Health Care Facility Directors.

VHA DIRECTIVE 99-011

March 25, 1999

THIS VHA DIRECTIVE EXPIRES MARCH 25, 2004

d. The implementation of the provisions of SARA Title III will protect emergency responders, the

local community, and the environment from toxic and hazardous materials and their emissions that may

constitute a health or environmental hazard. Compliance with SARA Title III will improve chemical

safety and protection of public health. Title III reporting procedures are complex and may be modified

by local and/or state requirements.

e. Other Federal agencies, state governments, and industry are working with local communities to

ensure a successful program. The LEPC is responsible for the development of the local emergency

response plan, the collection and storage of information provided by facilities, and making this

information available to the public. NOTE: Information on the LWPC may be obtained by

contacting the local city or county Emergency Management Office.

NOTE: VHA Directive 98-011, Management of Hazardous Chemicals, provides specific

procedures for ensuring that hazardous chemicals are used, handled, stored and disposed of in a

manner consistent with regulatory, statutory and accrediting requirements and accepted safe

practices.

3. POLICY: Each facility shall establish and participate in an Emergency Planning and Community

Right-to-Know Program in accordance with the guidelines of this Directive and consistent with all

Federal, state, and local regulations.

4. ACTION

a. Health Care Facility Directors. Health Care Facility Directors shall:

(1) Establish and participate in an effective Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know

Program.

(2) Appoint an Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC) or other qualified individual to administer

the facility Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Program and serve as a point of

contact with the LEPC. If necessary, the ERC shall represent the facility on the LEPC. The Emergency

Medical Preparedness Office Area Manager can serve in this capacity if available.

(3) Coordinate with the LEPC and other Federal, state, and local agencies to include as a minimum

the following:

(a) Participating in SARA Title III planning activities;

(b) Discussing with the LEPC the potential for spills or releases of chemicals on the Extremely

Hazardous List and their Threshold Planning Quantities (TPQs) as published in the most recent Title 40

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 355, Appendices A and B; and