EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
CRITERIA TO BE INCLUDED IN THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
Emergency lighting
Pollution prevention: Air, Ground & Water
Possible hazards in the work area.
Electrical switch gear and firefighting equipment – colour code.
The name of the responsible person and an emergency telephone number for all storage
areas.
Possible medical treatment for exposure to hazardous waste
Overhead crane’s emergency escape routes.
Emergency procedures in case of fire or electric shock at a substation.
Fire extinguishing equipment locations. (Plot plan)
Location / contact detail for emergency / standby firefighting equipment / services if
required.
Location of emergency exits (plot plan)
Location of alarm systems and emergency assembly points (Plot plan).
Standby firefighting units / services are available in case of replacement / emergency.
Flammable and explosive material storage areas Locations (Plot plan)
Procedures in case of a bomb scare
Location of emergency equipment, to control environmental emergencies (spillage etc…).
All emergency escape routes for handicapped people where applicable.
Local ambulance services and hospital / clinic telephone numbers.
Emergency services are informed of planned high-risk tasks to ensure quick response if
necessary.
Standby persons and all site personnel duties during an emergency are clearly described.
EMERGENCY / CONTINGENCY PLANNING 1 - GENERAL PLANNING
Whatever The Emergency, Some Elements of Planning Will Be Common to All.
1. Display of essential telephone numbers.
2. An alarm system in our case an air horn.
3. Firefighting team to be trained in-house.
4. First aid facilities.
5. Evacuation - plan emergency exit routes and advise all personnel roll call for completeness of
evacuation.
6. Notification to police and other authorities.
7. Notification to managing director - once the emergency is over.
8. Dispersal of vehicles to a safe place. Employee’s vehicles and work-related vehicles.
9. Contact with vehicles outside work area, not to return until further notice.
10. Closing of doors, windows, etc.
11. Control access.
12. Use of firearms legal powers.
13. Co-operation and liaison with neighbouring companies.
14. Plants to be reviewed and modified at regular intervals. (In this case it will be reviewed once a year)
2 - FIRE
1. All windows and doors must be closed.
2. All personal belongings must be taken with.
3. All employees / visitors to move in a neat and orderly way, to the assembly point indicated to them.
4. All office employees will be responsible for the visitor with him / her.
5. All workshop staff / foreman will be responsible for the visitors with them.
6. All to follow the employees and report to assembly point.
7. At the assembly point, the appointed fire coordinator(s) will have roll call.
8. Please remember to move as calmly as possible to the assembly point.
9. Remember, you are responsible for yourself and your co-workers.
10. Stay one side, and make sure that there enough space for the emergency and rescue workers / teams
to get pass you.
11. If the fire is in a beginning stage, try and extinguish it by yourself.
12. If the fire gets out of control, contact the fire department immediately!!!
3 - BOMB THREAT
1. In the case of a bomb threat, make sure that all the windows and doors are open.
2. Take all your personal belongings, like briefcases, handbags and lunches with you.
3. This could make the task for the dogs easier.
4. Also, employees, who have got a visitor with him / her, are responsible for them.
5. All personnel must evacuate in a neat and orderly fashion.
6. Remember that panic could cause you to lose your life and that of your visitor(s), or even your
fellow workers.
7. All employees / visitors must gather at the indicated location.
8. The fire coordinator/or persons appointed will take roll call here.
9. Remember that all disabled persons will come in last and go out first.
10. After roll call is finished workforce must be informed which vehicle and how they will be
transported from site.
11. All personal must be evacuated in one trip.
4 - CIVIL UNREST
4.1. Predicted Disturbance: Where Trouble Can Reliably Be Anticipated In the Areas of Our
Premises
1. Check with police for current information.
2. Notify your head office.
3. Review your emergency plan and check that operations are complete.
4. Check firefighting equipment is serviceable and in place, firefighting teams are available and first
aid facilities at hand.
5. Deposit any cash and valuables at a bank if this can be done safely.
6. Decide whether company vehicles and staff should continue to operate in sensitive areas.
4.2. Disturbance in the Area: Where Trouble Is Occurring in The General Area of Your Premises
as Above as Well as:
1. Decide whether or not to send non-essential staff home, all woman to be evacuated from site.
2. Nominate selected personnel to complement security staff.
3. Divert returning company vehicles to a safe place or brief them to avoid the troubled area.
4. Move company vehicles, whether loaded or empty to safer areas.
5. Prevent vehicle movements to or through troubles areas.
6. Close all except essential perimeter gates and doors and place guards, if possible, on essential gates.
7. Man, observation points.
4.3. Disturbance in the Immediate Vicinity: Where Trouble Is in Progress at or Adjacent to Your
Premises as Above Plus
1. Notify the police.
2. Keep switchboard clear of non-essential calls.
3. Close all gates and doors.
4. Deposit all cash, valuables and essential documents in safes and strong rooms.
5. Protect vulnerable perimeter windows and apertures - metal desks turned on their sides, filing
cabinets etc. can be used.
6. Direct staff not required for immediate duties to the safest place possible - safer together than
individually; do not permit them near windows - danger of broken glass.
5. GENERAL
As A Note of Warning, The Following is Added:
“However, it must be stressed that where employees have set up their own
protection force, the employer may hold vicariously responsible for the acts of his
employees.
It is important to note that where a person uses justifiable force to repel, attack or defend him
or property, and causes injury to another or damage to property, no claims for damages arises.
Where unjustifiable force is used both employer and employees could be held liable for damages.”
“Finally, where premises are patrolled or fire-fighting duties are likely to be undertaken by
employees, any injuries sustained would generally be covered in terms of the WCA / FEM, provided
that such work is done in terms of a contract of service or on the employer’s lawful instructions in
the interest of business.
It is prudent therefore, for employees to incorporate a clause in the contract of service, to the effect
that workmen may be required to perform such duties as and when called upon to do so.”
SUSPENSION TRAUMA RESCUE 1. PURPOSE
To expedite the response to an incident requiring rope rescue skills and equipment to perform the
rescue with the minimum risk to the rescuers and the fallen person. This may be either a high-angle
or a low angle rescue.
2. AUTHORITIES
The rescue function is within the jurisdiction of the safety department. Rope rescue techniques
require proper training, specialised equipment and techniques, and the ability to work as a team.
The emergency rescue team is a unit of the fire department that trains regularly and is equipped to
provide state of the art response to rope rescue incidents.
3. EMERGENCIES
An emergency response requiring the technical rope rescue skills requires immediate response by
rescue personnel because of travel times, life threatening injuries possibly received by the fallen
person, and the lack of medical and physical stability common to high rescue situations.
4. NOTIFICATIONS
The emergency rescue team is called out by radio or phone. Any safety representative or Officer
may request the team to be called out. The call should advise that it is a high rescue, the exact
location, and whom to report to on site after arrival.
5. STANDARD PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENTS
5.1 Incident Commander
a) Team Leader with overall command of the operation
b) Interface with other agencies to provide resource support to the incident.
c) Represents the team in a united incident command
5.2 Operations Section Chief
Responsible for strategy and tactical application of incident resources
5.3 Rescue Co-ordinator
a) Coordinates medics, Team 2 and other personnel involved in the location, access, stabilisation
and transport of the victim/fallen person.
b) Responsible for on scene safety if there is no other safety Officer assigned.
5.4 Medic
a) Responsible for medical care of the fallen person b) Assists paramedic or other
higher medical authority
5.5 Rescue Team
a) Primary team for setting Rigging to assists medics in assessing the fallen person’s condition.
b) Manages system for access transportation
5.6 Edge man
A member of team 2 is responsible for placing edge protection and assisting stretcher tender at the
edge.
5.7 Air Operation Branch Director
a) Assign where ever a Helicopter is involved in the rescue
b) Responsible for ground to air communication
5.8 Safety Officer
a) Assigned only if there are sufficient personnel b) Responsible on the scene safety 6.
Order of Rescue
Because of the high risk involved in suspension rescue trauma, the method of rescue offering the
lowest form of risk to the rescuers will be used. The following methods are enlisted in increasing
order of risk. Factors influencing the selection include patient’s condition, rigging time, available
manpower and available equipment, and also equally important are terrain conditions.
6.1 Walk 6.2 Walk or climb with a belay or hand line
6.3 Rappel or lower with belay or hand line 6.4 Pick off with an independent belay 6.5
Pick off with a bottom belay or Prussic belay 6.6 Fallen person lowered with belay
6.7 Rescuer and Patient lowered with belay 6.8 Stretcher evacuations
7. SAFETY
All personnel participating should have the proper equipment and training for their assignment. The
Rescue Coordinator acts as the Safety Officer if there are not available personnel to assign a separate
person for this role.
8. RESPONSE PRIORITIES
The priority is to locate and access and stabilise the patient medically, physically and emotionally
in the minimum amount of time with the minimum risk, first rescuers then to the patient. Once this
is done, the patient is longer at immediate risk and the personnel on scene are in position to gather
the information needed to develop and carry out a transportation plan.
9. PROCEDURES
For most operations the incident commander will act as the operations section chief at the start of
the operation. If the operation becomes more complex, the two positions should be split up.
The Operation Chief selects the Rescue Co-ordinator. Co-ordinator assigns the medics (medic 1,
medic 2) and rescue team 2. Usually, two medics will be assigned depending on the manpower and
availability. Rescue team 2 will have a Leader and as many personnel as manpower and
transportation allows. Team 2 will assign the Edge man. If manpower permits, an assist edge man
can be assigned.
All personnel depart ton the scene as possible route, the coordinator develops a checklist of actions
that will take place when the initial personnel arrive at the scene. This includes size up, briefing by
other agencies involved in the rescue, setting systems to allow the medics to access the patient, and
getting equipment ready. As appropriate the coordinator should establish radio communication with
any unit on the scene or command.
Arriving on the scene the coordinator sizes up the situation and gets a briefing from any command
personnel already on the scene. Medics prepare to access the patient with all medical and rope
equipment they expect to need to stabilise the patient physically, emotionally and medically. Team
2 provide whatever access support the medics might need.
When Operations Chief arrives on the scene, he checks in with any other incident commander. At
the appropriate time, the coordinator briefs the Operations Chief. Additional personnel are assigned
as needed. Operations provide resource support to Coordinator, coordinates the contact with outside
agencies, and manage documentation of the incident.
At the end of the incident, the incident Commander debriefs the team, asking “Any injuries to
personnel, any equipment problems, anything that must be dealt with before the next response?” If
not, the team pack up and review the rescue.
Compiled by: ……………………………. Date: ……………………………
Approved by: ……………………………. Date: ……………………………
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES CONTROL CLASSIFICATION, PPE AND PROCEDURES
1. RISK SEVERITY CLASSIFICATION
All substances should be classified according to the severity of the risk they pose.
The three categories in which all substances should be classified are:
A – HIGH RISK B – MODERATE RISK C – LOW RISK
IMPORTANT
It must always be remembered that even if a substance may have a low or moderate risk severity
classification for a specific type of hazard it may have a high-risk severity classification for another
type of risk, e.g. Arsenic may have a low classification as a fire hazard ©, but it has a high (A)
severity classification as a toxic substance.
Any substance must always be given the highest risk severity classification it obtains for any given
type of hazard.
2. HAZARD CLASSIFICATION.
2.1 Explosive substances.
Substances that can explode due to heat, flame, other sources of ignition, or are sensitive to shock
or friction. (For example, dinitrobenzene, often supplied wet, and becoming dangerous on drying.)
Some substances form very sensitive explosive salts by contact with metals.
2.2 Oxidising substances.
Oxidising substances that produce much heat when in contact with other substances, particularly
with inflammable substances, should be stored away from organic materials and reducing agents.
2.3 Flammable substances.
• That can ignite spontaneously in air during storage, should be stored away from other
inflammable substances.
• Highly inflammable solids.
• Substances that react with water, or damp, to produce dangerous quantities of highly
inflammable gas.
• Highly inflammable gasses or liquids with flash points below 93°C.
2.4 Corrosive substances
Corrosives are substances that can destroy living tissues. Protection of skin and eyes is essential.
Most corrosive substances can do damage within a few seconds, so speedy irrigation or flushing
facilities must be available. If swallowed, give plenty of water to drink immediately. Some
corrosive substances react violently with water, and some react with certain metals to produce
highly inflammable gasses.
2.5 Poisons
These toxins can cause death or serious illness, even if only small amounts enter the body. Danger
can be from swallowing, inhalation of vapours, fumes, spray or dust and in many cases skin contact.
Some have cumulative effects, so that repeated slight exposure can be dangerous. Hygiene must be
strict, and any contamination of persons or clothing must be dealt with promptly. In the case of skin
contact with organic poisons, do not wash the skin with common solvents or with hot water.
2.6 Harmful or irritant substances.
Harmful substances that can cause minor illness, by accidental swallowing, inhalation or skin
contact. Irritant substances, sold, liquid, dust, spray or vapour, which can cause inflammation of
skin or mucous membranes, or irritation of the respiratory system. Aerosols are to be stored in a
flammable liquid store, and only the quantity required for immediate use, is to be drawn from the
store. Empty aerosol containers are to be disposed of immediately in flammable material disposal
bins, if available. Empty aerosol cans should not be punctured or incinerated.
Ionising radiation substances
These substances can cause death or serious illness. Danger can be from swallowing, inhalation of
dust and in many cases near proximity without the necessary protective clothing. One or a
combination of the following factors can achieve protection from ionising radiation:
1. Distance from source.
2. Time of Exposure.
3. Isolation of the source with a suitable material e.g., lead.
Radioactive material must be licensed with the Nuclear Energy Corporation. All conditions of the
licence must be complied with at all times.
Only trained authorised persons may handle radio-active substances. Specific instructions
regarding purchase, handling, storage and disposal of radio-active substances must be adhered to at
all times.
3. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
All safety equipment must comply with SABS standards and must be approved by the person
responsible for Occupational Health and Safety.
3.1 Eye and Face Protection. Chemical
glasses
Fog-free, acid resistant goggles, with approved impact resistant glass or plastic lenses, should be
worn whenever there is danger of any chemical coming into contact with eyes. Goggles should be
carefully fitted by adjusting the nose piece and headband to ensure maximum protection and
comfort.
Spectacle type safety glasses
Plastic or metal frame safety spectacles with safety lenses may be worn under plastic chemical
goggles, but should not be used on their own for protection from hazardous chemicals.
Face Shields
Non-flammable plastic shields (full length 200 mm minimum), with forehead protection, may be
worn instead of, or in addition to, chemical safety goggles when complete face protection is
desirable. Chemical safety goggles should always be worn as added protection when there is danger
of material striking the eyes from below or around the sides of the face shield.
Respiratory protection.
Respiratory hazards vary according to the type of chemical. In every instance the appropriate hazard
sheet should be consulted. Air or oxygen supplied masks should be worn for protection when an
oxygen deficiency exists (less than 21 % oxygen by volume), and should also be used when there is
a concentration of harmful gas, above 1 % in volume, encountered in rescue work or similar
emergency, e.g., when the vapour concentration of irritants, such as ammonia, is not definitely
known. Only masks approved for this purpose should be used. The manufacturers’ instructions
must be careful followed. The approval for the use of this is initiated through Risk Control.
Foot Protection
Steel, toe-capped boots or gumboots should be worn when indicated. Where boots have to be worn,
trouser legs should be worn over the boots.
Body Protection
Aprons made of a suitable protective material, should be used for protection against accidental
contact with harmful chemicals, when indicated.
Note: Full length, cotton overalls are recommended for general use.
3.2 Arm and Hand Protection
Gloves of a suitable protective material should be used to protect hands when indicated. When
protective sleeves are indicated, they should be made of a suitable protective material and these
should be worn outside the gloves.
3.3 Eye Wash facilities
Special eye washes are available in each area where dangerous chemicals are used in large quantities
as well as the magazine. These are to be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in working
condition. The results are to be recorded in an appropriate register.
3.4 Washing Facilities
Adequate washing facilities should be conveniently located for the use of employees before eating,
smoking or leaving their work areas.
It is recommended that employee’s shower before leaving the premises. Locker facilities must be
provided for a complete change of clothes.
For personal protection, it is necessary that strict, each employee observes personal hygiene
measures, especially when handling toxic chemicals.
4. STORAGE OF CHEMICALS
The material safety data sheet (MSDS) will specify storage instructions for specific hazardous
chemicals. It should be noted that special chemical, gas bottles, flammable liquid and oil stores are
called for in many instances. The detail of these can be obtained from the Health and Safety
Programme co-ordinator.
The definition of order (everything in its place and a place for everything, always) should be applied
to the use and storage of chemicals. The quantity of a chemical drawn out of the store should be
enough for only one day’s usage; if there is any excess it should be returned to the store. Care
should be taken to ensure no dangerous chemicals are left unattended. Strict hygiene should be
exercised when any chemicals are in use. Eating, drinking or smoking should not take place unless
the hands have been washed and there is no risk of contamination of the food or lungs by chemicals
in use.
5. TREATMENT
It is imperative that your reaction to a case of exposure is correct. Prompt and correct treatment can
save lives – maybe even your own one day – so become familiar with what you should do. If you
have the slightest doubt when treating a patient suffering from exposure, contact a nurse/doctor
immediately for advice. REMEMBER: if the patient stops breathing, give artificial respiration
immediately and, if the patient’s heart stops, render CPR immediately. If you contact medical
personnel for assistance, ensure that you have supplied all the information necessary and that no
further details are required. In case of corrosives and volatile liquids, vomiting should not be
induced, and if the patient vomits, his/her head should be lower than the knees to stop him/her
inhaling the vomit. If unconscious the patient should be put in the recovery position. Breathing and
heart function should be monitored (to prevent the patient dying without your knowledge.) When
using chemicals, any skin rashes noticed, should be reported for treatment.
6. FIRES
Fires are to be extinguished as prescribed in the MSDS for the specific Hazardous Chemical
substance. Should the fire become a risk to life or health, all personnel are to be evacuated to a safe
emergency assembly point.
The fire co-ordinator should be contacted and notified of the situation. He/she will summon the fire
department or fire team (depending where the fire is) to extinguish the fire. All doors and windows
should be closed in the case of office and workshop fires.
7. SPILLAGE
As the quantities of most of the products that we use on the premises are small, a majority of
spillages require no more attention than: 7.1 Being contained and absorbed in sand
In the event of a large spill e.g., a drum of oil being torn open; follow the procedure for large spills
immediately. The action to be taken when any spillage occurs is found in the MSDS. In the event
of stone dust, sand or booms being used to contain spills, the contaminated material should be placed
in the Hazardous chemical disposal bin, which will be disposed of as prescribed by the Health and
Safety Programme Co-ordinator. Spillage kit must be available on site
8. GAS CYLINDERS
All gas cylinders should be handled with care and stored as laid out in standard 2.16. The cylinders
should be checked for leaks and any leaking equipment should be taken out of use immediately and
stored safely. If the spindle valve leaks or cannot be shut off properly, the cylinders should be
removed from service and placed in a\ well-ventilated area to be returned to the manufacturer. In
the event of a flammable gas cylinder catching fire, one should attempt to close the spindle valve.
In the event of a fire in the vicinity of gas cylinders, the fire co-ordinator should be informed
immediately and all personnel must be evacuated until risk of explosion is nil.
TASK LIST – EMERGENCIES
EMERGENCY CO-ORDINATOR
1. Ensure Fire Station / ERT (Cell: 0976020002) and Works Emergency Co-ordinator have been
notified.
2. Ensure communication (Radio/Cell Phone) with Fire Marshals is established. (Channel 4 on KCC
Radio)
3. Maximum contact with Fire Marshals to determine any injuries, workers unaccounted for, etc.
4. Monitor Roll Call actions and verify that manpower and visitors are all accounted for.
5. Maintain contact with Works Emergency Co-ordinator and inform him/her of any development on
site.
6. Monitor task lists to ensure all actions/steps are being followed.
7. Continually address persons at Assembly Point(s), giving feedback with regards to the situation, and
keep all employee’s calm.
8. Contact Fire Station and Works Emergency Co-ordinator to call off the Emergency at the end of the
situation.
9. Once emergency is called off, thank everyone for their participation and encourage feedback and
suggestions.
FIRE MARSHALS
1. Confirm nature of emergency with Emergency Co-ordinator.
2. Give signal/order to evacuate site (ensure equipment is switched off).
3. Oversee evacuation to prevent people running and general panic.
4. Stay in contact with Emergency Co-ordinator and give feedback regarding the evacuation progress.
5. Oversee area for further danger or threats and report these to the Emergency Co-ordinator.
6. Report any injuries or locations of injured persons on site to the Emergency Co-ordinator.
7. Report to the Emergency Co-ordinator once your area/sector has been evacuated.
8. Once your area has been evacuated, report to the Assembly Point.
9. Assist with taking Roll Call and report to the Emergency Co-ordinator with your Roll Call lists as
soon as possible.
10. Checks the Visitor’s Register and confirm that all visitors have been accounted for.
11. Once you have handed your Roll Call lists to the Emergency Co-ordinator, use some of the people
at the Assembly Point to:
i. Ensure all sources of ignitions are stitched off
ii. There is no-one in the toilets, storerooms, tearoom, etc.
iii. Seal off doors and windows. iv. Make sure nobody is in any difficulty (e.g. Needs
water, needs to sit down, etc.).
FOREMAN/SUPERVISOR
1. Ensure you understand the evacuation instructions from the Fire-Marshals
2. Take charge of your team as soon as possible (preferably, accompany your team to the Assembly
Point if possible).
3. Do Roll Call of your team – use a Roll Call list.
4. Hand your Roll Call list to the Fire Marshal as soon as possible and inform him of any persons not
accounted for.
5. Keep your team together and help them remain calm.
6. If called upon by the Fire Marshal or Emergency Co-ordinator to assist with other tasks put a team
member in charge to take over from yourself before leaving your team.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
1 PROJECT DIRECTOR
2 PROJECT MANAGER
3 PRODUCTION MANAGER
4 SAFETY MANAGER
5 AMBULANCE/SITE EMERGENCY
6 FIRE BRIGADE
7 POLICE
8 HOSPITAL
9 SECURITY
10 ELECTRICITY
11 WATER
12 TRAFFIC
13 PROTECTION SERVICES
14 REFUSE