Emergency procedures in the workplace
All workplaces need a plan in place for emergencies (known as an EAP) that can have a wider impact on health and safety. These plans need to be separate from the conventional ones in place for non-emergency procedures, such as minor injuries, falls and illnesses.
It’s important to make this distinction because large-scale emergencies can affect so many more people in such a serious manner that the regular procedures won’t be extensive enough to cover them.
What constitutes an emergency in the workplace?Emergency procedures in the workplace are needed for major events that can cause risks to the public or employees. These events include but are not limited to the following:
Emergency procedures in the workplace are needed for major events that can cause risks to the public or employees. These events include but are not limited to the following:
- Serious injuries
- Explosion
- Flood
- Poisoning
- Electrocution
- Fire
- Release of radioactivity
- Chemical spills
How do you respond to an emergency in the workplace?
To respond correctly to a major event, you need individuals who are well trained, have taken part in realistic and regular practise and have clearly been designated specific actions and responsibilities.
It also helps if effective action is taken as quickly as possible once the emergency has occurred. However, this depends on many factors, including the points listed above. Individuals who are well trained will be ready to act swiftly and precisely, whereas those who haven’t been prepared might be more likely to falter in their actions.
What should you include in emergency procedures?
There’s a lot to remember when planning emergency procedures and different workplaces will have to tailor their plans according to their environment. However, there are some main points that each and every workplace should consider.
- How the alarm will be raised - consider night workers, bank holidays, etc.
- Decide where to go to reach a place of safety or access rescue equipment - this includes having suitable forms of emergency lighting.
- Make sure there are sufficient emergency exits and that all exits remain clear and unobstructed at all times.
- Nominate competent individuals to take control in an emergency (this needs to be someone who has received sufficient training and has the skills, knowledge and experience to manage health and safety).
- Nominate other individuals who can provide support, e.g first aiders, incident controllers, etc.
- Plan essential actions such as emergency shutdowns, shut-off valves or electrical isolators
- You must train everyone about emergency procedures, including vulnerable people and people with disabilities
- Work should not continue after an emergency until it has been deemed safe to do so. You can ask the emergency services about this if you are unsure.