ASSIGNMENT OSH 2523

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

(OFFICE BUILDING)

MOGANALINGAM A/L ESWARAN

CMK-02-DOSH-2010002

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CONTENTS

A. Background of the industry ................................................................................................ 3

B. Hazards at the workplace ................................................................................................... 4

C. Emergency response plan................................................................................................... 5

I. Fire .................................................................................................................................. 5

II. Flood ............................................................................................................................... 7

III. Explosion ..................................................................................................................... 8

D. Training Related Emergency Response Plan ...................................................................... 9

FIRE DRILL TRAINING .............................................................................................................. 9

RISK AWARENESS CAMPAIGN .............................................................................................. 10

E. Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 10

F. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 11

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A. Background of the industry

For this assignment I have chosen office building as my industry. Melaka International College
of Science and Technology (MiCoST) is a college in Malacca, Malaysia. Founded in 2006,
MiCoST is run by the Melaka State Foundation (Yayasan Melaka) under its subsidiary
company, YM Mediscience Sdn Bhd. MiCoST has diplomas programs in business, social
studies, pharmacy, computer science and other fields.

MiCoST began its operation in 2006 with the Diploma in Pharmacy program in cooperation
with MARA University of Technology (UiTM). Students are awarded diplomas by UiTM upon
the completion of the three-year program. In 2010, MiCoST added diploma programs in
Pharmacy, Human Resource Management, Office Management, Business Management,
Accountancy. In 2011, MiCoST became the Asia e-University's (AeU) learning centre for
Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor. That same year, MiCoST began a partnership with
Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS). In November 2014, MiCoST
established the Faculty of Information Technology and Multimedia.

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B. Hazards at the workplace

Ergonomic hazard

Office workers spend many hours a day seated at a desk, working on a computer, resulting
in ergonomic strains and other injuries related to posture and repetitive movement.

Fire hazard

Desks filled with sticky notes, photos, papers, tissues and cards are what a firefighter would
call ‘fire loaded’. This means that a large or unnecessary amount of combustible materials is
kept there and is of high risk. On top of this is inconsistent cleaning which leads to a build-up
of dust and grease which can further increase the chances of electricals overheating and
eventually catching fire.

Flood hazard

Flooding has been occurring so frequently in Melaka because of the poor drainage system
and also clogged drainage. Micost is located in the flooding area. There will be flood if heavy
rains continue to pour non-stop.

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 C. Emergency response plan
I. Fire
The following procedures shall be followed when someone discovers a fire in a building,
regardless of how large the fire is:

1) Close the door to the room where the fire is located. This will confine the fire to a smaller
area.
2) Activate the closest fire alarm system. Pull stations are usually located next to an exit or
stairwell door
3) Phone 999 to report the location of the fire. You or someone you designate must make the
telephone call from a safe location as quickly as possible. Once you have given the
dispatcher the information, wait until the dispatcher hangs up before you hang up because
the dispatcher may need more information.
4) Extinguish or Evacuate
If the fire is small and you have been trained to use the fire extinguisher, you may attempt
to put the fire out. If you have not been trained to use the fire extinguisher or the fire is
too large to extinguish, Evacuate the building and:
a. Evacuate using the fire exit route/ the exit sign and proceed directly to your assigned
assembly area away from the building. You should have a pre-designated area to meet
for accountability reason

Diagram 1: Exit sign Diagram 2: Emergency exit route

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 b. Notify others on your way out that this is a real fire but do not stop to force their
evacuation.
c. When you get to your assembly area, wait to be accounted for and stay with your
class, department or office.
d. If you have knowledge of the fire, such as location, size, cause, or you are aware of a
person trapped, immediately notify the fire fighters.

If you are unable to evacuate the building because of fire or smoke in the corridor:

a. Remain calm.
b. Close the door to the room you are in and call 999.
c. If smoke begins to come in under the door, stuff blankets or towels (preferably wet)
under the door to prevent the smoke from coming in. Wave a brightly coloured article
of clothing or similar material in the window to attract attention;
d. Do not break the window unless absolutely necessary. Breaking the window may
result in falling glass injuring people below or smoke entering the window making it
more difficult to breath.

5) Do not re-enter the building, until:

a. The fire alarm has been silenced, and

b. The fire or police department has indicated that it is acceptable to re-enter.

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II. Flood

a. If water flow entering the office building cannot be controlled, evacuating the building
or moving to the higher floor may be necessary.
b. Shut down all noncritical and nonessential electrical equipment and operations that
depend on outside power sources in an orderly manner following established
procedures.
c. Seal the building to keep water out if possible.
d. Move to higher grounds (top floor, rooftop).

Diagram 3: people staying in higher ground

e. Call 999 and inform about your position, location and danger.
f. Stay at higher grounds, until help arrives.
g. Do not take risks trying swimming in the floods.
h. Always stay cautious about the flood levels

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III. Explosion

a. Immediately take cover under tables, desks or other such objects that will give
protection against flying glass and debris.

Diagram 4: taking cover under table

b. After the effects of the explosion have subsided, call 999.

c. Try to establish what exploded, the extent of the damage and possible life-threatening
hazards to determine your next course of action.
d. Take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Evacuate
according to your building emergency exit plan if necessary; otherwise, remain in your
place of cover. If necessary, activate the building alarm system.
e. Seek and assist any disabled persons in evacuating the building. Exit via stairway. Do
not use elevators.
f. If you evacuate, go to an area upwind from the explosion site to avoid possible toxic
fumes. Once outside, move at least 40m away from the effected building.
g. Wait for Instructions from emergency personnel. Do not re-enter the building until
instructed to do so by properly identified emergency personnel.

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D. Training Related Emergency Response Plan

FIRE DRILL TRAINING

A fire drill is a method of practicing how a building would be evacuated in the event of a
fire or other emergencies. In most cases, the building's existing fire alarm system is
activated and the building is evacuated by means of the nearest available exit as if an
emergency had actually occurred. Fire drill procedures may vary depending on the
building type, such as hospitals or high-rise buildings, where occupants may be relocated
within the building as opposed to evacuating the building. Generally, the evacuation is
timed to ensure that it is fast enough, and problems with the emergency system or
evacuation procedures are identified to be remedied.

In addition to fire drills, most buildings have their fire alarm systems checked on a regular
basis to ensure that the system is working. Fire alarm tests are often done outside normal
business hours so as to minimize disruption of building functions; in schools, they are
often done when students and staff are not around or during the holidays where specialist
fire alarm engineers test alarms in the building for repair if needed.

Diagram 5 shows people practicing a fire drill in a smoke trailer with a firefighter assisting
them. This is aimed at teaching proper procedures for evacuating the building in a real-
life fire or emergency situation.

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RISK AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

• Prepare a disaster plan.

• This includes a communications plan and list of contacts.
• Check if your insurance covers flood damage or explosions. If not, find out how to
get insurance.
• Make an itemized list of personal property well in advance. Photograph or video
the interior and exterior of your office.
• Keep insurance, important documents, and other valuable items in a safe deposit
box.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit.
• Find out where you can go if ordered to evacuate.
• Make a keep-in-touch arrangement with relatives and friends.

E. Conclusion

The main reason to have an emergency action plan is to do as much as possible to keep your
employees safe in case of disaster. The confusion of an emergency can make a bad situation
worse and put lives at risk. We also can prevent fatalities and injuries. Reduce damage to
buildings, stock, and equipment. Protect the environment and the community.

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F. REFERENCES

Emergency response team malaysia - CERT academy - leading training providers. CERT.
(n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2022, from
https://www.certacademy.com.my/training/emergency-response-division/emergency-
response-plan-preparedness-erp-training/

fire drill. Fire drills and training. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2022, from
https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/business/health_and_safety/fire_safety/fire_sa
fety_in_schools/fire_drills_and_training.aspx

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