How to handle hazardous materials in the event of an earthquake: Safe behavior and countermeasures

table of contents

Introduction

1. Prioritize your own safety

2. Importance of preparation
3. Confirmation of dangerous goods

4. Gas leak

5. Damage to power equipment

6. Occurrence of fire

7. Movement and storage of dangerous goods

summary

Introduction

Earthquakes can strike suddenly and wreak havoc on buildings and the surrounding environment. Therefore, when an earthquake occurs, you must be careful when handling hazardous materials. In this article, we will explain in detail safe actions and countermeasures regarding how to handle hazardous materials in the event of an earthquake.

 

1. Prioritize your own safety

1-1 Execution of Drops, Covers and Holds

Drop: Quickly falls to the ground. Falling down makes it easier to maintain balance due to the shaking of an earthquake.

Cover: Protect your head and neck with both hands. By covering your head with both hands, you can protect your head from falling or flying objects.

Hold: If there is a stable object around you that you can hold on to, you are holding onto it. Hiding under a desk or table can also help.

 

1-2 Ensuring safety inside the building

Stay away from windows and glass. This is because window glass may break in an earthquake, and there is a risk of scattering glass fragments.

Get under furniture or shelves that can topple over. This makes it less susceptible to direct damage from falling objects.

Do not use the elevator, use the stairs to evacuate. This is because there is a risk that the elevator will stop or be trapped due to an earthquake.

 

1-3 Evacuate to a safe place

Evacuation sites should be far away from buildings and away from telephone poles and dangerous objects.

When evacuating, try to avoid escape routes from fallen objects or damaged buildings. Also, stay away from dangerous areas and collapsed ground.

 

1-4 Collection of emergency information

After an earthquake occurs, collect accurate information using radio, television, mobile phones, etc. Follow the instructions from local governments and disaster prevention agencies and take safe actions.

 

2. Importance of preparation

Formulation of an evacuation plan: Together with your family and housemates, determine evacuation sites, communication methods, emergency contacts, etc. in the event of an earthquake.

Implementation of disaster prevention drills: Regular evacuation drills and confirmation of actions to be taken in the event of a disaster.

 

3. Confirmation of dangerous goods

3-1 Inspection inside and outside the building

Checking the building structure: check the building for inclination, damage, cracks, etc. If there is a risk of collapse, stay away.

Check for gas leaks: Check for gas leak smells and unusual sounds. If there is a gas leak, we will deal with it immediately.

Damage to power facilities: Check the damage to power facilities, such as fallen utility poles, cut wires, and fires. Be aware of the risk of electric shock and fire.

Fire outbreak: If there is a fire in the building or surroundings, take appropriate action.

3-2 Confirmation of dangerous substances

Chemicals and Hazards: Be aware of chemical and hazardous storage tanks, pipelines, etc. around factories and facilities. Check for leaks or emissions.

Explosives and Explosives: If there are nearby explosives factories or explosives storage facilities, keep your distance to prevent further damage.

Radioactive Materials: If you are in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant or radiation facility, follow the relevant information and instructions.

3-3 Reporting to experts and authorities

If we find any dangerous substances or abnormalities, we will promptly report them to the relevant experts and authorities. Contact your local fire department, police, disaster prevention agency, etc. and give them the details.

 

 

4. Gas leak

4-1 Check for signs of gas leakage

Gas Smell: Gas leaks have a characteristic smell. If you smell a strong gas smell, there is a high possibility of a gas leak.

Abnormal gas meter movement: If your gas meter shows abnormal values, you may have a gas leak.

4-2 Dealing with gas leaks

Avoid using fire: If there is a gas leak, do not use fire or open flames. Gas can ignite and cause a fire or explosion.

Avoid using electricity: Also avoid using electrical appliances and switches, as gas leaks can ignite or start a fire. Sparks can be an ignition source.

Open windows and doors: Open windows and doors to ventilate and release fumes to the outside. However, if there is a leak or if the concentration is high, caution is required because diffusion due to ventilation is dangerous.

4-3 Evacuation and Reporting

Evacuate to a safe place: Leave the area where the gas is leaking and evacuate to a safe place. It is desirable to go outside the building.

Close gas meters and valves: Close gas meters and gas valves to isolate the main source of gas leaks. However, you need to know in advance where the gas meter and valves are.

Make an emergency call: Make an emergency call to your local gas company or fire department and report the gas leak situation. Follow expert advice.

4-4 Decision on re-occupancy

After the gas leak has stopped, it is necessary to wait for an expert's instruction or an inspection by the gas company. Wait until it is safe before returning to the building.

 

 

5. Damage to power facilities

5-1 Types of damage to power facilities

Collapse of power poles and power lines: Earthquakes can topple power poles and cut power lines. This can cause power outages.

Damage to power facilities: Power facilities such as substations and distribution facilities may be damaged, preventing normal power supply.

5-2 Countermeasures

Safety: We prioritize the safety of ourselves and those around us. Stay away from downed utility poles and downed power lines and keep your distance.

Report: Report the damage to the local power company, fire department, etc. Accurately report the damage situation and seek professional assistance.

Evacuate and wait: In the event of a power outage, evacuate to a safe location and wait for instructions from experts and authorities. You have to wait until the recovery work is done.

5-3 Restoration of power supply

Use of emergency power sources: Use emergency power sources (battery-powered flashlights, radios, mobile batteries, etc.) to secure necessary equipment and lighting.

Conserving power in emergencies: Conserving power is important during power outages. Minimize power consumption by cutting unnecessary electrical equipment.

Securing emergency food and water: Considering the possibility of prolonged power outages, it is also important to secure emergency food and drinking water.

 

 

6. Occurrence of fire

6-1 Cause of fire

Electrical equipment failure: Fires can be caused by overloading, shorting, or improper wiring of electrical wiring.

Product Defects: Fires can be caused by malfunctions in home appliances and electronic equipment.

Careless Fire: Fires can be caused by careless handling of open flames such as candles, cigarettes, and stoves.

6-2 What to do in case of fire

Fire Alarm: Use a nearby fire alarm or alarm device or yell to warn people of the fire.

Evacuation: If the fire is spreading, evacuate to a safe place. When exiting the building, keep a low profile, watch out for smoke, and exit as quickly as possible.

Fire Extinguishing: For small fires, attempt to extinguish using appropriate fire extinguishers and equipment. However, consider your own safety first and evacuate if there is a risk of the fire spreading.

Emergency call: In the event of a fire, immediately notify the fire department or emergency number. Provide accurate information and wait for the arrival of experts.

6-3 Fire prevention measures

Inspection of electrical equipment: Periodic inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed to detect and repair any abnormalities early.

Fire management: Use caution when using fire, and avoid careless handling of fire or leaving it lit.

Installation of preventive equipment: We will properly install preventive equipment such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and fire alarm devices, and conduct regular inspections and maintenance.

 

 

7. Moving and storing dangerous goods

7-1 Transfer of dangerous goods

Use Appropriate Containers: Use appropriate containers and packaging to move hazardous materials. Choose a tight-fitting, sturdy container to minimize the risk of leakage or breakage.

Proactive Information Gathering: Proactively gather information about the dangerous goods being moved and comply with any required permits and regulations. It is also important to attach appropriate labels and labels to the container.

Proper Equipment for Workers: When moving hazardous materials, workers should wear appropriate protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, protective clothing, etc.) and follow specific instructions.

Careful handling: Requires careful handling during transportation. Avoid sudden movements and shocks, and try to keep it in a stable state.

7-2 Storage of dangerous goods

Appropriate Location Selection: Hazardous materials storage areas should be well ventilated and away from open flames and sources of ignition. Also, make sure there are no flammable materials around.

Management of Containers and Labels: Hazardous materials shall be stored in appropriate containers and labeled and labeled correctly. This clarifies the types of dangerous goods and how to handle them, and prevents mishandling and confusion.

Segregation and Compartmentalization: Different types of hazardous materials can affect each other and should be stored separately. Compartmentalization also prevents leaks and accidents from spreading.

Install security measures: Install appropriate security measures in the storage area. Prepare equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing equipment, and ventilation equipment, and perform regular inspections and maintenance.

summary

In the event of an earthquake, caution and promptness are required in handling hazardous materials. It is important to give top priority to your own safety, confirm the presence of dangerous goods, and take appropriate measures. In addition, as a preparation before an earthquake, it is necessary to pay attention to how to secure and store hazardous materials. By having the correct knowledge and appropriate actions for earthquakes, damage can be minimized.