frequently asked questions on emergency plan

What is a workplace emergency?

A workplace emergency is an unforeseen situation that threatens the customers, employees or the public, disrupts or shuts down your operations, or causes physical or environmental damage.

Name the different types of emergencies that can happen in the workplace.

The different types of emergencies that can happen in the workplace are

• Hurricane,
• Tornadoes.
• Floods.
• Fire.
• Toxic gas release.
• Chemical spills.
• Explosions.
• Civil disturbances

What is a workplace emergency action plan?

Workplace emergency plans are various arrangements to protect people from harm during an emergency and bring them to safety. It covers designated actions employers and employees must take to ensure protection from emergencies.

How do you protect yourself, your employees, and your business?

The best way to protect yourself in an emergency is to prepare for it before it happens. Only a few people can think logically about what to do in an emergency, so it is better to plan. There are various questions you need to ask yourself beforehand. Ask yourself what you will do if the worst happens while working. Other questions you must ask yourself are: What if a fire breaks out now? What will you do? What if a hurricane hits your building? What will you do? Once you have identified potential emergencies, the best thing is to consider adequate measures to respond to them when they happen.

What are the contents of the emergency action plan?

When developing your emergency action plan, looking at potential emergencies in your workplace is a good idea. The emergency action plan should be tailored to your worksite and include information about all possible sources of emergencies. Developing an emergency action plan means assessing hazards in your workplace to determine if those hazards could cause an emergency. Each site should have an emergency action plan if you have multiple worksites.

ALSO READ:

• Who is a safety manager, and what are their responsibilities?

• What are safety glasses made of?

• Frequently asked questions on health and safety competent person

At a minimum, your emergency action plan must include the following:

• A preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies,
• An evacuation policy and procedure.
• Emergency escape procedures and route assignments include floor plans, workplace maps, and safe or refuge areas.
• Procedures for employees to perform or shut down critical plant operations, operate fire extinguishers or perform other essential services that cannot be shut down for every emergency alarm before evacuating.
• The Contacts of individuals, including their phone numbers, departments, and offices both within and outside your company, contact for additional information or explanation of duties and responsibilities under the emergency plan.
• Rescue and medical duties for any workers designated to perform them.
• An assembly location and procedures to account for all employees after an evacuation.

What is the best way to alert employees to an emergency?

There must be a way to alert employees during an emergency. The various categories of persons have to be considered during the activity—different people like visitors, disabled people, pregnant mothers, etc. The alarm system in place has to be recognized by the workers within the workplace. It has to be distinctive. The alarm has to serve as a signal to tell everyone to depart the work area. Provide an emergency public address system and assign a person to announce an emergency. The person could be a member of the emergency team. Ensure you always simulate the alarms and put them in good working condition so they don’t fail during an emergency. Ensure a list of employees in a work area at every given time.