Hazards posed to the public while accessing project facilities
may
include
:
•
P
hysical trauma associated with failure of building structures
•
B
urns and smoke inhalation
from fires
•
I
njuries suffered as a consequence of falls or contact with
heavy equipment
•
R
espiratory distress from dust, fumes, or noxious odors
•
E
xposure to hazardous materials
Reduction of
potential hazards
is best accomplished during the
design phase when
the structural design, layout and site
modifications can be
adapted
more easily.
The following issues
should be considered and incorporated as appropriate into the
planning, siting, and design phases of a project:
•
Inclusion of buffer strips or other meth
ods of physical
separation around project sites to protect the public from
major hazards associated with hazardous materials incidents
or process failure
,
as well as nuisance issues related to
noise, odors, or other emissions
•
Incorporation of siting and sa
fety engineering criteria to
prevent failures due to natural risks posed by earthquakes,
tsunamis, wind, flooding, landslides and fire. To this end, all project structures should be designed in accordance with
engineering and design criteria mandated by si
te
-
specific
risks, including but not limited to seismic activity, slope
stability, wind loading, and other dynamic loads
•
Appl
ication of
locally regulated or internationally recognized
building codes
80
to ensure structures are designed and
constructed in ac
cordance with sound architectural and
engineering practice, including aspects of fire prevention and
response
•
Engineers and architects responsible for designing and
constructing facilities, building, plants and other structures
should certify the applicab
ility and appropriateness of the
structural criteria employed.