b'Incident Response StepsINCIDENT RESPONSE STEPSTo effectively respond to a pipeline leak, spill or fire, emer-gency responders need to understand the hazards and risks associatedwiththeincident.Youshouldseekadditional information about the pipeline in question as soon as possible. Calling the 24-hour emergency phone number on a nearby pipeline marker sign, contacting the appropriate emergency response agency, and consulting the information in the DOT EmergencyResponseGuidebookmayprovidemoredetailed, situation-specific information.Pipeline operators hope you never have to respond to a pipe-line incident, but if you do, remember: Every incident is differenteach will have special problems and concerns.Continue to gather information and monitor the situation untilthe threat is removed.Step 1. Approach Cautiously from Upwind, Uphill or Upstream To protect yourself and other responders from any hazards associated withhttps://vimeo.com/435309357the incident it is critical you approach cautiously from an upwind and/or crosswind location. Stay clear of vapors, fumes, smoke and spillsDo not walk or drive into a vapor cloud or pud-dle of liquid.Do not park over manholes or storm drains.Do not approach the scene with vehicles or mech-anized equipment until the isolation zones have been established. Vehicle engines are a potential ignition source.Useappropriateair-monitoringequipmentto establish the extent of vapor travel.Because any number of fire and health hazards may be involved, it is important you resist the urge to rush in untilApproaching the scene with caution is critical you know more about the product and hazards involvedwhen responding to a pipeline incident.in the incident.NOTE Do not assume that gasses or vapors are harmless because of lack of smellodorless gasses or vapors may be harmful 19 2020 by Pipeline Association for Public AwarenessPERG 2020 Final.indd 19 8/5/20 4:17 PM'