Evacuation Plan for Workplace Emergencies in Australia

Safety does come first, especially if the people in question are your employees! Times are changing fast, and anyone who has owned a company knows too well the importance of assuring a healthy and safe environment for the staff. Whether commercial or private, every building or facility requires a set of emergency evacuation procedures that can be detrimental when it comes to the difference between life and death. Not to mention, the loss of property and financial ruin that a fire-like situation can bring forth!

So, why does your business require a fire evacuation plan?

The term “human error” is apt when it comes to disasters! A fire hazard, a chemical spillage, a biological accident, is often caused by negligence or simply put, a human error. Often, the human error is due to long-term negligence of safety procedures by the facility managers, resulting in technical glitch in the equipment. For example, a fire alarm or an extinguisher must be checked weekly so that it is in working condition at all times. Weekly or monthly record-keeping and maintenance is crucial, and an important part of an EAP. 

So, what is an EAP or emergency action plan?

An Emergency Action Plan or EAP is designed in such a way that it lays down the actionable emergency evacuation procedures that can limit the destruction caused by a chemical hazard, a fire accident, or a natural disaster like a flood or an earthquake. 

Key components of an EAP are as follows:

• Risk assessment of the building based on environmental and other factors
• Setting the protocol for evacuation procedures for all employees
• Assigning key responsibilities and roles to staff in case of an emergency
• Training employees for all categories of emergencies; human error, or natural
• Notification to emergency response services for assistance
• A clear chain of command that notifies all the staff members promptly and well in time
• Giving basic first aid training to select staff members in case of absence of a medical professional

Anyone who has been through a fire situation or any other kind of emergency might be aware of the damage that a disorganized evacuation can cause. Damage to life or property is a result of a haphazard response. So, while developing a plan, a company must look at both the emergency response side as well as the prevention side.

A balanced EAP must give due consideration to measures that can prevent an accident in the first place. All corporate offices and buildings have a clear set of procedures that allow them to keep a routine check on preventive measures. All they need to do is to follow the procedures to the letter of the spirit. Nothing should be left to last-minute decision-making or leaving it to chance. Cost of human life is more valuable than any such chaotic last-minute mistakes!

So, what can a company do to prevent an emergency in the first place? 

• Clear and written instructions on the role of every individual when it comes to an EAP
• Hiring a fire warden who is skilled to handle a team
• Getting the warden and other staff members trained in emergency response training procedures and other safety-related courses
• Creating an urgent action team that can follow the protocol that ensures that all employees and staff members are evacuated
• Make sure that the exit doors have huge illuminated signs and are obstruction-free at all times
• Regular testing of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
• Wardens must be made familiar with people with disabilities as they may require special help during an emergency, for example, a wheelchair.
• Conducting mock evacuation drills once or twice a year to check the practical application of the emergency evacuation plan

Regular emergency response training for staff members is critical. The training helps the staff to give an adequate and well-informed decision in case of an emergency. Every organization has its protocol that can set the tone for dos and don’ts during an accident. Trained personnel is empowered to use the equipment with full confidence and knowledge, if the need may arise. Any ill-advised step might do more harm than good if the person doesn’t know how to use the safety equipment effectively. Training the team and the fire warden is a long-term investment that comes handy and cost-effective when one compares it to the financial loss that an accident can bring forth. 

When it comes to following procedures as laid down by the Australian Standards 3745-2010, compliance is important for a business, especially if it is a startup. Strict compliance with all legalities showcases corporate responsibility. It also assures high standards in health and safety of staff. Most employees serve a good 9-12 working hours in their workspace. It is the responsibility of the organization to take care of their health and safety needs as one would do for a loved one at their homes.