Hi All,
In the wake of the recent train accident in Kulon Progo, the topic of safety in transportation has emerged as a crucial concern that’s more relevant than ever before. However, amid this, there lies a beacon of hope that the safer transportation remains strong and unwavering therefore Emergency Response Plan becomes important.
Transportation is the lifeblood of modern society, fueling economies and connecting people across the globe. However, the sheer complexity and scale of transportation systems inherently bring potential risks and accidents.
ERPs are integral to any transportation system, be it air, sea, or land-based. They serve as a lifeline in the face of unexpected incidents, providing a structured approach to manage crises efficiently and minimize harm to individuals and property. ERPs are not merely a set of guidelines but a comprehensive system that involves coordination, communication, and control. They are designed to address various scenarios, from minor incidents to major catastrophes, and ensure that responders can quickly and effectively manage crisis situations.
The value of ERPs in transportation is multifold. It is due to a clear chain of command they provide and a detailed action plan that allows for a swift response, eliminating confusion and ensuring the efficient use of resources. ERPs also help limit the extent of damage and loss during accidents by facilitating rapid evacuation, medical assistance, and damage control. Finally, these plans also enable organizations to meet legal and regulatory requirements, thus protecting them from non-compliance penalties.
While having an ERP is essential, its effectiveness largely depends on how well it is implemented, and this is where emergency drills simulations come into play. These drills serve as a practical test of the ERP, allowing organizations to evaluate and improve their crisis response. They help identify gaps in the plan, assess the readiness of personnel, and familiarize everyone involved with their roles and responsibilities during an emergency.
Some guidelines of ERP mostly done are more or like these below. At least Aviation practices so.
For instance, the initial response as per the guidelines, an initial response team may be dispatched to the accident site to augment local resources and oversee the organization’s interests. Some factors to be considered for an initial response team :
- Who should lead the initial response team?
- Who should be included on the initial response team?
- Who should speak for the organization at the accident site?
- What would be required with respect to special equipment, clothing, documentation, transportation, accommodation, etc.?
Coming for additional assistance. Employees with appropriate training and experience can provide useful support during the preparation, exercising and updating of an organization’s ERP. Their expertise may be useful in assisting passengers, survivors and next of kin in the crash site.
Crisis Management Centre (CMC) should be established at the organization’s headquarters once the activation criteria have been met. In addition, a command post (CP) may be established at or near the accident site. The ERP should address how the following requirements are to be met:
- Staffing (perhaps for 24 hours a day, 7 days per week during the initial response period);
- Communications equipment (telephones, fax, internet, etc.);
- Maintenance of emergency activity logs;
- Impounding of company records that are relevant to the emergency;
- Office furnishings and supplies; and
- Reference documents (such as emergency response checklists and procedures, company manuals, and telephone lists, etc).
The services of a crisis center may need to be contracted out from an Transportation company or other specialist organization to look after the operator’s interests in a crisis away from home base. Company personnel would normally supplement the contracted center as soon as possible.
Records. In addition to the organization’s need to maintain logs of events and activities, the organization will be required to provide information to a State investigation team. The ERP should allow for the following types of information to be available to investigators:
- all relevant records on the aircraft, the flight crew, the operation, etc.;
- lists of points of contact and any personnel associated with the occurrence;
- notes of interviews with, and statements by, anyone associated with the event; and
- photographic or other evidence.
In accident site. After a major accident, representatives from many jurisdictions have legitimate reasons for accessing the site, for example, police, firefighters, medics, airport authorities, coroners, State accident investigators, relief agencies (e.g. the Red Cross) and the media. Although coordination of the activities of these stakeholders is the responsibility of the State’s police and/or investigating authority, the aircraft operator should clarify the following aspects of activity at the accident site:
- Nomination of a senior company representative at the accident site (wherever the accident occurs);
- Management of surviving passengers;
- Responding to the needs of the victims’ relatives;
- Provision of security of wreckage;
- Handling of human remains and personal property of the deceased;
- Preservation of evidence;
- Provision of assistance (as required) to the investigation authorities; and
- Removal and disposal of wreckage.
And so on and so forth
The guidelines is good to be drilled as it provides a safe environment for personnel to practice their response to various scenarios, thereby reducing panic and confusion during a real event. They also improve coordination among teams, enhance communication skills, and boost the overall confidence of the personnel. Hence, emergency drills are not just a testing tool but an essential training mechanism that significantly contributes to the effectiveness of ERPs.
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to transportation safety. While ERPs and drills are essential for managing emergencies, the goal should always be to avoid such situations in the first place. This can be achieved through a combination of proactive measures.
Regular maintenance and inspections of vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure can help identify and correct potential issues before they lead to accidents. Apart from that, rigorous training of personnel to ensure they are well-versed with safety protocols and can operate equipment safely is crucial along with continuous efforts in implementing and enforcing strict safety regulations that can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. And not to mention the importance of technologies such as advanced monitoring systems and automation can further enhance safety by detecting anomalies early and reducing human error.
In short, ERPs play a pivotal role in managing emergencies in transportation, with emergency drills simulations serving as a critical tool for implementing and improving these plans. However, while these measures effectively manage crises, efforts should be concentrated on preventing accidents through maintenance, training, regulation, and the use of technology. By balancing responsive and preventative strategies, we can significantly enhance the safety and resilience of our transportation systems.
Salam Sehat Semangat Sukses
Bambang Purnomo , SS-BA, CSCA, CAVM Solution Consultant