Responses to Emergencies According to Action Plan Procedures

Effective emergency communication is vital. An alternate area for a communications centre other than management offices should be established in the plans, and the emergency response coordinator should operate from this centre. Management should provide emergency alarms and ensure employees know how to report emergencies. An updated list of key personnel and off-duty telephone numbers should be maintained.

Accounting for personnel following an evacuation is critical. A person in the control centre should notify police or emergency response team members of persons believed missing.

Effective security procedures can prevent unauthorized access and protect vital records and equipment. Duplicate records of essential accounting files, legal documents and lists of employee relatives – to be notified in an emergency – can be kept at off-site locations.

Training

Every employee needs to know details of the emergency action plan, including evacuation plans, alarm systems, reporting procedures for personnel, shutdown procedures, and types of potential emergencies. Any special hazards, such as flammable materials, toxic chemicals, radioactive sources or water-reactive substances, should be discussed with employees. Drills should be held at random intervals, at least annually, and include outside police and fire authorities.

Training must be conducted at least annually and when employees are hired or when their job changes. Additional training is needed when new equipment, materials or processes are introduced, when the layout or design of the facility changes, when procedures have been updated or revised, or when exercises show that employee performance is inadequate.

Personal Protection

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Employees exposed to or near accidental chemical splashes, falling objects, flying particles, unknown atmospheres with inadequate oxygen or toxic gases, fires, live electrical wiring, or similar emergencies need appropriate personal protective equipment.

Medical Assistance

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First aid must be available within 3 to 4 minutes of an emergency. Worksites more than 3 to 4 minutes from an infirmary, clinic, or hospital should have at least one person on-site trained in first aid (available on all shifts), have medical personnel readily available for advice and consultation and develop written emergency medical procedures.

It is essential that first aid supplies are available to the trained first aid providers, that emergency phone numbers are placed in conspicuous places near or on telephones, and prearranged ambulance services for any emergency are available. It may help to coordinate an emergency action plan with the outside responders such as the fire department, hospital emergency room, EMS providers and local HAZMAT team.