Emergency Preparedness

Toolbox Talk Emergency Preparedness

Compiled by Rudi Nieuwoudt

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Emergency Preparedness

Emergency preparedness is planning and actions undertaken in advance of a possible or probable natural or man-made emergency. To be prepared for the worse is the key to ensuring the safety of yourself and colleagues.

There are many factors to take into consideration when developing an emergency preparedness plan. In this toolbox talk we will concentrate on the following key aspects:

Emergency Plot Plan.

Escape Routes and Assembly Points

Site Emergency equipment – Availability and inspections

Assigning duties and responsibilities.

Regular Emergency Drills

What Is Emergency Preparedness?

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The function of the emergency plot plan is to show to all employees where the escape routs are as well as the assembly points. The plot plan must be easy to understand and must be communicated to all affected people. It is also important to ensure the plot plan is displayed in various areas in the workplace.

Emergency Plot Plan

Escape routes must be well defined. Signage/Snow netting and barricading goes a long way in ensuring escape routes are highlighted. Assembly points must be of appropriate size for the amount of people they must accommodate. Internal Emergency Assembly points must contain a plot plan, emergency contact numbers, and forms of communication with the outside. It is imperative that assembly point are not used as storage areas!

Escape Routs and Assembly Points


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Emergency Equipment

Environmental Spill Kits

Fire Extinguisher

Fire Hydrants

Breathing Apparatus

SirensRadiosTelephonesAir Horns

First Aid Equipment

What does all this equipment have in common?

They Need Appointed and Trained people to operate and inspect them!! Don’t get caught in an emergency with equipment that is defective

or missing!!

Some emergency equipment commonly found on construction sites


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The Emergency Controller The Supervisor

Duties and Responsibilities

Pre-Emergency Ensure you are aware of the location of all the assembly

points. Ensure you are trained in the emergency procedures. Ensure you are clearly visible by wearing a brightly

colored reflective vest. You must have communication (Radio) with your

supervisor. Regularly inspect escape routes to ensure they are

clear at all times. Regularly inspect emergency equipment to ensure they

are in working order at all times.During an Emergency React immediately when the alarm is sounded. Direct employees to the nearest appropriate assembly

point. Sweep the area to ensure everyone is evacuated. Report to your supervisor. Assist with the taking of roll calls. Post Emergency Ensure any used emergency equipment is replaced. Make sure you are part of the debriefing session and

report any concerns you have to your supervisor. Ensure corrective and preventative measures are

implemented and monitor effectiveness.

Pre-Emergency Ensure that your team is trained on the emergency

procedures. Ensure that regular emergency drills are carried out and

report any improvable points. You must have communication (Radio) with your

emergency controller. Regularly inspect escape routes to ensure they are

clear at all times. Regularly inspect emergency equipment to ensure they

are in working order at all times.During an Emergency React immediately when the alarm is sounded. Direct employees to the nearest appropriate assembly

point. Take roll calls and report the status to the appropriate

authorities.Post Emergency Ensure any used emergency equipment is replaced. Lead a debriefing session with all involved parties. Ensure that you are part of the investigation where

applicable. Communicate any lessons learnt to employees. Ensure corrective and preventative measures are

implemented and monitor their effectiveness.


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The Employee

Duties and Responsibilities

Pre-Emergency Ensure you are aware of the location of all the assembly

points. Ensure you are trained in the emergency procedures. Ensure that the employees, emergency controllers and

supervision are made aware of their duties and responsibilities.

Regularly inspect escape routes to ensure they are clear at all times.

Regularly inspect emergency equipment to ensure they are in working order at all times.

During an Emergency React immediately when the alarm is sounded. Direct employees to the nearest appropriate assembly

point.Post Emergency Ensure any used emergency equipment is replaced. Make sure you are part of the debriefing session. Communicate any lessons learnt to employees. Ensure corrective and preventative measures are

implemented and monitor effectiveness.

Pre-Emergency Ensure that you are trained in the emergency

procedures. Ensure that you know where the assembly points are.During an Emergency React immediately when the alarm is sounded. Switch off any machinery and close gas bottles that

you were working with before leaving the area. Follow any directions from the emergency controller. Move quickly to the emergency assembly point. Report to your supervisor to be accounted for during

roll call.Post Emergency Join the debriefing session. Give input about any concerns you had during the

emergency. Mention any improvable points you think must be considered.

Make sure that you are made aware of any changes in the procedure and any corrective and preventative actions taken.

The Safety Officer


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Emergency DrillsIf conducted correctly, emergency drills are the most effective way to gauge the effectiveness of your emergency procedure. To ensure that your drills are conducted correctly please take into account the following points.

Treat every Drill as if it is a real emergency. Have several observers positioned at strategic points to monitor the

evacuation without interfering with the proceedings. Debrief all involved after the drill. Compile a report of the findings noted during the drill. Note both positive and

negatives. Compile an action plan for the corrective and preventative measure to be

taken. Assign responsible persons and target dates. Monitor effectiveness of actions taken.


Documents

Emergency Preparedness