SCHOOL OF HOUSING BUILDING AND

PLANNING SEMESTER 1 (2022/2023)

RMK 156: Health, Safety, and Environmental Management
TITLE: EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN FOR CONSTRUCTION
SITES
NAME MATRIC NO
TEE YU YANG 162129
TENG KAH LOK 161379
YANG YU XING 160696
TAN QIAO HUI 160922
AUNI ADAWIYAH BINTI INDROS 164235
WAN NURUL SYAZWA AFINIE BINTI 162775

WAN HANAFI

PREPARED FOR: DR. AMIR MAHDIYAR

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: 30 NOVEMBER 2022
 TABLE OF CONTENT:

Content Page number

1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Type of emergencies included in emergency response plan 2
3.0 Objective of emergency response plan 3
4.0 How lengthy and complex an ERP on a 6
construction site should be?

4.1 Examples of typical emergency response

procedures
5.0 Reference 9
1.0 Introduction

Construction sites can be hazardous locations. Thus, it is crucial to have an

Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in place so that, in the event of an issue, prompt and
appropriate action can be taken to lessen the severity of the situation and limit the
ramifications. An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) consists of agreed-upon, written
down, and practiced procedures that allow people present to react dependably and
successfully. The severity of the effects of an emergency can be significantly
influenced by the actions done in the first few minutes. In this situation, “severity of
repercussions" can mean severe losses regarding money, the environment, resources,
and people. To reduce losses, business requires a plan of action to implement in an
emergency. The first few minutes of an emergency are crucial for the decisions made.
A quick warning to staff to leave, seek shelter, or go on lockdown can save lives.

An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is a tool that businesses utilize to handle a

variety of emergency scenarios. Whom to contact, how to contact, and resources to
use are all included. For instance, who should call if an emergency arises while we are
on a building site? Additionally, we should know whom to notify when an employee
is hurt, how to reach them, and how to assist them in an accident or emergency. Next,
consider what advice is required in an emergency to solve the issue, such as a poster
or smartphone application that outlines what to do. Conducting a risk assessment to
identify potential emergency scenarios is the first stage in creating an emergency
response plan. Knowing what can happen will help you identify your needed
resources and create plans and processes to protect your company. Your performance
goals should be in line with the emergency plan.

Life safety is always given full attention in times of disaster. The incident's
stabilization is the second priority. Various steps might be performed to stabilize an
incident and reduce possible damage. Training personnel in first aid and CPR can
save lives. Qualified staff members can put out a small fire with fire extinguishers.
Environmental harm can be reduced and prevented by controlling a tiny chemical leak
and keeping an eye on the building's utilities and systems. Some severe weather
situations can be predicted hours in advance, giving vital time to secure a building. A
strategy should be made to prepare a facility, and resources should be readily
available. The strategy must incorporate a procedure.

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2.0 Type of emergencies included in emergency response plan

Construction sites, emergencies, and accidents can happen at any time. This
results in workers facing dangerous situations daily. Therefore, to stop further
disasters, every construction company needs to create an emergency response plan
(ERP).

First and foremost, flooding is the most frequent natural disaster that can happen at
any time of the year. Floods are sure to wreak havoc on buildings. For instance, the
working conditions for construction workers are more complex, and supplies can be
harmed by flooding and other events. Therefore, we must be ready to deal with this
tragedy.

In addition to floods, other natural disasters are tornadoes and cyclones, perhaps less
common in Malaysia but more frequent in some countries worldwide. Strong winds
can sweep away everything, including heavy objects on construction sites and even
construction workers. Tornadoes are very dangerous.

Then there are the earthquakes, caused by the shaking of the ground and moving of
rocks beneath the earth's surface. The shaking can cause buildings and Bridges to
collapse, injuring or even killing construction workers. Sometimes they cause
landslides, flash floods, and tsunamis. Bring great harm to people's life.

One of the issues that frequently occur on construction sites is fire. This is due to
numerous flammable compounds on building sites, including gasoline, fuel oil,
kerosene, and linseed oil, all examples of flammable liquids. In addition to flammable
materials, smoking is one of the factors that contribute to fires. Cigarettes can start a
fire on a building site if they are not correctly disposed of and put out.

On construction sites, the danger of chemical spills has drastic consequences for
humans and the environment and can even lead to worker death. Chemical spills bring
on toxic gas emissions. The risk of a severe loss of life increases with the number of
harmful chemicals spilled or leaked.

Finally, the thing that can do much harm on a construction site is poisoning.
Poisoning can be caused by food poisoning caused by poor sanitation at construction
sites. This kind of poisoning is a large-scale injury. It is also possible that the

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temporary storage or use of inflammable and explosive dangerous chemicals used in
construction does not meet the requirements, and the protection is not in place,
resulting in fire or personnel suffocation poisoning accidents.

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3.0 Objective of emergency response plan

Considering the overall objective of Emergency Response Plan (ERP), we will

discuss how helpful an emergency response plan in a construction site could be. The
objective is;

 Emergency Response Plan (ERP) can prevent fatalities and injuries.

 Emergency Response Plan (ERP) reduce damage to buildings, stock and

equipment.
 Emergency Response Plan (ERP) protect the environment and the community.

 Emergency Response Plan (ERP) accelerate the resumption of normal

operations.

The emergency management professional will advise the perfect time to take the
correct action to deal with an emergency before it happens. If a hurricane or other
severe weather strikes, you will need more time to devise an evacuation plan. You
will be too preoccupied with avoiding immediate dangers. Taking a proactive
approach to emergency planning allows you to ensure the best possible outcomes for
employees and businesses and think about the situation holistically, accounting for
various variables.

Companies can demonstrate the importance of employee safety and protecting

surrounding communities and the environment by implementing countermeasures to
potential threats and associated risks. When potential threats and risks are identified,
steps can be taken to reduce or eliminate the possibility of an emergency. Employee
training, updating safety procedures, and obtaining updated equipment are all
examples of mitigation efforts.

As we know, construction can be pretty risky. Fatalities are the occurrence of death
by accidents, in war, or by disease, while injuries mean physical damage to bodies.
Some examples of emergencies on construction sites can lead to fatalities and injuries
if we do not take them seriously, such as fire, explosions, structural failures, and
electrocution. When an emergency occurs, the worker can solve it smoothly according
to the emergency response plan. This is because the emergency response plan had
established procedures to deal with any emergency.
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In the emergency response plan, the vital contact already prepared, such as the
hospital, police station, and fire department. For example, if an accident occurs on the
construction site, we can contact the hospital, and the injured worker can be treated
immediately. So, it will prevent the worker from getting any serious injury and avoid
fatalities. Other than that, as part of the emergency response plan, the superiors may
hire medical officers to treat any small accidents on the construction site.

An emergency that also can lead to damage is fire, explosion, tropical storms,
hurricanes, and flooding. This kind of emergency can damage all the documents and
equipment for the construction and building. Potential harm may be avoided or
lessened by looking through the following building components, systems, and
equipment. Example of building components and equipment is high-value machinery,
sensitive electronic equipment including information technology and process
controllers, exterior signs, windows, and doors. In the construction site, there are a
few employees hired to be responsible for this plan, which is the one who takes
action. So, all the equipment can be saved immediately.

The employees need to take the ERP training to plan the emergency well and be
experts in emergency procedures. Employee training, emergency response drills, and
relevant exercises reveal substantial harm in emergency response planning programs.
Training needs will be determined by the size of your workplace and workforce, the
processes used, the materials handled, and the availability of onsite or outside
resources.

All of the employees understand the purpose and elements of the emergency action
plan, such as potential emergency types, reporting procedures, security systems,
evacuation procedures, and shutdown procedures. Other than that, their training
includes firefighting, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the
containment of hazardous materials.

Employees may require personal protective equipment (PPE) to evacuate during an

emergency. Example of personal protective equipment (PPE) is safety shoes, goggles,
safety glasses, face shields, and hard hats. Personal protective equipment must be
selected following the potential hazards in the workplace. Hence, their eye, head, and
body can be protected well.

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The employees will ensure the construction site have enough adequate fire
extinguishers. So, if any small flame occurs, they can immediately put out the fire.
They can also prepare the best place to keep important documents safe on the
construction site. They also need to be alert during flood season or blood warnings to
save all the electrical machines and tools.

Other than being human beings, environmental conservation is also significant.

Environment means all around the construction site, while the community is all the
workers involved and the public. If any accident occurs, responsible employees can
ensure the public's safety and the environment's protection. In order to maintain public
safety, security ensures traffic control and crowd control so that people do not
approach the incident area.

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4.0 How lengthy and complex an ERP on a construction site should be?

Before developing an Emergency Response Plan for a new project. They must be sure
these elements are in plan before starting a new construction project:
 Location and details about the place. Construction personnel should clearly
understand the construction site's address and the project's nature. Tell
everyone where to go and how to get out securely, including the locations and
details of the various options. Always recheck these procedures, as there is
always change following the construction project's progress. Always
communicate with personnel about the changes in a construction site. We
designated the proper shelter in place if occurrence any unwanted incidents in
a worksite. Every personnel should know the evacuation place.
 A preferred method for reporting a crisis. Indicate contact information for
first responders or other emergency personnel, including phone numbers and
other forms of communication.
 Headcount procedures. To help ensure nobody is left in danger and missing
or hurt persons are found quickly, develop a plan to account for everyone on
the scene following an emergency.
 Information on the nearest medical facility. The nearby medical facility's
name, address, and directions also must be provided. People do not need to try
to guess where the hospital is in case of an emergency.
 Escape procedures and emergency route assignments. Everyone must be
aware of safe evacuation procedures, including the location and details of all
possible routes. Emergency response plans must routinely re-evaluate these
procedures because they are often changed throughout the project. In addition,
to escape systems, the ideal location to seek refuge in the event of a tornado or
other significant wind also must specify.
 What kind of resources are provided and available to use to eliminate the
hazard? The team's tasks will determine what other equipment is needed.
Automating external defibrillators can be necessary for a first aid/CPR team.
A fire brigade would need fire extinguishers. A hazardous materials response
team or trained staff operating in their allocated workspace would need spill
containment and absorbent equipment. Employees may be compelled to wear

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personal protective equipment as part of a safety program.

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 Figure 1: Guideline for Emergency Planning for the Australian Commercial
Construction Industry

Source: Australian Commercial Construction Industry

The picture above is a document of guidelines for the Australian Commercial

Construction Industry emergency planning. That is a general emergency response
plan that can be referred to all constructors in the construction project. It is applied in
Australia and can be referred to other countries. Mega projects need a more complex
and lengthy emergency response plan because the bigger the risk of emergency
occurrence, the bigger the project. The hazard of the work site, the size and location
of the worksite, and the number and composition of workers over the worksite; these
elements can affect the length and complexity of the emergency response plan.
Construction Workers shall comply with and understand clearly throughout an
emergency response plan to avoid unwanted incidents. The purpose of developing an
emergency response plan is to prevent incidents and guarantee the safety of the
workers. Emergency preparedness helps minimize economic losses and human
suffering during a construction project and instructs workers on how to deal with
different types of emergencies depending on the given emergency response procedure.
How complex and length of emergency preparedness shall be following the size and
complexity of the projects. Staff members on-site should assist the constructor in
developing the emergency response plan. The setting of an emergency response plan
should include the following information which is hazard identification; emergency

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resources that could be accessible; communication systems; administration of the
program;

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 emergency response procedure; communication of the process, and debriefing and
post- traumatic stress procedure.

Worksite emergency
response procedures can be
conducted into a poster to make
workers easily understand proper
action during hazard incidents—
additionally, a sign to caution
pedestrian crossing outside of a
construction site. The poster lists ten
types of worksite emergency
response procedures that should
comply with by anyone on-site. Lists
of worksite emergency response
procedures include fire emergency,
fire extinguisher use, hazardous
substance release, workplace
violence, shelter-in- place, winter
storms, flood, earthquakes, tornados,
and hurricanes. The poster makes the
sight of an emergency response plan
simple and easy to read. This type of emergency response procedure report is
designed to make it simpler to read and understand. After reading through a poster,
they have a shared knowledge of how to deal with an emergency. In case of an
emergency, call 911 immediately for emergency assistance from professional
personnel.

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 4.1 Examples of typical emergency response procedures

Typical Emergency Response Procedures – Risk of Fire / Explosion

Suppose there is a fire or an explosion on the construction site. Personnel
should instantly cease work and shout "FIRE" to inform others. Immediately notify the
in charge of the activity without any time delay. James and Rick are among the workers
on the construction site. James can go to the nearest fire shatter glass and follow the
emergency or fire escape route. He should meet up with his coworkers outdoors at the
appointed assembly location. However, Rick was trained by an organization before
using fire extinguishers. He was appointed to use a portable fire extinguisher to put out
the fire after going to alert security, his superior, and the ERT commander. Suppose the
fire heated up so ERT couldn't handle it. They should seek external aid, such as calling
BOMBA immediately. ERT should give emergency communication with a BOMBA
and direct them to the emergency. ERT takes action and hands it over to BOMBA
when they arrive. Then help BOMBA if necessary per their instruction. Authorities
should inform surrounding communities to evacuate if the fire is uncontrollable and
likely explosive due to chemical spilling. All residents would be designated to shelter
in place by local authorities.

Typical Emergency Response Procedures – Medical Emergency

John is a construction worker one day. He accidentally fell from a height while
he was working. He was luckily discovered by the nearest Person and alive, but his leg
may be a fracture. Chief Warden will ensure that emergency services are called and
arrange for a First Aid Officer to be contacted and administer first aid. A suitably
trained person will apply first aid at the workplace before emergency service arrives.
The patient will be left in place while awaiting the arrival of the Emergency Services.
The shift supervisor or Person in charge will ensure the patient is kept warm and chill
so as not to aggravate the injuries. Once the emergency service arrives, they will send
him to hospitalization. While awaiting the ambulance, the first aid officer will check
the severity of the patient's injury as appropriate. In the event of severe damage that
requires hospitalization, the Chief Warden will advise the Area Manager as soon as is
practicable. It is the responsibility of the Area Manager to contact the injured Person's
next of kin.

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5.0 References

SMS PRO () What is an Emergency Response Plan (ERP)? Available at:

https://www.asms-pro.com/SMS/WhatisanEmergencyResponsePlan.aspx
(Accessed:14 November 2022)
Creating a flood emergency response plan file:///C:/Users/tan%20qiao
%20hui/Downloads/P0589.pdf (Accessed:13 November 2022 )
Ready.gov (28 April 2022) Emergency Response Plan. Available at:
https://www.ready.gov/business/implementation/emergency (Accessed: 16 November 2022)
Mike Viola (1 November 2018) Emergency Response Plan For Your Construction
Site. Available at:
https://alliedinsbrokers.com/emergency-response-plan-for-your-construction-site/
(Accessed:14 November 2022)
Construction Safety Association Of Ontario () Emergency Response Planning for
Construction Projects. Available at:
https://www.ihsa.ca/pdfs/products/id/b030.pdf (Accessed:20 November 2022)
BP WIND ENERGY (2 February 2013) Emergency Response Plan Mohave Wind
Farm Construction Project. Available at:
https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g2000/envdocs/MohaveCountyWindFarm/Plan_of_D
evelopment/508%20Attachments%20to%20HSSE%20Plan/Attach_J_Emergency_Re
sponse_Plan.pdf (Accessed: 18 November 2022)
PNGRB Emergency Response Plan during Projects/Construction. Available at:
https://pngrb.gov.in/pdf/public-notice/CPE-Annexure-2-ERP_Project.docx.pdf
(Accessed: 20 November 2022)
(March 2019) Guideline For Emergency Planning for the Australian Commercial
Construction Industry. Available at:
https://www.constructors.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Guideline-for-
Emergency-Planning-Final-Document_opt.pdf (Accessed: 19 November
2022)
RLS HUMAN CARE (6 May 2018 ) How to Prepared Emergency Response Plan for
Construction Site. Available at:
https://rlsdhamal.com/emergency-response-plan-for-construction-site/
(Accessed: 14 November 2022)
AOTC (15 October 2020) OSHA Emergency Response Plan: A Brief Guide and
Checklist. Available at:
https://a-otc.com/osha-emergency-response-plan-a-brief-guide-and-checklist/
(Accessed: 15 November 2022)
United States Department Of Labor Hurricane Preparedness and Response. Available
at:
https://www.osha.gov/hurricane (Accessed: 22 November 2022)
United States Department Of Labor Earthquake Preparedness and Response..
Available at:
.https://www.osha.gov/earthquakes (Accessed: 21 November 2022)
United States Environmental Protection Agency (16 May 2022) Emergency response .
Available at:
https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response (Accessed: 24 November
2022)