ABSTRACT
A good chemical emergency plan can avert danger and prevent a catastrophe. A chemical emergency plan which has been generated and for which equipment has been provided creates confidence even if the plan and the equipment are never used. Chemical emergency planning is the cornerstone of prevention. The Chemical Emergency Officer is a key individual in the protection of health and safety at any hazardous chemical incidents. Any good chemical emergency plan must indicate who will have primary responsibility for directing operations once an emergency has occurred. Wherever possible, the Chemical Emergency Officer must be an experienced professional familiar with the particular problem that generated the emergency. Generally, the first few minutes after the occurrence of a chemical emergency are the most critical. An immediate, quick, and effective response can have a tremendous effect on the situation. All potential chemical emergencies which may arise in the laboratory must be considered and listed in the chemical emergency plan.
