SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES DURING CATASTROPHES

The objective of this manual is to prepare and protect every working man of Azure North
Project against any catastrophes and unexpected events may encounter in the future, thereby
assuring the conservation of valuable manpower resources, facilities, funds and the prevention of
loss or damage to lives and properties, consistent with the national and local protocols or
guidelines. This health and safety procedural guidelines shall apply to all offices, departments and
employees of Azure North Project except otherwise provided in this manual.

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I. CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR NATURAL DISASTERS
Natural disasters can strike anyplace, anytime with little or no warning. Fortunately, a
small degree of preparation and common sense can greatly increase one’s chances of surviving a
natural disaster. The following guidelines was established to help our workforce and management
in dealing such calamities. Procedures outlined herein are common sense and valid in most places,
but should be supplemented by the national and local specific details or guidelines. These general
safety tips are meant to supplement the management specific safety and security plan, which
should include a section on actions to take in the event a natural event occurs.
Once the natural calamities strike and sustain serious damaged, the management should
notify the Head Office and coordinate with the local or national emergency hotlines below;

HOSPITALS
San Fernando Hospital Tel. (045) 961-3377/(045) 963-4378
Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital Tel. (045) 963-2279
Mother Theresa of Calcutta Medical Center Tel. (045) 860-1265
FIRE DEPARTMENTS
San Fernando Tel. (045) 961-2352/(045) 961-0474
Angeles City Tel. (045) 322-2333/(045)322-0502
Clark Field Tel. (045) 599-2888 loc 404/400
Guagua Tel. (045) 169/098-5402439
Lubao Tel. (045) 971-6950
Mabalacat Tel. (045) 331-2004/(045) 331-2888
Mexico Tel. (045) 874-07996/0919-2423973
POLICE STATIONS
Angeles Tel. (045) 888-0781/(045) 322-7742
Clark Field Tel. (045) 599-2138
Guagua Tel. 166
Lubao Tel. 166/ (045) 971-5431
Mabalacat Tel. (045) 893-9956
Mexico Tel. (045) 875-7998/(045) 966-3259
OTHER EMERGENCY STATIONS
Pampanga PDRRMC (Provincial Disaster and Risk
Reduction Management Council) Tel. (045) 860-5583
CSFP CDRRMO (City Disaster and Risk Reduction
Management Office) Tel. (045) 961-4357

II. KEY PERSONNEL

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 1. PROJECT MANAGER – review reports regarding previous safety and
health issues and directs instructions on what to do during emergencies.
Will organize vital skeletal workforce that will manned during the calamities.
2. HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT – Coordinate and informed employees and head
departments regarding the work status and process other essential matters.
3. ACCOUNTING – Will provide the funds and other monetary assistance needed during
emergencies.
4. SAFETY PERSONNEL – Implement approved guidelines and instructions from the Project Manager
and HRD Manager. Maintain the orderly and safety within project premises including workers and
company properties. Reports all unnecessary events and recommends certain safety procedures to
the Top personnel of the company.
5. SECURITY PERSONNEL – implement and maintain security procedures within Azure vicinity.
Enforce curfew hours and control measures to the incoming and outgoing personnel. Records and
reports untoward events within their respective area of responsibilities. Helps safety personnel in
the implementation of peace and order during emergencies.
6. MAINTENANCE – responsible for the repair or maintenance of damaged utilities such as electrical
connections, water pipes, drainage, etc.
7. DRIVER – responsible for carrying or transporting injured or ill workers to the nearest medical
institution and other significant dealings outside the project site.
8. OTHER SKELETAL FORCE – Will serve as support personnel when the needs arise.

III. NATURAL DISASTER SAFETY GUIDELINES

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:

Keep emergency equipment’s in one place, in a location that is easy to reach and known to
an every ERT members. Emergency equipment’s should be ready to be use at all times and should
include the following items:
1. First Aid Kits and Medicines
2. Emergency Lights and/or Search Lights
3. Two-way portable radio
4. Spine Boards
5. Speakers, Megaphones or microphones
6. Splints, bandages and straps
7. Emergency Vehicles
8. Foods and Potable water

Organized a disaster risk and management group, this shall consist of the highest rank of
the project or any representative on his absence, Human Resources Department, Safety and

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Security, Warehouse personnel and other essential department heads. The
purpose of this organization is to plan, develop, and provide certain
arrangements on responding such calamities

Similar precautions should be taken with regards to other company properties such as
heavy equipment’s, electrical facilities, offices and warehouses. It should be properly checked and
secured by deactivating electrical supplies when not in use. Tower Cranes must be in a free-
wheeling manner to ensure safety during blustery weather. Motorized Gondolas, Passenger and
material hoists shall be parked or place on the ground area to prevent sudden nosedive of
equipment.
Once matter of immediate attention have been dealt with, any damaged sustained during
the disaster, it should be reported immediately to the Project Manager or main office including the
urgent relief required during the natural disaster.

IV. ADDRESSING SPECIFIC TYPES OF NATURAL DISASTERS

The following sections will provide information on what to expect and specific guidelines
on how to manage each type of calamities in accordance with the existing company disaster risk
and management program.

1. EARTHQUAKES

Earthquakes can cause severe damage due to ground shaking, surface faulting, tectonic
uplifts and ground ruptures. They can trigger tsunamis, flooding, landslide, fires, dam fails and
other disaster several kilometers from the epicenter. The actual movement of ground during an
earthquake seldom directly causes death or injury, most casualties result from falling objects and
debris, or collapse of building. According to the Bureau of working conditions, study shows that
high rise building had the biggest risk of casualties during earthquakes.

A. PREPARATION FOR AN EARTHQUAKE

There is no such thing as “earthquake weather or earthquake seasons”.

Earthquakes can occur anytime and anyplace without any forecast. There are proven means of
predicting them. However, advance planning and preparation is essential in preserving lives and
company properties. The following guidelines and preparation could minimize the risk of
casualties if an earthquake occurs.

 Make necessary repairs on the existing hazards being identified in the workplace.
 Secure all materials, equipment’s, tools and other valuable materials.

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  Remove unnecessary materials that might fall from overhead
especially inside the offices.
 Secure computer sets, cabinets, water dispensers and other essential appliances.
 Provide or designate evacuation plan and assembly area.
 Continuous reminders and education to every employee on what procedures or actions
to be done during earthquakes.
 Remove obstacles on exit doors, hallways, aisles, ramps, and other means of access.
 Store flammable, corrosive and poisonous substances on a secured storage room.
 Install emergency lights on emergency exit doors, passageways, aisles, hallways and
other means of access.
 Ensure that motorized gondola’s, passenger and material hoists was properly descended
or placed on the ground area if not in use.
 Platforms and other exterior utilities were properly fixed with rigid fittings.
 Install umbrella net on the exterior edges of the building at least every fifth floors that
will serve as a restrainer or catcher of any falling debris.
 Ensure that first aid supplies are sufficient.

B. DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

According to Building Code of the Philippines High-Rise should withstand an intensity 7 to

8.4 earthquake if it follows the building code. The following steps and safety measures would help
individuals by securing themselves.
1. “DO NOT RUSH GOING OUTSIDE” even after the initial shock, wait until jolting stops.
2. Seek out spots protected from falling objects such as under a desk or table, doorway, or
under main support beams.
3. Avoid panic and help others to remain calm.
4. Perform the Drop, Cover, and Hold.
5. Do not panic and maintain alertness or presence of mind.
6. Move away from windows, heavy objects, shelves, etc.
7. Grab any nearby earthquake emergency kits and hold on to them.
8. Do not use elevators or other motorized equipment.

CRANES AND HOIST OPERATORS MUST:

1. Automatically stop its operation.

2. Operators shall stay inside the cabin and disconnect all energy sources.

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 3. Hold on a firm object.
4. Protect head with helmet or other solid material.
5. Evacuate area or abandoned the equipment after the ground shaking.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE:

1. Get into the open area, away from the buildings, power lines, bridges, and anything else
that might fall on you.
2. If you are driving- stop the car carefully, do not stop on or under a bridge or overpass or
under trees, light posts, or power lines. Stay inside your car until the shaking stops.
3. Stay away from traffic.

IF YOU’RE INSIDE OFFICES:

1. Stay on your place.

2. Do not panic
3. Get under the table and hang on it.
4. Wait until the shaking stops.
5. Then prepare to evacuate
6. Proceed to assembly area

C. AFTER EARTHQUAKE

 Slowly get out of the place where you sought cover but make inspection whether the
exits or stairways are free from debris of fallen objects.
 Check evacuation routes for obstacles, such as water, electrical hazards, fire, and
blocked passages.
 Evacuate the building in a single file in fast pace, watchful and in cautious manner
 Estimate the damage and further danger and make decision on full or partial
evacuation.
 Calmly get out of the building and go to an open and safe space or park place.
 Don’t use elevators or any automated machines upon descending, use stairs instead
 Proceed to the designated evacuation area to account the actual number of
employees.

 Move away from buildings, light posts, electrical power lines, etc.
 Cut off main power sources from the main line unless it is not check properly.

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  If possible save first aid kit to assist injured.
 Do not permit re-entry before checking the potential risks for
fire hazards, gas leaks, and damaged electrical wiring.
 No workers are allowed to go inside or near the building premises
 Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with them.
 Inspect workers for possible injuries sustained during the earthquake and
administered applicable first id.
 Immediately clean up spilled hazardous chemical, flammable and o poisonous
substances.
 Never assumed that water is safe to drink after earthquake unless it is sealed or
bottled.
 Wait for further announcements from the management if wether or not, work will be
temporary suspended.
 Participate in suggested community measures for execution in the local government
set-up.

2. TYPHOON

Typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone or severe tropical cyclone. They form in almost all
ocean basins and this area of the pacific. It can cause catastrophic damage to infrastructures, lives
and communities. Unlike earthquakes, typhoons can be detected through radar and weather
instruments prior to its landfall. Thus, preparation can be made.

A. BEFORE THE TYPHOON

 Schedule an emergency meeting with the department’s heads to create certain

guidelines and safety measures during typhoon.
 Secure first aid kits and emergency funds.
 Recharge all emergency equipment’s such as searchlights, radios and megaphones.
 Remove all unnecessary construction materials such as loose formworks, scaffolds,
debris, phenolic boards, plain sheets, and other light materials.
 Secure materials that could be easily damaged when being wet such as cements,
gypsum boards, ply woods, etc.

 Check all vulnerable areas that needs immediate safety preventive measures during
the typhoon.

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  Install additional preventive measures such as safety nets or
umbrella that would restrain or catch falling debris or materials.
 Inspect and disconnect all non-essential electrical connection or repair any damaged
immediately.
 Inform in advance all employees regarding a possible work postponement.
 Secure heavy equipment’s such as tower cranes (free-wheeling mode), motorized
gondola, material and passenger hoists. Make sure that they were properly braced,
kept or parked on the ground area.
 Secure movable objects especially those flammable or poisonous substances.
 Fortify cylinder tanks of acetylene and LPG.
 Store sufficient foods and potable drinking water.
 Secure openings against flooding.
 Identify certain number of skeletal workforce.

B. DURING THE TYPHOON

 Stay away from the building and overhead power lines.

 Stay inside the barracks.
 Never attempt to go outside.
 Listen to news update regarding the status or movement of the typhoon.
 Stay updated on the current news from PAG-ASA or weather forecaster.
 Be alert and vigilant.
 Use safety boots and raincoats when going outside.
 Do not soak feet from rainwater to prevent diseases such as leptospirosis and skin
diseases.
 Report any unnecessary events to the assigned in-charge personnel.

C. AFTER THE TYPHOON

 Organized a group to check possible damaged of the building and premises acquired
during the typhoon.
 Record all damages such as heavy equipment’s and construction materials being
affected during the typhoon.

 Prepare a spot information report then forward it to the Project Manager or any
representative of the company.

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  Do not allow worker or any individual to enter the building
premises except to those authorized personnel.
 Check electrical installations, wirings and circuit breakers before re-energizing from
the main source.
 Check damaged of other utilities such as water pipes, drainage, etc.
 Do not drink water from the faucet or boil them before drinking.
 Evaluate the effectivity of the guidelines and safety preventive measures being
provided before and during the typhoon.
 Coordinate with the local or national government for any critical matters being
encountered.
 Set a date for the schedule of work resumption.

3. DISEASE OUTBREAK, EPIDEMIC, AND PANDEMIC

This article will focus on dealing with diseases either local, international or global
outbreak. There are many viruses or diseases that might affect or destruct the normal way of living
in one community or country. Diseases may arise in any given circumstances. Thus, the response
of the local or national government always comes up during the outbreak.

A. WHAT IS AN DISEASE OUTBREAK?

A diseased outbreak happens when a disease occurs in greater number than expected in a
community or region or during a season. It usually caused by an infection from person-to-person
or animal-to-person contact or even from the environment. Sometimes a single case of contagious
disease is considered as outbreak especially when it is new to a community or place.

B. WHAT IS AN EPIDEMIC?

It is a rapid spread of infectious disease that affects a large number of people within a
community, population or region.

C. WHAT IS AN PANDEMIC?

Pandemic is an epidemic that spread over multiple countries or continents that usually
affects many people and somehow affect global economy.

BASIC WAYS OF PREVENTION:

 Proper hygiene and sanitation of foods, water and regular cleaning of tempfacil.

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  Maintaining workplace or jobsite tidy.
 Pollution or Waste Control Management.
 Regular disposal of waste materials especially those degradable and/or hazardous
substances.
 Less exposure to crowded places.
 Do not go to areas where positive cases of disease are high.
 Wear appropriate protective equipment.
 Additional medical equipment’s that will provide immediate detection of worker’s
health status.
 Provision of hand wash area adjacent to the building.
 Thorough screening of medical history or reports of newly hired workers.
 Early detection of worker’s illnesses or diseases.
 Newly hired workers should not be allowed to start from their work unless complete
medical certificate was released from the referred medical clinic.
 Limiting contact with or isolation of infected persons.
 Compulsory treatment orders.
 Refer to DOH or WHO for other local or national guidelines.

AZURE NORTH DISASTER AND RISK MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Project Manager or Representative

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HRD Manager
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