My personal space is very important to me. The idea of someone invading it is very uncomfortable. How close is too close when someone is near you? We all know what we will tolerate in the area of personal space but when it comes to our work space, what then? Is the area around your transportation center safe? What’s in your space?
We often go about our jobs, day to day, without taking into account obvious dangers to us, our fleet of buses or our employees. Hazards can be very subtle to extremely obvious. So what do we do about this dilemma? Consider doing a hazard analysis. A hazard analysis is a process used to assess risk. The result of a hazard analysis is the identification of unacceptable risks and the selection of means of controlling or eliminating them. What types of risks could there be at your transportation center? Have you looked at the close proximity of railroad tracks? What about the river that runs adjacent to your facility or the underground gas pipeline on the outside parameter of your buildings. Is there a risk of vandalism, weather-related emergencies or hazmat? These and many other issues may face numerous transportation facilities.
“What should we do? How can we prepare for everything that might happen?” Of course, we can’t nor should we try to prepare for every event. The important things to pinpoint are the events that could occur in your area. For example, if we live close to or in the Rocky Mountains, we might want to have a plan for a winter storm. Of the center is near the railroad tracks, we could develop a response for a hazardous materials spill. Those folks who live in hurricane prone areas, would, of course, plan a response for a weather-related event. Don’t forget the local industries. Although not next door, they could pose a real threat of chemical clouds moving into your area.
Feel uncomfortable or unsure about how to proceed with the hazard analysis? Contact your local fire department or office of emergency management. These organizations are more than willing to help you understand your risks. Although we are very fortunate to have agencies who will respond to us in a disaster, we have a duty to learn and understand what their roles and responsibilities are. Don’t know? The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers many free classes via the Internet in this area.
Keep in mind that knowledge is powerful. Discover what’s in your space.
