Provide emergency procedures including evacuation plans
Each workplace/industry will have its own specific policies and procedures that must be followed in case of an emergency. Set out below is a general outline of what to do and who to contact in a variety of emergency situations.
If you find yourself in an emergency situation of which other people are unaware , your duty is to alert others and emergency services.
Robbery
This is when strangers break in or force their way into your premises to steal money or goods. They may or may not be armed. To minimize the risk of robber:
Lock down Procedures
Try to remain calm;
1. Remain indoors, e.g. your office . Once "Lockdown" you would be allowed to move about the facilitate certain needs, e.g. bathroom, water, but you are not allowed to leave the building unless an all clear has been sounded;
If not in your typical surroundings proceed to a room that can be locked;
Close, and lock all doors;
Turn off all lights;
2. Occupants should be seated below window level, toward the middle of a room away from windows and doors;
Remain silent;
Turn off all radios or other devices that emit sound;
Silence cell phones;
3. If gunshots are heard or distressing screams or calls yelled lay on the floor under heavy objects, e.g. tables, filing cabinets for shelter;
If safe to do so, turn off gas and electric appliances, e.g. heater, fan, coffee maker, gas valves, lights and locally controlled ventilation systems, e.g. air conditioner. Use phones only for emergency notification to Police or Person conducting lock down
Do not shelter in open areas such as hallways or corridors. Go to the nearest classroom, lecture hall or auditorium that can be locked. Place a sign on the entrance indicating the "Lockdown" is in effect;
4. If outdoors seek nearby shelter, e.g. large trees, walls, mail boxes, and wait for additional instructions from A message will be broadcast giving specific locations and directions for entering certain shelter sites; and
Do not unlock doors or attempt to leave until instructed to do so by lockdown instructor. The "All-clear" will be announced over the Call ALERT or other appropriate system when it is considered safe.
Fire
Fires are very dangerous hazard in any organisation and can quickly get out of control, so they must be dealt with quickly and efficiently. It is vital that:
Evacuation is a risk management strategy which may be used as a means of mitigating the
effects of an emergency or disaster on a workplace. It involves the movement of people to
a safer location. However, to be effective it must be correctly planned and executed.
EVACUATION ROUTES
Evacuation route maps have been posted in each work area.
The following information is marked on evacuation maps:
1. Emergency exits
2. Primary and secondary evacuation routes
3. Locations of fire extinguishers
4. Fire alarm pull stations’ location
5. Assembly points
• Site personnel should know at least two evacuation routes.
EVACUATION PLAN FOR WORKERS
Workers
1. Prepare and evacuate the building by way of the nearest emergency exit. Walk; do not run. Do not use elevators.
2. Close but do not lock all doors as you leave.
3. Before exiting through any closed door, check for heat and the presence of fire behind the door by feeling the door with the back of your hand. If the door feels very warm or hot to the touch, advise everyone to proceed to another exit.
4. In the event you are unable to exit the building:
a. Remain calm; do not panic
b. Remain low; crawl if necessary.
c. Place a cloth, wet if possible, over you mouth to serve as a filter
d. Signal for help from a window. Use a towel, clothing, sign etc.
5. Upon exiting the building and proceeding to the assembly area, remain at least 20 feet away from the building walls and overhangs. Do not block any driveways, as Fire Department personnel will need access to these areas. Workers are requested to report to their assigned assembly areas as defined by your Fire Monitor/Evacuation Plan.
6. The cessation of an alarm/departure of the fire department is not an "all clear" to re-enter the building as corrective measures may still be in progress. Stay clear of the building until your appointed fire monitor has advised you to re-enter the building/area.
7. Assist visitors during alarm/emergency situations. Visitors may not be aware of exits/alternative exits and the procedures that should be taken during alarm situations.
Workers should calmly inform visitors of the proper actions to be taken and assist them with the evacuation.
If you find yourself in an emergency situation of which other people are unaware , your duty is to alert others and emergency services.
Robbery
This is when strangers break in or force their way into your premises to steal money or goods. They may or may not be armed. To minimize the risk of robber:
- Never keep large amounts of cash on the property
- clear the cash register and bank regularly
- Never walk around with money on you
Lock down Procedures
- if preceding an order to "Lockdown" you hear gunshots or see suspicious/strange people enter your building with any weapons in or around your building or once the notice to "Lockdown" have been alerted take the following action
Try to remain calm;
1. Remain indoors, e.g. your office . Once "Lockdown" you would be allowed to move about the facilitate certain needs, e.g. bathroom, water, but you are not allowed to leave the building unless an all clear has been sounded;
If not in your typical surroundings proceed to a room that can be locked;
Close, and lock all doors;
Turn off all lights;
2. Occupants should be seated below window level, toward the middle of a room away from windows and doors;
Remain silent;
Turn off all radios or other devices that emit sound;
Silence cell phones;
3. If gunshots are heard or distressing screams or calls yelled lay on the floor under heavy objects, e.g. tables, filing cabinets for shelter;
If safe to do so, turn off gas and electric appliances, e.g. heater, fan, coffee maker, gas valves, lights and locally controlled ventilation systems, e.g. air conditioner. Use phones only for emergency notification to Police or Person conducting lock down
Do not shelter in open areas such as hallways or corridors. Go to the nearest classroom, lecture hall or auditorium that can be locked. Place a sign on the entrance indicating the "Lockdown" is in effect;
4. If outdoors seek nearby shelter, e.g. large trees, walls, mail boxes, and wait for additional instructions from A message will be broadcast giving specific locations and directions for entering certain shelter sites; and
Do not unlock doors or attempt to leave until instructed to do so by lockdown instructor. The "All-clear" will be announced over the Call ALERT or other appropriate system when it is considered safe.
Fire
Fires are very dangerous hazard in any organisation and can quickly get out of control, so they must be dealt with quickly and efficiently. It is vital that:
- fire extinguishers and fire blankets be available and in full working order
- staff are properly trained in the use of this equipment
- Exit doors are clearly marked and kept free of any blockage
- smoke or fire alarms installed
- never use a lift in the event of an emergency
- follow through with fire evacuation plans
- Have regular evacuation drills once or twice each term
Evacuation is a risk management strategy which may be used as a means of mitigating the
effects of an emergency or disaster on a workplace. It involves the movement of people to
a safer location. However, to be effective it must be correctly planned and executed.
EVACUATION ROUTES
Evacuation route maps have been posted in each work area.
The following information is marked on evacuation maps:
1. Emergency exits
2. Primary and secondary evacuation routes
3. Locations of fire extinguishers
4. Fire alarm pull stations’ location
5. Assembly points
• Site personnel should know at least two evacuation routes.
EVACUATION PLAN FOR WORKERS
Workers
1. Prepare and evacuate the building by way of the nearest emergency exit. Walk; do not run. Do not use elevators.
2. Close but do not lock all doors as you leave.
3. Before exiting through any closed door, check for heat and the presence of fire behind the door by feeling the door with the back of your hand. If the door feels very warm or hot to the touch, advise everyone to proceed to another exit.
4. In the event you are unable to exit the building:
a. Remain calm; do not panic
b. Remain low; crawl if necessary.
c. Place a cloth, wet if possible, over you mouth to serve as a filter
d. Signal for help from a window. Use a towel, clothing, sign etc.
5. Upon exiting the building and proceeding to the assembly area, remain at least 20 feet away from the building walls and overhangs. Do not block any driveways, as Fire Department personnel will need access to these areas. Workers are requested to report to their assigned assembly areas as defined by your Fire Monitor/Evacuation Plan.
6. The cessation of an alarm/departure of the fire department is not an "all clear" to re-enter the building as corrective measures may still be in progress. Stay clear of the building until your appointed fire monitor has advised you to re-enter the building/area.
7. Assist visitors during alarm/emergency situations. Visitors may not be aware of exits/alternative exits and the procedures that should be taken during alarm situations.
Workers should calmly inform visitors of the proper actions to be taken and assist them with the evacuation.