Do's

• Verify all hazmat information with current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or facility hazmat inventories to ensure accuracy of UN numbers, chemical names, and hazard ratings.
• Include photos of storage areas, container labels, and access points to help responders quickly locate and identify hazardous materials on scene.
• Update quantities regularly to reflect actual storage amounts, especially for facilities with variable inventory levels.
• Use descriptive location text that includes building identifiers, room numbers, and directional references (e.g., "northeast exterior tank farm, Building 3").
• Resize hazmat icons appropriately to accurately represent the footprint of storage areas without obscuring other important pre-plan features.
• Document verification dates consistently and establish a schedule for periodic review and updates of hazmat information.
• Coordinate with facility owners or operators to ensure hazmat information remains current and complete.

Don'ts

• Don't rely on cloning hazmat units to save time, as cloned units lose all original data and require complete re-entry of information.
• Don't place hazmat icons in generic locations without specific position accuracy, as responders depend on precise geographic data during emergency response.
• Don't forget to include unit of measurement when entering quantities (gallons, pounds, tons, etc.) to avoid confusion during tactical operations.
• Don't leave the comments field blank when additional context would help responders understand storage configuration or access requirements.
• Don't overlook updating expiration dates for temporary hazmat storage or materials with scheduled removal dates.
• Don't use outdated or unverified hazard ratings, as incorrect NFPA 704 information can lead to inappropriate tactical decisions.

Tips & Recommendations

• When documenting large facilities with numerous hazardous materials, organize hazmat units by building, process area, or hazard class to improve information management.
• For facilities with seasonal or variable hazmat inventories, establish a routine schedule for pre-plan updates and coordinate with facility contacts to receive change notifications.
• Use the zoom level setting strategically—set it to building level for individual containers, but consider higher zoom levels for large tank farms or exterior storage areas visible from distance.
• Include photos showing both close-up views of labels and wider shots showing spatial relationships to other building features or access points.
• When multiple containers of different chemicals are stored in close proximity, create separate hazmat units for each chemical type rather than grouping them together.
• Cross-reference hazmat pre-plan units with fire prevention inspection records to ensure consistency and leverage existing documentation.
• For facilities subject to Tier II reporting requirements, coordinate pre-plan hazmat information with the facility's Tier II submissions to maintain alignment with regulatory data.