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14.8.2 ~itigation Nieasures <br /> <br />Specific inventory awareness is one cornerstone of reducing the potential for negative <br />impacts from hazardous materials incidents by helping to optimize emergency <br />planning and response planning. The other cornerstone is pro*active mitigation <br />actions to reduce the number and severity of hazardous materials incidents. <br /> <br />The most common mitigation measures for reducing the potential of damaging <br />hazardous materials incidents are briefly summarized below. <br /> <br /> 14.8.2.1 Physical Safety Measures <br /> <br />Tanks and other storage containers and transfer systems (valves, pipes etc.) for <br />hazardous materials are frequently subject to damage in earthquakes, with a <br />correspondingly high potential for accidental releases. Proper seismic design, bracing <br />and anchoring of storage systems for hazardous materials can greatly reduce the <br />potential of accidental releases during earthquakes. Bracing and anchoring measures <br />for storage containers and transfer systems (e.g., piping) are often relatively <br />inexpensive, with a large improvement in seismic performance. For small quantities of <br />materials stored in bottles or jugs on shelving, bracing shelving and restraining <br />containers so that they do not fall in earthquakes are particularly important. <br /> <br />Over time, the storage containers and other material handling elements for hazardous <br />materials may be changed many times. In some cases, later modifications may not <br />be designed to the same seismic standards as the original installation or later <br />modifications may compromise the seismic stability of the original installation. <br />Therefore, periodic review and inspections of seismic design, bracing and anchoring <br />are highly recommended for all hazardous material facilities. <br /> <br />For facilities located in mapped flood plains or other areas subject to floodwaters there <br />are two important physical safety measures. First, any containers subject to floating <br />should be properly restrained. In many floods, improperly restrained tanks break flee <br />and float downstream, with high potential for negative consequences, including fires <br />from tanks containing flammable materials as well as accidental releases of <br />hazardous materials. Second, special precautions should be taken with water- <br />reactive materials. Such materials should never be stored in Iow-elevation areas <br />subject to flooding or in locations subject to water from storm water drainage or <br />plumbing failures in a facility. <br /> <br /> 14.8.2.2 Standard Operating Procedures <br /> <br />Standard operating procedures for storing, transporting, and handling hazardous <br />materials should be strictly enforced at all facilities. Appropriate training for all staff, <br />with review courses and appropriate protective gear are essential for safety. Rigorous <br />inspection and enforcement of hazardous materials regulations (federal, state, and <br />local) are an important part of the overall process of ensuring safety. <br /> <br />Public Review Draft: October 12, 2004 14-15 <br /> <br /> <br />