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EVACUATION

Emergency planning directly influence the outcome of an emergency situation. Companies with well prepared employees and well developed evacuation plans are likely to incur less damage and fewer or less severe employee injuries.

Emergency Plans are the written actions that employers and employees must take to ensure safety from fire and other emergencies. These plans are to be recorded in writing and each employee must be informed of changes and trained at regular intervals. Depending on the size of the company, these plans must record which equipment must be shut down, what suppression efforts are to be actioned and who is responsible. It will also show the escape route from each section, department or floor.

The following are some of the components that should be covered:

  • The Fire Wardens
  • The Evacuation Plan
  • Fire Protection Equipment Maintenance
  • Housekeeping
  • Training

Fire Wardens are designated employees from each department who are trained to assist in safely evacuate employees during an emergency.

The Evacuation Plan should include procedures for accounting for all employees or visitors after an evacuation. Each Fire Warden should check the employees' names off to ensure no-one is left behind in the building. Designated employees should check all offices and rest rooms during the evacuation. Emergency Plans should indicate which employees are responsible for calling 000. If a fire occurs after hours, shift workers should also have access to a contact number of a Manager in case of an emergency.

The Evacuation Plan should be made available for all employees to review (posted on the notice board). The employer is required to review each part of the employee's responsibility with him/her and ensure they understand their responsibilities.

In case of a fire always remain calm, don't panic and do not run.

  • Alert the Chief Fire Warden and other staff.
  • Call 000.
  • Move calmly to the nearest exit.
  • If safe, check offices and rest rooms.
  • Fire Wardens to do a head count.
  • Immediately notify emergency services if people are unaccounted for.

The Maintenance of Fire Equipment is very important and can prevent extensive property damage. The Australian Standards require portable extinguishers to be services every 6 months.

The correct extinguishers are to be mounted on the wall in each area where it is clearly marked and visible. Employees should know how extinguishers are used.

Maintenance of equipment and machinery should be done regularly to prevent accidental ignition of combustible materials. These maintenance procedures must be included in the Fire Prevention Plan.

Housekeeping will keep all the escape routes and fire protection equipment clear of waste. Items that block doors and/or prevent employees getting to extinguishers should be cleared.

Employee Fire Training will prevent panic and save lives. Employees should be made aware of fire hazards and the materials and processes with which they work.

A Fire Drill is an organised plan for employees to practice leaving the building and reaching the assembly area in a timely manner. Fire drills should be done at least once a year but preferably every 6 months.