o~ Cn FE) ey, ™~, — Follow workplace emergency procedures IR-F-Ta at mle feTAR) ‘© Copyright, 2016by North Coast TAFEnow Date st saved December 2016by Miler, Alesana Fewon19 | votPager=21 Diane Dick, heryn Plats, Kylie Brennian—Content writers and course advisors TTAFEnow Resource Development Team Instructional and graphic design Copyright ofthis material is reserved to the Crown in the right of the State of New South Wales. Reproduction or transmittal in whole, or in part, other than in accordance withthe provisions of the Copyright Act, is prohibited without written authorityof North Coast TAFEnow. Disclaimer: In compiling the information contained within, and accessed through, this document (information”) DET has used its best endeavours to ensure thatthe Information is correct and current atthe time of publication but ‘takes no responsiblity for any error, omission or defect therein. 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An emergency plan. Key points in plan, Fire and Evacuation. Fire extinguishers.. Fire blankets. Fire hoses.. Smoke detectors. Practice evacuation procedures. Assembly points.. Evacuating children and less able clients. Fire prevention. Chemical danger Storage. Spillages/splashe: First aid equipment. Human threat.Follow workplace emergency procedures Emergency There are many types of emergencies that can happen both inside and outside the workplace: fire, explosion, gas leak, bomb threat, chemical spill flood, human threat etc. Fortunately these occurrences are rare but must be planned for. Risk Management will aim to avoid or minimise the consequence of such calamities. The Education & Care Services National Regulations, Division 5 (97) Emergency and evacuation procedures states that services “must ensure that a risk assessment is conducted to identify possible emergencies that are relevant to the service”.The PCBU must assess the risk for the individual service and give consideration to demographics, for example, a rural service may be exposed to floods throughout the year, a service situated in a major city may need to consider risks of terrorism or bomb threats etc. Services si fated in an industrial centre may have higher risks of a chemical or gas leak. Services in northern or western Australia may be exposed to cyclones or threatening weather cycles. Dependant on the identified risks, services will document plans to deal with different emergencies. Emergency procedures are designed to avoid or minimise the consequence of such incidences. Allservices must have policies on emergency and evacuation procedures and incident, injury, trauma and illness procedures (Education and Care Services National Regulation, 168). The National Quality Standard Element 2.33 states ‘Plans to effectively manage incidents and ‘emergencies are developed in consultation with relevant authorities, practised and implemented". These plans are documented: > toprotect adults and children > tomaintain children’s wellbeing and a safe environment > tomeet requirements of Work Health & Safety legislation An emergency plan Must provide > emergency procedures including: > aneffective response to an emergency > evacuation procedures > notifying emergency service organisations promptly > medical treatment and assistance > effective communication between the authorised person who coordinates the ‘emergency response and all person at the workplace > testing of the emergency procedures, including the frequency of testing > information, training and instruction to relevant workers in relation to implementing the emergency procedures 2IPage Follow workplace emergenc TAFEnowKey points in plan 1 Emergency procedures and floor plan displayed. 2. Emergency telephone numbers beside all the phones including ambulance, police, fre, hospital casualty and poisons centre, 3. Resuscitation posters in both the outdoor and indoor play areas. 4. Emergency contact numbers for parents/carers and signed authorisation for release to emergency services if necessary. 5 Afully equipped and in-date first aid kit, 6 Emergency equipment and training. 7 Dills practiced regularly and documented Fire and Evacuation Fire can occur in all environments. It may be internal or external to the service; a kitchen fire, electrical fire, explosion or a bushfire. There are only three requirements for a fire to start. These are: > Ignition source- heat, flames, sparks. > Fuel-solid, liquid or gas. > Oxygen-air or chemical reactions. Ignition can be from a variety of sources; a naked flame from a cooker, electrical spark from a faulty appliance or a glowing cigarette butt. The fuel can be anything that burns - paper, ‘wood, carpet, clothing, curtains etc. The air we breathe is 21% oxygen so fire burns wel in air and as it burns it uses up the oxygen Good fire prevention measures are the main reason that fires in the workplace are rare events. All persons in the workplace are responsible for ensuring all fire prevention measures are followed and fire hazards are spotted and removed.NSW Work Cover legislation states that the employer of a service must ensure that: > Evacuation procedure is safe, rapid and effective, > Emergency communications and fist aid equipment is sufficient and available, > Evacuation arrangements are displayed and practiced (and documented). > Anevacuation coordinator is appointed. > Asaworkerin a service, you are responsible for understanding and following all of the emergency procedures. All new staff should be given information about the location of fire extinguishers, hoses, blankets and fire exits, where the evacuation point is, what and where the alarm is and where the first aid kitis located > Asaworker you must take part in any practice evacuation and know how and what firefighting equipment to use in an emergency. All workplaces require adequate firefighting equipment. The Education and Care Services National Regulation (Regulation 41) states services must have: appropl extinguishers and smoke detectors and a fire blanket adjacent to cooking facilities. ely located fire The fire extinguishers are (usually) located in a corridor just outside the door of the room/s they are to be used in, They must be easily accessed, within reach and easily seen. Fire extinguishers come in dering varieties, they are colour coded and classified according to ‘what they contain. Each extinguisher has a different purpose, so must be appropriate to the room/workplace activities and contents. Fire extinguishers On the outside of every extinguisher the label lists the contents, usesand direction of use. Itis advisable that you are familiar with the directions of use of each extinguisher at your service. To operate most extinguishers you are required to pull a safety pin and press a trigger. The CO2 extinguisher is frequently fitted with a horn that can create an alarming loud noise when in use. Each extinguisher needs to be checked regularly to ensure its in date and functioning. The fire brigade or fire expert form a specialist company will come and advise the service as to ‘hat extinguisher to purchase and for which area itis required. They will also provide staff training in the use of extinguishers and do regular checks.When using a fire extinguisher use it in a sweeping motion at the base of the fre. Only use an ‘extinguisher when you have raised the alarm, cleared the immediate area and ensured that the fire is manageable. Ensure your own safely and those you are responsible for, before tackling any fire. Fire blankets A fire blanket isa large, thickly woven, fire retardant material which should be installed near ‘areas where cooking or work involving open flames occurs. They are used to remove the fire's ‘oxygen either by laying them over a burning object such as a pan or pot or for wrapping up a burning person tightly when “STOP, DROP and ROLL"is effected. “Stop, drop and roll”is the technique used when extinguishing flames on a person. The victim has to stop or be stopped, forced to the floor and rolled over and over to extinguish the flames. It is more effective if there isa fire blanket, rug or clothing to wrap firmly around the victim when they roll. If you are using a fire blanket, or indeed any firefighting equipment, ensure your hands and body remain behind the blanket/extinguisher, protecting you from the fire. Oncea blanket has been used, it must be disposed of and replaced immediately. Fire hoses Fire hoses are usually located outside the building. In larger workplaces they can be both inside and outside. They are effective for longer but only contain water. Smoke detectors Smoke detectors must be fitted inside every room ofa service and they must be regularly ‘checked and maintained. They should not be placed above cookers or areas where controlled radiant heat/smoke regularly rises, as they will be set off too frequentlyFire alarms Fire alarm systems vary upon the sizeof the service, Some are local where the fire brigade must be contacted in the event of an alarm sounding; some have a back to base system where the fire brigade is automaticaly dispatched when the alarm is sounded. In each case you should phone the fire brigade to give details of the fire. The alarm may be a siren or a bell. Some have differing sound codes depending on where the fire is located —for example, a continuous bell meaning close proximity and an intermittent alarm meaning a building or room further away. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS KNOW THE LOCATION OF FIRE ALARMS, FIRE EXITS AND SMOKE DETECTORS IN YOUR WORKPLACE. The larger the workplace, the more employees, the greater the firefighting effort and coordination needs to be. The general procedure in case of fire can be remembered by the acronym: Remove people. Alert fire brigade on 000 and nearby staff Confine fire and smoke. Close windows and doors i possible, Extinguish or control fire without taking risks. In the event of a fire REMOVE - Those who are in the immediate area of the fire must be removed. Children, elderly and disabled will need to be aided toa safe area. RAISE THE ALARM - This can be done by shouting to alert other staff members or, if the fire is. of consequence, set off the alarms, ring the fire brigade and start the evacuation. CONTAIN THE FIRE - This is done by closing the doors and windows and limiting the oxygen ‘and fuel. Containing the fire includes tackling smallfires, But only those that cause you no danger. Ifin doubt, get out. Once all have been evacuated from an area, shut the door and if possible the windows to slow the progress of the fire. Be careful to check rooms thoroughly and in the case of children, check all areas where they might hide when afraid. SlP29e llow workplace emergency procedures TAFEnowIfthe fire is behind a closed door, perhaps some smoke is coming under the doar or the fire ‘alarms are going off within that room. Do not immediately open the door. Assess the situation first, preferably with a fire extinguisher at the ready. Always touch doors with the back of your hand and never touch the handle, as these are usually metal and will conduct heat.The heat of the door will give you a clue to the intensity of the fire. Bubbling/blistering paint on the door, of course, indicates extreme heat, do not open. Ifin doubt, leave a door closed as its ‘opening will cause a drat of oxygen, which will give the fire fuel to burn further. EVACUATE Ifa fire safety. No one must return to the building until the fire brigade have said itis safe to do so. likely to cause any danger, evacuate everyone from the building for After either a practice or real emergency, the evacuation procedure should be discussed and evaluated. In the event of a real fire, counselling and debriefing will be required and a written incident report must also be completed and filed. nthe case of an “uncontrolled fire”, thats, major damage to the environment caused by fire or any injuries to people which occurred during the fire or the evacuation, the manager must report the incident to WorkCover in NSW and other relevant bodies in other states and territories. (O} Gages Ceased This factsheet on incident notification is available from Safe Work Australia and provides details on how to notify about an incident and also provides information on who to contact in each state and territory in Australia, Practice evacuation procedures Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations (Regulation97) emergency and ‘evacuation drills need to be practised with al children who attend once every three months. Evacuations should be done at different times of the day and ondiffering days so that as many staff and clients as possible are exposed to the procedure and have the opportunity to practice, You will also need to document these practices evacuation procedures to highlight strengths and weaknesses in the procedures and to validate the service's commitment to practicing evacuation procedures.Emergency evacuation procedures must be explained to all new staff. Fire exits and evacuation points must be indicated. A map showing the fire escape route and evacuation meeting point is also necessary in each room. The emergency exit needs to be marked as such, 0 that tis easily distinguishable both in daytime and at night. As already mentioned earlier, proper use and maintenance ofall firefighting equipment is vital. Fire doors are specifically built doors and serve to contain the fire, but only when kept closed. A closed door will slow down a fire and give extra time to those escaping and/or fighting the fire, There are rules for using fire doors and fire exits. If any fire gates or doors are locked for security reasons there must bea staff member with a key on their person at all times and a spare key available to use in the event of an emergency. When any persons are in a building, all fire doors and exits must be: > open > free swinging > never chocked open or locked shut > well sign posted as fire exits Assembly points The Education and Care Services National Regulations 97) states that evacuation floor plan and instructions are displayed in a prominent position near each exit atthe premises. The assembly point isthe designated safe place where staff and clients meet during an ‘evacuation. The evacuation point must be: > easytoaccess > large enough to take all staffand clients > not too far away, especially if disabled people or children are involved > agateway to exit so that evacuees do not have to pass close the burning building In the event of a bomb threat, a second more distant assembly point should be nominated.On arrival at the assembly point, all persons in the building must be accounted for. A sign-in book is necessary at all services and this must be taken when the building is evacuated. The daily attendance record is used for the roll call at the assembly poirt. If anyone is missing from the roll their details must be given to the fire brigade when they arrive, You must not return to a building to search for missing people. The fire brigade will do it more effectively and safely. On evacuation: 1 Check the roll 2 Notify the Emergency Services if any people are missing. 3. Organise first aid where necessary. 4 Organise emergency cars and contacts where necessary. Evacuating children and less able clients Evacuating children and disabled clients in the event of an evacuation i a little more complex. Children may not have been in an emergency drill practice before and may not be old enough to either walk or understand what is occurring. Sufficient staff/client ratios, well-trained staff and a welkplanned evacuation are essential. Children will need lots of reassurance and ‘encouragement during and evacuation. Children must be encouraged to hold a partner's hand, to leave everything behind and not go looking for their favourite toy to take out with them. Ifevacuation practice is done in a fun but effective manner with plenty of praise, children usually respond well. t helps ifthey have had the opportunity to practice, however, in the actual event ofa fire they may become overwhelmed, frightened and forgetful. Assisting non-ambulant clients to evacuate will require careful planning. Al fire exits must be wide enough to accommodate the widest wheelchair and in the case of infants a fire cot. All children’s services with infants will have an emergency cot, which has wheels and can be used ‘to wheel out as many small children as will fit in it. There must be sufficient staff rostered on to remove all nor-ambulant persons in the event of an evacuation. Services with pre-school and schookaged children should provide a rope for children to hold ‘on to when evacuating to ensure all children stay within the group. Services will maintain a portable emergency kit or bag that contains essential items in an emergency evacuation which could include a rope, torch, batteries, blankets, spare clothes for children, nappies, a[P a9‘wipes, gloves etc. This bag is usually placed at an accessible position (often at the door between indoor and outdoor areas) to be collected and taken when evacuating. In addition, a portable frst aid kit, a mobile phone or means of communication and contact numbers for the children will be collected and taken. Services must ensure the emergency contact numbers are easily accessible in an emergency situation, for example ina sealed envelope (for privacy) with the daily attendance sign-on sheets, which arecollected to check the roll once evacuated. Fire prevention The best method to avoid any emergenciesis active prevention. This includes daily checks of the premises for possible fire hazards, ensuring all firefighting equipment is functional and staff are trained in fire prevention, Simple measures can include ensuring all furnishings, fabrics, carpeting and clothing in a service are made from fire retardant material. This reduces the speed at which a fire will spread and the damage the fire does. Fire hazards include: > Heaters-drying items over heaters, furniture or clothing that are too close to the heaters or faulty heaters. > Electrical items overloaded circuits frayed cords/flexes or faulty equipment. > Spilt fuels oils or inflammable liquids. > Chemicals—improperly stored or improperly mixed. > Kitchens— being distracted or lack of supervision of stoves.Chemical dangers If chemicals/hazardous substances used in a service are stored or used improperly they pose both a potential health and safety hazard. Allchemical agents used in the workplace must be treated with care. Persons using any ‘chemical agents must follow manufacturers’ guidelines and workplace procedures. Itis the PCBU's responsibilty to ensure all substances are properly labelled and it is the PCBU's responsibility to read all labels. Before using an agent read the label for directions and safety precautions and wear gloves. Labels must show: > name of product > directions for use > list of ingredients > expiry date > hazards of use > first aid directions > safety information > contact details of supplierand manufacturer > televant hazard symbols All hazardous substances must also have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The company that manufactures the agent/substance provides this. Any person in the workplace using that agent/substance must have access to this information. In addition, hazardous substances in a service must be listed in a register with the relevant SDS information. Ths register must be kept up to date and all staff must have access to the information, {©} Gage corr) For more information about SDSgo to the WorkCover website at wnnw.workcover.nsw.gov.au Or contact WorkCover directly on 13 10 50. Follow workplace emergency proceduresClients attending the service must also be protected from chemical agents/substances. In the case of children, or those with reduced cognitive abilities, special care must be taken in the storage and security ofall chemical substances. There must be no access to chemical agents/substances by clients and visitors. Always wash hands after using any chemical agent. Storage All agents/substances must be stored at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. Safe storage includes keeping agents/substances: > Atadult height, in locked cupboards with warning notices on the doors. > With space left between the bottles to reduce mixing of spills. > Ata safe distance from any heat source. > Where there is not contact with food. > Inthe original container orn a designated container with the original packaging information. lages/splashes Ifa chemical agent/substance comes into contact with a body, the chemical must be washed off as quickly as possible using cool, running water for 20 minutes. Ifan incident occurs both the SDS sheet and the poisons information line will provide information on first aid and treatment. Ifany ingestions of a chemical occurs, the Poisons Information Service must be contacted for frst aid treatment advice. Poisons Information Hotline BB is1126All splashes and spills must be recorded on an incident/accident form and the service manager informed. If spillage occurs all persons must be immediately protected from the agent: > Remove all persons from the area. > Verbally warn all persons. > Place danger signs and barriers. > Wear protective clothing to clean up the spill. > Dispose of the contaminated waste correctly. > Ensure the area is washed thoroughly with water. > Wash hands and cleaning equipment. > Write up an incident form. First aid equipment ‘As we have just looked at various emergencies that occur in the workplace, its important not only to prevent these incidents occurring, but also know the procedures to minimise casualties if they occur. For this you require appropriate emergency equipment. In the event of any emergency a good frst aid kits essential. It must be stocked and maintained sufficiently to deal with a number of possible casualties and the injuries they may sustain, In the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 itspecifies under regulation 42 (3) when considering how to provide fist aid, a person conducting a business or undertaking must consider all relevant matter including: > the nature of the work being carried out in the workplace > the nature of the hazards at the workplace > the size, location and nature of the workplace > the number and composition of the workers at the workplace ‘The chart below is taken from Safe Work Australia’s First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice (httpu/www safeworkaustralia. gov.au)Table 1 ~ Example of contents fora first aid kit itcontents, Quantity Instructions for providing first aid including Cardio Pulmonary 1 Resuscitation (CPR) flow chart Note book and pen 1 Resuscitation face mask or face shield 1 Disposable nitrile examination gloves 5 pairs Gauze pieces 7.5 x 7.5cm, sterile (3 per pack) 5 packs Saline (15m) 8 ‘Wound cleaning wipe (single 19% Centrimide BP) 10 Adhesive dressing strips plastic or fabric (packet of 50) 1 Splinter probes (single use, disposable) 10 Tweezers/forceps 1 Antiseptic liquid/spray (SOml) 1 Non-adherent wound dressing/pad 5 x 5cm (small) 6 Non-adherent wound dressing/pad 7.5 x 10cm (medium 3 Non-adherent wound dressing/pad 10x 10cm (large) 1 Conforming cotton bandage, Scm width 3 Conforming cotton bandage, 7.5cm width 3 Crepe bandage 10cm (for serious bleeding and pressure application) | 1 Scissors 1 Nonstretch, hypoallergenic adhesive tape - 2.5cm wide roll 1 Safety pins (packet of 6) 1 BPC wound dressings No. 14, medium 1 BPC wound dressings, No. 15, large 1 Dressing — Combine Pad 9 x 20¢m 1 1p ace Follow workplace emergency procedures V1 TAFEnowtr Ted COME Plastic bags ~clip seal 1 Triangular bandage (calico or cotton minimum width 90cm) 2 Emergency rescue blanket (for shock or hypothermia) 1 Eye pad (single use) 4 Access to 20 minutes of clean running water or ffthisis not available) hydro get (3.5gm sachets) Instant icepack efor treatment of soft tissue injuries and some | stings) Medication, including analgesics such as paracetamol and aspirin, should not be included in first aid kits because oftheir potential to cause adverse health effects in some people including asthmatics, pregnant women and people with medical conditions. The supply of these medications may also be controlled by drugs and poisons laws. Workers requiring prescribed and over the-counter medications should carry their own medication for their personal use as necessary. (Safe Work Australia, 2016) It should be remembered that these are minimum requirements and some extra equipment may be necessary depending on the individual service. In children’s services this should include an asthma kit and Epipen. The first aid equipment must be checked regularly and when the kit is used, must be restocked immediately. Inall services with children, in high risk industries like construction or if the workplace has, more than 25 employees, a first aider must be present at all times. The Education and Care Services National Regulations (Regulation 136) states that one person on the grounds has first aid, as well as emergency asthma and anaphylaxis training. In large workforces numbering ‘over 200 employees a first aid room is required and Work Cover sets out the minimum specifications for this also. Follow workplace emergencHuman threat There may be times that workers feel at risk in the workplace due to human dangers. These dangers can come in the form of a sudden and unexpected assault or a persistent known threat. It may arise from an unsatisfied client or relative, a persistent offender, a person with mental instability or even an attempted burglary/robbery by a stranger. In all cases maintaining the safety of all at theserviceis the priority With persistent offenders, strategies can be instituted and staff informed and trained in procedures to deal with the threat. Sometimes itis necessary to utilise police or legal means torestrain threatening behaviours. Service which deal with children and families must also be ‘extremely aware of their child protection duties and must, in all cases, follow Community Services legislative requirements. Outsiders/strangers can also pose a threat to a service. Any suspicious persons or activities must be documented and the police involved if risk is perceived. To reduce human threats all services should: > Neverleave a staff member alone. > Train staffin responding to threatening situations. > Ensure there is sufficient staff to client ratios. > Ensureall security gates and locks are functional and are used properly. > Ensure doorways, toilets and car parks are welllit and visible. > Use alarms and locks in high risk areas. Learning the skills to deal with potentially threatening individualsis crucial to be able to defuse a situation and maintain control. However, sometimes even this is not enough. In services that are located in high crime areas or for services whose clients/visitors have a potential risk of violence, employment of security guards and alarm systems are essential. These serve as both deterrent and protection. Some services willbe fitted with duress alarms which, when activated, will either alert other staf, security guards or the police. Key pads on front doors are also another security aspect of services to maximise protection for staff, children and families.For staf safety when entering or leaving the workplace, ensure the external areas are made safe. Car parks and the route to the parking areas must be well lit; building doorways and windows fitted with locks, kept well lit and open to view. External alarms should be fitted where necessary. In larger workplaces security guards are frequently employed to ensure safety. However, even if thisis the case, all the above safety precautions should also be taken. Lock down There are very few occasions when this is required but a policy for lock down must be within the service emergency plan. Lock down arises if there is an emergency outside the service and the people within the service require protection. This service is closed to outsiders and is ‘opened for emergency services and police only, until the crisis has passed. Use of service telephones restricted to emergency contact only and all access is locked.References > Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), n.d.Quality Area 2~ Children’s health and safety, viewed 31 August 2016, ildrens- safe > Australian Government, Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011, Regulation 42 ~ Duty to provide first aid, viewed 31 August 2016 httes:/Avww legislation gov.au/Details/F2011L02664 > Australian Legal Information Institute (AustLIl), n.d. NSW Consolidated Regulations, Education and Care Services National Regulations - REG 41 Fire safety equipment, viewed 31 August 2016, httov/wwwaustliieduauicgi: in/sinodisp/au/legis/nsw/consol «i 312012709/s41 html?stem=0&synonyms=( query=fire%420blanket > Australian Legal Information Institute (AustLII), n.d. NSW Consolidated Regulations, Education and Care Services National Regulations - REG 97 Emergency and evacuation procedures, viewed 31 August 2016, hito://www.austliedu.au/cal- i i H 142/597 html?stem= = = ion%420procedur > Australian Legal Information Institute (AustLl), n.d. NSW Consolidated Regulations, Education and Care Services National Regulations - REG 136 First aid qualifications, viewed 31 August 2016, bttn//wwwaustlijeduau/egk H rAD2/sI > Australian Legal information institute (AustLil), nd. NSW Consolidated Regulations, Education and Care Services National Regulations - REG 168 Education and Care Service must have policies and procedures, viewed 31 August 2016, li i H > New South Wales Government, NSW Legislation, 2016,£ducation and Care Services ‘National Regulations, Division 5 Emergencies and communication, viewed 31 August 2016, i i lation/201 4 wv > Safe Work Australia, 2016, Model Code of Practice First Aid in the Workplace, viewed 31 August 2016, f first-aic-in- the-workplace w)Pace Follow workplace emergency procedures V1 TAFEnow