Introduction
Its crucial to be prepared and ready for the any unexpected and planned event. Through the effective and and predefined plan all emergency can be manager adequately. Emergency Action Plan or emergency response plan is basically road map to reduce the maximum adverse effects from any incidents. Basically ERP outlines the several possible emergencies which could be taken place within the organization such as massive fire, Natural disaster, threatening calls and emails, medical emergencies, motor vehicle incidents, power outage, elevator failures etc. By understanding and regular practicing emergency response protocols can significantly reduce the losses, injuries and property damages and many more indirect and direct losses.
In this toolbox talk we are trying to understand the key elements of emergency response plan. Regular fire drills will assist building occupants and employees how to be react and stay calm during emergencies.
What is an Emergency Response Plan ERP?
Generally, Emergency Response Plan is a comprehensive written document which is primarily designed to expedite the emergency response process where all people are familiar with protocols to react during workplace emergencies. It specify the effective procedure that employees need to follow during an emergency.
Predefined emergency response plan usually assist to ensure safety of employees, property damage and environment.
There are several key aspect of emergency responses plan.
Emergency Procedure
- Having clear and determine evacuation route that employees need to follow.
- Shelter guidelines and procedures need to be put in place for the employee's safety and well-being.
- Instruction and guidelines to shutdown the tools, Equipment and machinery to prevent further damages and property losses.
Emergency Exits
- All emergency routes and exits must be clearly marked and visible for adequate evacuation process
- Frequent inspection plays a crucial role to manage and ensure that all emergency routes are free from any obstruction.
- If it's possible, organization should provide the primary and secondary emergency exits and emergency evacuation routes in case of primary exits become blocked.
Evacuation Routes
- Evacuation map and layout plan plays a crucial role for directing building occupants to the nearest emergency exits and assembly area. These routes will help to ensure all employees or residents evacuated as earliest as possible without putting them in risk or danger.
- All emergency routes must be clearly visible from far away with a reflective and powered battery system.
- The routes must be accessible for everyone such as people with disabilities by separate ramps or additional provisions need to be prepared for their safety.
- These evacuation route must be free from other hazards and risks.
Assembly Areas
An assembly area is a designated area or place where all evacuated people from the building, site, plant, gather after any emergency. Basically, its the safest place where all evacuated will be accounted for and monitor the situation as needed.
- The assembly area must be away from the affected area and potential hazards or relevant dangerous conditions.
- The assembly area must be large enough to accommodate evacuated people and necessary signages should be visible.
- All emergency contact and communication details must be placed over to have adequate and effective reporting and coordination procedures. Contact number should consist of Organisation contact person details, nearest fire fighting department, Nearest medical facilities or ambulance, civil defense and police etc.
Emergency Equipment
However Emergency equipment can be considered several components such as emergency & fire fighting tools, devices, and supplies that require to manage emergency effectively.
These are the following emergency equipment could be used but not limited to this.
- Facilities must be equipped with all essential types of portable and fixed fire fighting systems such as fire alarm system, fire detection system, fire sprinkler and hose reel system, hydrant system, fire extinguishers etc.
- Sufficient quantities of first aid kits.
- Adequate ventilation system to prevent accumulation toxic fumes and gases.
- Emergency lighting system to ensure safe and secure evacuation.
Drill and Practicing
Regularly conducting employee emergency training is a vital aspect of workplace safety and emergency preparedness. It's mandatory to make employees familiar with emergency protocols and how to respond effectively to reduce to maximum consequences and impact during various types of emergencies.
- Employees should participate in safety trainings or mock drill to know the emergency procedure
- All essential arrangements need to be prepared and placed.
How to react during an emergency
Stay Calm and notify
- Don't panic.
- Inform to coworkers
- Inform concern supervisor and emergency service
- Follow instruction and guidance which will be delivered by emergency service
Know your Exits
- Through the regular training and reading of evacuation layout familiarize yourself with the nearest exit and assembly area.
- Never use elevators.
- Don't take or carry hot beverages
Evacuate as earliest as possible
- Left the site or building without any delay.
- Walk fast towards to the assembly area.
Head Counts
- Cooperate with fire wardens and building wardens
- Help them for head count, Report them if someone didn't evacuate.
- Be patience and stay at the assembly area for further information and instruction.
Don't Return
- Do not return to the building without all clear message from emergency service.
- Adhare further emergency service instruction.
Conclusion
An emergency response plan is the road map to control and minimize the impact of any incidents. Emergency response and preparedness is always beneficial to protect lives and property and business disruption. Its also shows the organizational commitments towards mitigating potential adverse consequences. In todays environment, its really important to have comprehensive written emergency response plan where organization must address all potential emergencies at the workplace and robust control measure and emergency preparedness.
