Saskatoon Health Region is responsible for emergency preparedness planning and response to emergency situations and disasters, in addition to providing health care services for consumers during these times. Guiding Principles when responding to emergency situations and disasters: Health care providers have an ethical duty when called to an emergency or disaster to provide service in a capacity appropriate to their skill, knowledge and ability Use safety precautions as deemed appropriate Take a precautionary approach, which requires that even in the absence of scientific certainty, reasonable actions be taken to reduce risk References: - SHR Plan - Manitoba Health; Canadian Nurses Association DEFINITIONS: CODE RED (FIRE) Site: Code Red is a term used to describe a fire situation. The alarm is activated through verbal / telephone notification or automatically through a fire system (i.e., pull station, smoke activated). Code Red All Clear is a term used to announce that the fire threat is over. All personnel may resume their duties and building returns to normal operations (i.e., resume use of elevators). NOTE: A Code Red may invoke a Code Green (evacuation). IN CASE OF FIRE, REMEMBER RACE: R Rescue residents, visitors, staff, etc. from fire threat A Activate the closest safe pull station or activate fire alarm system and dial 9-1-1 C Contain the fire by closing doors and windows E Extinguish only If safe to do so or Evacuate following Code Green procedures TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, REMEMBER PASS: P Pull the pin A Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire S Squeeze the trigger S Sweep the extinguisher from side to side - 1 -
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE: Staff in immediate area Rescue residents, visitors, staff from fire threat Pull the closest, safe pull station or activate fire alarm and call 9-1-1 Call 9-1-1 Call out Code Red to alert other staff to fire situation Call Most Responsible Person (MRP) Contain the fire by closing doors and windows Extinguish the fire if it is safe to do so Evacuate, if needed, and gather at a safe, pre-determined refuge area Flip up evacuation door markers after closing the doors as rooms are vacated Most Responsible Person Calls Administrator or Director of Care (DOC) Administrator / DOC will call SHR EPP On Call (221-1770) if assistance is required Alerts all staff (by overhead announcement where available) by announcing Code Red and the location. This will be repeated as many times as necessary. Ensures safety and ongoing assessment of and support for staff during and after the evacuation. A staff debriefing should be held as soon as possible after the event. Assess the staff for signs of stress and ability to perform work duties. Depending upon the severity of the situation, staff may be physically, mentally or emotionally drained and may require support and removal from the situation. Designate a staff member to meet the fire department at the front doors to advise location of the fire If available, designate a staff member to prevent others from crossing to fire area Use emergency fanout list to call in extra staff if needed If the situation escalates, activation of Incident Command may be required. Assume role of Incident Commander until relieved by Administrator / DOC Determines when/if it is safe to announce Code Red All Clear All Staff Clear hallways to allow access of fire responders to the fire Continue working quietly and listen for further announcements Prepare to evacuate, if needed, following Code Green procedures Do not shut off or move oxygen equipment unless directed to do so by the Fire Department or Fire Marshall ALL CLEAR: Most Responsible Person: Calls Administrator or Director of Care (DOC) Administrator / DOC will call SHR EPP On Call (221-1770) Alerts all staff (by overhead announcement where available) by announcing Code Red All Clear at least twice. Completes Follow-Up Procedures as required (page 3) - 2 -
All Staff: Returns to regular duties SPECIFIC PROCEDURES INCLUDE: FOLLOW-UP PROCEDURES: Staff exposed to smoke or other hazardous toxic materials should have a medical assessment completed by prior to leaving the facility (EMS) Department Manager/Designate will hold a debriefing session with affected staff At SHR Owned & Operated LTC Sites: Department Manager/Designate will arrange Critical Incident Stress Management session(s) as required. Follow Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) Protocol (Appendix 1, Saskatoon Health Region Plan). The Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is available for those sites not able to access the CISD protocol. Department Manager/Designate will report by completing the SHR Serious Accident or Dangerous Occurrence Report (page 5) Department Manager/Designate will report by completing the appropriate incident report - Adverse Event Management System (AEMS) Ensure drills, false alarms, and real incidents are documented on the standardized electronic report form and submitted via the SHR InfoNet: http://fesweb.sktnhr.ca/firedrill/. Refer to SHR Fire Drill policy 7311-95-001. Immediately Within 24 hours Within 24-72 hours As soon as area is secured and everyone is safe Prior to the close of the 3 rd business day As soon as possible - 3 -
TO REDUCE THE THREAT OF FIRE: Housekeeping: keep your workplace clutter free keep exits, stairways, storage areas, staff rooms and work areas free from debris such as empty boxes, waste paper and dirty rags keep flammable liquid storage to a minimum and only in approved containers keep large quantities of flammable liquids in an approved storage cabinet keep alleys and other areas around your building well lit Powerbars: follow manufacturers instructions ensure CSA or ULc approved do not use with extension cords discard if damaged Electrical Safety: keep office equipment properly cleaned and maintained do not use extension cords as permanent wiring always use the proper size circuit breakers and fuses do not overload electrical outlets replace electrical cords that have cracked insulation or broken connectors never run electrical cords across doorways, under carpets or where they can be stepped on or pinched allow air to circulate around heat producing equipment such as photocopiers, computer terminals and heaters Plugging in Your Vehicle: A vehicle fire in a parkade structure can be very dangerous. Staff are reminded to reduce fire/electrical hazards by ensuring your vehicle s extension cord is: rated for outdoor use has a three-way grounding prong is not frayed or cut is not compressed between your vehicle hood In addition, overloading electrical service can trip safety breakers or cause vehicle fires. Winter electrical service for the use of engine blocker heaters only is provided. Do not use: battery blankets battery trickle chargers interior warmers AC/DC converters for other appliances or devices Kitchen Appliances: Small appliances such as coffee pots, water kettles, microwaves should only be used in designated areas appliances should be in good working order and have auto shut off check appliances for damage electrical cords and thermostats unplug or turn off all appliances when not in use microwave cooking: read heating instructions on all food items and time heating per instructions but lean toward the shorter time if you have a fire in your microwave, unplug the unit and don t open the door until the flames die out never leave your cooking unattended - 4 -
Notification to OHS Division Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Serious Accident or Dangerous Occurrence Manager/Supervisor: Notify SK OHS Division by phone to 933-5052 and by faxing this completed form to 933-7339, as soon as reasonably possible (i.e. as soon as area is secured and everyone is safe) of any occurrence that meets Regulations 8 or 9: accidents causing serious bodily injury (Regulation 8) or dangerous occurrences (Regulation 9) see page 2. Rural Admin/EPP on Call: If notified of the incident, Rural Admin or EPP on call may provide this notification to the Division. Name of each injured or deceased worker and the apparent injuries (if serious accident: Reg 8):_ Name of the employer of each injured worker (serious accident): Or name of each employer, contractor and owner at the place of employment (dangerous occurrence): Date, time and location of the accident or dangerous occurrence: Circumstances related to the incident (provide enough detail so that the severity of the risk is clear e.g. #s of employees affected, severity of the injuries or potential injuries, potential to reoccur): The name, telephone number and fax number of a person to be contacted for additional information (provide primary and alternate contacts): Manager/supervisor signature: Date and reported to OHS Division: cc: Employer Co-chair: Employee Co-chair: OHS Regional Manager: (fax: 655-0124) Page 1 of 2 Page 5 of 6
Accidents causing serious bodily injury 8(1) An employer or contractor shall give notice to the division as soon as is reasonably possible of every accident at a place of employment that: (a) causes or may cause the death of a worker; or (b) will require a worker to be admitted to a hospital as an in-patient for a period of 72 hours or more. 8(2) The notice required by subsection (1) must include: (a) the name of each injured or deceased worker: (b) the name of the employer of each injured or deceased worker: (c) the date, time and location of the accident; (d) the circumstances related to the accident; (e) the apparent injuries; (f) the name, telephone number and fax number of the employer or contractor or a person designated by the employer or contractor to be contacted for additional information. 8(3) An employer or contractor shall provide each co-chairperson or the representative with a copy of the notice required by subsection (1). Dangerous occurrences 9(1) In this section, dangerous occurrence means any occurrence that does not result in, but could have resulted in, a condition or circumstance set out in subsection 8(1), and includes: *SHR Note: the following list is not exclusive, other occurrences would be considered dangerous occurrences if they could have resulted in a death or 72-hour hospitalization. (a) the structural failure or collapse of: (i) (ii) a structure, scaffold, temporary falsework or concrete formwork; or all or any part of an excavated shaft, tunnel, caisson, coffer dam, trench or excavation; (b) the failure of a crane or hoist or the overturning of a crane or unit of powered mobile equipment; (c) an accidental contact with an energized electrical conductor; (d) the bursting of a grinding wheel; (e) an uncontrolled spill or escape of a toxic, corrosive or explosive substance; (f) a premature detonation or accidental detonation of explosives; (g) the failure of an elevated or suspended platform; and (h) the failure of an atmosphere-supplying respirator. 9(2) An employer, contractor or owner shall give notice to the division as soon as is reasonably possible of any danger occurrence that takes place at a place of employment, whether or not a worker sustains injury. 9(3) A notice required by subsection (2) must include: (a) the name of each employer, contractor and owner at the place of employment; (b) the date, time and location of the dangerous occurrence; (c) the circumstances related to the dangerous occurrence; (d) the name, telephone number and fax number of the employer, contractor or owner or a person designated by the employer, contractor or owner to be contacted for additional information. 9(4) An employer, contract or owner shall provide each co-chairperson or the representative with a copy of the notice required by subsection (2). Page 6 of 6 Page 2 of 2