Training for emergency response team members shall be completed before they are to respond to an emergency. This shall include understanding the elements of this Emergency Response Plan, instructions as to their role in the Response Plan, training as required, and when to evacuate. In addition, periodic drills should be held so that all personnel have the opportunity to practice their role in responding to an emergency and general evacuation.
A. Training
All persons participating in the Emergency Response Team must undergo training appropriate to their position.
1) Floor Monitors
Since the Floor Monitor in many cases will be the first person on the scene at a fire or medical emergency, they should be trained in many first-line response activities. These should include the following:
a. First Aid
b. CPR
c. Fire Extinguisher Training
2) Personnel Coordinators
Personnel Coordinators will not be directly exposed to any hazardous condition, therefore no specialized training is required. Fire extinguisher training is mandatory for all employees.
3) Wing Leaders
Wing Leaders will not be directly exposed to any hazardous conditions, therefore no specialized training is required. Fire extinguisher training is required for all employees. Instructions on interpretation of the signals on the fire control panels will be provided.
4) Safety Officer
The Safety Officer must be knowledgeable in all aspects of the response activity. Training and certification in the following areas is required:
a. First Aid
b. CPR
c. Fire Extinguisher Training
d. Spill control strategies
e. Decontamination procedures
f. Annual refresher training
5) Scene Manager
The Scene Manager must be well versed in all facets of the response. It is important that the Scene Manager understands the risks and hazards associated with each emergency response activity. Training and certification in the following areas is required:
a. First Aid
b. Spill control strategies
B. Preparatory Activities
All aspects of the Emergency Response Plan should be rehearsed regularly as part of the required training for all personnel. This shall include a full evacuation of the Chemistry Building Complex and simulated drills involving chemical spills requiring activation of the University HazMat Team. Two drills per year should be conducted - at least one of which shall be held during the regular semester while classes are in session. In addition, if appropriate one full scale drill involving a simulated chemical release incident will be held at least once annually.
Prior to the drill all personnel will be informed of the Emergency Response Plan and will receive the portion of the Plan that pertains to employees (Section V - Evacuation Plan). They will also be informed of who their Floor Monitors and Personnel Coordinators are, and to which Assembly Area they should report when an evacuation is called.
The Environmental Health and Safety Office and College Station Fire Department will be notified of the anticipated drill. It is hoped that the Fire Department and University Police Department will participate as if it were an actual alarm. Drills should include turning over the responsibility from local personnel to outside responders so that a smooth transition may be obtained. Following each drill a debriefing meeting will be held so that the exercise may be evaluated by all Team members as well as outside participants.