The Internal Operation Plan (POI) in 5 key points
Industrial sites and factories, particularly those classified as Seveso, require special attention because of the risks they can represent. To ensure the protection of property, people and the environment, the internal operations plan is an invaluable tool for responding to different types of hazard.
What is an internal operations plan?
An internal operations plan is drawn up to respond to a crisis or hazard situation . As a general rule, this document is a response to the hazard study drawn up earlier, which outlines various possible crisis scenarios (fires, explosions or the release of toxic products into the ambient air).
The aim of a POI is to anticipate and organize the behavior to be adopted according to the crisis scenario that occurs. It is an anticipatory action plan designed to limit the consequences of a major incident.
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Articles L515-41 and R181-54 of the French Environment Code define the following issues:
- help contain and control incidents;
- define the necessary protective measures for personnel, property, public health and the environment.
An internal operations plan is specific to a building, its activity and the types of products stored, and is drawn up by the facility manager. It is an organizational document detailing both the behavior to adopt and the means to implement in the face of a specific situation.
To be effective, an internal operations plan needs to be known not only by internal safety managers, but also by all employees and the local fire department. Regular drills and training for new employees are essential.
What does an internal operations plan contain?
To be effective and applicable to all, the POI must be a clear, practical document. Reflex sheets, guides, maps or other visual documents should be included to help everyone understand it.
As a general rule, the internal operations plan contains, as a minimum, the following elements:
- presentation of the site and its specific features;
- all relevant plans (access, levels, networks, location of fire safety equipment) ;
- rescue organization ;
- incident scenarios envisaged ;
- the different alert levels and means of transmission to all premises;
- the table of responsibilities of the various players ;
- off-site mitigation and rehabilitation measures (since January 1, 2022);
- the role-playing exercises to be organized.
Who is concerned by the internal operations plan?
At present, the internal operations plan is a mandatory document for Seveso high threshold plants. As of January 1, 2023, Seveso low-threshold establishments will be concerned. The POI must be tested and exercised at least once a year, and revised at least every 3 years.
Other specific situations may require the creation of an IOP, such as a special prefectoral decree, or the storage of large volumes of certain categories of products (paper, for example).
The POI activation procedure
In the event of a major incident, the plant manager, one of his or her representatives or an authorized representative (safety officer) is responsible for sounding the alarm and triggering the internal operations plan.
If the consequences of the incident extend beyond the plant's boundaries, the PPI (plan particulier d'intervention) is also triggered. This is an emergency plan designed to manage rescue resources outside the site. It provides, for example, for the dissemination of alerts to neighboring buildings and residents, and for any evacuation from the area covered by the PPI.
The role of the internal security service
The internal safety department plays a major role in ensuring that the POI is understood and properly implemented. On a day-to-day basis, it is responsible for training internal staff and organizing the various simulation exercises. These steps are essential to ensure the effectiveness of the defined processes in the event of danger.
In crisis situations, the internal security department sounds the alarm and liaises between the facility and external emergency services. It ensures that the correct procedure is followed, depending on the incident scenario.
Because of the nature of their activity and the toxicity of the products they house, industrial sites represent major risks. Potential hazards concern employees, installations, neighboring buildings and the environment. For all these reasons, an efficient safety service is essential.
Onet's security agents are with you every day to help you manage the major risks associated with your industrial activity. Do not hesitate contact us for more information and a personalized quote.
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