Preparing for Emergencies through Stimulating Simulation

Rogage, Kay (2013) Preparing for Emergencies through Stimulating Simulation. In: Dealing with Disasters conference (DwD) 2013 - The 4th Conference of the Society for Integrated Disaster Risk Management, 4-6 September 2013, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne.

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Abstract

Failure in gas infrastructure can impact significantly upon individuals, communities and the environment. Within the UK emergency plans are drawn up in a considered attempt to mitigate the significant consequences of any pipeline failure. The preparing and testing of emergency response plans can contribute to the mitigation of major incidents involving hazardous materials. It has been recognised that simply preparing an emergency plan does not necessarily prepare responders for dealing with incidents of failure. UK legislation also requires the regular carrying out of simulation exercises to test emergency plans. Simulation exercises not only provide an opportunity to test the plan, but also to test command and communication processes.

Software simulation provides a valid and effective methodology for the communication, rehearsal and testing of plans. It provides a controlled environment where decisions and responses can be audited and mistakes can be made without serious consequence. The adoption and application of software simulation for the development of response and applied skill, is well documented in other industries such as aviation, military, medicine and the emergency services. Currently the UK gas pipeline industry does not utilise software simulation to test emergency plans and train responders. This research project serves to investigate, develop and evaluate a software simulation tool for the carrying out of exercises to test emergency plans for gas pipeline incidents.

The research contributes to original knowledge in that it serves to:
1) Develop a novel software simulation prototype for the testing of UK gas pipeline emergency plans; and
2) Develop a critical comparative understanding of user perceptions of software simulation as a mechanism for training in gas pipeline emergency response.

The research is structured into four distinct phases: The first phase serves to review current industry safety management activities for the testing of emergency plans and the training of responders; Phase two reviews software simulation as a training and testing tool; Phase three concerns the development of a novel software simulation prototype for the testing of UK gas pipeline emergency plans and the training of responders; Phase four focuses upon evaluating user perceptions of the software simulation. This paper documents phases one to three of the research.

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