EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

5.1 EMPLOYERS OBLIGATION

Chapter 6. paragraph 3.8 – Health and Safety. “According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the employer is obligated to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe to all employees.

The OHS Act places the responsibility on the employer to ensure that evacuation plans, routes, training and equipment are provided. Where applicable this also includes the evacuation of people with disabilities.

5.2 EVACUATION PROCEDURES

5.2.1 EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN (EAP)

An emergency action plan (EAP) is a written document. The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies.

Well developed emergency plans and proper employee training (such that employees understand their roles and responsibilities within the plan) will result in fewer and less severe employee injuries and less structural damage to the facility during emergencies.

Such a plan is normally drafted by selected personnel in the organisation.  A poorly prepared plan, will likely lead to a disorganised evacuation or emergency response, resulting in confusion, injury, and property damage.

At a minimum, the plan could include but is not limited to the following elements:

• Means of reporting fires and other emergencies
  • Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments
    • Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate
    • “Emergency Evacuation Sketch Plan” that indicates emergency exit routes and the assembly points
    • Procedures to account for all employees after an emergency evacuation has been completed
    • Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them
    • Names or job titles and phone numbers of persons who can be contacted for action or for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.
    • A description of the alarm system to be used to notify employees (including disabled employees) to evacuate and/or take other actions. The alarms used for different actions should be distinctive and might include horn blasts, sirens, police whistle or even public address systems.  Alarm signals could for example be:
      • Three short blasts = Fire- evacuate
      • One long blast = Practice evacuation drill
      • Five short blasts followed by a long blast = Bomb threat,
      • Three long blasts = “All Clear”, return to work station, etc
    • The site of an alternative communications center to be used in the event of a fire or explosion; and
    • A secure on- or offsite location to store originals or duplicate copies of accounting records, legal documents, your employees’ emergency contact lists, and other essential records.

5.2.1 EVACUATION MARSHALLS (or EVACUATION TEAM LEADERS)

In the event of an evacuation, Evacuation Marshals have the responsibility to give instructions, close and lock doors, and provide other required safety measures, unless otherwise directed by emergency personnel.

5.2.2 WHEN AN EVACUATION IS REQUIRED FROM A BUILDING

The following is a typical example of evacuation rules. 

1. Fire alarms will be used to sound evacuation situations. FAILURE TO EVACUATE IS UNLAWFUL.
2. Remain calm and orderly. Walk quickly but DO NOT RUN to the NEAREST EXIT.
3. Follow instructions of Evacuation Marshals (Police, Fire, EMS, or Facilities personnel).
4. If persons with disabilities are in the area give needed assistance. FOLLOW THE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR EVACUATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
5. If time permits, turn off lights and equipment and close doors as you leave.
6. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS
7. Move away from the building and assemble in the designated Assembly Point/Area.
8. Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency vehicles. Stay in the Assembly Point until instructed otherwise.
9. Leave the extinguishing of fires or first aiding to the appointed persons. In most circumstances, immediate evacuation is the best policy, especially if professional fire fighting services or other emergency medical care practitioners are available to respond quickly.
10. DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO BY THE EVACUATION MARSHALS.