Lesson 4 – Prepare for Emergencies

How to deal with emergencies involving Sodium Cyanide

An Emergency is an abnormal situation which:

• Threatens life, health, property or the environment.

We prepare for emergencies by:

• Identifying most probable emergencies that may occur – Proactive
• Developing plans/procedures to handle each emergency – Proactive
• Allocate accountability and responsibility to specific individuals – Proactive
• Provide means/equipment to execute/apply plans and procedures – Proactive
• Train all personnel in applying the plans/procedures – Proactive
• Maintain plans/procedures, equipment and conduct regular training/exercises – Proactive

Typical Cyanide Facility Emergency Rescue Equipment:

• Wind sock – To indicate wind direction in order to monitor the movement of toxic fume clouds.
• Alarm system – To warn personnel and emergency personnel of possible cyanide incidents. This could be direct exposure to cyanide or the detection of cyanide fumes and liquid spillages.
• Communication systems – To inform all personnel of the emergency and the current status of the emergency as time progresses.
• Emergency eye wash – For immediate first aid treatment after cyanide contact.
• Water hose facility – To wash away cyanide in a bunded area.
• Safety showers – For immediate treatment of personnel when exposed to cyanide.

• PPE for rescuers

– Hazchem suits and SCB sets must be available for rescuers.

• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus sets.

– Personnel must receive relevant training on the use SCBA sets.

• Medical Doctor First Aid Box.

– Nominated personnel must receive accredited first ad training from a medical doctor.

• Medical Oxygen pack

– Only trained personnel may administer oxygen.

– The oxygen pack must be readily available.

– The equipment must be checked regularly.

• Medical treatment protocols and contacts details.

– Medical evacuation must be readily available.

• EGR’s – Where personnel gather during an emergency

 – So that roll call can be taken.

– So that everyone’s actions can be coordinated.

– So that personnel can be kept safe.

• Cyanide antidote kit

–  Only used when cyanide poisoning is certain and antidote can only be administered by a qualified health professional (MD or trained paramedic).

• Full face masks with canisters

– Only use a facemask that is specifically suited to filter out Cyanide gas or fumes. The canister must be new.

• Stretchers

Stretchers will be used to evacuate affected personnel from the immediate area where they were exposed to Cyanide and only if it is safe to do so.

• Blankets & alternative clothing

–  This will be used to keep the exposed person warm and alternative clothing  must be available because contaminated clothing will be removed immediately.

• Product information (SDS, wall chart)

– SDS’s must be readily available in the EGR, workshop or control room.