Minimizing Risk

All protective actions involve some degree of risk to the protected populations. In order to be considered appropriate, the protective action must carry less risk than the risk from the hazard.

EHS facility managers should recognize that although they wish to protect their employees and the public from a chemical release, there are additional risks that must be taken into account. If a release occurs, in addition to providing ICs with the information required by law, facility managers should provide as much information as possible, including (as noted above) whether the substances are stored at ambient temperature and pressure and if not the specific conditions; are solid, liquid or gas; their specific gravity and vapor density; possible reactions between chemicals and any other information that may be helpful in controlling the release.