OSH MANAGEMENT - Emergency Preparedness

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

By Faudzil Harun

Emergency is a serious situation that requires immediate actions. The situation will become worst if is not being controlled efficiently and effectively. 

Therefore, emergency preparedness is necessary to minimize injuries to people and damage to property. Advance planning is the key.

Type of Workplace Emergency

●  Fire and Explosion
●  Spill or Released of Hazardous Substance
●  Collapse of Structure
●  Natural Disaster

Chain of Command

The Emergency Commander (also called as director) should be a member of top management. However, the plan should always name an alternate Commander.

The Emergency Commander should be a person who has the authority and appropriate qualification (calm, fast thinking, knowledge, leadership skill, delegation skill etc.).

The Emergency Commander should keep the Chain of Command as practical, and appoint members to crisis management positions based on their ability to respond to a situation under extreme stress.

The Emergency Commander is responsible for :

●  Establishing and testing of Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
●  Establishing and training of Emergency Response Team (ERT)
●  Integrate plans with public agencies
●  Management of emergency control centre
●  Directing and delegating responsibilities
●  Emergency notification system
●  Emergency communication system
●  Activation of emergency procedures
●  Shutdown, evacuation and head counting operation
●  Panic control, Sheltering, feeding and counseling
●  Emergency medical service
●  Traffic control
●  Fire fighting
●  Rescue operation (if necessary)
●  Cleaning and cleaning of spill / released hazardous substance
●  Public information and media briefing
●  Emergency facilities and equipments servicing and maintenance
●  Emergency PPE servicing and maintenance
●  Termination of emergency
●  Damage assessment
●  Restoration of business operation

Hierarchy of Command

                               

Emergency Layout Plan

It is necessary for the Emergency Response Team (ERT) to have a quick respond to emergency. During emergency situation, locating emergency routes and equipment is rather difficult. Preparation of an emergency floor plan or layout plan is a must. 

The plan should indicate the location of :

●  Emergency Facilities
●  Emergency Exits
●  Emergency Operation Routes
●  Emergency Control Centre
●  Emergency Assembly Area
●  Emergency Service Station (sheltering, feeding, counseling, first aid)

Emergency Response Procedure

Planning is the key to success. In order to minimize injuries and damages, it is necessary to establish emergency procedures. Testing the procedures is an important agenda. 

Some of the common required procedures are :

●  Notification procedure
●  Evacuation procedure
●  Communication Procedure
●  Head Counting Procedure
●  Traffic Control Procedure
●  Fire Fighting Procedure
●  Rescue Procedure
●  Spill Control Procedure
●  First Aid Procedure