From Report to Response: The Role of Tier II Data in Community Safety

Every year, businesses like manufacturers, warehouses, and other facilities that handle hazardous chemicals submit Tier II Reports. These reports provide vital information about chemical storage to state and local emergency response authorities, helping them prepare for potential incidents. As a consultant who assists in preparing and submitting these reports, I often find myself wondering: How is this information actually used by emergency personnel? Does the Tier II Report play a role in making our community safer? 

To answer these questions, I reached out to the West Lafayette Fire Department and an Emergency Response Team (ERT) Chief at a large manufacturing facility. Through these conversations, I hoped to gain a better understanding of how local responders use Tier II data to protect our community. 

Interview with the West Lafayette Fire Department 

Q: Do you receive Tier II reports electronically or by mail? 
A: Most of the Tier II reports are provided to us electronically, but we still see some come through in the (ground) mail. We also can access all the reports through the State (Department of Homeland Security website). 

Q: What do you find most helpful in the Tier II reports? 
A: We typically already have awareness about quantities of hazardous materials, water supply, and alarm information because of Pre-fire Plans. We visit every building in town every four years and collect a lot of information. We have new reporting software that we are still figuring out. 

Q: Is the Tier II information on the new reporting software? 
A: No, we access that (Tier II) information on the DHS website, but we plan to start adding the Tier II reports as attachments on our Pre-fire Plans. 

Q: Do you think the facility layouts will be helpful? 
A: Yes, our Pre-fire Plans have aerial views and information we collect on visits, but any additional information will be helpful. 

Q: How does the technology work (on your new software)? 
A: Every engine has a computer. The Battalion Chief acts in command when there is an emergency and runs the computer. The software provides them with a lot of information for decision-making. 

Q: A lot of our clients report sulfuric acid found in forklift battery-operated equipment. How do you deal with this information in an emergency? 
A: Forklift battery equipment is tricky because they are mobile and can be anywhere. We typically know where the charging areas are and then are prepared for acid spills afterward. 

Q: Not exactly Tier II related (for this geographic area), but have you dealt with lithium batteries and fires associated with those? 
A: Yes, we just had an electric scooter catch on fire this past month. We have a lot of concern about lithium batteries because you cannot put the fire out with water. Lithium batteries are becoming more prevalent and are in a lot of consumer items. We are being proactive and purchasing equipment to handle this type of fire. 

I appreciate the insights shared by the West Lafayette Fire Department, highlighting the importance of Tier II data in emergency planning and response. 

Interview with an ERT Commander 

I also spoke with an ERT Commander, who explained how his team uses Tier II information and chemical inventories during their annual training exercises. The training, facilitated by the Fire Department, includes real on-site chemical scenarios to “test the system as much as possible.” 

“In the spill training, we rely heavily on the SDS (safety data sheets) to figure out what the product is and how we should respond. So we simulate releases of known chemicals at the facility as part of our training,” he said. 

It was encouraging to hear how emergency responders actively use the Tier II data to prepare for potential hazards at their facilities. 

Conclusion 

The insights gathered from these interviews underscore the importance of Tier II Reports in the hands of local emergency responders. While technology and accessibility continue to improve, ongoing collaboration and accurate reporting between businesses and emergency response teams remain crucial. By equipping emergency personnel with detailed, up-to-date chemical information, we can help ensure that our community is prepared to respond effectively in times of crisis.