Information to obtain after a chemical release
Once on scene, ICs need real-time data about life safety issues and specific chemical release information as detailed above. As soon as they arrive on the scene, ICs might also request copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the released chemicals and facility emergency response plans. If the chemical that has been released is listed in the Clean Air Act, facilities should also have maps that are similar to those contained in the Cuyahoga County LEPC SARA plan that show the pre-planned vulnerability zone.
The zone describes how far a toxic cloud could travel off site in the event of a major chemical accident. Having access to this data could help an IC decide whether to evacuate an area and how large an area would need to be evacuated. ICs should request all available data as soon as they arrive on scene at any reported release.