Code Orange Standard Operating Procedure

Melissa Wornick

Updated July 15, 2025 20:45

Document Information

Section: Safety	Chapter: EAP	Article: Code Orange SOP
Issue Date: Nov 2024		Revision Date: Oct 2024

Purpose/Introduction

Purpose

The Emergency Action Plan for Code Orange should be followed any time there is a chemical spill that would cause a location within the Resort to be hazardous and could cause harm to multiple Pack and/or Guests.

Common chemicals used

Common Chemicals Used

Chemical Name	Definition	Purpose	Looks Like	Hazards
Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite)	Also known as bleach, is a solution that is used as a disinfectant.	Used as a bleaching agent and disinfectant in our swimming pools.	Has a slightly yellow hue and a strong smell when not diluted in water.	Skin irritation, dermatitis, eye irritation, blurred vision, impairment of vision and corneal damage, damage to gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and lung impairment.
Sulfuric Acid	A highly corrosive, dense, oily liquid, which is soluble in water at all concentrations.	Used to lower pH in our swimming pools.	A colorless to slightly yellow viscous liquid. Sometimes, it may be dark brown as dyed during industrial production process.	Severe burns (chemical and thermal), corneal damage resulting in permanent blindness, and irreversible destruction to internal organs and may be fatal if swallowed Exposure at high concentrations leads to immediate and severe irritation of the eyes, respiratory tract and mucous membranes, potentially resulting in pulmonary edema if tissue damage has been more severe
Hydrochloric Acid	A highly corrosive, strong mineral acid.	Used to control pH of the pools.	Clear and colorless. Has a sharp, irritating odor.	Corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Inhalation exposure may cause eye, nose, and respiratory tract irritation, inflammation and pulmonary edema.
Propane Gas	A petroleum product that is normally a gas, but is a liquid while in a compressed state.	Used as a fuel for heating and cooking.	Not visible but has an odor similar to rotten eggs or sulfur.	Propane is heavier than air and can collect in low areas which pose the greatest hazard, fire and explosion.
Natural Gas	A flammable gas, consisting largely of methane and other hydrocarbons that occur naturally underground.	Used as a fuel for heating and cooking.	Has a smell similar to rotten eggs or sulfur.	Asphyxiation from displacement of oxygen if in high enough concentrations, fire and explosion. Secondary hazards from burning of natural gas include asphyxiation from carbon monoxide.
Ozone	An unstable, reactive gas that is comprised of three oxygen atoms.	Used as an oxidizer in our swimming pools.	Colorless and odorless.	Irritation of the respiratory tract, nasal membranes, throat, and eyes. In high enough concentrations can be fatal.
Carbon Dioxide	An incombustible gas, formed during respiration, combustion, and organic decomposition.	Used in food refrigeration, carbonated beverages, and many aerosols. CO2 is used to control pH and alkalinity in our swimming pools.	Colorless and odorless.	An asphyxiant with effect due to displacement of oxygen.
Carbon Monoxide	A toxic flammable gas, CO, formed by incomplete combustion of carbon. It is slightly lighter than air.		Colorless, odorless and tasteless.	Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common type of fatal air poisoning. May cause seizure, coma, and fatalities.

Phases

Fundamentals

Although emergency situations are rare, we must always be ready. It is important to be able to effectively execute the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) when needed. Although each situation is different, many of the steps are the same and should be considered during the execution of the EAP. There are five major steps that are the phases of the Emergency Action Plan:

Investigate
Communicate
React
Escalate
Review

Further guidance regarding Emergency Action Plan phases and key terms used throughout this SOP can be found in the Emergency Action Plan Standard Operating Procedures

Investigate

If a chemical was released in an area within the resort, assess the situation:
- What type of chemical was exposed? Liquid? Powder? Gas?
- Can you smell it? Taste it in the air? Are you having a physical reaction to the chemical?
- How much has spilled?
- Did any chemical get on you or others?
  - Locate the closest chemical wash station
- Is there any PPE available on the scene?
- Is anyone affected by the chemical release require medical treatment?
If Guests or Pack Members are near the chemical spill, ask them to vacate the area.

Communicate

Front Line Pack Member/Supervisor/Manager

An Engineering Manager will need to be notified. Communicate on Engineering channel, calling for 910 to the scene.
Notify the MOD if not already aware and let them know of the situation.

MOD

Together Engineering and MOD will determine if the Fire Department needs to be called based on the amount or type chemical exposure.
If anyone is injured call Aquatics MOD on Channel 5.
If a partial or full evacuation is necessary, switch to ALL CALL and announce a Code Orange to begin evacuation procedures.
Have all responding 10 Units switch to the OPEN COMMINICATION channel for further communication and guidance.

If an internal or external Lodge evacuation is necessary, leverage these communications:

PA (Public Address) System may be used in the event of a building evacuation:

A Public Address System (PA System) is an electronic sound amplification and distribution system which is used to allow Pack Members to address the unique and segmented layouts of our properties through the use of a microphone and/or pre-recorded messages. 
MOD should activate External Evacuation announcement to the affected areas
- PA Systems that allow for pre-recorded messages to be activated remotely should be initiated with the building evacuation pre-recorded emergency message.
- PA Systems that allow for pre-recorded messages but require the physical presence of a Pack Member at the system should be initiated with the Code Orange pre-recorded emergency message.
- PA Systems that require a Pack Member to speak through an enunciator at the location of the system should be initiated by clearly reading the script posted at the panel.

Zingle SMS Notification

Zingle communication should be given to all guests if the chemical spill would require large areas of the resort to be cleared such as the Waterpark.
Pack Members with access to Zingle for purposes of sending out emergency communications should do so (see Zingle SOP).
- Roles with appropriate Zingle access
  - Guest Services supervisors, managers, and directors
  - Night Audit
  - MOD
  - Security
  - GM/AGM
Zingle can be initiated via its application from anywhere. Within Zingle there is a pre-programmed message to address a Code Orange situation that can be activated quickly as explained in the Zingle SOP.

React

All departments not identified below for specific rolls in this emergency follow Front Line Pack Members/Supervisors guidance:

Frontline Pack Members/Supervisors/Managers:

Observe from a safe distance until Engineering and the MOD arrive.
Evaluate proper PPE by checking the SDS to address the chemical spill.
Assist with crowd control if the chemical is in an area that Guests can access.
If at any point you feel your safety is at risk leave the area, alerting any management arriving to the scene that you have had to leave due to your/others safety.
If a full evacuation is necessarily, follow the instructions provided by Engineering and the MOD.
- Go to designated rally point and meet with your shift leader to check in.
- Stay in designated areas until the HAZMAT team deems the building safe to re-enter.
If a Pack Members comes in contact with a chemical
- Remove as much of the chemical from the Pack Member as possible
- Dry Chemicals should be brushed off – do not use water
- Wet Chemicals should be washed off
- Refer to the SDS sheet and follow the First aid procedures listed on the SDS sheet.
Eye Wash/Shower Stations: Eye wash/shower stations should be used when chemicals enter the eyes and need fast irrigation. Eyes should be irrigated based on the information given on the SDS sheet for the chemical that entered the eye, however on average should be approximately 15 minutes or when using bottles of eye wash, use the entire bottle.

Specific Department Roles and Responsibilities:

Aquatics in the event the Waterpark is being evacuated

Ensure all pools and attractions are clear.
Bring an adequate number of full towel bins for Guests to the designated location of the Code Orange
Bring the trauma bag to assist in any potential injuries/medical emergencies

Guest Services

Generate emergency reports and answer only calls from in-house and emergency phones.
Notify Security of all handicap accessible/ADA rooms occupied during evacuation.
If there is an immediate threat, Guest Services personnel should evacuate immediately and report to their designated rally point.

Security

Report to emergency services response site to help with clearing traffic for responding vehicles.
Gather handicap accessible/ADA room list from Guest Services. Assist any rooms that may need help evacuating.

Engineering

Ensure the chemical is contained and area secured if safe to do so.
Evaluate proper PPE when handling chemical. At times, Engineering may be the only department trained to use certain equipment like respirators.
Contact Engineering Director to inform them of the situation. Ensure the Engineering Manager on Duty is also notified.

MOD/ Incident Commander

Work with Engineering in assessing the situation, observing from a safe distance.
Under the direction of the Director of Engineering and GM, an evacuation may be necessary of a specific outlet(s) or the entire Lodge.
- Ensure Guests and Pack clear of the area.
- Secure the area.
- Evaluate proper PPE by checking the SDS to address the chemical spill.
- If the building needs to be evacuated have 10 units go to their assigned doors to assist with evacuation.
- Once at Rally Point perform a Roll Call, going through each department to confirm that they have evacuated, and all Pack are accounted for.
- Work with local HAZMAT/fire department. Once areas/building has been safe to re-enter start the notification process.

Escalate

Collaborate with appropriate Corporate Pack on communication for incoming guests, that will notify them of outlet/building closures and estimated closer times.
MOD should notify their GM/RVP and Corporate Risk.
- The Regional Vice President and Corporate Risk Management should be notified through the Emergency Communication Channel.

Review

MOD/ Security

MOD should assist in ensuring Guests and Pack reenter the building calmly and orderly.
Security should assist at the entrance to the waterpark with Guest reentry.
- If the chemical spill clean-up extending past several hours an evaluation of Guest impact should be conducted.
  - Approach Guest compensation and reallocation of Guests if needed.
- An Incident Report should be completed and should include details on estimated amount of spill and extent to which it was contained.
CCTV/EAVS footage, if available should be saved.
In consultation with Local Emergency Officials and Corporate Risk, determine if any public filing must be made as a result of the chemical spill.

Supervisors/Manager

Supervisors should do a roll call ensuring all Pack is accounted for.
Department 10 unit will verify with MOD that all Pack has re-entered the building or if any are still not accounted for.
- Manager will partner with MOD in the event there are unaccounted for Pack Members before re-opening attractions.

Front Line Pack Members

Pack should reenter the building and proceed to perform all opening inspections again and prepare to reopen all outlets.
Front line Pack Members involved in an escalated incident should complete a witness statement for Security detailing the situation while the facts are fresh in their memory. This should be completed and collected before the end of their shift that same day.

If there is damage due to a chemical:

Director of Engineering:

Inspect areas of the resort for damage or unsafe conditions and coordinate clean up detail. If there is significant damage the Fire Department will give guidance on any inspections.
- If the HAZMAT Team determines the threshold amount of chemical released requires reporting, then the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) will be notified by the Director of Engineering.
Damage Report:
- MOD should complete an incident report. The Director of Engineering should prepare a detailed report with an estimate of repair costs together with the time required to re-open the area for business. The Director of Finance will assist with preparing the report assessing the total cost of fire damage including repairs, replacement costs, and loss of revenue.

In any Lodge Emergency the Corporate team will provide support and guidance throughout the entire process. The General Manager and MOD will work directly with this support team to give any additional direction.

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