E-PLAN FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is E-Plan?

A: E-Plan is a proven system that provides first responders and other emergency preparedness personnel with on-site hazardous chemical information for facilities around the U.S. E-Plan is a web-based system that is very secure, easy to use, extremely fast and highly available.

E-Plan’s database contains fixed facility hazardous chemical information with an individual chemical search capability that can be used in transportation accidents. This database is the largest repository of its kind in the United States. It delivers the HAZMAT information anywhere that wired or wireless internet access is available. E-Plan’s database has GIS and Google mapping capabilities, providing detailed information when every second counts.

Best of all, this service is free of charge to first responders and state and federal users.

2. Why and how was E-Plan developed?

A: Realizing the need to minimize the number of first responder fatalities due to lack of hazardous chemical information at accident sites, E-Plan was designed and developed prior to September 11, 2001 through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas).

Developers received input from local, state and federal agencies in EPA’s Region 6 and E-Plan was designed by and for first responders. E-Plan has also been shown to have great utility in planning for numerous law enforcement and government agencies, including local fire departments, FBI, EPA, DHS, FEMA, CDC and OSHA.

3. How and where does E-Plan operate?

A: E-Plan has nationwide capabilities (click on this link to view Facilities per State https://erplan.net/eplan/utilities/eplanSites.htm). First Responders across the United States can receive critical hazardous chemical information anywhere they can connect to the internet.

E-Plan operations run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with 99.99% availability. It currently has hazardous chemical information for over 130,000 facilities in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. Accessing facility “Tier II” data is a critical first step in safe and successful emergency response.

4. Why First Responders should become a part of E-Plan?

A: Because E-Plan is a highly secure, web-based information system that enables first responders to retrieve information critically needed in the initial stages of hazardous material emergencies. The system contains information on over 22,000 unique chemicals, including weapons of mass destruction. One of the most important factors in a successful response to a hazmat accident is the speed with which the First Responder can obtain hazardous materials information quickly, completely, accurately, and in an easily understood format. Armed with E-Plan information, First Responders can plan the most effective response to the incident, and

a) Protect themselves, and not add themselves to the casualty list
b) Rescue the victims involved in the incident
c) Protect the people living and working in the areas around the incident
d) Minimize property damage

In given situations, the E-Plan system can make the difference between life and death for firefighters and first responders. As a result, it has been enthusiastically embraced by firefighters and hazmat response teams wherever it has been introduced. Without E-Plan, this information is currently available only in paper form and retrieving this information from a file storage room during an emergency is a lengthy process if even possible at all. Instant access to the critical hazmat information provided by E-Plan makes it an invaluable ally for First Responders.

5. What is the E-Plan Authorizing Authority hierachy for a State?

A: Once a State has determined that they want to use E-Plan as their Tier II reporting system, they should first identify a KEY PERSON in their state to assume responsibility for reviewing, approving and managing all “Authorizing Authority” applications for that state. The KEY PERSON will contact E-Plan to create accounts for their state and local authorizers/users (see chart below).

6. Are there any training programs associated with E-Plan?

First Responder can learn about E-Plan by

a) attending on-site training provided by E-Plan trainers (Contact Us) or
b) utilizing the E-Plan Online Training Program at http://eplan.erplan.net/training/

7. Is there any fee associated with the E-Plan training programs?

A: No. E-Plan training is free to all First Responders.

8. Should First Responders have proficient computer knowledge in using E-Plan?

A: E-Plan is easy to use, flexible and requires a minimal amount of computer knowledge; First Responders can learn in a matter of minutes how to use the system.

9. Is there an E-Plan demo site?

A: Yes. Click here to open the Hazmat Demo Site Instructions.

10. What is the E-Plan system security overview?

A: E-Plan, a highly-secure web-based hazardous material (HazMat) information delivery system, provides First Responders rapid access to the data they need during HazMat incidents or terrorist attacks. Since the E-Plan system stores and dispenses sensitive information concerning hazardous materials, providing security for the data is an absolute requirement. All responders and authorized personnel otherwise involved with E-Plan are carefully screened and authorized by local officials. Physical security is fully enforced via strict key control and housing the web servers in a vault-like room within UT Dallas.

E-Plan security protocols are similar to those in use by the government agencies for Tier II data and other industry-standard practices. Mechanisms can be put in place so that the security clearance protocols for E-Plan access are delegated to the state and/or local authorities.