(Chapter 4) Emergency Rescue Action

4.1 General Procedures for Emergency Rescue Operations

4.1.1 The accident scene, the person in charge of the enterprise or community, or the safety authority should take the following actions: (1) Assessing the situation (2) Reporting and informing (3) Organizing rescue efforts

4.1.2 Personnel in the surrounding areas, such as traffic police and community or neighborhood committee staff, should be involved in the response to ensure local coordination and support.

4.1.3 The Emergency Command Center (Ministry) plays a crucial role in managing large-scale incidents. Actions include the attendant’s response, the command group’s decision-making, and collaboration with other relevant organizations to ensure a unified approach.

4.2 Regardless of who is involved in the incident assessment, if any dangerous anomalies are detected, the first responder must activate the emergency protocol immediately. Accidents can be classified in various ways, and different individuals may assign different severity levels. To avoid confusion during emergencies, it's essential to follow the official classification guidelines provided by government agencies. Most industrial enterprises use a three-level system: Level 1 – early warning (lowest), Level 2 – on-site emergency (moderate), and Level 3 – full-scale emergency (highest). In the nuclear industry, the classification is more detailed, including: (1) Emergency Standby (2) Workshop Emergency (3) Site Area Emergency (4) Overall Emergency.

4.3 Effective communication between different emergency organizations is vital for coordinated action. This includes internal and external liaison procedures.

4.3.1 Alarm systems must be activated promptly upon detection of an emergency.

4.3.2 Business personnel should be informed about the situation as soon as possible to ensure internal awareness and preparedness.

4.3.3 External agencies, such as fire departments, health services, and law enforcement, must be notified to provide necessary assistance.

4.3.4 Internal communication channels within the company should be established and maintained to ensure all relevant parties are kept updated.

4.3.5 Communication with external organizations must be clearly defined and regularly practiced to ensure effective collaboration during crises.

4.3.6 Public information should be shared transparently to manage public perception and ensure safety.

4.3.7 Media should be informed about the emergency to provide accurate and timely information to the public.

4.4 On-site emergency response measures must be determined and implemented quickly.

4.4.1 Initial assessment involves evaluating the situation within minutes of the incident, including the scope, potential risks, casualties, property damage, and whether outside help is needed. Identifying hazardous substances is critical in these cases.

4.4.2 Detecting hazardous substances involves understanding the type, quantity, and behavior of the substance, as well as the status of containment systems and their ability to neutralize or manage the leak.

4.4.3 Three types of work areas are typically established at hazardous substance incidents: (1) Hazardous zones (2) Buffer zones (3) Safe zones.

4.4.4 Key protection areas should consider factors like personnel safety, critical systems, environmental impact, and property. These areas require special attention during response operations.

4.4.5 Protective actions include search and rescue, setting up checkpoints, evacuation strategies, and ensuring safe movement of people.

4.4.5.1 Rescue teams should wear protective gear and work in pairs, using self-contained breathing apparatuses for safety.

4.4.5.2 Checkpoints and collection points should be set up to manage and account for all affected individuals.

4.4.5.3 Evacuation routes should be planned to minimize exposure time in hazardous areas.

4.4.5.4 During poison leaks, two main methods are used: evacuation or shelter-in-place.

4.4.5.5 Companies should inform the public effectively to ensure that nearby communities are aware and protected.

4.4.6 Emergency actions should prioritize the safety of employees and responders, prevent further escalation of the incident, and protect the environment.

4.4.7 Support for emergency operations includes medical treatment, temporary operations, coordination with external agencies, social services, and recovery efforts.

4.5 Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Operations involve specific protocols, including notification, communication, consequence assessment, protective actions, remedial measures, lighting control, pollution management, and medical care. The emergency process concludes once the situation is under control.

4.5.9 Emergency facilities for nuclear power plants include an emergency control center, backup control centers, technical support centers, communication centers, monitoring centers, and consequence assessment centers.

4.6 Emergency equipment and resources are essential for effective response. Basic equipment includes communication devices, vehicles, lighting, and protective gear. Special equipment covers fire suppression tools, leak control systems, personal protective equipment, medical support, and heavy machinery.

4.6.3 Emergency maps and charts are critical tools for responders, helping them understand site features and track changes in real-time. Regular updates ensure accuracy and improve situational awareness.