NCS000513_Emergency Response Operator Program_20220506

Emergency Response
Operator Training
Program
Rev 03-10
Emergency Response Operator
Definition:
An on -site employee whose responsibilities include
addressing emergencies presented by a spill or
release, or responding to alarms or releases
from an underground storage tank system.
For an unmanned facility, "emergency response operator" means a person
who is on -call and who is responsible for responding to emergencies or
alarms or releases at the facility.

Emergency Response Operator
Designated and trained by the primary operator.
Must have at least one on -site during all hours
of UST system operation.
Unmanned UST facilities must have an automatic notification
system in place that will immediately alert the emergency
response operator of an emergency or alarm or release at the
facility at any time.
HCDEN
Facility Overview
Become familiar with all equipment
associated with the UST systems and
dispensers at your facility -

Before a Release
Know where emergency telephone numbers are posted
at your facility
Unmanned vehicle fueling facilities must have emergency
telephone numbers located in the area of the dispensers.
Know location and proper operation of all safety and
emergency response equipment:
Fire extinguisher
Spill kit
Emergency pump shutoff switch: Must be located between 20-
100 feet from the fuel dispensers, manually resettable only, and
distinctly labeled as EMERGENCY FUEL SHUTOFF.
Before a Release
Know location of tank monitor (if
applicable) and
Be able to recognize warning signs and be
fully prepared to respond to releases
before they occur
HCDE

Suspected Release
The following are considered suspected
releases:
Leak detection alarms and/or failures
Unusual operating conditions
Environmental conditions
Contact the primary operator immediately
Leak Detection Alarms
Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) console
shows status, warnings, and alarms
NCDENR

Leak Detection Alarms
Status:
Green light, indicates ATG is powered on
Warnings:
Yellow light, indicates non -critical problems
Inform primary operator
Alarms:
Red light and/or audible signal
Contact primary operator immediately
Leak Detection Alarms
Electronic Line Leak Detectors (ELLD)
Failed detector or leak will result in an alarm
on the monitoring console
Electronic sump sensors
Monitoring console will alarm when sensor
detects liquid
HCDE

Unusual Operating Conditions
Erratic behavior of dispensing equipment
Automatic Line Leak Detectors (ALLDs) may
cause fuel to flow slowly at nozzle or shut off
submersible pumps when a release is
detected
Unexplained presence of water in tanks
Unusual Operating Conditions
Fuel in containment sumps or interstitial spaces
CRI
NCDENR

Unusual Operating Conditions
Degradation of any equipment or
element of UST system to the point
where it can not perform its intended
function
Flexible pipirg
t
e
f
y
that has split
NCDEN
Unusual Operating Conditions
Broken spill bucket
C&
NCDENR

Environmental Conditions
Stained soil
Staining around
dispensers
and/or fill ports
ARAr
NCDENR
Environmental Conditions
Dead grass around fill port

Possible Causes of a Release
Delivery hose disconnected from tank fill pipe
Nozzle removed from dispenser
Puncture of tanks, piping, or spill containment
Loose fittings
Broken components
Overfills
Corrosion
Kc
Confirmed Release
Take immediate action to stop further release
Hit emergency shutoff switch
Turn off power to dispenser and bag nozzle
Contact local fire or emergency response
authority if conditions warrant
Contact the primary operator
Identify any vapor or fire hazards to ensure the
spill or leak poses no immediate hazard to
human health or safety
NC EM

Confirmed Release
Sensitive receptor:
Any place a fuel spill
may leave your facility
and enter the
environment
Ex. Storm drains, curb
breaks, etc.
Stop and contain spill
BEFORE it reaches
the environment
NCDENR
Spill Kits
Clean spills 5 gallons or less
Contain larger spills until assistance
a rrives
Suggested equipment:
personal protective equipment (PPE)
absorbent material (kitty litter, sand, sawdust,
etc.)
shovel, broom, bucket, booms, pads
caution tape, traffic cones -

Review
Many spills and releases occur when the primary
operator is not present
Know your facilities emergency response plan
BEFORE a release occurs
Contact emergency response authority and
primary operator immediately when a release is
suspected or confirmed
Take proper measures to stop further release
and to contain spills
Training must be documented on the log
provided (UST-26). The Department will
verify this documentation during
compliance inspections.
HCDE