET A BAD SEAL).  Using a crescent or a 5/8 wrench to prevent the whip from turning, connect the whip onto the valve with a chlorine wrench. 
 
       Step 7:  The connections are now ready to be tested.  One container at a time w 
ill be tested.  Close the valve on the "IN USE" manifold that is feeding the chlorinators and open the valve on the "STANDBY" manifold to be tested.  Open the "STANDBY" container valve and immediately close it.  Check for leaks at the connections and the entire whip by using ammonia vapors (DO NOT pour ammonia on the connections).  If white clouds develop, there may be a leak.  Bleed the line by opening valve at the whip/manifold connection.  Wait for the pressure gauge to reach zero then close the valve and check connections and the whip for leaks again.  At this point, if the check shows that the manifold or container valve connection is leaking, disconnect the whip then reconnect it to the valve; if the whip is leaking replace it.  Follow the same procedures for the second container.   
       When both containers have been checked, close the valve on the "STANDBY" manifold going to the chlorinators.  The pressure gauge on the line should be at zero.  To get back on line, slowly open the  
valve on the "IN USE" manifold going to the chlorinators. 
 
       Step 8:  Record the container numbers from the white tag onto the log.  Place the appropriate labels on the containers. 
 
9.03        The following steps should be followed for switching chlorine lines. 
 
       Step 1:  When the low pressure chlorine alarm has gone off, it may be approximately fifteen minutes or less before the containers actually require switching.  Under normal conditions, there is no action involving connection or disconnection of lines; however, operators must carry escape respirators on their person during this operation.  Verify that the pressure gauge is on zero on the manifold that is on line (in use). 
 
       Step 2:  Close the valves at the container/whip connection, then close the valves at the manifold/whip connection, then close the valve on the manifold to the chlorinators.  This order must be followed to ensure there is no chlorine gas left in the line; otherwise, the next operator may be exposed to any gas in  
the line. 
 
       Step 3:  Follow the same testing procedures as stated in Step 7 for Changing Containers, but this time leave the "STANDBY" containers and manifold on line. 
 
       Step 4:  Record the container numbers from the white tag onto the log.  Place the appropriate labels on the containers. 
 
 
     SECTION 10  CHLORINE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING AND PROCEDURES 
 
10.01        CHAIN of COMMAND:  
Chief of Emergency Services 
Utility Services Director 
Assistant Utility Services Director 
*Water Treatment Superintendent 
*Water Plant Chief Operator 
*Maintenance Mechanic Supervisor 
*Maintenance Mechanic (3) 
*Lead Operator (3) 
*Operator (6) 
    
*     HAZMAT Level III (Technician) certified.                              
 
 
 
10.02        WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATIONS:  
       1.  Procures, treats and distributes drinking water on a 24-hour basis to the majority of Bay County's metropolitan area population.  
 
       2.  Has two, combination safety shower/eyewash stations.  One is located in the chemical room, and the other is located outsid 
e in the lime slaker area.  
 
       3.  Has a first aid kit located on the second floor in the control room.  
 
       4.  Has two employees qualified to provide first aid on each shift. 
 
       5.  After hours, the facility is locked and protected by an industrial type chain link fence. 
 
       6.  Has diesel generators for emergency back-up electrical supply. 
 
       7.  Located approximately one-quarter mile from Highway 231, a roadway heavily traveled by locals and visitors to the area.  The Bay Line railroad travels parallel to Hwy 231.  A residential area is located directly behind the plant, and a mixture of residential and business structures are located to the east and west (across the highway) of the plant.  Aside from the Treatment Plant's main building, there is a maintenance building, generator building sludge press building and the Public Utilities Administrative Offices on the site.  
 
       8.  Has four self-contained breathing apparatus and four spare air tanks.  Two mounted on the second floor in t 
he control room area, one mounted near the Chief Facilities Operator on the first floor of the plant building  and one in the Maintenance Shop. 
 
       9.  The following emergency/protective equipment is available:  
 
            one emergency "B" kit 
           * four Level "A' protective suits 
            miscellaneous tools 
            flashlights, rubber gloves, rubber boots, goggles, hooded neoprene suits, duct tape, hard hats, etc. 
 
       10. Has a windsock located at the east end of the filter deck, and a flag in front of the Water Treatment facility.  
 
       11. Has a chlorine alarm.  This plan is initiated at the sound of the chlorine alarm, which may be sounded automatically.  The Water Plant alarm sounds at chlorine concentrations of .1 PPM (warning beep and fans), at .3 PPM (outside warning light and upstairs alarm) or by an employee with the manual override.   
 
10.03         
 
       WATER PLANT ASSEMBLY AREA:   
           Primary: Control Room 
           Secondary: Maintenance Building 
 
10.04        EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES 
 
       ASSESS and VERI 
FY:  The duty operators with the appropriate level of training should immediately respond with the following steps. 
 
(Level I Trng. /)        a.    At the sound of the alarm, each employee should secure his/her job and report to the primary assembly area.  If inaccessible, report to the secondary assembly area.  All employees and visitors should be accounted for.   
 
           Each employee should be aware of any chlorine release and should note the wind direction.  At the first smell of chlorine, move up or across wind until the air is free of chlorine fumes.  If possible, verify that it is an actual alarm and not a malfunction, test, or the result of maintenance. 
 
       b.    Call 9-911 and advise that a chlorine leak has been detected and is being investigated.  Provide a number of minutes within which a confirmation will be made.  If no confirmation is provided within that period, the HazMat Response Team will be activated by the dispatcher.  If there is only one employee responding (e.g. after hours) he  
should move to safety, activate the HazMat Team and standby.  
 
       c.    Take the necessary steps to secure the area suspected of containing chlorine gas.  Do not, under any circumstances, become exposed to the chlorine.  Ensure all personnel have move to the assembly area.  Following the chain of command, notify management of the situation. 
 
           Shut down all electrical operations that are exposed to the chlorine gas, unless explosion proof.  Instruct personnel to shut off heating/cooling systems to facility buildings. 
 
       d.    Set up a decontamination line or make sure the emergency showers are operable and not in the "hot zone" (150 feet for small leaks and for major leaks 300 feet upwind, and downwind an area of .8 miles wide by 1.5 miles long). 
(Level II Trng. /)    e.    Two trained operators shall don proper personal protective clothing and a chlorine monitor to investigate the cause and severity of the leak and what containment or repair equipment is needed.  If the exposure is to a low conce 
ntration of chlorine or will be for a very short duration, level B protection may be appropriate and shall be worn (e.g. SCBA-F [donned and engaged], hooded Tyvek-Saranex onepiece suit, neoprene boots, and neoprene gloves).  Duct tape should be used to seal all openings around wrists, ankles, and zippers.  The protective clothing must be fitted to the individual employee in order to provide maximum protection. 
 
        RESPONSE TO A MAJOR LEAK:  If after your assessment you find the leak to be major, initiate the appropriate evacuation procedures for the affected site facilities.   
 
       Confirm with the Bay County HazMat Response Team by dialing 9-911 or calling Bay County Control over the radio that you have a major chlorine leak.  Bay County Control should also be notified of the wind direction and of any danger of gas blowing away from the facility and into adjacent areas.  Evacuation of such areas may be necessary under extreme circumstances.  Evacuation of adjacent areas will be at the d 
irection of the Chief of Emergency Services.   
 
       Notify the responsible Department Management and Supervisory personnel.  
       THE FOLLOWING STEPS MAY BE TAKEN FOR "MINOR" LEAKS ONLY (as described in 10.08 of this plan) AND ONLY BY OPERATORS WITH AT LEAST LEVEL III HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TECHNICIAN TRAINING.   
 
       MINIMIZE SMALL INCIDENTAL (MINOR) LEAKS:   
(Level III Trng. /)        Wearing the proper personal protective clothing as stated in 10.05 (e) and carrying a chlorine monitor, minimize the release if possible.  If it is necessary to enter the affected area, one backup employee per entrant shall be designated as safety watch.  Backup employees shall wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, in the event they must enter the area.  The atmosphere shall be continuously monitored.  
 
       If the leak can be easily minimized, notify Bay County Control of the situation and place the HazMat Response Team on standby.  Notify the responsible Department Management and Supervisory personnel.   
 
 
       ALWAYS KEEP CONTROL INFORMED AS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING!  
 
        DO NOT TRY TO BE A HERO! 
 
       One volume of liquid chlorine, when vaporized, yields approximately 460 volumes of gas; therefore, if at all possible, any container leaking liquid chlorine should be turned so no liquid is escaping.   
 
       With the ammonia bottle check all fittings, valves, packings, connections, etc., for leakage. 
 
       If the minor leak is identified and can be stopped by switching tanks, switching lines, or applying an emergency containment kit ("B" Kit), do so only if it can be done safely.  
 
       If repairs cannot be made by operational personnel, the HazMat Response Team should be activated immediately.  Operational personnel attempting to minimize the leak should evacuate to an area upwind from the escaping gas.  Upon its arrival, the HazMat team shall assume control at all levels of the response operation; however, facility operators should remain available to answer questions and give necessary information or ass 
istance. 
 
       EMERGENCY REPAIRS: 
 
       X    fusible plug or container failure (MAJOR): 
 
           (1)  activate HazMat Response Team (HAZMAT will establish a Command Post) 
           (2)  if responders are comfortable, they may secure the leak using the procedures prescribed in the Chlorine Institute Emergency Kit "B" for Chlorine Ton Containers Edition 7.  (see attached copy) 
           (3)  if responders choose not to secure the leak, move to a safe location upwind of the leak and wait for HazMat. 
 
 
       X    valve leaks (MINOR): (see attached copy of Chlorine Institute Emergency Kit "B" for Chlorine Ton Containers Edition 7) 
 
           (1)  attempt to stop the leak by closing the valve stem and tightening the packing nut 
           (2)  if unsuccessful, apply the emergency "B" Kit 
           (3)  if unsuccessful, activate the HazMat Response Team 
 
 
       X    delivery system leaks (MINOR): 
 
           (1)  close the chlorine container valve 
           (2)  remove chlorine feed line from the injector 
           (3)  contact chief operator or plant Superintendent 
       DECONTAM 
INATION:  After verifying or repairing a chlorine leak, operational personnel must decontaminate before removing any exposed personal protective equipment.  The decontamination area will be located outside the "hot zone" and upwind of the contaminated area. 
 
       X    While fully dressed-out, the responder should step into the decontamination containment pool and the entire body should be hosed with water for a minimum of five minutes. 
 
       X    Facing into the wind, remove the air pack and chemical suit.  Hose the entire body for an entire five minutes. 
 
       X    Remove remaining clothing, hose (shower) for at least five minutes. 
 
       X    If the air pack must be changed to continue with repair or finish decontamination, do so facing upwind and as quickly as possible. 
 
       X    Using a caustic material, neutralize the chlorine contaminated water collected from the decontamination and properly dispose of it. 
 
       SECTION 11    POST RESPONSE OPERATION 
 
11.01        Inventory chlorine emergency repair kit and order re 
placement parts as needed. 
 
11.02        Inventory personal protective equipment.  Examine chemical suits, gloves, boots, etc. for defects and order any replacements as needed. 
 
11.03        Examine and clean SCBA equipment.  Refill air bottles. 
 
11.04        Examine the site for chlorine damage: 
             check exposed electrical equipment and check low lying areas for chlorine gas 
 
       SECTION 12    PUBLIC AND MEDIA CONTACTS 
 
12.01        Phone inquiries regarding a leak or emergency response should be forwarded or referred to the Utility Services Director or the Public Information Officer (PIO).  
 
12.02        Under no circumstances is the media to be allowed entrance onto the facility during an emergency.  When time permits, the media should be given background information on chlorine.  When facts are known about the incident and the cause, arrangement should be made between Department Management and the PIO to give these facts to the media.  
 
 
       SECTION 13    TRAINING 
 
13.01        The Occupational Safety and Health 
Administration has adopted a final standard for hazardous waste operations and emergency response, 29 CFR 1910.120.  The intent of the rule is to mandate safe working conditions for workers at Superfund sites, hazardous material treatment, storage, and disposal sites and during uncontrolled releases of hazardous substances. 
 
13.02        Employees should be familiar with the MSDS for chlorine and be trained in safety procedures for the handling and use of chlorine gas and the proper use and care of personal protective equipment and respiratory equipment. 
 
13.02        County employees who may first witness a hazardous substance release or respond to a hazardous substance release shall be provided the appropriate training which shall be based on the duties and functions to be performed by each responder during an emergency.   
 
13.03        In order to provide a response, the Water Treatment Operators, Maintenance Mechanics and Supervisors shall be trained and demonstrate competency through Level III.  A 
dditionally because of the potential exposure to chlorine, all personnel located at the Water Treatment Plant site shall be trained in Level I - first responder awareness level. 
 
       Level I - First Responder Awareness Level:  For employees who would take no further action beyond notifying the authorities of the release.  Employees at this level shall have sufficient training or demonstrate competency in the Level I requirements as stated in 1910.120(q)(6)(i)(A-F). 
 
       Level II - First Responder Operations Level:  Employees are trained to respond in a defensive fashion without actually trying to stop the release.  They contain the release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading  and prevent exposures.  To achieve this level, employees shall receive eight hours of training or shall have sufficient experience to demonstrate competency in Level I and II requirements as stated in 1910.120(q)(6)(ii)(A-F). 
 
       Level III - Hazardous Materials Technician:  Employees are trained to respond to  
releases or potential releases for the purpose of stopping the release.  They will approach the point of release in order to plug, patch or otherwise stop the release.  To achieve this level, employees shall receive at least 24 hours of training and demonstrate competency in the areas stated in 1910.120 (q)(6)(iii)(A-I). 
 
       SECTION 14    RESPONSIBILITIES 
 
14.01        HazMat/Public Safety Personnel shall respond to all major chlorine emergencies as defined in Section 10 of this plan. 
 
14.02        Utility Services Administration shall ensure all new and existing Water System  facilities meet the requirements of this plan and shall ensure that all be prepared to implement an Emergency Action Plan.  
 
14.03        Water Treatment Superintendent and Supervisory Personnel shall ensure periodic inspections of all chlorine rooms, locations, etc., are conducted, shall assign emergency response duties to employees, shall provide the required training, and shall periodically implement realistic mock emergencie 
s and table-top exercises to test and hone the response skills of operational personnel. 
 
14.04        Affected Personnel shall ensure all requirements of this plan are met and strictly adhered to. 
 
 
 
 
                                     
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