Don't risk your life or the lives of others (who may then have to attempt to rescue you) to save equipment or property.

We need to know the limits of our role. Our first priority is to protect ourselves and others from being injured. If we don't have thorough training and the right equipment, we shouldn't try to be heros. Instead, we need to call in the emergency response team.

2. Employers must develop and implement emergency response plans, clearly describing response procedures for different types of emergencies and the various roles and responsibilities of different people or teams in the facility.

All workers must be informed about the plan - how it works, what their role is in an emergency, such as how to recognize an emergency situation, communication and alarm systems, how to notify and call in the emergency response team, emergency shutdown procedures, head count procedures, etc. It must include procedures to account for everyone after emergency evacuation is completed.

3. Union members have the right to read and inspect the plan. The union members and the joint health and safety committee should review the plan to make sure it will effectively protect the members if there is an emergency, and that the company is taking the necessary steps to prevent emergencies. We should also be involved in post-emergency investigation and evaluation so any problems are corrected.

4. Members of the emergency response team must receive special annual training, with practice or simulated drills. The right personal protective equipment must be available (SCBAs, chemical protective clothing, etc.) so we can wear the right PPE for the particular chemical exposure.

5. The emergency response plan at our facilities must be compatible with our local community emergency response plan. We can participate in local emergency response planning committees to make sure local fire, professional "Hazmat" teams and emergency medical services agencies have the information needed to plan and prepare for emergencies at our facility. Practice drills should involve these community "mutual aid" agencies.