A commitment to safety means a commitment to proactively protecting our employees, our community and the environment. Our terminals follow strict operating procedures designed to prevent accidents before they happen. These include:
Inspections
Each day, our employees inspect the terminals for signs of potential problems and to identify any additional maintenance that may be required outside our standard preventative maintenance program. In addition to our own work, state and federal agencies routinely conduct their own inspections to ensure our operations comply with requirements.
Training
Global continuously trains employees on the following:
- Safe operating protocols
- Emergency response
- Spill prevention and response
- Fire prevention and response
- Controls used to prevent fires through systems used at the terminal
- Work practices
Fire response training is conducted on a regular basis in conjunction with local authorities. We also work with Texas-based Williams Fire & Hazard Control, a global leader in fire suppression and response.
Employees receive regular training on spill response procedures, including the deployment of containment booms. This training provides employees with knowledge on the strategies to be employed in the event of a product spill to minimize risk to on-site personnel, the public, the environment and property.
Drills
Regular emergency preparedness and response drills are conducted involving facility personnel and local, state and federal emergency response organizations. Drills include emergency responder notification, tabletop exercises and equipment deployment activities. Following each drill, a documented review is conducted to evaluate drill performance and initiate any recommendations to improve performance. These drills exist to make certain that all responders are familiar with the terminal, their tasks and effective response measures.
Equipment
A variety of on-site equipment is available for use during an incident or spill, including skimmers and pumps, booms, sorbents, communication equipment, and personal protective equipment. All tanks are equipped with a fixed foam fire suppression system.
Incident response
If an incident were to occur, the terminal operator is trained to assess the incident, respond as appropriate and conduct the notifications specified in the site’s Emergency Response Action Plan.
