EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Contents

• PRIORITIES IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
• The "Emergency Control Organisation (ECO)" Personnel
• PROCEDURES IN CASE OF FIRE
• CHEMICAL SPILL PROCEDURE
• BOMB THREAT
• MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
• PROCEDURES IN CASE OF SUSPICIOUS POWDER
• STRANGER DANGER
• EVACUATION DRILLS
• HELP PREVENT EMERGENCIES
• MORE INFORMATION

As staff or a student of the School you are expected to :

• be familiar with the emergency procedures. There are specific emergency procedures for evacuation in the case of fire, chemical spill, powder and arising from a bomb threat-see below
• follow any directions given to you by a warden
• evacuate the building upon the alarm sounding (take keys and wallet with you) and congregate on the lawn at the front of the building.
• Do not lock the door to your office when you are present as it will prevent a warden checking if the area is vacant. You could be the person incapacitated.

PRIORITIES IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

In an emergency, there are four priorities which should be observed, particularly by those in the immediate vicinity.

• Protection of Life    Ensure that everyone in the vicinity is warned of any danger, and take action to guarantee your own and their safety.
• If safe to do so then attempt to Prevent Spread of Hazard, for example use spill kits or close doors to minimise release of the hazard into the environment (get a warden to help you).
• Save Assets    Remove valuable items and documents from the affected area. Otherwise lock drawers, cabinets, etc. to secure them.
• Eliminate the Hazard    Consider eliminating the hazard. If you are unsure then, leave this task to appropriately trained emergency services.

THE"EMERGENCY CONTROL ORGANISATION (ECO)" PERSONNEL ie FIRE WARDENS

The Emergency Control Organisation (ECO), otherwise known as Fire Wardens, are comprised from a group of your colleagues who are trained in the emergency procedures. In the case of an emergency, the ECO will follow these procedures.   

PROCEDURES IN CASE OF FIRE

• An ALERT tone (slow honk) will sound , this means prepare for evacuation- get your keys, wallet backups etc and standby for evacuation signal.   PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVERSE YOUR BIKE THROUGH THE BUILDING DURING AN EVACUATION.
• If you have discovered a fire , get someone's help to prevent anyone from entering the area. You (or someone you delegate) must telephone, the Fire Brigade on 0- 000 to inform them that there is a fire on the premises. This must be done even if the fire alarm is already ringing, as they need to be made aware that it is not a false alarm in order to send sufficient trucks to fight a fire. When on the telephone please specify the location of the building, ie Botany & Zoology Buildings (44 and 116), Daley Road, Australian National University, ACTON, Canberra ACT. Give the operator your name .    If the fire alarm has not yet sounded, then set it off by breaking one of the red break-glasses (located around the buildings).  Then contact the Chief Fire Warden or any other Warden (who will by now have gathered at the fire panel which is located in the main entrance to the Gould wing). They will then follow the appropriate procedures.
• The Chief Fire Warden will identify the location of the alarm and ask a Warden to check the zone. The Chief Fire Warden may make an announcement over the PA system, please follow any instructions given.
• EVACUATION. The siren will change to an EVACUATION alarm (escalating siren) after 2 minutes. Personnel must evacuate the premises by the nearest safe exit (do not use lifts) and convene on the congregation area-the lawn at the top side of the Banks Building.
• Your Fire Wardens will ensure the evacuation of their zone, ensure exits are manned (to maintain security), and then report to the Chief Fire Warden.
• If lectures or laboratories are being held, then the person conducting these shall conduct their students out the designated fire exit (if student classes downstairs then these should convene outside the lower level of the Banks wing, and send a representative up to the fire panel via an external route).
• Do not leave the assembly area without informing your zone warden - Emergency Services personnel will risk their lives if it is thought you are still in the building.
• Do not re-enter the building until told it is safe to do so by a warden or Fire Brigade Officer.
• If there is no sign of a fire the Fire Brigade will announce the All Clear and you will be able to re-enter the building.
• Note that failing to follow a direction of a Fire Officer is a criminal offence.

CHEMICAL SPILL PROCEDURE

1. Immediately

• NOTIFY all people in the vicinity of location and nature of spill -what are the dangers?   Eg is the chemical toxic/corrosive/fine powder/is there a danger of explosion or fire?
• Tell them to turn off any naked flames and turn ON any fume hoods.  
• Get them to help you/ get HTO .
• If necessary EVACUATE the immediate area

IF IN DOUBT - GET OUT

• SEND FOR HELP.    If there is immediate danger to people in other parts of the building (eg vapours through air-conditioning or risk of explosion) then break nearest emergency break glass.
• Remove any contaminated clothing, and any contamination from skin (wash with water only unless instructed otherwise by MSDS).
• NB The first priority is peoples' health and safety so only spend time controlling the spill if you are sure that you are in no danger.
• If Safe to do so then throw absorbent material (from Liquid Spill Kit) onto spill to prevent further spread. 1 pad/200mL liquid, 1 dyke/5L
• Use other peoples help to evacuate vicinity and prevent anyone from entering area.
• Establish communication with Garry x 53068/ Madeleine x 52866

     tell them  

• location of spill,
•  quantity of spill
•  type of accident,
•  chemical involved,
•  hazards of chemical-flammability, toxicity etc
•  associated hazards eg ignition sources
•  casualties

     they will:

•   decide on course of action ie if building needs to be evacuated
•   use PA to announce location of spill-area to avoid
•   call ambulance (if required) , and
•   get MSDS

Plan Chemical Clean-up and Disposal.   

• Gather relevant information on the chemical. Plan the clean-up and disposal with Garry. Someone trained in use of breathing apparatus may be requested from elsewhere on campus.
• See the document What to do if there is a Chemical Spill
• Investigate the cause of the accident. Complete Accident Report Form (from Madeleine/online). Make plans to ensure that:
• the same accident does not occur again
• if the accident were to occur again, that extra precautions would make it less hazardous.

BOMB THREAT

In the event of a bomb threat DO NOT SET OFF THE ALARM call ANU Security on 52249 . Then call the Chief Warden who will then call all wardens to the Control Panel located in the foyer.

A bomb threat may be made in one of three forms

• In the event of finding a suspect package, do not touch the object. Vacate the immediate vicinity and notify the Chief Warden.
• In the event of a threat being made over the telephone, write down as much information as possible and DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE-so the call may be traced.
• If the threat is written, save the letter and envelope and avoid unnecessary handling, and notify the Chief Warden.
• The decision will be made by the Chief Warden as to the evacuation location.
• Chief warden will delegate wardens to conduct a quick search of the EGRESS routes (stairways corridors etc), and report back if anything found.
• Chief warden will send wardens off to evacuate the building.
• During the evacuation, wardens need to inform each member of staff to check their offices for any suspicious packages or objects and then to make their way to the evacuation area.
• When wardens have cleared their areas, they need to report back to Chief Warden.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

In the event of a medical emergency, first check that your safety is not at risk then, if appropriate, remove any persistent threat to the victim.     

Then:

• Get help.   

The BOZO First Aid Officers are

Many other people also hold First-Aid Certificates-see Audra or Madeleine

• The University Health Services can be contacted on ext 53598 or 54098.
• If an Ambulance is required dial 0 + 000 and give all requested information.

PROCEDURES IN CASE OF SUSPICIOUS POWDER

If any suspicious powder is found, the contaminated articles should be isolated, and the Chief Fire Warden and ANU Security contacted. They will isolate the area, and any people affected, and take any other precautions necessary to control the spread of the substance. Any affected persons should wash contamination off, but remain in an isolated area. All occupants of the building will be expected to remain inside-to contain any contamination. The HAZMAT Response Team will test the substance and take action accordingly.

STRANGER DANGER

If you become aware that someone in the building is acting suspicously or is obviously there illegally (eg after hours) you should contact Garry on 53068, workshop 53110 or security 52249. You can approach people and ask them their reason for being in the building and to leave the building if you feel confident in doing so, but do not do this if you are alone- call Security immediately-52259 .

EVACUATION DRILLS

Evacuation drills will be conducted at least once a year. Advanced notice will be given and all persons present in the building will be expected to participate.

HELP PREVENT EMERGENCIES

Correct or report problems which may lead to emergencies.

Poor Work practices

• Hot work (welding, grinding, oxyacetylene cutting ) being performed around combustibles.
• Use of prohibited equipment such as bar type radiators and double adaptors.

Safe Egress

• Corridors and escape routes are kept clear at all times and not to be used for the storage of goods, furniture, equipment and unwanted material even on the short-term basis.
• Projections into corridors and escape routes are to be avoided.
• Egress paths outside of final discharge doors are free of obstruction, ie. no bicycles, vehicles, waste containers, excessively high steps or uneven ground.
• Minimum width of corridors is 1 metre for offices and 1.5 metres for laboratories.
• Do not lock your office if it is occupied. Wardens will assume that an area is not occupied if it is locked. If you are incapacitated in any way (due to smoke or chemical inhalation) it will delay us finding you.
• A door, which is a required exit or in the path of travel to a required exit shall be able to be opened without the use of a key.

Extinguishers

• Type of extinguisher is appropriate to the risk in the area. Each extinguisher is fitted with a hook and sign. Use of extinguisher is not obstructed by furniture and office equipment. Report all extinguishers for recharging after use. For recharge of unit call ext 54000

Housekeeping

• Combustibles - Furniture, curtains, towels are well clear of heating and cooking appliances
• Electrical - Ensure that all movable electrical equipment, other than office equipment, is tested and tagged on an annual basis. Heating equipment is turned off at the end of each day. Airflow to fan cooled equipment should not be obstructed.

Exhaust systems

• Exhaust fans are clean and operating correctly. Unusual running noises to be reported on ext 54000. Hoods, filters and ducts over cooking equipment are free from accumulated grease.

Flammables

• The quantities of flammable liquids are limited to minimum requirements (1 litre per sq mtr). All flammables are to be stored correctly in approved containers and cabinets. Metal bins with lids are to be provided for waste materials impregnated with oils and grease. No lawn mowers and motorbikes to be parked within the building.

Outdoors

• Parked vehicles or industrial waste containers do not obstruct exits or access for emergency vehicles. Grass near buildings is cut and growth controlled. Any problems contact the Gardeners section on ext 55434.

Waste

• Suitable bins are provided for waste. Waste material, rubbish and disused plant and furniture is cleared regularly.

Smoking

• See that the no smoking policy is enforced. Containers filled with sand to be provided where smokers congregate.

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT ANY OF THESE MATTERS CONTACT GARRY MAYO ON 53068, OR THE FIRE SAFETY SECTION ON EXT 52612.

MORE INFORMATION

An EMERGENCY flip pamphlet has been prepared and distributed by ANU Security.  If you do not already have one of these in your room, then please contact Karen Scholte for a copy.

For more information on Emergency and Hazard Management Procedures at the ANU see the web site http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/OHS/Hazard_Management_Procedures.asp