Professional Documents
Culture Documents
HEALTH
SAFETY SECURITY
ENVIRONMENT
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
PLAN
Director
Carlon Douglas
Contents
1. Emergency Preparedness and Response.............................................................................................3
Emergency Response Plan...........................................................................................................................4
2. Purpose................................................................................................................................................4
3. Scope...................................................................................................................................................4
4. Responsibility......................................................................................................................................4
5. FIRE AND EXPLOSION...........................................................................................................................6
Fire Prevention........................................................................................................................................7
Escape Routes & Equipment....................................................................................................................8
6. MEDICAL INJURIES...............................................................................................................................8
Heart Attack.............................................................................................................................................8
Stroke......................................................................................................................................................9
Asthma....................................................................................................................................................9
Epilepsy.................................................................................................................................................10
Shock.....................................................................................................................................................11
Fainting..................................................................................................................................................12
7. SECURITY...........................................................................................................................................13
Bomb Threat..........................................................................................................................................13
Violent Attack........................................................................................................................................13
8. NATURAL DISASTERS.........................................................................................................................14
Earthquake:...........................................................................................................................................14
Hurricane...............................................................................................................................................16
Flooding.................................................................................................................................................17
9. ELECTRICAL SHOCK............................................................................................................................17
10. BURNS............................................................................................................................................18
11. FALL FROM HEIGHTS......................................................................................................................20
12. LIFTING EMERGENCIES..................................................................................................................21
13. ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES..................................................................................................23
14. EMERGENCY DRILLS.......................................................................................................................23
15. INSPECTIONS OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENTS................................................................................24
16. TRAINING.......................................................................................................................................24
17. RECORDS........................................................................................................................................24
18. QMSL Emergency Contact Numbers..............................................................................................24
19. RESOURCES....................................................................................................................................25
The company’s Emergency Response Plan is located at each of the company’s operated sites. It
is used to develop a site-specific Emergency Response Plan that integrates with the company’s
Emergency Response Plan.
All Emergency Response Plans are tested in accordance with the drill schedule and practiced at
suitable intervals to ensure that they remain effective and cover all reasonable emergency
scenarios.
All personnel are aware of the Emergency Response Plan and any roles or responsibilities they
have under these plans. As a minimum, all personnel are informed of the actions they should
take in the event of an emergency situation developing at their location.
Managers of any project involved in working with clients or others under the protection of a
non-QMSL Emergency Response Plan will request sufficient copies of the site operator’s
Emergency Response Plans for retention by our Emergency Response Team.
A review of the non-QMSL Emergency Response Plan is conducted to determine if any gaps
exist. Where gaps exist, appropriate actions are identified to bridge them.
The emergency Response Plan outlines how to identify potential HSE incidents and emergency
situations. The output of this plan is the basis for the development of an appropriate
emergency response(s). The following typical scenarios are taken into consideration:
2. Purpose
This plan seeks to outline the responsibilities and activities required to ensure that foreseeable
work-related emergencies can be dealt with in an efficient manner, minimizing panic and undue
stress.
It is intended that the implementation of this plan will help to minimize the impact on people,
environment, our assets and our reputation and prevent and control hazards from escalating.
3. Scope
This procedure is applicable to all employees, whether temporary or permanently employed
with QMSL as well as our suppliers and self-employed persons working on our premises or
jobsite and working on behalf of QMSL
4. Responsibility
QMSL Managing Director will be responsible for ensuring that the Emergency Response Plan is
reviewed on a periodic basis, not to exceed two years
The Managing Director shall ensure these positions identified in this plan be adequately trained
in their duties and that suitable and sufficient resources have been allocated to allow the plans
to be efficiently implemented when required.
The HSE Coordinator will be responsible for escalating the incident with reference to the flow
chart
The HSE Coordinator shall ensure that emergency action plans are in place, and allocate
resources as required by location in accordance with this plan. This shall include contingency
plans and training of an individual in the event of absence.
Fire Marshals / Floor Wardens should ensure that space is evacuated timely and in an efficient
manner, including those that are differently able; and maintain accountability of employees,
visitors, and contractors.
Visitors & Contractors should be aware of the evacuation procedures and Assembly Points.
Employees must be aware of the evacuation procedures, Assembly Points and emergency
procedures in general.
All personnel allocated responsibilities for emergency situations are responsible for carrying out
their duties in an efficient and professional manner
The Emergency Response Plan establishes the procedure to be followed and the actions to be
taken by all personnel working on the facility at the time of an accident/incident that has the
potential to cause serious injury to personnel and damage to, plant or equipment.
Conditions that could create or contribute to the development of an emergency include:
Emergency drills are carried out every month and are recorded in the Emergency Drill Report
Form. All employees, suppliers, visitors, and all other persons on the compound are required to
participate in the drill.
The floor plan layout of the premises identifies the evacuation routes as well as the location of
emergency equipment devices.
The emergency drill is assessed by the Director or Emergency Team Leader in conjunction with
the Floor Wardens and other persons involved in the planning and execution of such and take
appropriate action to address issues that arise.
Emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and First Aid Kits are inspected on a monthly
basis by the HSE Coordinator / Designate to ensure it is functioning well and recorded on the
relevant forms.
Remember if you encounter heavy smoke, often the exit signs above the door may be
camouflaged by the smoke. If you know in advance how many doors you will have to pass, you
can then crawl or crouch low with your head below the smoke (watching the base of the wall)
and count the doors you pass so that you will know when you reach the exit door. If your
clothing catches fire…STOP…DROP…ROLL.
If you smell or see smoke and/or see fire, raise an alarm and contact the HSE
Coordinator or your Supervisor.
Fight the fire with a portable extinguisher, if trained and safe to do so.
Evacuate to the Muster Point using the nearest exit, if necessary.
Report to your Supervisor/HSE Coordinator for accountability
Employee Name
Location
Size and type of fire
Hazards
Number of personnel involved
Unusual conditions noticed
Stand in a place so that wind carries smoke and flame away from you
Turn off electrical current in cases involving electrical equipment
If the fire re-ignites, use a fully charged fire extinguisher, repeat the above procedure, or leave
the area and close the door. DO NOT RE-ENTER.
The HSE Coordinator or designate would call the fire service – phone number 990 if needed.
Conduct a roll call to account for all employees and visitors; this should be done by the Safety
Wardens with the use of the security records showing persons on the compound.
HSE personnel will designate a search and rescue crew that will be given five minutes to look
for this person(s). Whether they are found or not they will have to return to the muster point
area after this time.
No one should stay in the building for any reason e.g., rain, a phone call, etc. All personal items
should be left in the building. Additionally, one should not move any vehicle out of the
compound unless instructed to do so by relevant authorized personnel such as the Safety
Wardens.
Fire Prevention
Flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, paint, thinners, etc.) are not to be stored on the site
without the knowledge and approval of Creative who will carry out an appropriate risk
assessment prior to granting approval for such storage.
6. MEDICAL INJURIES
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart muscle becomes blocked. If the
flow of blood isn’t restored quickly, the section the of heart muscle becomes damaged from
lack of oxygen and begins to die.
If you think you or someone you know may be having a heart attack:
Call 811 and notify them of the emergency within a few minutes 5 at the most of the
start of symptoms.
Help the person to the most comfortable position.
If your symptoms stop completely in less than 5 minutes, still see your doctor.
Take an ambulance to the hospital. Going in a private car can delay treatment.
Take a nitro-glycerine pill if your doctor has prescribed this type of medication.
Give an adult or two to four children aspirin.
Monitor breathing
Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency. Strokes happen when blood flow to your brain stops. Within
minutes, brain cells begin to die. There are two kinds of stroke. The more common kind, called
ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. The
other kind, called hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into
the brain. "Mini-strokes" or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) occur when the blood supply to
the brain is briefly interrupted.
Warning signs:
Numbness, tingling, paralysis on one side of the body, extremities, hands, and feet.
Slurred speech, not making sense.
Trouble understanding you.
Uneven pupils.
Nausea or vomiting.
Decreased level of consciousness.
Help them get in a comfortable position on their side, and make sure they are resting.
Call the ambulance service (811) immediately and notify them of the emergency.
Reassure the person that help is on the way.
Do not give them anything to eat or drink
Asthma
Asthma is a disease that you can be born with or develop later on in life. Some people outgrow
it as they get older. When someone has an asthma attack their air passages become very tight,
they spasm, and secrete mucous. This makes it very difficult to breathe. Usually breathing out
may be more difficult than breathing in.
Causes:
Physical Exertion
Emotional Stress
Irritants in the air such as dust or smoke, cold dry air or hot humid air
Coughing - Coughing from asthma is often worse at night or early in the morning,
making it hard to sleep.
Wheezing - Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound that occurs when you breathe.
Chest tightness - This may feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.
Shortness of breath - Some people who have asthma say they can't catch their breath or
they feel out of breath. You may feel like you can't get air out of your lungs.
All people who have asthma need a quick-relief medicine to help relieve asthma
symptoms that may flare up. Inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists are the first choice for
quick relief.
Help the victim into a comfortable position with head and shoulders slightly raised.
If the person is hyperventilating due to anxiety, have the victim inhale through his or her
nose, hold their breath for several second and then exhale slowly.
If the symptoms do not improve or gets worse after using the inhaler call 811 and notify
them of the emergency.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes
signal abnormally causing strange sensations, emotions, and behaviour, or sometimes
convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. Epilepsy can also develop as a result of
brain damage from other disorders including brain tumours, alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease,
strokes, and heart attacks. Epilepsy is also associated with a variety of developmental and
metabolic disorders
Causes:
Protect person from further injury by moving hard or sharp objects away, but do not
interfere with the person’s movements. Place something soft and small, such as a
sweater, under their head, and loosen tight clothing around the neck.
Do not force anything in the person’s mouth. This could cause teeth and jaw damage, or
choking. The person will not swallow their tongue during a seizure.
Roll the person on their side as soon as possible, to allow saliva or other fluids to drain
away, helping to clear the airway. Do not be frightened if a person having a seizure
stops breathing momentarily.
If a seizure goes on longer than 5 minutes, repeats without full recovery or the person
becomes injured, then call for medical assistance. You cannot stop a seizure, so don’t
try.
Shock
Poor circulation to the vital organs, it can cause very low blood pressure and it can be very
serious and life threatening. The casualty may not know that they are in shock. Once someone
goes into shock it is like a domino effect. The body tried to compensate by increasing the heart
rate. But this may lead to a fatigued heart, and blood loss if there is an injury. As a result, the
heart needs more blood so it speeds up even more. The best way to help is to treat the cause of
the shock.
Causes:
Dilated blood vessels, bleeding, and severe dehydration, all leading to a drop in blood pressure,
which results in poor circulation. These can be caused by severe emotional trauma, physical
injury, illness, etc.
Loss of Consciousness
A sudden Rapid Heartbeat and breathing
Sweating
Confusion or lack of alertness
Monitor the victim’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed (only a trained
personal )
Call must be made to emergency services (811) and notify them of the emergency.
Have the victim lie on their back and raise the leg about 8-12 inches (unless the victim
has a spinal injury).
Loosen any tight clothing.
Be alert for the possibility of vomiting; turn the victim’s head to drain the mouth.
Try to main the victim’s normal body temperature. Put a coat or blanket under the
victim who is lying on the ground.
Do not let a shock victim eat, drink, or smoke.
Fainting
This is very similar to shock except it is a temporary condition. Fainting can happen suddenly
when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
Causes:
It usually occurs because of a temporary decrease of blood flow to the brain, which can be
caused by not eating properly, standing up too fast, or low blood pressure.
If they feel faint have them lie down on his /her back and raise the leg 6-12 inches which
will help with circulation.
If they faint, they will usually wake up in a few seconds.
Encourage the person to stay lying down for a few minutes until they feel better.
If they do not wake up within one minute, or they became injured during the fall then
activate the ambulance, and treat any injuries.
Check the victim’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed and if you are trained to
do so.
Call to emergency services must be made (811) and notify them of the emergency if the
victim does not regain responsiveness, or faints repeatedly, for all older adults, people
with heart disease, and pregnant women.
7. SECURITY
Bomb Threat
Remain calm
Listen, do not interrupt the caller
Notify the Managing Director or Operations Manager and the HSE Officer.
Talk to no one other than to who instructed.
Fill out the Bomb Threat Checklist
If the caller is familiar with the project and specific about the location of the bomb, the
call should be regarded with a high degree of urgency.
Emergency Services will be called – telephone Fire Service 990 as well as the Police 999 by the
HSE Officer or Designate.
In case of a bomb threat an announcement will be made informing everyone on the compound
to leave their required location and assemble at the Primary Muster Point Area.
This matter will be handled by the Emergency Services. Clearance will be directed by the
relevant authority such as the HSE Personnel when it is safe to re-enter the compound or where
necessary leave the premises.
A bomb threat can turn into a fire and explosion. As a result of any explosions and fire persons
on the compound may suffer burns or even death. This should be handled according to the
relevant sections as stated under Fire and Explosion
Violent Attack
A violent attack is considered to be where someone acts or threaten to act with force to cause
harm to persons or property.
If there is a violent attack this shall be immediately reported to the Managing Director, the
Operations Manager or the HSE Officer who shall immediately call the police via telephone 999.
The police shall then handle the matter.
As a consequence of a violent attack persons can suffer bodily injury or even death. The
appropriate first aid should be carried out and if required based on the severity an ambulance
may be called to transport the victim to the hospital at telephone number 811.
8. NATURAL DISASTERS
Earthquake:
An earthquake is a natural hazard which occurs when the ground shakes or rocks violently. An
earthquake can take place at any time, day or night, without any forewarning at all and is
capable of inflicting the same type of damage as a major hurricane. This makes it the most
unpredictable and feared of all-natural disasters.
The motion may be severe. If you are standing, you may be thrown to the ground.
Visibility may be poor inside because of dust in the air.
Drop to the ground; take cover by lying next to a sturdy piece of furniture and hold on
until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a sturdy piece of furniture near you, cover your
face and head with your arms and crouch in the inside corner of the building.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and w,alls and anything that could fall,
such as lighting fixtures or the crane boom.
A doorway can be used for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you
Stay outside and move away from buildings, streetlights, utility wires or any other item
that may fall on you.
Once in the open stay there until the shaking stops.
If you are travelling in a vehicle, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Do not stop on a
highway overpass or bridge.
Do not stop in locations where buildings may crumble.
Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can also cause you
to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
Hurricane
A Hurricane occurs when a tropical cyclone reaches or exceeds maximum sustained wind
speeds of 33 m/s. Hurricanes can be further classified using the Saffir- Simpson Hurricane Wind
Scale, which is a 1 -5 classification of the hurricanes intensity at the indicated time.
Notification of a hurricane is usually given by the government prior to its occurrence. All
employees would be required to stay at home.
In the event that a hurricane should strike while on the compound all persons on the
compound would be required to assemble in the Administration Office.
A head count will be done by the supervisor. If any persons are missing the HSE and supervisor
shall perform a search and rescue.
The HSE Officer or Designate will be required to scope the area, shutting all doors and windows
as well as unplugging all the electrical equipment throughout the compound.
The emergency broadcast will be played on the radio or television. Where there is a current
failure a battery-operated radio would be used.
Worker/s will be given instructions by the relevant authorized personnel such as HSE Officer
when the storm is over. After this time the employees will be allowed to leave and go home.
During a Hurricane
Remain Calm
Stay indoors away from windows
Keep updated on the situation via radio/television/ internet
Ensure all members/ employees are accounted for; if someone is missing immediately
contact the relevant authorities.
Stay clear of downed electricity lines, report to the relevant authorities
Avoid /limit contact with flood waters
Lend assistance to injured or special population such as children, elderly or differently
able.
Flooding
Riverine flooding: This usually occurs when a river overflows its banks. It is usually due to the
volume of water within a body of water, such as a river or lake, exceeding its capacity and
overflowing its banks. It can also occur when the velocity of the river is so high that it flows
right out of the river channel, usually at bends.
Coastal flooding: The sea can overflow or overtop flood defences such as sea walls, perhaps
due to a heavy storm (storm surge), a high tide, a tsunami, or a combination thereof.
Flash flooding: This is a flood that rises and falls rapidly with little or no advance warning. Flash
floods usually result from intense rainfall over a relatively small area.
Urban flooding: This occurs as a result of land development. Permeable soil layers are being
replaced by impermeable paved surfaces, through which water cannot infiltrate. This leads to
greater runoff being generated, which can make rivers out of roadways and ponds out of car
parks.
Causes of Flooding:
Prolong Rainfall
Intense/Heavy rainfall.
Deforestation.
Improper waste disposal
Improper drain maintenance
9. ELECTRICAL SHOCK
An electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical energy source.
Electrical energy flows through a portion of the body causing a shock. Exposure to electrical
energy may result in no injury at all or may result in devastating damage or death. Many people
get electric shocks obtained from man-made objects such as electrical appliances, electrical
wires, and electrical circuitry. In addition, lightning strikes are a natural form of electric shock.
Burns are the most common injury from electric shock and lightning strikes.
A person who has suffered an electric shock may have very little external evidence of injury or
may have obvious severe burns. Some people may be in cardiac arrest after an electric shock or
a lightning strike.
Burns are usually most severe at the points of contact with the electrical source and the
ground. The hands, heels, and head are common points of contact.
In addition to burns, other injuries are possible if the person has been thrown clear of the
electrical source by forceful muscular contraction. Consideration should be given to the
possibility of a spinal injury. The person may have internal injuries especially if he or she is
experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, or abdominal pain.
Pain in a hand or foot or a deformity of a part of the body may indicate a possible broken
bone resulting from the electric shock causing violent muscle contraction.
Before you touch the victim , turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker, fuse box or
outside switch box
If the electrocution involves high-voltage power lines, the power must be turned off
before anyone approaches the victim. Wait for trained personnel with the proper
equipment to cut the wires or disconnect them.
Call must be made to the emergency services (811) and inform them of the situation
Check responsiveness and breathing
N.B. Never use any type of petroleum on the burns
10. BURNS
A burn is a type of injury to the skin caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, light, radiation or
friction. Most burns only affect the skin (epidermal tissue and dermis). Rarely deeper tissues,
such as muscle, bone, and blood vessels can also be injured. Managing burns is important
because they are common, painful and can result in disfiguring and disabling scarring.
First Degree (superficial) Burns: - are usually limited to redness, mild swelling and minor pain at
the site of injury. These burns involve only the outer layer of the skin. Most sunburn can be
included as first-degree burns.
Cool the burn with cool water until the part is pain free (this should take 10 minutes)
After the burn cools, apply aloe vera gel or skin to reduce itching and peeling
Seek medical advice for pain medication
Second Degree (partial –thickness) burn:- A partial thickness burn that extends through
the skin’s entire outer layer and into the inner layer . Signs of second degree burns_-
blisters, swelling, weeping of fluids and pain
Cool the burn with cool water until the part is pain free (this should take 10 minutes)
After the burn has been cooled, apply antibiotic ointment. Do not apply lotions or aloe
vera
Cover the burn loosely with a dry, non-stick, sterile or clean dressing. Do not break any
blisters
For large second degree burns, call 811 and notify them of the emergency
Seek medical attention for burns on face, genitals, hands, or feet.
Third Degree (full-thickness) burn:- occur when the epidermis is lost with damage to the
subcutaneous tissue. Burn victims will exhibit charring and extreme damage of the epidermis.
Third-degree burns result in scarring and victims will also exhibit the loss of hair shafts and
keratin. These burns may require grafting. These burns are not painful, as all the nerves have
been damaged by the burn and are not sending pain signals; however, all third-degree burns
are surrounded by first and second-degree burns. Signs and symptoms: damaged, charred, or
white leathery skin. Watch also for sign and symptoms of shock: clammy, pale, or ashen skin,
nausea and vomiting, fast breathing.
Chemical Burns:
A Chemical burn results when a caustic or corrosive substance touches the skin. Examples of
such substances includes acids, alkalis and organic compounds because chemicals continue to
burn as long as they are in contact with the skin they should be removed from the skin as
rapidly as possible .
Immediately flush the area with a large quantity of water for 30 minutes. If the chemical
is a dry powder, brush the powder from the skin before flushing with water
Remove the employee/s contaminated clothing and jewellery while flushing with water
Cover affected area with a dry , sterile or clean dressing
Call must be made to the emergency services ( 811) and notify them of the emergency
Effects of a fall can result in broken bones injuries, spinal injuries, dislocation and even death
Sprain
Spinal Injuries
Asses a responsive victim for spinal injury. See if the victim has feeling and can move the
hands and feet.
Hold with both hands the victim’s head in the position found to prevent movement of
the neck and spine.
Monitor the victim’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed and you are trained
to do so.
Have someone call 811 and notify them of the emergency.
Protect yourself against disease by wearing medical exam gloves. If this is not available
use several layers of gauze or clean cloth, a plastic bag or water proof material
Expose the wound by removing or cutting the clothing to find the source of the
bleeding.
Place a dressing, such as a sterile gauze or clean cloth over the wound and apply
pressure with your hand. This stops most bleeding.
If the victim is bleeding from an arm or leg, elevate the injured area above the heart
level to reduce blood flow as you continue to apply pressure.
Apply pressure bandage by wrapping a roll gauze bandage in a spiral pattern tightly over
the dressing, above and below the wound.
If this becomes blood soaked apply dressing and pressure bandage on top of the existing
bandage.
If the bleeding cannot be controlled, apply pressure to a pressure point while pressing
on the wound.
If stitches are required transport the victim to the company doctor or another medical
facility.
For serious injury call 811 and inform them of the emergency.
Deformity
Open wound
Tenderness
Swelling
Unable to move the injured part normally
A grating or grinding sensation
The victim may have heard or felt the bone snap.
Expose and examine the injury site, look for deformities, open wounds, bruising or
swelling.
Stabilize the injured part to prevent movement with a splint.
If the injury is an open fracture, do not push on any protruding bone, over the wound
and exposed bone with a dressing. Place rolls of cause around the bone and bandage
the injury without applying pressure on the bone.
Apply an ice pack if possible to help reduce swelling and pain.
Call 811 and notify them of the injury.
Internal Bleeding
A closed wound results when a blunt object does not break the skin, but tissue and blood vessel
beneath the skin surface are crushed, causing internal bleeding
Symptoms
Bruising
Painful , tender area
Vomiting or coughing up blood
Stool that is black or contains bright red blood
Care for shock by placing the employee/s on his or her back and covering the
employee/s to maintain warmth
If vomiting occurs, roll the employee/s onto his or her side to keep the airways clear
Monitor breathing
Amputation –
Loss of a body part
Spill Procedure
All spill shall be handled according to the operators spill control process
The floor plan layout of the premises. This floor plan identifies the evacuation routes as well as
the location of emergency equipment.
The emergency drill is assessed by the HSE Officer in conjunction with Director and other
persons involved in the planning and execution of such and take appropriate action to address
issues that arise.
16. TRAINING
The following are training requirements needed at QMSL:
17. RECORDS
Records of maintenance inspections and emergency drills are maintained for a minimum period
of five (5) years at the Penal Administrative Office.
999
Police Station
Enforcement Agencies
Ministry of Labour, 868 -625-8478
EMA Hotline 868- 680-9588
628-0609 or 708-8072.
Secondary External Contact Numbers
Governmental Agencies
Ministry of Health 1-868-623-8110
19. RESOURCES
Firefighting equipment – extinguishers
Medical equipment– First aid kit