5.0 HAZARD-SPECIFIC RESPONSE PROCEDURES

5.7 SITUATION: PROLONGED UTILITY FAILURE or MAJOR EQUIPMENT FAILURE

5.7.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of a planned response to “Loss of Utilities or Major Equipment Failure” is to minimize the potential risk to personnel and property. A prolonged loss of utilities or a major equipment failure may affect the safety of facility occupants and disrupt the facility’s business operations at the (Facility name) and government business operations in other facilities.

5.7.2 GENERAL INFORMATION

Loss of utility supply may be the result of on-site failure (i.e. line rupture) or may be the result of loss of supply from a utility provider. The (Facility name) does/does not (choose one) contain back-up systems, which will affect the impact of certain types of disruptions.

The loss of utility supply, the failure of any major components of the facility’s heating, cooling and ventilation systems or the failure of any major component of the facility’s fire alarm or security systems may not result in an immediate risk to health and safety of the staff. Nor does such a loss or failure normally present an immediate risk to property. A prolonged outage may cause health and safety problems for facility occupants. It may also cause significant disruptions to critical program delivery and damage to the facility.

5.7.3 PROCEDURES

General Response Actions

1.  Notify the FERC.

2.  The FERC contacts the Facility Operator and Security Coordinator and personnel, or external service providers as required.

3.  The Facility Operations and Security Coordinator will verify the extent of the outage (how much of the facility is affected and how long is the outage is expected to continue) and advise the FERC.

4.  The FERC discusses the situation with the Facility Operations and Security Coordinator and consults with the senior management of the POD to determine a course of action.

5.  The FERC may order the Chief Warden and Floor Wardens to evacuate the facility if required.

Loss of Power

(Fill in information appropriate to the facility.)

Loss of Natural Gas

Natural gas is required to heat the facility. On cold days, the facility temperature may quickly drop to uncomfortable levels. Extended outages will necessitate the draining of all facility water systems to prevent damage from frozen pipes.

Loss of Water

Water is required for staff health (drinking water and washrooms) and for certain facility equipment. Loss of water in excess of 2-3 hours may create a public health issue. Consider bringing in water from an outside source (bottled water). Also consider sending staff home or to alternative facilities until water service is restored.

Failure of Major Equipment

(Select the equipment appropriate to the facility and develop procedures specific to that facility.)

1.  Heating:

2.  Cooling:

3.  Ventilation:

4.  Facility computer:

5.  Fire alarm panel:

6.  Card access security system:

7.  Electrical distribution systems:

8.  Emergency generator:

9.  UPS systems:

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