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VESERIS <br />Contingency Plan <br />Section 5 — <br />Pre-Emergency Planning <br />Effective Date <br />9/20/2021 <br />Supersedes <br />New <br />Page <br />5-12 <br />IV. TOXIC GAS RELEASES <br />The release of a toxic gas is a very serious emergency situation. Most gases <br />are very dangerous because they are not as easily detected as a fire or a spill. <br />The first indication of a release is often through detection of its odor. <br />Toxic gases are easily spread by air currents once they are released, and <br />mere breathing in the area of a release increases the risk of exposure. Many <br />gases are extremely toxic or irritating. By the time a release of a toxic gas is <br />detected, it often means several people may have already inadvertently been <br />exposed to it. <br />Controlling and containing the release of a toxic gas requires a quick, yet <br />cautious, response. Proper personal protective equipment is an absolute must <br />because stopping the release often means getting right into the thickest part <br />of the toxic gas cloud. The two most important things to consider during an <br />emergency involving the release of a toxic gas are: <br />Minimize to the greatest possible extent, the number of people <br />that will be exposed to the cloud of released toxic gas. <br />Get the necessary personnel properly outfitted to stop the release. <br />NOTE: Only personnel that have the proper training and qualifications can <br />respond to the release of a toxic gas. <br />The Safety Data Sheet on the toxic gas involved in the emergency <br />should be consulted for information on safety and proper procedures <br />for control. <br />Listed below are the general classifications for the toxic gases that may be <br />present at the Branch. As described, the gases are usually toxic or irritating to <br />varying degrees, but some are both toxic and flammable.