Q7B · You are appointed as a consultant by an industry for recommending preparedness strate…

Answer

1. Detect and identify hazards. Inventory chemicals, assess credible leak scenarios and install suitable detectors and alarms. Knowing what can leak determines the required warning and response.
2. Maintain and audit equipment. Inspect pipelines, valves, vessels and interlocks; investigate defects and follow safe operating procedures. Prevention reduces the chance of a leak rather than only treating its consequences.
3. Prepare on-site and off-site plans. Map potential affected areas and coordinate with authorities, hospitals and neighbouring communities. Specify incident command, isolation procedures, communication and resource requests.
4. Plan protective action. Pre-identify safe assembly locations, alternate routes and shelter arrangements based on the chemical and official advice. A gas release may require evacuation or shelter-in-place; one direction or action is not safe for every chemical.
5. Train and rehearse. Teach workers to recognise alarms, report incidents and follow their assigned roles. Practise communication, accountability and coordination without releasing hazardous material.
6. Equip and communicate. Provide suitable PPE and specialised response resources for trained teams; maintain backup communication. Inform communities clearly and arrange medical support while preventing untrained rescue entry.