Introduction
The General Emergency Behavior Model known as GEMBO helps responders and risk assessors in identifying the STRESS types present, how to predict the kind of BREACH that can occur, RELEASE type, dispersion pattern that is called ‘ENGULF,' exposure radius or CONTACT, and lastly the hazards present that can bring HARM. The model helps first responders be able to take control of the affected area while coming up with the best course of action (Noll et al., 2014). Arguably, it is through the model that strategists can assess an area and note the key problems that can lead to an accident before it happens, and as such, help in providing mitigating action plans.
The station’s underground storage tank holds 30,000 gallons, which if stressed, can exert pressure on the reservoir and result in a breach. Furthermore, the additional 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel is also another tank that can be stressed if it’s entirely filled leading to alterations. Although Thermal stress may occur depending on weather and underground heat detainment it is easily resolved; however, mechanical stress is the most obvious since by overfilling the fuel results to physical strains applied to the tanks. According to GEMBO, when stressed, the tanks may breach and since they are pressure cylinders, they will split resulting in a leakage of the fuels. Considering the size of the tanks and the amount of fuel they hold, then a breach may see large quantities of fuels released which translates to massive energy lost. Arguably, with the tanks underground, one may think that the rate of exposure will be low but taking into account the fuel types and their viscosity. Therefore, with the large amount, fuel is expected to be spilled all over the station in minutes, and if no responsive action is taken, then the rate of exposure will be high with the radius increasing with time.
The station is located near a busy part of town with a more human connection. In essence, the risks are high considering the elementary school in the vicinity, several businesses, and the city park with playgrounds. One can note that the station is surrounded by people, and any accident that happens will cause harm. Arguably, being a town, one expects it to be densely populated; hence, a spill will emit gasses and chemicals unfit for human contact. The location of the station can be viewed as a problem, but it is strategic for a readily available market, and as such, one can only think of how to ensure that it remains safe in the populated area without any cases of stress and breach to prevent exposure and harm.
Principally, the station must utilize a continuous flow of input and output where an algorithm is incorporated to ensure that at no time are the tanks fully filled, and consumption is at zero. Keeping the fuel flow at a continuous rate will help the station have an optimal level that is at about 97% so as to prevent stressing the tanks. Furthermore, the station should enlist the services of a specialist to help assess the state of the tanks and make adjustments when needed and ensure that the tanks and the pumps are in good conditions, thus, canceling chances of breach (Noll, et al., 2014). Check-ups should be done before any refueling of the tanks is done to ensure that the tanks can hold the new fuels and to what calibration.
The station should have a response team in place to act in case of an emergency. If resources are strained, the firm can train its staff on how to respond to the hazardous material spill and the strategies best to employ when such a situation arise (Oldfield & Veasey, 2005). The station should be equipped with the latest technology and types of equipment of putting out a fire and help prevent a catastrophe from happening. Moreover, a cooling system should be fitted into the chamber that holds the reservoirs to help keep them cool when the heat from the sun is detained by the ground. The station should have an amber alert that is directly linked with the fire department so as to send a signal when a breach occurs. The response team in the station should spot the radius the fuel spill is expected to reach and keep the public from such regions.
Conclusion
Risks are experienced in any business field and way of life. How well one deals with the risks involved in their path depends on the prevention mechanisms utilized. As a strategist, it is wise to prevent a risk than try to solve one’s occurrence. Therefore, the station should by all means concentrate its resources on preventing any stress and breach on its tanks so as to prevent dealing with a problem that can turn into a disaster in a matter of seconds. Life is precious, and nothing threatens it more than fire; hence, the station should make adjustments and improve its response and risks assessment criteria to ensure that its property and the community are safe from any hazard.
References
Noll, G. G., Hildebrand, M. S., Rudner, G. D., & Schnepp, R. (2014). Hazardous materials:
Managing the incident. Stillwater, Okla.: Fire Protection Publications, Oklahoma State University
Oldfield, K. W., & Veasey, D. A. (2005). Emergency responder training manual for the
hazardous materials technician. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
