128 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 18, § 007

Current through September 17, 2024

Section 128-18-007 - Emergency procedures

007.01 Whenever there is an imminent or actual emergency situation, the emergency coordinator (or his designee when the emergency coordinator is on call) must immediately:

007.01A Activate internal alarms or communication systems, where applicable, to notify all personnel; and

007.01B Notify appropriate state or local agencies with designated response roles if their help is needed.

007.02 Whenever there is a release, fire or explosion, the emergency coordinator must immediately identify the character, exact source, amount and areal extent of any released materials. This may be done by observation or review of site records or manifests and, if necessary, by chemical analysis.

007.03 Concurrently, the emergency coordinator must assess possible hazards to human health or the environment that may result from the release, fire, or explosion. This assessment must consider both direct and indirect effects of the release, fire, or explosion (e.g., the effects of any toxic, irritating, or asphyxiating gases that are generated, or the effects of any hazardous surface water runoff from water or chemical agents used to control fire and heat-induced explosions).

007.04 If the emergency coordinator determines that there has been a release, fire or explosion which could threaten human health or the environment outside the site boundaries, findings must be reported as follows:

007.04A If the assessment indicates that evacuation of local areas may be advisable, the emergency coordinator must immediately notify appropriate local authorities and be available to help such authorities decide whether local areas should be evacuated; and

007.04B The emergency coordinator must immediately notify either the government official designated as the on-scene coordinator for that geographical area (in the applicable regional contingency plan), or National Response Center (using their 24hour toll free number ((800) 424-8802) and the Department ((402) 471-4545) in accordance with the Department's Emergency Response Plan, and, if there is danger of fire occurring or explosion, the State Fire Marshal. The report must include:

007.04B1 Name and telephone number of the reporter;

007.04B2 Name and address of site;

007.04B3 Time and type of incident (e.g., release, fire);

007.04B4 Name and quantity of material(s) involved, to the extent known;

007.04B5 The extent of injuries, if any; and

007.04B6 The possible hazards to human health or the environment, outside the site boundaries.

007.05 During an emergency, the emergency coordinator must take all reasonable measures necessary to ensure that fires, explosions and releases do not occur, recur, or spread to other hazardous waste at the site. These measures must include, where applicable, stopping processes and operations, collecting and containing released waste, and removing or isolating containers.

007.06 If the site stops operations in response to a fire, explosion or a release, the emergency coordinator must monitor for leaks, pressure buildup, gas generation, or ruptures in valves, pipes or other equipment, wherever this is appropriate.

007.07 Immediately after an emergency the emergency coordinator must provide for treating, storing, or disposing of recovered waste, contaminated soil or surface water, or any other material that results from a release, fire or explosion at the site.

007.08 The emergency coordinator must ensure that, in the affected area(s) of the site:

007.08A No waste that may be incompatible with the released material is treated, stored, or disposed of until cleanup procedures are completed; and

007.08B All emergency equipment listed in the contingency plan is cleaned and fit for its intended use before operations are resumed.

007.09 The generator must note the time, date and details of any incident that requires implementing the contingency plan. Within 15 days after the incident, a written report on the incident must be submitted to the Director, and, if there was fire and/or explosions, to the State Fire Marshal, also. The report must include:

007.09A Name, address and telephone number of the generator;

007.09B Name, address and telephone number of the site;

007.09C Date, time and type of incident (e.g., fire, explosion);

007.09D Name and quantity of material(s) involved;

007.09E The extent of injuries, if any;

007.09F An assessment of actual or potential hazards to human health or the environment, where this is applicable; and

007.09G Estimated quantity and disposition of recovered material that resulted from the incident.

007.10 The generator must notify the Director, and appropriate State and local authorities, that the site is in compliance with Section 007.08 of this Chapter before operations are resumed in the affected area(s).

128 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 18, § 007