Shelter in Place(SIP)
Shelter in Place (SIP) is commonly recommended during emergencies such as chemical spills, industrial accidents, severe weather events, or incidents involving potential airborne contaminants. The purpose is to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances or unsafe conditions outside.
Safety studies on SIP typically evaluate the effectiveness and impact of this protective measure. They may analyze factors such as:
- Risk reduction: Assessing the extent to which SIP reduces the potential harm or exposure to hazards compared to other protective actions like evacuation.
- Communication and Instructions: Evaluating the clarity and effectiveness of communication channels, instructions, and guidance provided to individuals during SIP situations.
- Infrastructure and Resources: Examining the adequacy of buildings, facilities, and infrastructure to support SIP, including factors such as ventilation, access to essential supplies, and the availability of safe spaces.
- Behavioral Response: Studying human behavior during SIP events to understand how people respond to instructions, comply with safety measures, and the overall effectiveness of the chosen strategies.
- Emergency Response Coordination: Analyzing the coordination and collaboration among emergency management agencies, first responders, and other stakeholders involved in implementing and supporting SIP protocols.
The Objective of this safety study is to improve preparedness, response, and decision-making related to SIP measures, ensuring the well-being and safety of individuals and communities during emergencies.
- SIP Study shall be in accordance with EERA study report, including HSE & Security Risk Management best practices.
- To identify the need for SIP to protect personnel from potential hazards including toxic hazards
- If the option is to go for SIP, the assessment of suitable existing buildings that can be used/upgraded as SIP based on QRA findings and EERA requirements shall be done where the existing building cannot be used/upgraded to SIP standards as applicable.
- To identify location and type
- To define the criteria and minimum technical specification for the new SIP
- To demonstrate the study and its final outcomes
Shelter in Place (SIP) Philosophy
SIP philosophy for temporary refuge shall be developed and same shall be agreed with the company through Assumptions Register.
Identification of Failure Scenarios
SIP Study shall be in accordance with EERA Study Report and including HSE&S Risk Management best practices. All the identified failure cases and applicable failure cases shall be further assessed (as applicable) for need of a SIP
Identification of locations for SIP
The location of SIP to be identified and marked where mustering from process area and non-process areas into designated Muster Points/safe area is not possible or if the existing/proposed muster points are not safe from all scenarios and the option is to go ahead with SIP for temporary refuge.
Assessment
All identified SIPs whether existing buildings upgraded to SIP or the new SIPs (portable container type) shall be assessed for their safe use and location in case of emergency scenarios and shall be in line with the standard requirements for SIP and agreed criteria/ philosophy. Thus, it can be concluded that SIP would help in mitigating the critical risks and achieving global benchmarks on Operations & Safety systems at site.