Safety & Information: Evacuating in an emergency

Safety & information:

Evacuating in an emergency

Part 1. Preparation and safety

Objective

• Carry out emergency evacuation procedures.

Personal safety
Whenever you perform a task in the workshop you must use personal protective clothing and equipment that is appropriate for the task and which conforms to your local safety regulations and policies. Among other items, this may include:

• Work clothing - such as coveralls and steel-capped footwear
• Eye protection - such as safety glasses and face masks
• Ear protection - such as earmuffs and earplugs
• Hand protection – such as rubber gloves and barrier cream
• Respiratory equipment – such as face masks and valved respirators

If you are not certain what is appropriate or required, ask your supervisor.
Safety check

• Make sure you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.

Points to note

• Emergency evacuation procedures are designed for the specific requirements of your workshop and region. If there are no evacuation procedures in your workshop, consult your local police and fire departments for specific information.
• Evacuation procedures will also vary depending on the nature of the emergency.
• In the case of a building fire, the procedure will involve leaving a building and moving to an "assembly point" outside. The emergency procedure for a hurricane or cyclone warning, however, requires you to "take cover" inside a designated shelter.
• Other evacuation procedures provide action for emergencies such as:
  • Bomb Threats
  • Civil Unrest
  • Chemical Spills
  • Bushfire/Wildfire
• If you have any questions about evacuation procedures, contact your national health and safety authority.
• If your supervisor assigns you a task, like assisting in an evacuation, it is because he or she believes you are capable of fulfilling that role. Once you have completed that task, notify your supervisor.

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Part 2: Step-by-step instruction

1. Don’t panic!
   The first Rule when you have an emergency, or if you hear the alarm at your workshop is: “DON’T PANIC!”
   Follow the emergency procedures that apply in your workshop.
2. Who’s in charge?
   Determine WHO’s in charge. He or she should have a list of all personnel who are working in the area.
   Follow their directions and evacuate the area by the nearest emergency exit.
3. Secure your workplace
   If you have time, turn off the electrical supply to all operating equipment. Turn off the taps and put lids on any containers of flammable liquids.
   Check small rooms, such as offices or rest rooms to make sure nobody is in them. If you are the last one out of an area, close all doors and windows on your way out.
4. Assemble and count
   Once you have all met at the appropriate assembly point, count your co-workers and report anyone missing to your supervisor.
   Report the emergency to the appropriate authorities. That may be police, fire, ambulance or other regional emergency body. Be aware that emergency vehicles or personnel may be arriving on site and may need direction. If this is not your task, stay out of the way.