Off-Site Emergency Response Plans at Chemical Accidents in South Korea

The Chemical Substances Control Act emphasizes the importance of proactive planning for chemical accident prevention and response, requiring facilities handling hazardous chemicals to develop and submit comprehensive plans in compliance with regulatory standards. Among these measures, the designation of chemical accident evacuation sites is considered a critical step to protect local residents and mitigate the impact of accidents. Despite the significance of evacuation site planning, existing research has primarily focused on the general conditions and locations of evacuation sites, with limited attention to their selection process and safety evaluation. This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating the suitability of evacuation site locations through detailed risk assessments. Using tools such as KORA and ALOHA, the study analyzes the impact range under seasonal meteorological conditions. The limitations of current evacuation sites were assessed, and additional sites were proposed, considering the number of evacuees able to travel on foot during emergencies. The study highlights the importance of selecting evacuation sites based on seasonal weather conditions and provides actionable recommendations to improve public safety and minimize risks during chemical accidents. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the advancement of emergency response systems, promoting a safer and more resilient environment for both local communities and industrial facilities.