INFORMATION SHEET 4.3-2 Contingency Measures and Procedures

 

INFORMATION SHEET 4.3-2

Contingency Measures and Procedures

Learning objectives: After reading this information sheet you should be able to identify the different contingency measures needed in the event of workplace emergencies.

Effective emergency communication is vital.  During a major emergency involving a fire or explosion it may be necessary to accomplish a complete evacuation.  Normal services, such as electricity, water, and telephones, may be non-existent.  Under these conditions, it may be necessary to have an alternate area to which employees can report or that can act as a focal point for incoming and outgoing calls.  Since time is an essential element for adequate response, the person designated as being in charge should make this the alternate headquarters so that they can be easily reached.  The college must provide emergency alarms and ensure that employees know how to report emergencies.  An updated list of key personnel and off-duty telephone numbers should be maintained.  Emergency communications equipment such as amateur radio systems, public address systems, or portable radio units should be present for notifying employees of the emergency and for contacting local authorities such as law enforcement officials, the fire department, and private sector charitable groups.

A method of communication also is needed to alert employees to the evacuation or to take other action as required in the plan.  Alarms must be audible or able to be seen by all personnel and have an auxiliary power supply in the event electricity is affected.  The alarm must be distinctive and recognizable as a signal to evacuate the work area or perform actions designated under the emergency action plan.  The college must explain to each employee the means for reporting emergencies, such as manual pull box alarms, public address systems, or telephones.  Emergency telephone numbers should be posted on or near telephones, on employees’ notice boards, or in other conspicuous locations.  The warning plan should be in writing and management must be sure each employee knows what it means and what action is to be taken.

A system should be established for accounting for personnel once workers have been evacuated with a person in the control center responsible for notifying police or emergency response team members of persons believed missing.

Effective security procedures, such as cordoned off areas, can prevent unauthorized access and protect vital records and equipment.  Duplicate records can be kept in off-site locations for essential accounting files, legal documents and lists of employees’ relatives to be notified in case of emergency.

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.  Drills should be held at random intervals, at least annually, and include if possible, outside police and fire authorities.

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

·         Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields for eye protection.

·         Hard hats and safety shoes

·         Properly selected and fitted respirators

·         Whole body coverings, gloves, hoods, and boots.

·         Body protection for abnormal environmental conditions such as extreme temperature