MANY ISLANDS PIPE LINES (CANADA) LIMITED EMERGENCY PROCEDURES MANUAL Public Protection Methods
• Assist in determining if the emergency can be downgraded
The following site-specific information is considered when deploying the type and numbers of air monitoring units:
Access and egress points
• • • • •
Area topography Population density
Proximity to urban centres
Local conditions
When required, air monitoring must occur downwind, with priority being directed to the nearest un-evacuated residence and in determining where the air monitoring equipment is located as well as the amount of time it will take to get it to the area of the incident.
3.2.3 Shelter-in-Place If evacuation is not possible, shelter-in-place can be used to protect members of the public under certain conditions. Shelter-in-place is the practice of going or remaining safely indoors during an outdoor release of a hazardous substance.
If wind direction changes immediately re-evaluate the need for additional evacuation and/or sheltering.
Shelter-in-place may not be a viable public protection measure within close proximity during an incident depending on release volume, size, duration and meteorological conditions. In such situations, assisted evacuation may be necessary to protect public safety. The public safety aspects of shelter-in-place are to be continuously re-evaluated during an incident. Shelter-in-Place Guidelines Shelter-in-place is the most effective response during the first few hours of a toxic release to the atmosphere. Being outdoors would carry a higher risk. Shelter-in-place creates a protective buffer from higher (more toxic) concentrations that may exist outdoors. It is based on using a building that is not too drafty for Canadian winter weather conditions. Shelter-in-place is most effective when the movement of outside air into the building is minimized. Stay indoors until the hazard has passed or until other appropriate emergency actions can be taken (such as evacuation).
Examples of when the public may be asked to shelter-in-place:
• Occupied buildings are within or near toxic or explosive gas plumes • Residents are waiting for evacuation assistance • The toxic gas plume impacts portions of the available evacuation routes • The source and nature of the release has yet to be determined • The toxic release is expected to be of short duration (several minutes to half an hour) or ignition procedures are underway and evacuation would place evacuees at risk • Extreme weather conditions compromise the ability of the public to safely evacuate • Insufficient time or warning to safely evacuate • When evacuation carries an unacceptable level of risk All persons advised to shelter-in- place are to be notified if additional measures are required, and when it is “all clear”. Shelter-In-Place Instructions If you are advised to stay sheltered, do not leave your house or attempt to start any vehicles until a MIPL representative advises you that it is safe to do so. The following steps should be taken if “Shelter -in- Place” procedures have been implemented:
Shelter-in-Place
January 2025
Section 3.2, Page 2
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