Emergency Response Plans a part of Home Land Security

On October 15th the President designated a Director of Home Land Security (HLS). As an advisor to the President concerning threats to domestic security, the director will be calling together directors of many agencies to determine what threats exists.
In light of the fact that the Department of Transportation has already initiated investigative activities concerning the transportation of hazardous materials it is anticipated that the directors/administrators of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will increase their activity. In fact, these agencies will probably be a member of any committees developed by the HLS Director. He will most likely ask, "are there hazards that might threaten Americans while congregated for work in manufacturing facilities?"

OEHC Opinion

Manufacturing facilities are required by various regulations to have viable Emergency Response Plans to protect both their employees and the environment. As such, it is the opinion of the OEHC staff that particular attention will be given to this area in the near future by both the OSHA and EPA. This attention will be toward the availability and viability of written plans, training of response personnel, collaboration with local mutual aid organizations, integration into the community emergency response plans, and the equipment available for response. This is particularly true for facilities that fall under the requirements of the Process Safety Management and Risk Management Program, those who have Hazardous Materials onsite, or generators of Hazardous Waste.


Ronald J Lott PA, MSed, MPH, Ph.D.
President