• This covers basic steps to handle emergencies in the workplace.
  • These emergencies include accidental releases of toxic gases, chemical spills, fires, explosions, and bodily harm and trauma caused by workplace violence.
  1. Planning : The plan must include, as a minimum, the following elements ;
  • Emergency Exit procedures
  • Procedures to be followed by employees for critical plant operations (or shut down)
  • Procedures to account for all employees after completion of emergency evacuation
  • Rescue and medical duties
  • Reporting of fires and other emergencies situations
  • Accountable persons or departments to be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.
  • Emergency Response Teams: There may be one or several teams trained in the following areas, depending on the size of the plant.
  • Shutdown procedures.
  • Evacuation procedures.
  • Trauma counseling.
  • Use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  • Emergency rescue procedures.
  • Use of various types of fire extinguishers.
  • Fire fighting.
  • Chemical spillage control procedures.
  • First aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The duties of the Emergency Response Team Coordinator should include the following but not limited to :

  • Directing all efforts in the area including evacuating personnel.
  • Directing the shutdown of plant operations when necessary.
  • Ensuring that outside emergency services such as medical aid and local fire departments are called in when necessary

3. Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs):  All employees must be adequately protected in these situations. Some of the safety equipment that may be used includes:

  • Whole body coverings chemical suits, gloves, hoods, and boots for body protection from chemicals.
  • Body protection for abnormal environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures
  • Safety Shoes
  • Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields for eye protection.

4. Training: Training must be conducted initially, during induction and at least annually.

  • 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.

5. Medical Assistance :

  • On-site trained in first aid, have medical personnel readily available for advice and consultation.
  • There must be written emergency medical procedures.
  • First aid supplies are available to the trained medical personnel.
  • Emergency phone numbers are placed in easily accessible places.
  • Ambulance services should be always available for any emergency.

6. General Requirements :

  • Alarms must be there & they are audible or seen by all people in the plant and have an auxiliary power supply in the event electricity is affected.
  • There must be assembly points where employees can gather in case of emergency.
  • Emergency phone numbers should be posted on or near telephones.
  • Key personnel list must be displayed in order of priority.
  • It may be necessary to notify other key personnel such as the plant manager or physician during off-duty hours.
  • Management must ensure that each employee knows emergency plan and what action is to be taken in that situation.
  • Emergency communications equipments must be present for notifying employees of the emergency and for contacting local authorities such as fire department.

Reference: General Industry – Safety Manual