Emergency Response

Plan and Preparedness.

OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this chapter, you should be able
to:-

Explain the definition of emergency.

Explain the definition of accident.
Explain emergency response plan.
Identify prevention and planning strategy.

Definition
Emergency definition
a sudden, urgent, usually unexpected
occurrence or occasion requiring immediate
action.
a state, especially of need for help or relief,
created by some unexpected event
An emergency is a situation that poses an
immediate risk to health, life, property, or
environment. Most emergencies require urgent
intervention to prevent a worsening of the
situation.

Accident definition
An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly
and unintentionally, typically resulting in harm,
damage , loss or injury.

An accident, mishap, or misadventure, is an

unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance, often
with lack of intention or necessity. It usually implies a
generally negative outcome which might have been
avoided or prevented had circumstances leading up to
the accident been recognized, and acted upon, prior to
its occurrence. Injury prevention refers to activities
designed to foresee and avoid accidents.

Accident prevention programs

In the modern workplace, there are many

different
types
of
accident
prevention
programs ranging from the simple to the
complex.

In the early 1800s, employers had little

concern for the safety of workers and little
incentive to be concerned. Consequently,
organized safety programs were nonexistent, a
situation that continued for many years.

Accident prevention programs

1.
2.
3.

This, in turn, led to the development of

organized safety programs sponsored by
management. Early safety programs were
based on the three Es of safety:
Engineering
Education
Enforcement

Accident prevention programs

The engineering aspects of a safety program

involve making design improvements to both
product and process.
By altering the design of a product, the
processes used to manufacture it can be
simplified and, as a result, made less dangerous.
In addition, the manufacturing processes for
products can be engineered in ways that
decrease potential hazards associated with the
processes.

Accident prevention programs

The education aspect of a safety program

ensures that employees know how to work
safely, why it is important to do so, and that
safety is expected by management, safety
education typically covers the what, when,
where, why, and how of safety.

The enforcement aspect of a safety program

involves making sure that employees abide by
safety policies, rules, Regulations, practices,
and procedures. Supervisors and fellow
employees play a key role in the enforcement
aspects of modern safety programs.

Rationale for emergency

preparation

An emergency is a potentially life-threatening

situation, usually occurring suddenly and
unexpectedly. Emergencies may be the result of
natural or human causes.

Types of common emergencies

Some common emergencies are:

Fire
Explosion
Blackout or electrical/ power failures
Accidental release of hazardous
substances/pollutions.
Natural disasters
Bomb threats
Hysteria
Drowning

Emergencies plan
Developing an Emergency Respond
Preparedness (ERP) or Emergency Action Plan
(EAP) is a major step in planning and preparing
for emergencies.

Rationale for emergency

preparation

When an emergency
essential, speed in
difference between
minimal damage and

occurs, immediate reaction is

responding can mean the
life and death or between
major damage.

Ideally , all those involved should be able to

respond properly with minimum hesitation.

This can happen only if all emergencies have been

planned for and planned procedures have been
practiced, evaluated, and improved.

a) Emergency Respond
Preparedness Procedures.

Elements of emergency preparation

Steps of Emergency Respond Plan (ERP)

Emergency Respond Plan (ERP) should have following elements:i.

Identify types of emergency

ii.

Determine emergency response procedures

iii.

Determine the ERP routes and floor plans

iv.

Determine shut down on procedures for critical plant operations.

v.

Procedures for after emergency evacuation situation.

Cont..

vi.

Identify roles and responsibilities of ERP teams

vii.

Determine fire fighting procedures and chemical spill response procedures.

viii.

Means of communication.

Rationale outcome for

emergency preparation

A quick and proper response, which results

because of proper preparation can prevent
panic, decrease the likelihood of injury and
damage, and bring the situation under control
in a timely manner. Because no workplace is
immune to emergencies, preparing for them is
critical.

An important component of preparation is

planning.

b) Coordination
Good coordination is critical during an
emergency situation. All personnel in charges
should listed their names, coordination's, and
also their contact numbers.

Emergency Response Teams (ERT) are the

first line of defense in emergencies.
The fire fighting squad members should be
trained on handling hazards that arise
during the emergency such as chemical
hazards, spills, explosion ,etc.
The first aid team members should be well
trained on handling any injured worker, and
to provide an early medical treatment.

Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans

c) Assignments and
responsibilities.
Every person who will be involved in responding

to a given emergency should know his or her

assignment. Each persons responsibilities
should be clearly spelled out and understood.
One person may be responsible for conducting
an evacuation of the affected area, another for
the immediate shutdown of all equipment, and
another for telephoning for medical, fire, or
other types of emergency assistance.
When developing this part of the EAP , it is
important to assign a backup person for each
area of responsibility.

d) Accident Prevention Strategies

These strategies are suppose to be
implemented and to be monitored on day by
days basis to prevent the outbreak of
emergencies.

e) Schedules and Trainings

All plans, procedures should be evaluated
and tested for practicability.
Fire drill trainings and emergency simulation
trainings must be carried once in two years of
periodically to train the employees so as to
remain active and aware of the emergency
respond procedures and plan.

f ) Means of escape
Once fire is out of control, the first important step
to do is the prompt evacuation of all personnel to a
safe place.
Every exit must be clearly visible, so that every
occupant of the building will readily know the
direction of escape from any point.
The management must ensure all exits and egress
are not blocked at all times.

g ) Recovery and
Evaluation

An emergency plans should include

emergency procedures after the emergency
situation has been put under control, such as
cleaning up, safe storage and disposal of
contaminated or burnt substances.
Post mortem shall need to be carried out to
review emergency plan, coordination, and its
overall effectiveness.
Records shall need to be kept for review and
future tracking.

Emergency planning checklist

Example: Fire Emergency procedures

a) If you discover a fire:
i.
ii.
iii.

iv.

Active the nearest fire alarm

Notify your supervisor or nearest superior
Notify the safety and health coordinator,
or security or safety officer: give the
location, nature of fire, your name,
department.
Identify and authorized staff to notify the
fire services and Rescue Department or
Police.

Cont..
b) Fight the fire ONLY if:
i.
ii.

iii.

iv.

The fire is small and confined in origin

You have a way out and can fight the fire
with your back to exit.
You have access and able to use the fire
extinguisher and it is in good working
order.
If you are not able to arrest the fire, then
leave the area.

Cont..
C ) If your hear a fire alarm :
i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

Seek confirmation from the superior and

wait for instructions.
Evacuate the area. Close window turn of
gas valves, electrical points switch off
machines
Leaves the building and move towards the
exist/ stair cases (NO LIFTS)
Evacuate orderly, walk briskly and do not
run or push

Cont..
v.

vi.

vii.

Assemble in the designated area, open

space such as car park, road
Report to the assembly controller on total
number of personnel and any missing
person
Remain until further notice or instruction
form the authorities that indicated it is
safe to re-enter.

Questions ?