Class Notes: Chapter 15 - Prevent Accidents and

Emergencies
I. Definitions of Accidents and Emergencies

1. Accident: An unplanned, uncontrolled, or unforeseen event resulting in injury or

harm to people and/or damages to goods. Examples include a person falling down and
getting injured or a glassware item breaking.
2. Emergency: A serious or crisis situation that needs immediate attention and action.
Emergencies can be natural (e.g., floods, earthquakes, hurricanes) or man-made (e.g.,
fire, explosions, toxic gas releases, chemical spills, sudden illness, or civil disturbances).

II. Guidelines for Handling Accidents and Emergencies

Organisations should have procedures for handling and reporting accidents and emergencies.

1. Notice and Correctly Identify: Be aware of what constitutes an emergency versus an

accident, following the organisation's policies.
2. Get Help Promptly: Act according to guidelines. Provide required help and support as
laid down in policies. Do not act outside the guidelines for your role.
3. Prevent Further Injury: If someone is injured, do not act according to impulse or gut
feeling; stay calm and follow the prescribed procedures.
4. Act within Limits of Authority: Provide help only within authorised limits. Provide
medical help only if you are certified; otherwise, wait for professionals.
5. Follow Instructions: Promptly follow instructions given by senior staff (who are trained
to handle such situations) and Emergency Services.

III. Common Types of Accidents

Accidents commonly occurring in organisations include:

 Trip and Fall: Caused by loose material (e.g., loose wires, goods on aisles, elevated
thresholds).
 Slip and Fall: Mainly due to wet floors, spilling of liquids, or throwing other slip-
causing material on floors. Also caused by broken or uneven walking surfaces (e.g., loose
floor tile). Signs like “wet floor” or “watch your steps” prevent these.
 Injuries due to Escalators or Elevators: Can happen due to falling down, sudden
jerking movements, tripping on the threshold, or getting stuck, resulting in panic and
trauma.
 Accidents due to Falling of Goods: Occurs if goods have been piled improperly or kept
inappropriately on shelves or wall hangings.
 Accidents due to Moving Objects: Caused by objects like trolleys, improperly kept
props, or loosely plugged-in lighting fixtures (which can cause electric shocks).

IV. Handling Accidents (Response)

In case of injury to a colleague:

1. Attend to the Injured Person Immediately: Ensure the injured person receives first aid
or medical help at the earliest, depending on the seriousness of the injury.
2. Inform your Supervisor: Give details about the probable cause of the accident and a
description of the injury.
3. Assist your Supervisor: Help investigate the actual cause and take appropriate actions to
prevent similar occurrences in the future.

V. Emergency Handling Procedures (General)

 First Aid: Should be quickly accessible to employees.

 Electrical Safety: Employees must be instructed to keep water and food items away
from electrical equipment. Electrical staff should carry out routine inspections of all
wiring.
 Emergency Contact List: Keep a list of numbers (e.g., police, fire brigade, security,
ambulance) readily available.
 Exits: Ensure emergency exits are not obstructed and keys are easily accessible.

VI. Evacuation Procedures

1. Coordinator: Employees must know who the coordinator or authority is to make

decisions during emergencies.
2. Movement: Leave the premises immediately, moving towards the nearest emergency
exit. Guide customers and assist persons with disabilities.
3. Belongings: You may carry hand-held belongings, but do not come back to pick up
belongings unless the area is declared safe.
4. Transport: Do not use the escalators or elevators (lifts) to avoid overcrowding or
getting trapped (in case of power failure). Use the stairs instead.
5. Assembly: Go to the emergency assembly area. Check for missing colleagues and
inform the person concerned.

VII. Fire Hazards and Prevention

The three main types of fire hazards in most facilities are electrical hazards, combustible
materials, and flammable materials.

A. Fire Prevention Steps

 All employees must know where the fire extinguishers are located, and how to
properly use them.
 Never block access to Exits, fire extinguishers, electric switches and panels.
 Do not block or stack material against doors.
 Do not use flammable material near electrical equipment.
 Ensure all equipment is properly grounded.
 Fire extinguishers must be inspected regularly.
  No flammable material are to be placed around an exit doorway.

B. Fire Classification (Materials)

Classification Material Description Examples

Class A Materials that continue to burn once exposed to a
Wood, cloth, and paper.
Material heat source.
Class B Liquid, grease, and gas materials that burn when
Liquid, grease, and gas.
Material exposed to ignition sources.
Class C Electrical materials and
Electrical materials and equipment.
Material equipment.
Class D Materials that are volatile and able to quickly Magnesium, potassium,
Material ignite. and sodium.

C. Fire Extinguisher Operation (P.A.S.S. Method)

1. Identify: Identify the safety pin/break the seal.

2. Pull: Pull the safety pin from the handle.
3. Squeeze: Use the fire extinguisher by squeezing the lever.
4. Sweep: Sweep it from side to side.

VIII. Electrical Emergencies and First Aid

Electrical Rescue Techniques

1. Approaching the Accident: Never rush into an accident situation. Call 108 as soon as
possible. Approach the place cautiously.
2. Examining the Scene: Visually examine victims to see if they are in contact with
energised conductors. Do not touch the victim or conductive surfaces while they are
energised.
3. Hazards and Solutions: Switch off electrical circuits if possible. Ensure your hands and
feet are dry. Wear protective equipment (gloves, shoes). Use non-conductive material to
remove a victim from the conductor.

First Aid

 A victim may require Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

 If the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat, give first aid for injuries and treat for
shock.
 Ensure the victim gets medical care as soon as possible.

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20 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which of the following steps is necessary for operating a fire extinguisher? (a) Identify
the safety pin (b) Break the seal and pull the safety pin (c) Use the fire extinguisher by
squeezing the lever (d) All of the above Answer: (d)
2. Which of the following is an example of an ignition source of open flames? (a) Gas ovens
(b) Lighters in smoking areas (c) Welding torches (d) All of the above Answer: (d)
3. In fire classification, all liquid, grease, and gas material comes under: (a) Class A
material (b) Class B material (c) Class C material (d) Class D material Answer: (b)
4. In fire classification, materials like magnesium, potassium, and sodium come under: (a)
Class A material (b) Class B material (c) Class C material (d) Class D material Answer:
(d)
5. In fire classification, materials like wood, cloth, and paper come under: (a) Class A
material (b) Class B material (c) Class C material (d) Class D material Answer: (a)
6. In fire classification, electrical material and equipment come under: (a) Class A material
(b) Class B material (c) Class C material (d) Class D material Answer: (c)
7. When do we use a fire extinguisher? (a) In case of flood (b) In case of electric shock (c)
In case of fire (d) In case of burn injury Answer: (c)
8. What is the best course of action to take during a medical emergency? (a) Begin first aid
immediately (b) Activate the emergency plan for reporting injuries (c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Notify the person's family about the situation Answer: (c)
9. Which materials are classified as volatile and able to quickly ignite? (a) Class A material
(b) Class B material (c) Class C material (d) Class D material Answer: (d)
10. Which type of material is suitable for extinguishing Class D fires? (a) Water (b)
Mechanical foam (c) Dry chemical powder (d) Carbon dioxide Answer: (c)
11. An unplanned, uncontrolled, or unforeseen event resulting in injury or damage is called
an: (a) Crisis (b) Accident (c) Emergency (d) Hazard Answer: (b)
12. A serious or crisis situation that needs immediate attention and action is called an: (a)
Accident (b) Conflict (c) Emergency (d) Trauma Answer: (c)
13. Accidents caused by goods falling from shelves are typically the result of: (a) Moving
objects (b) Electrical hazards (c) Improper piling or storage (d) Elevated thresholds
Answer: (c)
14. If an employee is injured, what should you primarily inform your supervisor about? (a)
The cost of the damages (b) The probable cause of the accident and description of the
injury (c) The location of the nearest exit (d) The identity of the non-conductive material
used Answer: (b)
15. What should you use to assist a victim away from an electrical conductor if the power
cannot be switched off? (a) Metal rod (b) A wet cloth (c) Non-conductive material (d)
Your bare hands Answer: (c)
16. What must be checked regularly for proper and safe functioning concerning vertical
transportation? (a) Fire alarms (b) Escalators and elevators (c) Exit signs (d) Assembly
areas Answer: (b)
17. During an emergency evacuation, employees should use the stairs instead of
escalators/lifts to avoid: (a) Overcrowding (b) Getting trapped due to power failure (c)
Injury from sudden jerking movement (d) All of the above Answer: (d)
 18. What is the material classification for electrical materials and equipment that presents a
serious risk of arc flash? (a) Class A (b) Class B (c) Class C (d) Class D Answer: (c)
19. When handling an injured person, you should follow the procedure laid down by your
organisation's policy because: (a) Only trained and certified professionals are authorized
to take decisions beyond policy. (b) Acting outside guidelines, even with good intentions,
is prohibited. (c) Acting according to impulse might cause further injury. (d) All of the
above. Answer: (d)
20. When preparing to administer first aid to an electrical shock victim, you must ensure: (a)
The victim is breathing normally. (b) You have called 999. (c) Your hands and feet are
dry. (d) You have informed the security department. Answer: (c)

10 Short Type Questions (with Answers)

1. Define a workplace emergency and give two examples. Answer: An emergency is a
serious or crisis situation that needs immediate attention and action. Examples of
emergencies include natural events such as earthquakes or man-made events such as fire,
explosions, or sudden illness.
2. What action should you take if you notice a sign of malfunctioning escalators or
elevators in your organisation? Answer: If you notice any sign of malfunctioning
escalators or elevators, you must immediately inform the right people or department. If
the organisation's procedures for checking and maintaining these are not being followed,
you should escalate to appropriate authorities.
3. What three pieces of information must you provide when informing your supervisor
about an accident involving a colleague? Answer: When informing a supervisor, you
must give details about the probable cause of the accident and a description of the
injury. You must also attend to the injured person immediately, ensuring they receive
first aid or medical help.
4. List three crucial actions to avoid performing during an emergency evacuation.
Answer: During an emergency evacuation, employees should not:
1. Come back to pick up belongings unless the area is declared safe.
2. Use the escalators or elevators (lifts), as this avoids overcrowding or getting
trapped in case of power failure.
3. Act outside the limits of their responsibility or authority.
5. According to safety guidelines, what general precautions should be observed
regarding electrical equipment and water? Answer: Employees must be instructed
about electrical safety, such as keeping water and food items away from electrical
equipment. You should never touch or try repairing any electrical equipment or circuits
with wet hands, as water increases the electrical conductivity of the body.
6. What is the primary objective of an emergency action plan? Answer: The primary
objective of a well thought-out emergency action plan is to guide the employees in the
event of an emergency to protect themselves and the organisation.
7. Identify the four classes of fire material (A, B, C, D) based on the substance
involved. Answer: The four classes of fire material are:
1. Class A Material: materials such as wood, cloth, and paper.
 2. Class B Material: all liquid, grease, and gas materials.
3. Class C Material: electrical materials and equipment.
4. Class D Material: volatile materials such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
8. Describe the basic steps for operating a fire extinguisher. Answer: The operation of a
fire extinguisher involves identifying the safety pin, breaking the seal, pulling the safety
pin from the handle, using the extinguisher by squeezing the lever, and then sweeping it
from side to side.
9. When approaching an electrical accident victim, what is the crucial instruction
regarding contact? Answer: When approaching an electrical accident scene, you must
visually examine the victims to determine if they are in contact with energised
conductors. Crucially, you must not touch the victim or conductive surfaces while they
are energised.
10. Name three common ignition sources that can cause fire hazards in a workplace.
Answer: Examples of ignition sources include:
1. Open flames (such as gas ovens, lighters, and welding torches).
2. Sparks (from wood or metal saws and other types of equipment).
3. Heat sources (such as combustion engines, space heaters, ovens, and machines
that produce heat during operation).