GENERAL EMERGENCY AWARENESS Group WHS May 2016 1
LEARNING OUTCOME At the completion of this presentation the participant should be able to: Describe procedures to follow if an emergency situation occurs on site Describe what to do if first on the scene Act in accordance with Emergency Response Procedures
EMERGENCY RESPONSE Primary Health Care is committed to ensuring an effective emergency response system is developed and effectively implemented within the workplace. An emergency is an abnormal and dangerous situation needing prompt action to control, correct and return the environment to a safe condition There are many different types of emergency situations including but not limited to; fire or medical emergency, armed confrontation, chemical spill, bomb threat and natural disasters.
EMERGENCY CONTROL ORGANISATION (ECO) An ECO is required to be established at all workplaces and its role is to ensure that the emergency procedures are activated in the event of an emergency. An ECO may included; Chief Warden Area or Floor Wardens Wardens Communications Officers Instructions given by ECO members overrule normal management structure during the event of an emergency
DUTIES OF CHIEF WARDEN The Chief Warden is responsible for coordinating the emergency response Chief Wardens can be identified by wearing either a white helmet, white cap or a high visibility vests The Chief Warden will meet the Emergency Services and work with them throughout the emergency
DUTIES OF WARDENS If you are working within a large building, you may have multiple Wardens. During an emergency they are to coordinate and assist the Chief Warden. Wardens are identified by red helmets, red caps or high visibility vests Their role is to ensure the safety of people in the area They will commence the emergency procedures and ensure the site is alerted to the situation
DUTIES OF WORKERS During an emergency, workers are required to comply with all reasonable instructions given by members of the ECO If evacuated from the workplace, stay at the assembly areas and wait for further instruction from the members of the ECO
SITE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES All Workers are to be familiar with the emergency procedures at your particular place of work to ensure a successful and expedient evacuation. Local Emergency Response procedures are located on your workplace WHS Notice board. Consult with your manager and WHS Representative about specific procedures at your workplace
RACE PRINCIPLES During any emergency - apply RACE principles: R - Remove people in danger, if safe to do so A Alert by breaking a Break Glass Alarm and ringing 000 C - Contain the fire by closing doors and windows, or contain the chemical spill E - Evacuate the area if required
FIRE PROCEDURES A fire and/or explosion in the workplace can cause substantial structural damage and injure personnel. If you are first on the scene: Call for assistance Activate the Break Glass Alarm Contact your Warden Evacuate the surrounding area, if safe to do so
BOMB THREAT If you receive a bomb threat: Call for assistance Follow the bomb threat checklist Do not hang up the phone Contact the Chief Warden Do not discuss the threat with other workers
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SPILLS If you work in an area that has chemicals; The response will vary on the type of material, the quantity and the location of the spill Call for assistance Evacuate the surrounding are Do not re-enter until declared safe Spill kits are available within your workplace
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES A medical emergency can take on many forms, such as; Laceration Burn Sprain or strain Chemical splash Call for assistance Alert your designated First Aider
PERSONAL THREAT Anyone involved with a personal threat/armed intrusion should: Act calm and obey instructions Not make eye contact or sudden movements Be compliant and answer all questions Hand over valuables when requested If possible call for assistance (phone, computer, duress button etc) Notify Security or Police and give details of the emergency
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES Procedure for after hours emergencies: Ensure you are safe at all times. Do not place yourself at risk Raise alarm on Fire Panel, Break Glass Alarm or duress system Dial 000 Evacuate all staff if required to assembly area Check all areas and ensure all staff accounted for Pass on relevant information to responding emergency services Contact your Manager
DURING AN EMERGENCY Follow Warden instructions Remain calm If required to evacuate leave the building by the nearest safe exit or as directed by the Warden Where the EVACUATE alarm has sounded without prior ALERT, staff must evacuate IMMEDIATELY (personal items are to be left) Assist anybody in immediate danger only if safe to do so Do not use lifts Proceed directly to assembly area and wait further instruction Remain at assembly area until ALL CLEAR is given
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT IN A BUILDING Emergency equipment in a building may consist of, but is not limited to the following systems: EWIS - Emergency Warning Intercommunication System (Red Phones) Fire Indicator Panel - Communications panel identifying where alarm has been activated, connected to Alert and Evacuation Audible Alarms Manual Call Point/Break Glass Alarm - Break glass to activate alarm Smoke Detectors Fire Extinguishers / Fire Blankets Fire Hose Reels
FIRE EXTINGUISHER CLASSES If you are confident to use an extinguisher you need to decide which one is appropriate, the extinguishers have icons to help you Ordinary combustibles Paper, wood, rubber, plastics and textiles Flammable liquids Oil, petrol, alcohol, solvents Energized circuits Electrical equipment and computers
FIRE EXTINGUISHER The correct fire extinguisher needs to be selected or there may be dangerous consequences Appropriate extinguishers are available within your workplace Dry Chemical Carbon Dioxide Water
THE PASS WORD Remember the PASS word: Keep your back to a clear escape route Stand back 6 to 8 feet from the fire Then
EXTINGUISHER REPLACEMENT Never re-mount a used extinguisher on its bracket but arrange to have it replaced immediately Once the extinguisher has been discharged, regardless of duration, it must be refilled You will need to advise your manager/supervisor of the number of extinguishers discharged after the emergency
GENERAL SAFETY SUMMARY In the event of an emergency you should always: Know your Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) Know your Wardens Be aware of site specific emergency procedures Be aware of emergency equipment locations Be aware of exits and assembly areas Participate in all evacuation exercises
THANKYOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION This is the end of the presentation, can you now complete the quiz via Primary Learning Hub. If you are uncertain of any of the presented material or would like further information please contact your State WHS Manager