Chief Fire Warden Participants Manual

Chief Fire Warden Course
PUAWER005A
PUAWER006A
PUAWER008A
Participant
Manual
939311
Contents
Contents .................................................................................................................................... 2
Course Introduction ................................................................................................................... 5
Standards and Legislation ....................................................................................................... 12
Authority during an Emergency ............................................................................................... 13
Indemnity................................................................................................................................. 14
Workplace Emergency Response Procedures......................................................................... 14
Implementing the emergency procedure .............................................................................. 15
Maintaining procedures ........................................................................................................ 15
Topic 1 - Hazard Analysis ........................................................................................................ 16
What is an Emergency? ....................................................................................................... 16
What is a Hazard? ............................................................................................................... 16
SAFE ................................................................................................................................... 17
Spot the hazard ................................................................................................................... 17
Hazard Identification ......................................................................................................... 18
Risks ................................................................................................................................ 19
Report the hazard ................................................................................................................ 22
Prevention ............................................................................................................................... 22
Workplace ‘house-keeping ................................................................................................... 23
Preparedness ...................................................................................................................... 23
Practice................................................................................................................................ 23
Topic 2 - Human behaviour during an emergency ................................................................... 25
The general adaptation syndrome ........................................................................................ 25
Alarm phase......................................................................................................................... 26
Resistance phase ................................................................................................................ 26
Exhaustion phase ................................................................................................................ 26
Methods of fear reduction .................................................................................................... 26
Refusal to evacuate ............................................................................................................. 26
No physical force .............................................................................................................. 26
Procedure......................................................................................................................... 27
Topic 3 - Workplace emergency systems ................................................................................ 28
Workplace profile ................................................................................................................. 28
Alarm systems ..................................................................................................................... 29
Detection and activation system........................................................................................... 30
Suppression system ............................................................................................................. 32
Life safety and exiting systems ............................................................................................ 33
Exit sign/Emergency lighting............................................................................................. 34
Emergency Stairs ............................................................................................................. 34
Most likely emergencies ....................................................................................................... 37
Topic 4 - The EPC and ECO ................................................................................................... 38
The Emergency Planning Committee ...................................................................................... 38
Single occupant ................................................................................................................ 39
Multiple occupants ............................................................................................................ 39
The Emergency Control Organisation ...................................................................................... 39
Identification of ECO people ................................................................................................ 39
Chief Warden ................................................................................................................... 40
Deputy(ies) or Assistant(s) ............................................................................................... 40
Communications Officer ................................................................................................... 40
Floor or Area Wardens ..................................................................................................... 41
Warden............................................................................................................................. 41
Other Warden responsibilities ........................................................................................... 42
Employees ....................................................................................................................... 42
Participant Manual
Page 2 of 93
Version 1.02 dated 05 August 2008
Other specialist members ................................................................................................. 42
Emergency services organisations ................................................................................... 43
Typical ECO deployment ..................................................................................................... 43
Topic 5 – Responding to Emergencies .................................................................................... 46
Raising the alarm ................................................................................................................. 46
Communication .................................................................................................................... 46
RACE................................................................................................................................... 46
Workplace emergency procedures ....................................................................................... 47
Responding to emergency warnings – General Occupants ..................................................... 47
Single stage or tone systems ............................................................................................... 47
Two stage or tone systems .................................................................................................. 47
Alert tone .......................................................................................................................... 47
Evacuation tones .............................................................................................................. 48
Verbal .................................................................................................................................. 48
After hours actions ............................................................................................................... 48
Responding to emergencies - Wardens ................................................................................... 49
Single stage or tone systems ............................................................................................... 49
Hearing the alarm ............................................................................................................. 49
Completing the evacuation ............................................................................................... 50
Two stage or tone systems .................................................................................................. 50
EWIS Alert tone - BEEP BEEP BEEP .............................................................................. 50
EWIS Evacuation tones - WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP...................................................... 51
EWS Alert tone - BEEP BEEP BEEP ............................................................................... 51
EWS Evacuation tones - WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP....................................................... 52
Responding to emergencies – Chief Warden........................................................................... 52
Fire Emergency (Code Red) ................................................................................................ 52
Guidelines for buildings with an EWIS (see also AS 2220.2) ............................................ 52
Guidelines for buildings with a Fire Indicator Panel........................................................... 53
Medical Emergency (Code Blue) .......................................................................................... 53
Internal Emergency (Code Yellow) ....................................................................................... 53
External Emergency (Code Brown) ...................................................................................... 54
Personal Threat (Code Black) .............................................................................................. 55
Topic 6 - Options in an Emergency.......................................................................................... 56
Evacuation ........................................................................................................................... 56
Lock-down ........................................................................................................................... 56
Shelter-in-place.................................................................................................................... 56
Do nothing ........................................................................................................................... 57
Evacuation considerations ................................................................................................... 57
Order of evacuating personnel ......................................................................................... 57
Refusal to evacuate .......................................................................................................... 57
Unconscious person ......................................................................................................... 57
Locked area or room ........................................................................................................ 57
Unsearchable area or room .............................................................................................. 58
Evacuation ........................................................................................................................... 58
Evacuation routes ................................................................................................................ 58
If in another area that is not your normal workplace area ................................................. 59
Alternate evacuation routes ................................................................................................. 59
Assembly Area ..................................................................................................................... 60
Communication .................................................................................................................... 60
Topic 7 - Identify evacuation options, plan evacuation procedures and test procedures .......... 61
Options in an Emergency ..................................................................................................... 61
Evacuation Exercises ........................................................................................................... 62
Topic 8 - Framework for response ........................................................................................... 64
Notification of an emergency ............................................................................................ 64
Size of the emergency ...................................................................................................... 64
First Attack Procedures .................................................................................................... 65
Topic 9 - Identify and assess Bomb Threats ............................................................................ 68
Participant Manual
Page 3 of 93
Different types of threats ...................................................................................................... 68
Options for dealing with a bomb threat ................................................................................. 68
Notification ....................................................................................................................... 69
Search .............................................................................................................................. 69
Topic 10 – Personal Protective Equipment .............................................................................. 71
Head Protection................................................................................................................ 71
Eye and Face Protection .................................................................................................. 71
Protective Clothing ........................................................................................................... 71
Footwear .......................................................................................................................... 71
Hand Protection................................................................................................................ 72
Additional forms of PPE.................................................................................................... 72
General ............................................................................................................................ 74
Topic 11 - Hazardous material ................................................................................................. 75
What are hazardous substances? .................................................................................... 75
Hazardous substances, dangerous goods and hazardous materials ................................ 75
Forms of hazardous materials .......................................................................................... 75
Exposure to hazardous materials at work ......................................................................... 76
Hazardous materials spill kits ........................................................................................... 77
Manufacturer’s instructions ............................................................................................... 78
Topic 12 - Containing a fire...................................................................................................... 79
Fire ................................................................................................................................... 79
The Fire Triangle: ............................................................................................................. 79
Extinguishing Methods: .................................................................................................... 79
Classification of Fire: ........................................................................................................ 80
Topic 13 - Portable Fire Fighting Equipment ............................................................................ 81
Fire extinguishers ............................................................................................................. 81
Fixed Fire Hose Reels ...................................................................................................... 84
Fire Blankets .................................................................................................................... 85
Participant Manual
Page 4 of 93
Course Introduction
Welcome:
Welcome to the Chief Fire Warden Course for workplace procedures and evacuation. The
purpose of this course is to provide you with information and activities that will enable you carry
out the duties of a Chief Fire Warden as per the requirements of the QLD Building Fire Safety
Regulation 2008.
During the practical activities, participants must listen and comply with the Trainer’s instructions
at all times. Participants should be appropriately attired with clothing covering arms and legs
(preferably non-synthetic), and wearing enclosed shoes.
Recognition Information:
Package: Public Safety Training Package

Units of Competency: PUAWER001A, PUAWER006A, PUAWER008A
Certification: Qualification or Statement of Attainment
Pathways: Workplace Emergency Response
Limitations: Reaccreditation is required every three years
Learning outcomes:
The learning outcomes are designed to meet the performance criteria identified in the relevant
units of competency and the Typical Training for Wardens suggested in AS3745-2002.
The performance criteria for the unit of competency PUAWER001A – Identify, prevent and
report potential workplace emergency situations are:
Element name Performance criteria
Identify, monitor and report situations that  Situations that could lead to workplace emergencies are identified and
could lead to workplace emergencies reported according to workplace procedures and accepted safe practices
 Immediate work area is routinely checked for any situations that could lead to
emergencies
 Hazardous work is monitored to ensure precautions and workplace procedures
are followed
Identify, report and correct situations that  Principles of operation of relevant emergency protection systems are identified
could prevent workplace emergencies from
being safely handled  Principles of operation of relevant emergency control equipment are identified
 Evacuation systems are identified
 Immediate work area is routinely checked according to workplace procedures
and accepted safe practices for any situations that could lead to emergency
protection systems, emergency control equipment and evacuation systems
being made inoperable
 Situations that could lead to emergency protection systems, emergency
control equipment and evacuation systems being made inoperable are
identified, corrected and/or reported according to workplace procedures and
accepted safe practices
 Workplace procedures and accepted safe practices are regularly monitored
Participant Manual
Page 5 of 93

and followed to ensure operability of emergency protection systems,
emergency control equipment and evacuation systems
The performance criteria for the unit of competency PUAWER002A Ensure workplace
emergency prevention procedures, systems and processes are implemented are:
Ensure workplace emergency prevention  Workplace emergency prevention inspections are carried out according to
processes are implemented workplace procedures, safe practices and workplace emergency management
plan
 Situations that could lead to workplace emergencies are identified, mitigated or
corrected, and recorded or reported according to workplace procedures
 Processes are reviewed and reported according to workplace procedures
Ensure appropriate hazard analysis is  Workplace procedures are implemented to ensure that an emergency
undertaken and results are implemented prevention hazard analysis in the area is routinely undertaken
 Personnel are designated to implement the processes according to the hazard
analysis
 Workplace procedures are implemented to ensure personnel comply with
identified emergency prevention processes
Ensure workplace emergency protection  Workplace procedures are implemented to ensure work practices do not
systems, emergency control equipment and interfere with the area's emergency protection systems, emergency control
evacuation systems remain effective equipment and evacuation systems
 Workplace procedures are implemented to ensure problems or deficiencies
with area emergency protection systems, emergency control equipment and
evacuation systems are corrected and reported according to workplace
procedures
The performance criteria for the unit of competency PUAWER003A Manage and monitor
workplace emergency, procedures, equipment and other resources are:
Manage emergency measures and  Emergency prevention measures, practices and control equipment are
practices identified, documented and disseminated according to the requirements of the
workplace emergency procedures
 Purchasing, installation and commissioning procedures are followed
 Instructions in the safe and effective use and care of emergency control
equipment are documented and disseminated
 Situations that could lead to workplace emergencies are identified and
recorded, and options for mitigating or avoiding these situations are
formulated, tested and implemented
Manage emergency control equipment  Emergency control equipment maintenance requirements are specified and
managed
 Instructions and training are provided for on-site personnel in the care of
emergency control equipment
 Equipment maintenance is audited for compliance
 Emergency control equipment is assessed for useability and accessibility and
is reported according to workplace procedures
 Procedures are followed to correct emergency control equipment defects and
deficiencies
Record and report emergency control  Schedule for verifying and reporting faults is developed and implemented
equipment and faults
 Details and nature of faults are recorded and where possible rectified
 Maintenance logs, records and tests are consulted and corrective action is
verified
 Reports on faults verified are provided in a timely manner and contain
Participant Manual
Page 6 of 93

recommendations for improving verified faults
 Frequency of occurrence of faults is monitored and reported according to
workplace procedures
Monitor emergency control structures  Currency, compliance and appropriateness of the workplace emergency plan
are monitored
 Emergency control organisation activities are monitored to ensure they comply
with workplace emergency plans, relevant standards and are appropriate for
the workplace
 Advice is provided to emergency planning committee and emergency control
organisation
 Compliance with relevant standards and statutory requirements is checked
and appropriate recommendations are made where compliance is an issue
 Implementation of hazard analysis recommendations is monitored
 Representation on the emergency planning committee and emergency control
organisation is monitored according to the workplace emergency plan, relevant
standards and statutory requirements
 Recommendations and reports are provided to stakeholders
 Training is provided and monitored in accordance with the workplace
emergency plan and statutory requirements
The performance criteria for the unit of competency PUAWER004A Respond to workplace
emergencies are:
Prepare for emergency situations  Current workplace emergency procedures to be used by employees and other
workplace occupants are identified and followed
 Emergency resources in the workplace are identified and located
 Emergency response exercises are participated in according to workplace
emergency procedures
Report emergencies and potential  Emergencies and potential emergencies are identified and reported according
emergencies to workplace emergency procedures
 People in any immediate danger from the emergency or potential emergency
are alerted according to workplace emergency procedures
Respond to emergency warnings and  Emergency warnings and advice are responded to according to workplace
advice emergency procedures
 Instructions from emergency control response personnel are complied with
during an emergency
 Sources of additional information are identified and information is sought from
relevant people if the situation is not clear
Evacuate from the work area  Need to evacuate from the work area is determined according to the level of
immediate danger or instruction issued under the workplace emergency
procedures
 Work area is prepared for evacuation according to workplace emergency
procedures and the nature of the emergency
 Area of danger is evacuated according to workplace emergency procedures
 Where it is safe to do so, assistance is provided to people who may require
assistance
 Evacuation procedures and instructions from emergency control organisation
or emergency response personnel are followed
 Alternative pathways or methods of evacuation are identified, assessed and
chosen according to workplace emergency procedures if usual means of
evacuation are blocked or endangered
 Communication systems are used according to workplace procedures
Participant Manual
Page 7 of 93
The performance criteria for the unit of competency PUAWER005A Operate as part of an
emergency control organisation are:
Respond to emergency reports, signals and  Emergency reports, signals and warnings are identified and appropriate action
warnings is taken
 Emergency situations and possible further development are assessed and
relevant action is taken according to workplace emergency procedures
 Arrangements are made for people who may require assistance
 Emergency stations are attended and operated according to workplace
 Suitable identification is worn according to workplace emergency procedures
and relevant standards
Initiate and control initial emergency  Initial emergency response is initiated and carried out according to the
response workplace emergency procedures or authorised instruction
 Evacuated areas are checked according to workplace emergency procedures
 Results of the evacuation of an area are reported to the relevant person
according to the workplace emergency procedures
 People are accounted for appropriately after the evacuation and the results are
reported to the relevant person according to the workplace emergency
procedures
 Persons not accounted for are reported in accordance with workplace
Anticipate the further development of  Emergency responses are based on the emergency management plan, taking
emergencies into account the current situation and possible further development
 Possible further development of emergency situations is continually assessed,
reported to the relevant person and acted on according to workplace
Assist with post initial response  Emergency evacuation or alternative action is completed before any post initial
response activities are undertaken
 Post initial response activities are conducted under the control of the relevant
person and are consistent with the workplace emergency plan
The performance criteria for the unit of competency PUAWER006A Lead an emergency control
organisation is:
Prepare for workplace emergencies  Possible emergency situations in the workplace are identified
 Information on possible development and characteristics of typical emergency
situations is gathered, assessed, analysed and applied according to workplace
emergency plan
 Emergency actions for typical workplace emergency situations and emergency
developments are identified according to the workplace emergency plan
Apply command, control and coordinate  Initial emergency response is initiated according to workplace emergency
aspects of workplace emergency procedures
procedures
 Initial emergency response is subsequently controlled and coordinated
according to incident type and workplace emergency procedures
 Suitable arrangements are made for the safety of people
 Welfare of evacuated people is arranged according to workplace emergency
procedures
 Emergency response priority activities are completed before post initial
response activities
 Assets are secured where safe to do so
 Post initial response activities are assessed and initiated in consultation with
Participant Manual
Page 8 of 93

emergency services
 Initial recovery activities are coordinated according to the workplace
emergency management plan
Control the response to emergency reports,  Emergency reports, signals and warnings are correctly identified or initiated
signals and warnings
 Action is taken to ensure emergency stations are attended and operated
according to workplace emergency procedures and relevant standards
 Emergency situations are assessed and appropriate action is taken according
to workplace emergency procedures
 Emergency response actions are controlled according to workplace
Coordinate reports and results of initial  Reports of areas affected by the incident are received or sought
emergency response
 Accounting for evacuated people is coordinated according to workplace
 Results and reports of the initial emergency response are analysed according
to workplace emergency procedures
Conclude incident  Action is taken to ensure 'all clear' is advised to appropriate people
 Required information for debriefing is provided in a timely manner
 Critical incident stress management is organised as appropriate
 Reporting is undertaken in accordance with workplace procedures
The performance criteria for the unit of competency PUAWER007A Manage an emergency
control organisation is:
Initiate a system of emergency response  A system of emergency alerting is planned, specified, implemented and
planning maintained according to the workplace emergency plan, needs, resources and
relevant legislation
 A means of alerting people to the need for evacuation or other initial
emergency response is provided in accordance with relevant legislation or
appropriate standards
 Emergency risk management process is developed and implemented
according to legislative requirements and relevant standards
 Emergency control organisation is established and trained to meet
organisational needs and resources and the workplace emergency plan
 Resources required to support the effective operation of the emergency control
organisation are identified and allocated
Ensure emergency control organisation is in  Possible emergencies are identified and defined and plans are developed to
place deal with them
 Building plans are analysed for initial emergency response issues
 Emergency response procedures are based on emergencies identified in the
hazard analysis
Provide for initiation and control of initial  Procedures for initiating and controlling the initial emergency response are
emergency response developed, implemented and communicated according to workplace
 Suitable arrangements are established for the evacuation of people who need
assistance
 Plans provide for assets to be secured where safe to do so
 Plans provide for restricted access to the evacuated area
 Evacuation exercises are conducted to validate and amend the procedures as
required
 A system to account for all people during emergencies is developed and
implemented
Participant Manual
Page 9 of 93
Provide for post initial response activities  Priorities for evacuation and post initial response activities are put in place
 Need for post initial response activities is considered and discussed with
emergency services
 Possible post initial response activities and procedures are documented in
workplace emergency procedures
 Workplace emergency procedures provide for initial emergency response
activities being completed before post initial response activities are undertaken
 Workplace emergency procedures provide for recovery activities to be
identified and developed, and their implementation to be facilitated
Plan and implement emergency control  Training needs are identified and documented
organisation training
 Relevant training is developed, implemented and regularly reviewed according
to workplace emergency plan, legislative requirements and relevant standards
 Training covers topics identified in the needs analysis before a person is
assigned emergency duties, when those duties are changed, or when a
significant change occurs to the risk of emergencies in the workplace
 Sufficient relevant refresher training, drills and exercises are conducted so
competencies needed by the workplace emergency initial response team are
maintained
 Resources required for training are identified and provided
 Training provided reflects the needs of the workplace, the individuals and
statutory requirements
 Qualified and experienced people are used to provide training
 Feedback on training is sought and used to improve future training
Provide advice and support for people in the  Provision is made for minimising adverse consequences to people involved,
post response and recovery phase the environment and the organisation
 A process is provided for debriefing to be undertaken according to workplace
procedures
 A process is provided for external support services to be accessed as
necessary
 Provision is made for liaison with the media to be undertaken according to
organisation procedures
 Provision is made for appropriate reports to be completed and processed
according to organisation procedures
The performance criteria for the unit of competency PUAWER008A Confine Small Workplace
Emergencies is:
Unit Element Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for emergency  Possible workplace emergency situations and appropriate
situations responses, within the range of current skills and relevant workplace
emergency procedures, are identified.
 Relevant emergency resources are identified and their location is
ascertained in the work area.
 Any problems with the serviceability of the emergency resources are
identified and reported to relevant people in accordance with
workplace procedures.
2. Identify and assess the  Emergency situation or potential emergency situation and risks are
emergency identified and the likely effectiveness of initial response action is
considered.
 Advice in relation to emergency situation is sought according to
workplace emergency procedures.
 Where initial response actions are considered unsafe or
inappropriate, action is taken according to workplace emergency
procedures.
3. Safely confine emergencies where  Emergencies are confined to the immediate area according to
possible workplace emergency procedures.
 Emergency resources are used within the individual’s limitations
imposed by current skills, relevant workplace procedures and
relevant legislative requirements.
Participant Manual
Page 10 of 93
 Emergency resources used to confine emergency situation are used
in a manner that will promote and enhance safe work conditions.
4. Use initial response equipment  Initial response equipment is checked to ensure its serviceability prior
to use.
 Appropriate equipment is selected for use in emergency situations.
 Initial response equipment is used according to accepted safe
practices and training.
 Use of equipment is coordinated with other emergency actions
5. Report workplace emergency  Emergency situation response is documented and reported in
response accordance with workplace procedures.
 Use of initial response equipment is documented and reported
according to workplace procedures.
 Initial response equipment is marked or positioned after use and
reported to relevant personnel or authority to indicate if it requires
servicing or replacing.
What you can do now:
You may already possess some skills and knowledge associated with this course. Perhaps
you have completed similar training or activities in a previous job. If you can demonstrate to
your Trainer that you are competent in a particular skill, you will not need to repeat the training
for that skill. This is called Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) which recognises your
prior learning and your currency in performing that skill.
Take a look at the section called ‘Learning outcomes’ and see if you feel confident about doing
some of these things already. A good way to check is to read through your Participant Manual
and see if you have the skills identified. If you feel that you have some of the skills, talk to your
Trainer about having them assessed and formally recognised. Your Trainer will check to make
sure that you have all the skills and can do the required activities.
If you have a qualification or any documentation from an accredited course then you can show
it to the Trainer as proof of your skills, rather than having to be assessed.
Evidence gathering to determine competency:
Assessment for this course will cover the theory aspects of the unit using group and individual
activities. For the practical assessment, participants will be expected to successfully complete a
series of desktop scenarios and demonstrate competency in the use of Emergency Warning
Intercommunication Systems in accordance with the performance criteria.
What you need:

 Your own copy of your workplace emergency procedures manual if available.
 Pen and paper
 Any resources, aids that come with this manual
 Your coloured Chief Warden helmet, cap, vest, armband, etc
Participant Manual
Page 11 of 93
Standards and Legislation
Workplaces can be hazardous and dangerous places to work in and they range from office
buildings to industrial foundries to large open transport compounds. Because of the potential
for injury and other health related issues an Australian Standard has been developed which
covers emergency control organisations and procedures for buildings, structures and
workplaces.
The standards are:

AS3745:2002 Emergency control organisations and procedures for buildings, structures and
workplaces
The standard provides the guidelines for:
 The appointment of the emergency planning committee (EPC).
 The setting up of an emergency control organization (ECO).
 The preparation of emergency plans and procedures.
 The role and authority of ECO personnel while executing their duties.
 The requirements of an education and training program.
AS1851.19:2005 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment (emergency

evacuation procedures)
This standard provides the guidelines for inspecting and/or testing:
 The emergency plan
 Emergency evacuation equipment
 The emergency response procedures
 Training records
 Evacuation exercises
 Emergency control organisation compliance
 Emergency response diagrams
 Assembly areas
These standards are then translated into specific State and Territory legislation and regulations.
For example, in Queensland the Standard is reflected in the QLD Fire Service Act and the
Building Fire Safety Regulation. Check the acts and regulations from your State or Territory
which utilise the above standards.
QLD BUILDING FIRE SAFETY REGULATION 2008

The QLD Building Fire Safety Regulation includes the requirements for:
 Evacuation Plans / Procedures and Diagrams
 Appointment and training of Fire Safety Advisors (FSA) appendix 1
 General Evacuation Instructions
 First Response Evacuation Procedures
 Warden Instructions
 Evacuation Exercises
BUILDING CODE OF AUSTRALIA

The building code is a uniform set of technical provisions for the design and construction of
buildings including:
Structural provisions
Participant Manual
Page 12 of 93
 Fire Resistance
 Fire resistance and stability
 Compartmentation and separation
 Protection of openings
Access and Egress

 Provision for escape
 Construction of exits
 Access for people with disabilities
Services and Equipment

 Fire fighting equipment
 Smoke hazard management
 Emergency lighting, exit signs, and warning systems
Health and Amenity

 For the benefit of the community
Participants need to familiarise themselves with the fire safety features in their own buildings.
The BCA dictates requirements and extent of fire safety features in buildings and is considered
best practice within the industry.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE (OHSW)

LEGISLATION
 It is a legislative requirement for Employers to provide information, instruction
and training for Emergency Management and to provide a system for safe
evacuation of the building.
 It is an offence for staff to purposely misuse or damage fire fighting and/or other
safety equipment or systems.
Authority during an Emergency

The AS3745:2002 states that the EPC shall ensure that, during emergencies, instructions given
by ECO Team personnel, including Wardens, shall overrule the normal managerial structure.
Wardens have the authority to marshal all staff and any visitors.
The purpose of these powers is to ensure that during an emergency situation, life safety
takes precedence over asset protection and production matters.
During emergencies or drills, personnel who refuse to co-operate for any reason, are left
behind, however, their actions are reported to the Chief Warden. In an emergency, this
information is passed on to the response agency that will divert resources utilised in the
emergency to retrieve these people. In a drill, the information is passed on to the CEO for
further action.
Participant Manual
Page 13 of 93
Indemnity
AS3745:2002 advises that “both the EPC and ECO shall be indemnified by their employer
against civil liability resulting from workplace emergency response assessment, education,
training sessions, periodic exercises or emergency evacuation of a workplace where the
personnel act in good faith and in the course of their emergency control duties.”
Workplace Emergency Response Procedures

Every workplace should have a workplace emergency procedures manual. Emergency
procedures are developed from the workplace hazard or risk analysis conducted by the EPC.
The workplace emergency procedures manual provides guidelines which are formulated to help
maintain personnel safety while in the workplace. They assist in the response to emergencies
encountered in the workplace and assist in the controlled movement of people from the
emergency within a building to a place of safety.
The procedures take into consideration such factors as the use and characteristics of the
buildings, structures in the workplace, appropriateness and adequacy of physical facilities,
human resources and the communications systems for all identified emergencies.
The evacuation procedures may need to be varied for differing circumstances and differing
emergencies, particularly in the case of bomb threats. The procedures also cover the periods
when the workplace contains occupants including cleaning and watching staff.
What can you expect to find in workplace emergency procedures? The following is a guide of
what you could expect to find in your workplace emergency procedures, however as each
workplace is different then there may be other factors included. The following applies to
procedures:
 Evacuation routes
 Persons with disabilities
 Lifts and escalators
 Accounting for people in an evacuation
 The role the switchboard operator / receptionist
 Floor or area marshalling
 Restrictions on vehicle movements
 Evacuation control and coordination
 Communication
 First aid personnel
 Emergency response equipment
 Life safety features
 Security guards and specialist staff
 Other considerations
You should have a look at your workplace emergency procedures manual.
Participant Manual
Page 14 of 93
Implementing the emergency procedure

It is essential that all occupants of a workplace accept and participate in the implementation
and maintenance of the workplace emergency procedures. Emergency procedures are of no
value if they are not accepted within an occupant’s organisation or workplace. The emergency
procedures have to be part of the culture of the occupant’s organisation for them to be effective
and save lives.
Maintaining procedures
It is also essential that emergency procedures are maintained and practised. This is achieved
through full evacuation exercises, floor or area specific exercises, continued training and a
continuous interchange of information between you as the worker and the ECO team.
Participant Manual
Page 15 of 93
Topic 1 - Hazard Analysis

What is an Emergency?
An emergency is any event that arises internally or from external sources, which may adversely
affect persons or the community generally, and which requires an immediate response
(AS3745:2002). So, an emergency can occur from an incident within your workplace or it may
be the result of an incident in the workplace or building next door or down the street.
The types of emergencies are usually defined in your workplace risk/hazard analysis which is
based on the type of work conducted. However, some of the more common emergencies are:
 Animal or livestock emergency  Hazardous substances incident

 Biohazard  Hostage situation
 Bomb threat  Industrial accident
 Building invasion/armed invasion  Letter bomb
 Chemical, biological and radiological  Medical emergency
 Civil disorder  Severe weather/storm damage
 Criminal act  Structural instability
 Cyclones, including storm surge  Terrorism
 Deliberate self-harm  Transport accident
 Earthquake  Toxic emission
 Failure of utilities  Veterinary emergency
 Fire  Wildfire
 Flood
As you can see the list can be extensive and some of the emergencies may be more likely to
occur in your workplace than others. Some incidents may require a response from all parts of
your workplace, while others may be localised and may only cause a ripple effect. The Chief
Warden needs to manage all situations, whether they involve the entire site or only one part.
For example, a medical emergency may only affect a small part of the workplace, but the Chief
Warden should at least be aware if the emergency services have been contacted and when
assistance is entering your site.
What is a Hazard?
A hazard is anything that may cause injury or illness to anyone in the workplace. Hazards may
include:
 Fire doors jammed open, or locked

 Chemicals
 Unsafe human behaviour
 Poor work design (for example, tasks involving repetitive movements)
 Inadequate management systems (for example, no procedures for performing tasks
safely or for using personal protective equipment)
Participant Manual
Page 16 of 93
 Faulty or unguarded machinery
 Poor maintenance
 Unsafe use of electrical or mechanical equipment
We need to remember this as it is important to remember for the prevention of emergencies.
Each workplace has its own system of identifying hazards and implementing measures to
remove or reduce the hazard. Your system will be identified through your workplace
emergency procedures manual, your OH&S procedures manual or another standard operating
procedure.
Part of a Chief Warden’s responsibility is to undertake preparation activities that will help to
prevent emergencies and reduce the amount of destruction. This can be achieved through the
ability to identify hazards which may potentially cause an emergency and to rectify that hazard.
Rectification of the hazard can be achieved by ‘fixing’ it yourself if you are qualified or by
reporting it to the responsible authority (such as your ECO Team or OH & S Committee) within
your organisation. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to identify what a hazard is…
The appropriate definition will depend on the acts, regulations, standards and guidance
documents that govern your workplace. AS4360 Risk Management and AS3931 Risk Analysis
of Technological Systems define a hazard as "a source of potential harm or a situation with a
potential to cause loss of life or injury". A hazard can be a substance or a process with the
potential to inflict damage or harm. This can include chemical (toxicity, corrosiveness), physical
(explosiveness, electrical, flammability), biological (infectiousness), and so on.
SAFE
SAFE is an example of an acronym used to summarise the steps in the hazard analysis and
risk management process.
 Spot the hazard – identify

 Assess the risk
 Fix the problem – correct or report
 Evaluate results - monitor
While the principles behind the SAFE acronym are appropriate for general occupant training,
you as a Chief Warden are responsible for a higher level of hazard analysis. As such we will
expand your knowledge of Assess the risk and implementing hazard reduction and
rectification.
Spot the hazard

The workplace hazard analysis may also identify the following work situations as requiring
identification:
 Hot work
 Unsafe manual handling
 Using, mixing and/or moving chemicals
 Working at heights, in confined spaces, in poorly ventilated spaces or around noise
Participant Manual
Page 17 of 93
 Working around traffic
 Working with plant and machinery
 Working with unstable equipment or equipment that has deteriorated
A hazard only becomes dangerous when it causes injury or illness, so the hazard may have
been in your workplace for many years until some actions or circumstances then make it
dangerous. For example, a pad-locked emergency exit door is not dangerous until you need to
exit through that door to save your life.
You need to be able to identify a hazard before you can take actions to fix or rectify the hazard.
How can you do that?
You can check for hazards at work in many ways:
 Identify your safe practice procedures

 Ask people throughout your workplace about any hazards
 Consider how your workplace and work space is laid out – look at stairs, desks, floor
surfaces, exits, driveways and ‘house-keeping’ standards
 Check machinery, appliances and vehicles used for work
 Examine how substances are stored, used and moved from one place to another
 Consult your OH&S committee members.
What things should you look for when spotting hazards? In addition to the above points, you
should also look for:
 Things that may block egress – evacuation routes, etc

 Compromised security infrastructure or integrity – surveillance cameras that may be
blocked by stacked boxes, etc
 Emergency lighting and / or exit lighting being damaged, missing bulbs, inoperative or
under service
 Locking or blocking exits
 Interfering with alarm systems
 Not replacing or replenishing used emergency equipment – chemical spills kits, fire
extinguishers, etc
 Propping open fire/smoke doors.
Hazard Identification
Everyone within a workplace, must understand that it is important to ensure the safety and
health of those persons at work. Some tasks that can be undertaken to prepare for and prevent
emergencies are:
a) conduct regular searches for hazards,

b) complete the checklists in AS1851.19:2005 at the regular interval specified
c) carry out workplace emergency prevention inspections
d) assess their potential to cause injury or disease; and
e) either eliminate the hazard or minimise the risk of injury or disease
The selection of procedures or methods used to identify hazards may range from a simple
equipment specific checklist to systematic analytical evaluation of a workplace. Some hazards
may be easy to identify, while others may be difficult and require considerable effort to detect.
Participant Manual
Page 18 of 93
As the ‘frontline’ member of the ECO Team, the Chief Warden is responsible for identifying
hazards, to report the hazards and to control the hazards if appropriate.
Methods of Identifying Hazards
There are a number of methods used to identify hazards. Selecting what procedure to use will
depend on the individual, company policies and experience. One or more of the following
methods can be used to identify hazards associated with workplace hazards.
1. Walk through/around inspections (AS1851.19:2005 checklists may be useful)

2. Conducting a review of incident/emergency records
3. Conducting and observing evacuation exercises and other emergency response drills
4. Reviewing similar workplaces
5. Reviewing previous Job Safety Analyses and standard work / operating procedures
Risks
Once all hazards have been identified then hazards are required to be assessed to determine
the level of risk.
The definition of a risk is:

“The likelihood of injury or disease occurring as a result of a hazard”
Assessing Risk
A risk assessment is the evaluation of hazards which have the most potential to cause frequent
serious injury or illness to occur. For example, a Warden may conduct a risk assessment
following the instructions from the emergency services that their workplace is safe for
occupation.
In any workplace there may be numerous hazards, but not all hazards will carry the same risk.
The person in control of a work space / workplace needs to be able to decide which hazards
carry the most significant risk of frequent or serious injury or illness occurring. It makes sense
to control the significant risks first, and therefore hazards need to be prioritised for control.
Risk assessment is the process used to determine the order in which to manage workplace
hazards. For example, hazards that have the potential to cause frequent or serious injury
should be controlled before hazards of less frequent or minor injury.
After each hazard is identified, the associated risk should be determined for each hazard. All
persons involved with the work should be involved in the conduct of the risk assessment, and
the risk should be scored, using the two matrices below, which consider Likelihood and
Consequence.
Likelihood
Descriptor Description
Almost certainly will occur Expected to occur in most circumstances
Good chance could occur Will probably occur in most circumstances
Likely to occur Should occur at some time
Unlikely to occur Could occur at some time
Extremely unlikely to occur May occur only in exceptional circumstances
Participant Manual
Page 19 of 93
Consequence
Consequences Safety Injury Environment Loss of Containment?
Disastrous Fatality. Extensive damage to property or equipment. Extensive public alarm, media coverage. Extensive
disruption to public. Extensive environmental impact.
Critical Disabling injury, i.e. Major damage to equipment. Major public alarm, attracting media attention. Major disruption to public
amputation and/or activities. Major environmental impact.
permanent loss of bodily
function.
Serious An injury resulting in Serious damage to equipment. Serious public alarm. Serious disruption to public activities. Serious
more than 1 week off environmental impact.
normal duties.
Significant An injury resulting in less Negligible damage to equipment. Negligible public alarm. Negligible disruption to public activities.
than 1 week off normal Negligible environmental impact.
duties.
Minor Minor first aid injury. No damage to equipment. No public alarm. No disruption to public activities. No environmental
impact.
Participant Manual
Page 20 of 93
Matrix – Level of risk
Once you have identified the Likelihood and Consequence of each hazard you then use the Risk
Assessment Matrix (immediately below) to determine whether the hazard (and risk) are from Very
Low to High.
Risk Assessment Matrix

Likelihood
Consequence Almost Extremely
Good chance Likely to occur Unlikely to
certainly will unlikely to
could occur occur
occur occur
Disastrous
(H) (H) (H) (M) (M)
Critical
(H) (H) (M) (M) (L)
Serious
(H) (M) (L) (L) (VL)
Significant
(M) (L) (L) (VL) (VL)
Minor
(L) (VL) (VL) (VL) (VL)
H = High, M = Moderate, L = Low, VL = Very Low
Hierarchy of Control
From the risk matrix you should now be able to prioritise your hazards. Once prioritised the
hazards need to be controlled to reduce health and safety risks in the workplace. The hierarchy of
control is a sequence of options which offer you a number of ways to approach the hazard control
process. Work your way down the hierarchy and implement the best measure possible for your
situation, starting always with considering elimination.
1. Eliminate the Risk

Remove the risk from the workplace altogether. Wherever possible, this should be the first option
used.
 Remove the jacket hanging on the fire extinguisher
 Remove the brick from propping open the fire exit door
2. Substitute the Risk

Substitute the risk with a less hazardous one. This is the second preferred control solution.
 Replace the water extinguisher in the office with a powder (or similar) that is safe to
discharge around electricity
3. Isolate the Risk

Isolate or separate the hazard or hazardous work practices from people not involved in the work or
the general work areas.
 Remove people from onlooking if a person needs first aid and/or medical help
 Lock down the workplace to isolate workers from civil disturbance
4. Engineering Controls
When elimination or substitution of a risk is not an option then the preferred solution is engineering
controls. For example:
 Modification of machinery, tools and equipment
 Installation of local exhaust ventilation or sprinkler system
5. Administration Controls
Introduce work practices that reduce the risk. For example:
Participant Manual
Page 21 of 93
Version 1.01 dated 1st July 2009
 Evaluate emergency procedures and other preparation documentation
 Reduce the number of employees at risk
 Provide training on the specific hazard
6. Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPE)

It is important that PPE is viewed as the last preferred solution for risk control. Efforts regarding
the removal of risks to safety and health, while using PPE, should still continue by means of
elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative controls in that order.
Report the hazard

When you identify a hazard you should report the hazard.
Some of the people that you can report the hazard to are:
 Your supervisor or manager

 Your workplace OH&S Committee or one of its members
 A member of your workplace ECO Team
 Anyone in authority who can fix or rectify the hazard
You should report all hazards that you identify no matter how seemingly insignificant.
It means that you take a proactive approach to identifying and reporting potential hazards and
emergencies to the ECO. It means that you maintain a safe and healthy workplace through the
principles of good housekeeping and the communication of your concerns to your Warden,
supervisor or management staff.
It also means that you are aware of the workplace emergency response procedures, that you
maintain clear exit (evacuation) routes, assist in the maintenance of emergency equipment where
appropriate and that store you hazardous materials safely in accordance with OH&S principles.
Prevention
Prevention (and mitigation) are the results of strategies and services to reduce the frequency of
emergency incidents or to lessen their effects. Activities that contribute to outputs of prevention
and mitigation include:
 The inspection of property and buildings for fire hazards, fire standards compliance and
levels of safe fire practices.
 The preparation of risk assessment and emergency management plans
 Hazard categorisation for workplace information campaigns
 Workplace information campaigns to promote safe practices
 Education and training in the workplace using the workplace emergency response manual
What does this mean to you?
While many of these activities are considered by the EPC (Emergency Planning Committee) and
included into workplace emergency response procedures, as a key member of the EPC you can
assist by being proactive in identifying and reporting potential hazardous or emergency situations.
Participant Manual
Page 22 of 93
Workplace ‘house-keeping
Hazard reduction and improving the safety of a workplace is a basic requirement of good ‘house-
keeping’ as part of your organisation’s overall occupational health and safety strategy. Having
identified a hazard you need to determine how much of an immediate threat the hazard imposes.
Once a hazard has been identified, it should be immediately rectified if possible. If not, then it must
be reported through the relevant management structure or as follows:
 EPC
 Manager/supervisor
 OH&S Committee
Additionally, you can prevent an emergency from occurring through instilling awareness into your
team members and by coordinating good ‘house-keeping’ practices within your team to maintain a
safe and healthy workplace.
Preparedness
Preparedness is the result of strategies and services to position people in the workplace to
respond to emergency events quickly and effectively. Activities that contribute to outputs of
preparedness include:
 education and training in the workplace using the workplace emergency response manual
 emergency detection and response planning
 hazardous chemicals and material certification, and inspection of storage and handling
arrangements
 the exercising, training and testing of emergency service personnel
 standby and resource deployment and maintenance
Preparedness also involves establishing equipment standards and monitoring adherence to those
standards.
However, as the Fire Safety Advisor, your responsibilities in the preparation for an emergency are
focused on making your occupants aware of the emergency procedures that they will need to
follow, to identify the emergency equipment in their area and to participate actively in emergency
evacuation exercises. This can be achieved this by conducting regular team meetings, toolbox
meetings and organising regular training sessions.
Practice
Practice involves you and your work colleagues undergoing workplace exercises using simulated
emergencies which not only tests your response, but also tests the effectiveness and
appropriateness of your workplace emergency response procedures.
This is why the Standard and legislation now requires workplaces to provide you with training
opportunities and to conduct training exercises. The training exercises allows you and the ECO
Team members to become thoroughly (almost instinctively) familiar with what is expected of you
and the ECO Team. The training evacuation exercises shall be conducted at least once every 12
months (AS3745:2002).
Participant Manual
Page 23 of 93
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 24 of 93
Topic 2 - Human behaviour during an emergency

As a warden, you are responsible for the possible evacuation and movement of people during an
emergency. This may be a time of great stress and uncertainty for everyone, so it is important to
understand how people may react when they encounter an emergency. More importantly, you
may need to know how to deal with people under stress.
Human behaviour in a stressful situation such as the reaction to an emergency can be quite varied.
The broad reactions encountered include:
 Orderly behaviour
 Panic reactions
 Freezing
 Taking the initiative to help even though it is unwanted or not needed
 Managers taking charge despite not being members of the ECO Team.
Surveys and observations made on human behaviour in emergencies reveal that:
 People tend to enter and leave buildings using familiar exits. Emergency exits are often
perceived as unsafe, unfriendly and unknown.
 Panic is very rare. People may panic when trapped, but during a normal evacuation they
usually don't panic.
 Most people will stop and help another person even in dangerous situations.
 Even in the presence of clear evacuation messages or alarm systems, most people keep
doing what they were doing.
 Some people will search for better information from an “Expert” or “Official” such as a
Warden or Emergency Services Officer.
 People take cues from others to understand the situation. If everyone else is evacuating,
most people will tend to follow, like sheep.
It is important to understand what may be happening inside someone when confronted with a
stressful emergency situation as it will helps deal with their response and assist them during the
emergency.
The general adaptation syndrome

An emergency can be a stressful situation. Our bodies react to stress - like the stress of being ill -
with a recognisable pattern of responses. These responses are called the general adaptation
syndrome.
There can be up to three phases that our resistance levels go through when we are exposed to a
stressor. The three phases are:
 alarm
 resistance
 exhaustion
Participant Manual
Page 25 of 93
Alarm phase
During the alarm phase the body's resistance to physical damage drops for a short-time. This is so
our bodies can prepare to cope with the stressor by using up available energy and normally
protective stress hormones. The increased awareness and physical capabilities provide us with the
choice of ‘fight’ or ‘flight’.
Resistance phase
However if the stressor persists, (and we can't fight or flee from it or we are unable to apply
counteracting psychosocial resources) our level of resistance increases beyond normal, relaxed
levels. Our bodies start to run in higher gear. High levels of stress hormones continue to help us
cope with the stressor. This is appropriately called the resistance phase.
During this phase the person may freeze because the brain is so consumed by controlling the
physiological changes that it cannot coordinate any physical action or movement. Hence, when
asked or told to evacuate the person seemingly ignores the request.
Exhaustion phase
If there is no relief the body can continue for minutes, hours, days, weeks, even years until either
the stressor is suddenly removed or because it is very energy-consuming our body collapses often
with more dangerous and extreme physical reactions. It is here in this third or exhaustion phase
that our health suffers or even death can occur. It is characterised by feelings of lethargy - an
absence of energy and bodily resources to cope. As a result of these physical and emotional
responses it is necessary to ask the occupant to evacuate TWICE if the first request is ignored.
Methods of fear reduction

The methods available to you to overcome or reduce the fear response in the majority of cases
are:
 put on your helmet, hat or warden identification symbol as this is a sign of authority and
knowledge of procedures
 remain calm and composed
 use short, clear sentences and speak with authority
 practice your procedures
 ensure your staff have knowledge of your workplace emergency procedures and equipment
 act as part of a team
Refusal to evacuate
Given your knowledge of the stress that a person can experience in an emergency and the likely
physical response, it is necessary to provide you with the actions that you need to carry out when
an occupant refuses to evacuate.
No physical force
At no time are wardens, occupants, security or persons other than Emergency Services personnel
to use physical force to remove someone who refuses to evacuate. Touching, poking or slapping a
Participant Manual
Page 26 of 93
person who seems to be in a state of extreme fear or shock may cause a violent reaction and is
considered to be assault.
Procedure
If you ask a person to evacuate and they either refuse or ignore your request, you should ask them
again and try to gently and calmly and quickly persuade them to evacuate.
If they still refuse then you should continue with your duties and when finished report the location
of the person who refused to the floor / area warden or the chief warden.
No one other then Emergency Services shall re-enter the building or cleared area to retrieve the
person(s) who refused to leave.
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 27 of 93
Topic 3 - Workplace emergency systems

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is a code that guides the requirements for buildings and
structures, including workplaces. The BCA is developed by the Australian Building Codes Board
(ABCB) for the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments. Incorporated by each
Government’s legislation, the BCA is then used as the minimum requirement to gain approval for
building proposals. Why do we need to know this?
The BCA provides direction for structure, fire resistance, health and amenity, building access and
egress, and building services and equipment to:
 Allow occupants time to evacuate safely,

 Allow for Fire Brigade intervention
We need to know this to ensure that our workplace is safe. The BCA states that each workplace
(dependent upon the type) is required to have certain alarms and life safety systems. This topic
provides you with an indication of the alarms and life safety systems most likely to be found in your
workplace.
A workplace emergency system is normally constituted by a number of other support systems.

These are:
 Alarm system
 Detection system
 Suppression system
 Life safety system
Each workplace emergency system is workplace specific and you should identify the systems in
use in your workplace.
As Chief Warden you will be required to operate one or more of the emergency response systems
in your workplace. During this topic you will identify the workplace emergency system(s) operating
in your workplace and be given basic training in its purpose and operation.
Workplace profile
The types, number and locations of workplace emergency systems in your workplace provides
your workplace profile. This profile is necessary as it provides you with the equipment and tools to
safely and quickly respond to an emergency.
Workplace profiles are categorised by:
 alarm systems
 detection / activation systems
 suppression / control systems
 life safety and exiting systems.
You will need to become familiar with your workplace profile with you so that you are aware of the
equipment and tools available – this is the foundation to a successful emergency response.
Participant Manual
Page 28 of 93
Active and Passive Protection
Installed fire safety features can be either active or passive. Buildings may have one or more of the
following installed.
 Active protection (working or operative)

- Automatic detectors
- Automatic sprinkler systems
- Smoke/heat vents
- Gas flooding systes
- Air/smoke systems
- Lighting
- Signals (audible/visual)
- Manual Call Points
- Hydrants, hose reels and extinguishers
 Passive protection (Not active – inert – power of resistance)

This refers to structural elements and fire related systems which passively protect a
building by confining/restricting the fire and smoke.
Passive protection controls the spread of fire by automatically venting or blocking
combustion products.
It includes:
- Fire rated walls, floors, ceilings, windows etc
- Fire/smoke doors
- Fire and smoke dampers and ventilation
- Stairways
- Fire retardant treatments
Alarm systems
There are a number of different types of alarm which can be used during a workplace emergency.
They can be automatically activated and/or manually activated. They can be part of a wider safety
system, that is activated automatically, being set off by fire detection or other
systems, or they may require human intervention.
Examples of some alarms that may be used are:
 Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) Bells

 Portable machines
 Manual hooters
 Whistles
 Verbal
 Visual such as lights and flags
 Communications such as Warden Intercommunication Phone (WIP),
Emergency Warning System (EWS) and the Emergency Warning
Intercommunication System (EWIS)
 Public Address (PA) systems
These alarms are normally part of a Single Stage or Two Tone system. Your workplace emergency
procedures manual will detail the emergency alarm type and the expected actions.
An alarm can be any means or system that makes you aware that there is a potentially life
threatening occurrence.
Participant Manual
Page 29 of 93
Fire Indicator Panel (FIP)

 The panel will activate an audible alarm signal when a smoke detector, heat detector, sprinkler
or manual call point is operated.
 The panel indicates the location where a detector, sprinkler (if applicable) or manual call
point/break glass has been activated
 The panel may also:
 Alert the fire service
 Alert a security company
 Sound external bells
 Shutdown air-conditioning
 Activate the Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System
 Automatically close fire/smoke doors
 Open designated exit doors
Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS)

 Installed to ensure warning of occupants in the event of an emergency.
 Will assist in the orderly evacuation of the building
 Will generate alert and evacuation signals in individual evacuation zones within a building.
 Will provide an emergency intercommunication system (when the key switch is in the automatic
and manual positions).
 Will facilitate verbal address to individual evacuation zones and throughout the building.
 Will indicate system status and faults
 Will operate from a dedicated battery power supply in the event of power failure.
 Alert signal (Beep, Beep)
 Audible and repetitive signal (approx 0.6 seconds on, 0.6 seconds off)
 The alert signal shall continue on until manual control of the system is taken.
 If not responded to within a prescribed time from initiation, the automatic evacuation
sequence shall commence.
 The prescribed time shall be established to suit the particular building, but it shall not
exceed 10 minutes.
 Evacuation signal (Whoop, Whoop)

 Audible and frequency-modulated continuous tone
Procedures
Each organisation should maintain an operator manual for each member of the Emergency Control
Organisation and provide site specific training for each operator in its use.
Warden Intercommunication Points (WIPs) – Emergency Phone

The WIPs provides facilities for the Chief Warden to call individual Wardens through the WIPs
system or address all WIPs simultaneously, with group connection at his/her discretion. When the
handset is lifted, any incoming intercommunication call signals shall be muted. The system also
provides facilities for the Floor/Area Warden to call the controlling Emergency Control Panel by
lifting the handset.
Detection and activation system

A detection system is designed to detect an emergency and can be automatically or manually
activated. The detection/activation system can also automatically engage alarm and/or
suppression systems.
Participant Manual
Page 30 of 93
Examples of some types of detection and activation devices are:
 Smoke detectors – activated by small particles normally found in smoke, however, dust can
activate these units
 Thermal detectors – activated by heat or a rapid rise in temperature. The units are normally
set at 680C.
 Manual break glass alarm points are your way of activating the emergency alarm, which is
the quickest way to alert others – when used you should inform the Warden team why. The
break glass alarm point is normally red and is connected to the fire alarm systems.
Smoke detection
Ionization Type
 A detector which responds to combustion products capable of affecting currents of
ionization within the detector.
 Provides earlier warning of fire conditions than do heat detectors
 More sensitive to fast burning flaming fires than optical smoke detectors
 Are less sensitive to slow burning, smouldering fires than optical types.
 When operated, the small red light on the detector will be illuminated. (LED – light emitting
diode)
Photo-optical Type
 Responds to combustion products capable of affecting the absorption or scattering of
radiation in the infra-red, visible and /or ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
 Provides earlier warning of fire conditions than do heat detectors
 More sensitive to slow burning, smouldering fires than ionization detectors
 Less sensitive to flaming fires than ionization detectors
 When operated, the small red light on the detector will be illuminated. (LED – light emitting
diode)
Vesda Detection
(Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus)
The Vesda detection system is a high sensitivity aspirating smoke detector. It provides very early
detection (i.e. before visible smoke/fire) during the incipient stage of fire.
Optical Beams
 Detection of fires in large spaces like aircraft hangars or storage areas.
Relies on the attenuation of a long light beam by smoke.
 Highly sensitive but still stable when used over long lengths.
 Cost effective when protecting large open spaces.
Others
May include flame detectors, infra-red and ultraviolet.
Heat Detection
 The detector is activated by the heat generated by a fire.
 Used in locations where detection is considered advisable, yet the installation of a smoke
alarm is inappropriate or would cause an unacceptable level of nuisance alarms eg
laundries or kitchens.
 Various temperature types dependant upon application.
 When operated, the small red light on the detector will be illuminated.
Participant Manual
Page 31 of 93
Manual Call Points

(e.g. break-glass alarm)
 A device which is manually operated to sound the fire alarm.
 All visible surfaces of the enclosure (except for the frangible elements) shall be coloured red.
 Usually located in corridors and at the Fire Indicator Panel.
Smoke detector Smoke detector Thermal detector Thermal detector
Thermal detector Special activation / release Manual break glass alarm point
Suppression system
A suppression system is designed to arrest, inhibit or slow the spread of the emergency,
particularly for fires. The suppression system can be automatically or manually engaged.
Examples of types of suppression systems are:
 Sprinklers – individual heads activated by temperature change which detects the fire,
activates the alarm and also protects the workplace. Sprinkler heads are set to operate at a
predetermined temperature normally at 680C, however, higher temperatures can be found,
depending upon the situation, such as, kitchen range hoods, boiler rooms. Sprinklers can
be water, foam or other specialised extinguishing systems. Sprinklers are to be switched off
by the Fire Service only.
 Extinguishers, fire hose reels and fire blankets
 Portable chemical spills kits.
Participant Manual
Page 32 of 93
240 litre spills response kit Large scale Foam suppression system
CO2 fire extinguisher Fire hose reel
Fire blanket Suppression sprinkler head
Life safety and exiting systems

Life safety systems are specialist systems which have been incorporated into a broader and more
inclusive system for detection suppression and the alert of emergencies. Life safety systems may
normally incorporate some or all of the following components:
 Emergency lighting and exit lighting

 Fire rated emergency stairwells which may or may not be pressurised
Participant Manual
Page 33 of 93
 Fire doors and fire rated walls
 Devices which may shutdown other systems such as air-conditioning or open/close doors
 A device for automatically notifying external emergency services such as police and fire
services
Exit sign/Emergency lighting

 Exit signs shall be installed in the locations determined in accordance with the BCA
 Required to provide sufficient lighting: during an emergency:
 To minimise the risk of panic
 Illuminate the safe route to an emergency exit; and
 Otherwise assist in the orderly and safe evacuation of the building
 Will operate on battery for a period of 90 minutes.
 Exit signs and direction arrows shall be white and the background shall be green
Exit signs shall be mounted at between 2m and 2.7m above floor level or immediately above the
door if higher than 2.7m.
Many life safety systems are specifically designed for emergencies involving fire and smoke. This
is because the hazard analysis has identified that the most likely emergency to occur in the
majority of workplaces is fire.
The main point is for you to identify the life safety system used in your workplace and to know what
actions are required for each step in your workplace emergency procedures.
Exiting emergency light Exit light
Life safety fire rated stairs
Emergency Stairs
Fire stairs usually have hand railing to the centre, and occupants are advised to stay to the centre
for two reasons: when the hand railing stops, the final exit has been reached and you reduce the
possibility of being struck by an opening door. Verify these precautions in your workplace. Staying
to the centre allows emergency response personnel to move in the opposite direction as well.
Participant Manual
Page 34 of 93
During evacuations, in particular in a fire situation, lifts are not to be used.
Compartmentation
The BCA determines where and when compartmentation is required. Compartmentation is
designed to contain both fire and/or smoke within a given compartment for a specific time period
(e.g. 1, 2, 3 or 4 hours). The main features of comparmentation is specially constructed walls,
floors, ceilings and doors which have Fire Resistance Levels as specified for that particular class of
building and construction type.
Fire doors can be identified by a compulsory tag, both on the door and door frame.
Such doors must be kept shut at all times unless they are fitted with an approved door hold-open
device which will automatically release in the event of an alarm. Compartmentation may be both
horizontal and/or vertical and may include separation of lift shafts and stairwells. It is used to
enable staged evacuation of a building (eg when occupants are disabled, elderly or require
assistance.) Where compartmentation is required, the building owner must make provisions to
ensure that any opening/penetration has been protected to prevent the spread of fire. Smoke doors
are sealed and capable of resisting smoke at 200oC for 30 minutes.
Compartmentation is an integral building safety system designed to contain both fire and smoke
within a given compartment for a specific time period.
The following diagram shows how a specific area (or compartment) of a workplace can be isolated
to protect against the spread of an emergency (in this case, a fire).
Smoke Fire Smoke

Door Door Door
The smoke door restricts the spread of the smoke while the fire door will restrict the spread of fire
smoke and heat (through conduction and convection). If the smoke and fire doors are jammed
open or remain open during an emergency then the next diagram shows what can happen.
Participant Manual
Page 35 of 93
Smoke Fire Door Smoke

Do o r
OPEN Door
OPEN
Because the smoke and fire doors have remained open it has allowed the smoke and fire to
spread rapidly without restriction.
Multi-level Compartmentation
5 th
These
4 th 5 th diagrams
demonstrate
3rd 4 th how a fire
can spread
2nd 3rd through a
multi-level
1s t 2nd building if
the fire
Ground 1s t doors are
not closed.
Ground
Participant Manual
Page 36 of 93
Most likely emergencies

The EPC together with the ECO will determine the most likely emergencies that may occur in your
workplace. This is based on the risk assessment that they conduct and is reflected in the
workplace emergency procedures that are in place.
As a general guide, the following emergencies are the most likely to occur:
 fire
 civil disturbance
 medical
 armed intrusion
 suspicious packages
 natural disaster (flood, bushfire, earthquake, lightening strike)
 hazardous materials spill
 power failure or black-out
 bomb threat
 building damage
 air-conditioning contamination
Your workplace emergency systems are designed according to the likely emergency type to occur
in your workplace. Not all emergency types follow the same procedures and therefore a number of
options are provided for emergencies.
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 37 of 93
Topic 4 - The EPC and ECO

The ECO is a structured organisation that will initiate an appropriate response to emergency
situations. The ECO is formed as part of the responsibility of the Emergency Planning Committee
(EPC) which also has responsibility for establishing an emergency plan and emergency response
procedures and manuals.
As a Fire Safety Advisor you are required to know the roles and responsibilities in greater detail
than either Chief Wardens, Area Wardens or Wardens as well as the role and responsibilities of
the Emergency planning Committee (EPC).
Chief Warden Emergency

Planning
Committee
Communications Deputy CW
Floor / Area Floor / Area

Warden Warden
Warden Warden Warden Warden Warden
The ECO shall be appropriate to the building, structure or workplace. Hence, the number of floor
or area wardens and wardens is dependent on the size of the workplace, the number of occupants
and the complexity of the layout of the workplace (the number of discrete areas as opposed to an
open office floor plan).
The primary role of the ECO is to ensure that life safety takes precedence over asset protection.
This role is reflected in the responsibilities, duties and authority given to members of the ECO. The
ECO is also vital in restoring the normal functioning of your workplace after an emergency.
The Emergency Planning Committee

The Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) is formed from representatives of occupant groups
and includes the chief and deputy Chief Wardens and others who may have specialist knowledge,
for example, the house engineer. The EPC establishes and implements emergency plans and
procedures and coordinates and arranges for the education and training of all ECO Team
members and for the general occupants.
The EPC also:
 determines the number of ECO personnel consistent with the nature and risk of the
buildings, structures and workplace
 ensure that the personnel are appointed to all positions on the ECO but particularly, the
Chief Warden group
Participant Manual
Page 38 of 93
 arrange for the conduct of evacuation exercises
 review the effectiveness of evacuation exercises and arrange for procedure improvements
 determine who will implement emergency procedures
 ensure that emergency control equipment is compliant to Australian Standards 1851 and
that appropriate records are maintained
 provides sufficient resources to support to ensure effective operation of emergency plan
Single occupant
For a workplace that only has one occupant organisation (company) then the EPC will be formed
from that organisation and may include Floor / Area Wardens and Wardens dependent on the
number of employees and staff.
Multiple occupants
The Building Management group organises and forms the EPC from representatives from each
tenancy. The Building Management group then appoints a single Chief Warden for the building /
workplace and Floor / Area Wardens for the specified floors or areas as determined by the risk
assessment and layout of the workplace.
The Emergency Control Organisation

The primary role of the ECO is to ensure that life safety takes precedence over asset protection.
The secondary role is to prevent emergencies from occurring and to prepare for emergencies.
These roles are reflected in the responsibilities, duties and authority given to members of the ECO.
The ECO, under the guidance of management, is also vital in restoring the normal functioning of
your workplace after an emergency.
Identification of ECO people

ECO members can be identified in an emergency through the use of different colours. These
colours may appear in the form of a helmet, a baseball cap or vest. The following colours are used:
Chief Warden - White Floor or Area Warden - Yellow
Warden - Red First Aid Providers - Green
Participant Manual
Page 39 of 93
It is important that the Chief Warden knows the roles and responsibilities for each level in the ECO
Team structure as this will allow him to better inform and communicate actions to your occupants
during an emergency.
Chief Warden
On becoming aware of an emergency, the Chief Warden shall take the following actions:
 Ensure your workplace is safe (i.e. turn off heat generating equipment)
 Proceed to a central control point (FIP, front door, EWIS/EWS, etc)
 Ascertain the nature of the emergency and determine the appropriate action
 Ensure that the appropriate emergency service has been notified
 Ensure that the Floor or Area Wardens are advised of the situation
 If necessary initiate evacuation and control entry to the affected areas
Post initial response actions:
 Ensure the progress of the evacuation and any action taken is recorded in an incident log
 Brief the emergency services personnel upon arrival on type, scope, and location of the
emergency and the status of the evacuation and, thereafter, act on the senior officer’s
instructions.
When there are no emergencies the Chief Warden, Deputy Chief Warden and Communications
officers are involved in:
 Active participants in the EPC

 The coordination of emergency planning, training, exercising and assessment activities for
the ECO – preparation measures
 Liaison with emergency services
 Liaison with specialist OH&S personnel in the analysis and rectification of workplace
hazards – preventive measures
 The coordination of the workplace emergency procedures manual.
Care and maintenance of emergency control equipment

Ensure emergency control equipment is maintained as per Australian Standards and appropriate
records kept (maintenance logs, records and tests). Reports on faults are verified and
recommendations for rectification are recorded. Any maintenance requirements should be referred
to the equipment service contract provider.
Deputy(ies) or Assistant(s)
Deputies or Assistants shall be appointed to each of the Chief Warden, communications officer,
and Floor or Area Warden’s positions to ensure continuity of their functions during absences. The
Deputies understudy the primary roles and are fully trained and prepared to take over the primary
roles as required.
Communications Officer
The communications officer, on becoming aware of an emergency incident, shall take the following
actions:
 Ascertain the nature and location of the emergency

 Confirm that the appropriate emergency service has been notified
Participant Manual
Page 40 of 93
 Notify the appropriate ECO personnel either by Emergency Warning and
Intercommunication System (EWIS) or by other means
 Transmit and record instructions and information between the Chief Warden and the floor
Wardens and occupants
 Maintain a log of the events
 Act as directed by the Chief Warden.
Floor or Area Wardens

On hearing an alarm or becoming aware of an emergency, the Floor or Area Wardens shall take
the following actions:
 Implement the emergency procedures for their floor or area

 Direct Wardens to check the floor or area for any abnormal situation
 Commence evacuation if the circumstances on their floor or area warrant this
 Communicate with the Chief Warden by whatever means available and act on instructions
 Advise the Chief Warden as soon as possible of the circumstances and action taken
 Co-opt persons as required to assist a Warden during an emergency
 Confirm that the activities of Wardens have been completed and report this to the Chief
Warden
When there are no emergencies the floor / area Warden is involved in:
 Active participants in the ECO

 Emergency response training, exercises and assessments
 Preventative measures including hazard identification and rectification, monitoring good
‘house-keeping’ practices and monitoring of life safety systems.
Warden
Persons selected as Wardens may be required to carry out a number of activities including the
following:
 Act as floor or area Wardens

 Operate the intercommunication system
 Check to ensure fire and smoke doors are properly closed
 Ensure an orderly flow of persons into protected areas, eg stairwells
 Search the floor or area to ensure all persons have been evacuated:
o Use the back of your hand to check closed doors before entering
o Enter offices and rooms – do not just call out
o Check toilets, store rooms, meeting rooms, tea rooms, etc
Participant Manual
Page 41 of 93
 Assist persons with disabilities
 Act as leaders of groups moving to nominated assembly areas
 Report to the floor or area Warden on completion of required activities.
When there are no emergencies the Warden is involved in:
 Active participants in the ECO

 Emergency response training, exercises and assessments
 Preventative measures including hazard identification and rectification, monitoring good
‘house-keeping’ practices and monitoring of life safety systems.
Other Warden responsibilities
Wardens, as well as all workplace occupants, have an overall responsibility to prevent and prepare
for emergencies. This is an important part of saving lives during an emergency.
As the Chief Warden, who has received training, you have a further responsibility to ensure that
your ECO Team members and your workplace as a whole are prepared for emergencies and have
implemented preventative measures for controlling hazards.
Complete debrief with Warden team and ensure incident report form is completed as per your
workplace emergency management plan and any used equipment is serviced.
Employees
While employees are not formally members of the ECO, they all have responsibilities during an
emergency incident. Employees are responsible to:
 Follow the directions of the ECO team (wardens, floor or area wardens, chief wardens,
deputy or acting wardens, first aid providers, communications officer and other designated
positions from your workplace emergency procedures
 Be aware of the emergency procedures for your area or workspace
 Being familiar with the Life Safety System in your workplace including: fire detection and
suppression, the emergency communication system and recognising the alert and alarm
signals
 Knowing the location of portable fire fighting equipment, the safe designated exits (including
alternate exits) and the location of the Assembly Area.
 Identify and report potential emergencies
 Complete/participate in emergency training and evacuation exercises
 Provide feedback on the success or otherwise of emergency procedures
Other specialist members
First aiders
A number of your work colleagues have been identified as First Aid providers. These people while
not a formal member of the ECO are important in the initial treatment of injuries and they are
trained and certified in first aid.
Participant Manual
Page 42 of 93
Organisational Emergency Response Teams (ERT)
Some large organisations or organisations with particularly hazardous materials/operations appoint
and train specialist Emergency Response Teams (ERT). ERT are specialised to handle particular
hazardous incidents that have been identified during a risk assessment of the workplace and
documented in the workplace emergency response plan and procedures. An ERT is not normally
part of the ECO, but they would normally be under the direction of the Chief Warden.
Emergency services organisations

Up until now all the positions and the people who fill them have been part of the workplace or
organisation. It is now appropriate to find out who the external emergency services organisations
are and their role in a workplace emergency.
The emergency services organisations may include the fire, ambulance, police and emergency
services organisations. These are normally State or Territory based and government funded with
the support of State or Territory laws to assist in the confinement and clean-up of emergencies.
There are other important organisations such as the State Emergency Service (SES) and the
Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) which work in conjunction with the other emergency
services organisations.
Typical ECO deployment

The following diagrams show some typical examples of how a workplace ECO structure can be
adapted to different workplaces.
For a single level medium to large workplace the following structure may apply:
Warden responsibility
Notice that there are four

wardens that are responsible
to complete the search of this
sample workplace.
Participant Manual
Page 43 of 93
Area Warden responsibility
Notice that there are only two

area wardens that are
responsible to the evacuation
of this sample workplace.
Chief Warden Responsibility
Notice that the chief warden

is responsible to coordinate
the evacuation of all areas of
this sample workplace.
ECO Team Responsibilities

White = Chief warden
Yellow = Area warden
Red = Warden
In this workplace the Chief

Warden has two Area
Wardens reporting to the
Chief Warden. Each Area
Warden has two Wardens
under their control during
emergencies.
Participant Manual
Page 44 of 93
For a multi-level workplace:
SecoSnedco
Lned
veLl evel Floor Warden Warden
Warden WaW
rdaernden
C
Chhiie
eff
W FFlirostoLrevW
el arden
Waarrd
deenn Warden This diagram outlines
the ECO structure and
Warden responsibilities in a
First Level Warden multi-level building.
FGlrooo
unrd W aerl den
Lev
Flo
W arodren
Floor Warden Warden
Ground Level
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 45 of 93
Topic 5 – Responding to Emergencies
Raising the alarm

If you discover or become aware of an emergency (such as a fire) you are to raise the alarm by
reporting the type of emergency, the location of the emergency and if there are any people in
danger or injured. You raise the alarm preferably with your warden or at the very least a work
colleague.
Your next duty is to warn those people who may be in immediate danger from the emergency.
This can be accomplished through verbal warnings or if a fire, by activating a manual call point.
You should also ensure that the appropriate emergency services organisations are notified.
If safe to do so, remove any injured person(s) from the emergency incident area and organise first
aid to be administered.
Communication
You are to use any available means of communication to report an emergency and to raise the
alarm. Communicating that there is an emergency could involve the use of one or more of the
following methods:
 Verbal notification
 Visual signals such as flashing lights, using coloured lights, turning off the overhead
working lights
 Telephone, either land line or by mobile
 Two-way radio
 PA systems
 Computer, using email or an administrator message alert
 Any other means available to you at the time and place
Once again, the preferred means of communicating that there is an emergency is detailed in your
workplace emergency response manual.
The preferred person to report an emergency to is the warden in your area of the workplace.
However, if the warden is unavailable then a floor or area warden, the chief warden or any work
colleague should be used. You should also ensure that the emergency is reported to the
emergency services.
RACE
A handy acronym to help remind you of reporting emergencies and your subsequent actions is:
R emove people in direct danger

A lert personnel, alert emergency services – call 000
C ontain the emergency
E vacuate via the nearest safe exit
Participant Manual
Page 46 of 93
It should be noted that the first two actions should be simultaneously initiated. That is, you should
alert people of the danger and have someone contact the Emergency Services as you move to
assist people in immediate danger. You should also note that you should only attempt to assist
people in direct danger if it is safe for you to do so.
Workplace emergency procedures

The exact emergency reporting procedure for your workplace is detailed in your emergency
reporting procedure manual. You need to know this procedure and practice this procedure.
Responding to emergency warnings – General Occupants

The exact response to your specific workplace emergency warning is detailed in your emergency
procedures manual.
Your response will normally be started as a reaction to some form of audible tone or sound or
visual cue. These may range from a whistle or verbal shout to complicated tones and Public
Address (PA) systems. There are two basic methods of audible tone or sound alerts:
 Single Stage or Single Tone systems involve the use of only ONE tone or sound which is
usually repeated loudly and consistently.
 Two Stage or Two Tone systems involve the use of two separate and distinct tones or
sounds which require you to do two separate actions dependent on which tone is sounded.
You will need to be aware of which system is used in your workplace.
Single stage or tone systems

The single stage or single tone system uses just one audible sound. Upon hearing this sound then
you must evacuate your workplace immediately – DO NOT wait for any other tones or advice.
Other actions you should take are:
 Remain calm and focused

 Close doors and windows
 Evacuate via the nearest safe exit. This may vary if the emergency includes a bomb threat
or toxic/hazardous materials – listen for and follow Wardens’ directions.
 Assist other work colleagues and visitors if needed
 Do not use lifts
 Proceed to your designated Assembly Area
Two stage or tone systems

The two stage or two tone system provides two separate and distinct sounds. Each tone or sound
has requires you to do different actions. Each tone or sound and the actions required by you are
provided as follows.
Alert tone
The Alert tone is a sign for you to be prepared for further instructions and that you may have to
evacuate your workplace. It is normally the first tone that you will hear in a two stage or tone
system. If you have an Alert warning then you should:
Participant Manual
Page 47 of 93
 Finish your telephone call if you are on the phone

 Close down your computer or shut down any machines that you are operating
 Secure sensitive workplace documents, items or money
 Prepare your essential personal valuables for evacuation
If you hear the Alert tone, and the emergency is directly threatening you or others, do not wait for
the evacuation tone to move to safety. If you hear the Alert tone outside of normal work hours then
you are to evacuate immediately.
Some Alert tones are a BEEP BEEP BEEP which is described as a monotone intermittent sound.
This sound is similar to the reversing tone of modern heavy vehicles.
Evacuation tones
The Evacuation tone is normally heard after the Alert tone. The actions on hearing or seeing the
Evacuation tone are:
 Close doors and windows
 Evacuate via the nearest safe exit. This may vary if the emergency includes a bomb threat
or toxic/hazardous materials – listen for and follow Wardens’ directions.
 Assist other work colleagues and visitors if needed
 Proceed to your designated Assembly Area
Illuminated Exit sign with emergency lighting Fire rated stairs
Evacuation tones are normally a WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP which is described as a repeating
tone increasing in pitch. However, you need to check with your warden which sounds apply in your
workplace.
Verbal
Be prepared to act on verbal alerts / alarms if there are major systems failures or if there is no
other alarm systems.
After hours actions

If any emergency alarm sounds during after hours then all occupants are to evacuate immediately.
Any occupant should also call the Emergency Services on 000. The suggested procedure is:
 Shutdown computers, machinery if safe
Participant Manual
Page 48 of 93
 Inform the Emergency Services (call 000)
 Use the ‘buddy’ system to evacuate if appropriate
 Leave via the nearest safe exit
 Proceed to the Assembly Area
Responding to emergencies - Wardens
The appropriate response to your specific workplace emergency warning is detailed in your
emergency procedures manual. The following response procedures are generic as every
emergency has a different requirement. Your response to an emergency will vary taking into
account the current situation and possible further development. The emergency situation must be
continually assessed to ensure your actions are varied according to the conditions and the
workplace emergency procedures.
Your response will normally be started as a reaction to some form of audible tone or sound or
visual cue. These may range from a whistle or verbal shout to complicated tones and Public
Address (PA) systems.
There are two basic systems of audible tone or sound alerts:
 Single Stage or Tone systems involve the use of ONE tone or sound only which is usually
repeated loudly and consistently.
 Two Stage or Tone systems involve the use of two separate and distinct tones or sounds.
Usually the alert tone (beep, beep) and the Evacuation tone (whoop, whoop).
You must know which system is used in your workplace.
Single stage or tone systems

The single stage or tone system uses just one audible sound – this could be a siren, an alarm or a
verbal warning. Upon hearing this sound then you must assist the evacuation of your workplace
immediately – DO NOT wait for any other tones or advice. The actions, from a warden’s
perspective, are:
Hearing the alarm

When you hear the single tone alarm as a warden you should:

 Communicate with the general occupants
 The occupants (staff) begin shutdown procedures and begin to evacuate via the nearest
safe exit
 Wardens proceed to a common area and wait to be contacted by the Floor/Area Warden or
Chief Warden
 You put your warden identification helmet/cap, vest, armband, etc on
 Check the area for signs of an emergency – smoke, fire, vapours, sparking, etc
 Ensure personnel are evacuating
 IF the emergency is on your floor or in your area then contact the Floor or Area Warden or
the Chief Warden and confirm the existence of the emergency.
Participant Manual
Page 49 of 93
Completing the evacuation

As noted in the warden duties outline, the evacuation must be completed before any post initial
response warden duties are undertaken.
To complete the evacuation:
 The Floor / Area Warden may assign additional specific duties to the Warden during the
emergency. These may be in addition to your normal or practised duties. So listen to the
instructions from the Floor / Area Warden or the Chief Warden.
 Wardens check all areas of the floor / area for occupants
 Wardens to report to the Floor / Area Warden – refusals, unconscious occupants, locked or
unsearchable areas
 When the entire floor or area has been checked, the Floor / Area Warden to report to the
Chief Warden
 Proceed to the Assembly Area or other assigned tasks, such as prevention of entry into the
workplace at designated entry / exit locations or reception and direction of the Emergency
Services organisations.
Your appropriate actions during an emergency are detailed in your workplace emergency
procedures manual.
Two stage or tone systems

The two stage or tone system provides two separate and distinct sounds. Each tone or sound
requires you to do two distinctly different actions. The two most common two stage systems are:
 Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS) – integrated communication

system
 Emergency Warning System (EWS)
EWIS Alert tone - BEEP BEEP BEEP
The Alert tone is a sign for you to be prepared for further instructions and that yo may have to
 Occupants (staff) begin shut-down procedures and wait for instructions – do not use lifts
 Communicate with the occupants
 Wardens proceed to WIP (Wardens Intercommunication Phone) and wait to be contacted
by the Chief Warden – do not pick up WIP
 Check area for signs of an emergency
 Ensure occupants do not leave
the Chief Warden and begin evacuation.
If you hear the Alert tone outside of normal work hours then you are to evacuate immediately.
Participant Manual
Page 50 of 93
EWIS Evacuation tones - WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP
The Evacuation tone is normally heard after the Alert tone. As noted in the warden duties outline,
the evacuation must be completed before any post initial response warden duties are undertaken.
The warden actions on hearing or seeing the Evacuation tone are:
 Occupants begin evacuating via nearest safe exit

 Floor / Area Wardens assign duties to Wardens. The Floor / Area Warden may assign
additional specific duties to the Warden during the emergency. These may be in addition to
your normal or practised duties. So listen to the instructions from the Floor / Area Warden
or the Chief Warden.
 Wardens check all areas of the floor / area for personnel
 Wardens report to Floor / Area Wardens – refusals, unconscious occupants, locked or
unsearchable areas
Chief Warden
workplace.
EWS Alert tone - BEEP BEEP BEEP
The Alert tone is a sign for you to be prepared for further instructions and that yo may have to
 Occupants (staff) begin shut-down procedures and wait for instructions

 Communicate with the occupants
 Wardens proceed to a common area and wait to be contacted by the Chief Warden
 Check area for signs of an emergency
 Ensure occupants do not leave
the Chief Warden and begin evacuation.
If you hear the Alert tone outside of normal work hours then you are to evacuate immediately.
Participant Manual
Page 51 of 93
EWS Evacuation tones - WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP
The Evacuation tone is normally heard after the Alert tone. As noted in the warden duties outline,
the evacuation must be completed before any post initial response warden duties are undertaken.
The warden actions on hearing or seeing the Evacuation tone are:
 Occupants begin evacuating via nearest safe exit

 Floor / Area Warden assigns duties to Wardens. The Floor / Area Warden may assign
additional specific duties to the Warden during the emergency. These may be in addition to
your normal or practised duties. So listen to the instructions from the Floor / Area Warden
or the Chief Warden.
 Check all areas of the floor for personnel
 Wardens report to Floor / Area Wardens – refusals, unconscious occupants, locked or
unsearchable areas
Chief Warden
workplace.
Responding to emergencies – Chief Warden
Fire Emergency (Code Red)

Guidelines for buildings with an EWIS (see also AS 2220.2)
Chief Warden, Deputy Chief Warden, Communications Officer

On hearing the fire alarm:
 Cease activities and report to the FIP/EWIS
 Identify area in alarm
 Communicate with the Warden in the area in alarm via WIP to ascertain status
 For confirmed Fire/Smoke or status uncertain – initiate evacuation procedures (as
per site emergency procedures manual)
 For no evidence of Fire/Smoke, the Chief Warden should assess the situation based on the
information provided by the Warden. Evacuation is optional.
Floor/Area Wardens
 Cease activities and report to the WIP handset
 Pick up the WIP handset and await response from the Chief Warden
 If advised that the alarm has initiated from your area, commence systematic search of
floor/area of responsibility for signs of fire/smoke/activated detector/sprinkler
 If fire/smoke located implement RACE procedure
Participant Manual
Page 52 of 93
Remove persons from immediate danger
Alert others in the area (including Chief Warden) or delegate
Contain the emergency (e.g. close door)
Evacuate/Extinguish (if safe and trained to do so)
 Conduct sweep of entire area (if safe) to ensure all occupants have evacuated area
 When your area is cleared, confirm “All Clear” to the Chief Warden via WIP or in person
at the Fire Indicator Panel.
 Report to the Fire Indicator Panel for further tasking (eg monitoring entrances).
 If no fire/smoke remain on standby until advised “All Clear” by the Emergency Services.
You will be guided by the Chief Warden via the PA or the WIP.
Guidelines for buildings with a Fire Indicator Panel
Chief Warden, Deputy Chief Warden and Communications Officer

 Cease activities and report to the FIP
 Identify area in alarm
 Record evacuation status from Wardens and location of any person(s) with disabilities
 Remain on standby at the FIP (if safe) for the arrival of the Fire Service.
Floor/Area Wardens
 Cease activities
 Conduct systematic sweep of entire area to ensure all personnel/occupants have
evacuated via nearest, safest exit
 If fire/smoke located implement RACE procedure
Remove persons from immediate danger
Alert others (including Chief Warden)
Contain the emergency (e.g. close door)
Evacuate/Extinguish (if safe and trained to do so)
 When your area is cleared, report evacuation status to the Chief Warden at the FIP.
Medical Emergency (Code Blue)

All staff are to be aware of the following actions.
On discovery of a person who requires immediate medical attention:
 Call for assistance from others in the area
 Check for danger in the area (e.g. electrical faults, dangerous objects, substances)
 Contact Ambulance Service (or delegate)
 Advise location
 Nature of emergency (if known)
 If trained, commence resuscitation or any other treatment warranted until assistance arrives
 Notify first aiders who work in the area (or delegate)
 Stay with the person until help arrives
Internal Emergency (Code Yellow)
Major Hazardous Substances Spill

 Contact Fire Service.
Advise location, type of substance (if known).
 Evacuate and restrict access to the area involved.
Participant Manual
Page 53 of 93
 If substance known obtain Material Safety Data Sheet and follow spill, safety and first aid
procedures.
 Eliminate ignition sources.
 Shut-down air conditioning.
 Consider need to evacuate other areas of the building.
 Follow building evacuation procedures if required.
 Arrange for Medical Assistance if required.
 Liaise with the Emergency Services.
For gas leak

 Isolate the main gas supply where possible
Major Flood
 Assess situation and evaluate the need to evacuate.
 Brief Wardens of the situation.
 If evacuation required follow evacuation procedures.
 Move lifts to the top of rise and shut down/lock off (if applicable).
 Beware of water affected electrical installations.
 Shut off electricity, water and gas. Have occupants switch off appliances in work areas.
 Re-locate equipment if possible.
 Evacuate the danger area.
 Arrange medical assistance if required.
For internal flooding (e.g. plumbing leak):
 Isolate mains water supply
Structural Damage
 If persons trapped, contact Fire Service
 Evacuate the affected area and isolate.
 Consider the need to evacuate other areas.
Biological Agent (e.g. Anthrax scare)

 On being alerted to the incident ensure that the staff member involved:
 Does not disturb the item
 If spilt – does not try to clean it up or brush it from clothing
 Covers the package eg with a garbage bin to inhibit dispersal
 Remains in the area and advises others to remain
 Prevents other people from entering the area
 Contact the Police (0) 000
 Be guided by the Emergency Services
 Shutdown the lift and air-conditioning (if applicable).
 Maintain communications with the area involved.
External Emergency (Code Brown)
Upon being advised of an external emergency which may impact on your area/organisation:
 Assess level of risk based on the nature of the emergency
 Consider lock-down or shelter-in-place options if necessary
 Commence shut-down procedures if necessary
For earthquake
Participant Manual
Page 54 of 93
 Indoors: take cover under sturdy furniture or brace against the wall
 Outdoors: move into the open
Be guided by the emergency services
Personal Threat (Code Black)

On becoming aware of an incident:
 Do not place yourself at risk
 Ensure the Police have been contacted
 When safe, meet with the person(s) involved in the incident
 Have them record their own account of what happened ASAP
 Isolate the area until the police arrive
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 55 of 93
Topic 6 - Options in an Emergency

There are a number of options which the Chief Warden can use to respond to an emergency. An
emergency does not automatically mean that the occupants evacuate the workplace.
The options available to the Chief Warden are:
 Evacuation
 Lock-down
 Shelter-in-place
 Do nothing
Evacuation
An evacuation would be ordered by the Chief Warden when it was determined that life is
threatened if the occupants where to remain in the workplace.
An evacuation could be ordered for the following emergency types:
 Fire
 Bomb threat – an alternative Assembly Area should be used for this emergency type
 Biological or radiological threat
 Hazardous materials spills
 Air-conditioning contamination
 Power failure or black-out
 Building damage
Lock-down
A lock-down is designed to protect occupants from an internal or external immanent threat, such as
armed intrusion, by excluding or isolating that threat. This is particularly relevant for civil
disturbances and some building damages. Wardens may be used to lock entrance and egress
routes to deter admission to the workplace.
The lock-down would be communicated verbally or by any mean available other than the
evacuation tones / alarms. If the evacuation tones / alarms are used then the occupants will follow
emergency procedures and begin to evacuate / leave the workplace, thereby moving into the
emergency.
Shelter-in-place
Shelter-in-place protects occupants within the buildings (workplace) they currently occupy without
locking the workplace. This option is where there is no immediate threat to the structure of the
workplace and its occupants. This is communicated by appropriate means relevant to the
emergency or threat.
An attempt to evacuate occupants from the workplace is likely to expose them to more danger than
they would face by remaining in place. Example emergency types are:
Participant Manual
Page 56 of 93
 Fire in an adjacent property / workplace
 Flood
 Hazardous spill in an adjacent property / workplace
Do nothing
This is self explanatory. This option means that there may be an emergency, but there is no risk to
workplace occupants.
Wardens may be required to alert staff and brief them on the emergency and the possible actions.
Evacuation considerations
Some points for you to consider during an evacuation…
Order of evacuating personnel

When an evacuation is ordered then the order of evacuation for occupants is:
 Ambulant people who can walk unaided

 Semi-ambulant people who can walk with assistance
 Non-ambulant people who cannot walk
It is suggested that non-ambulant people are assisted to a safe place such as fire-rated emergency
stair wells by other able occupants. The occupants identified to assist the mobility impaired or
special needs people could be pre-designated although care should be taken during the
emergency that the pre-designated people are available to assist. This will provide the semi- and
non-ambulant occupants with confidence and allow easier retrieval by the Emergency Services.
Refusal to evacuate
At no time are wardens, occupants, security or persons other than Emergency Services personnel
to use physical force to remove someone who refuses to evacuate. Touching, poking or slapping a
person who seems to be in a state of extreme fear or shock may cause a violent reaction and is
considered to be assault.
Wardens should ask a person to evacuate and they either refuse or ignore your request, they
should ask them again and try to gently and calmly and quickly persuade them to evacuate. If they
still refuse then the Warden should continue with their duties and when finished report the location
of the person who refused to the Floor / Area Warden or the Chief Warden.
No one other then Emergency Services shall re-enter the building or cleared area to retrieve the
person(s) who refused to leave.
Unconscious person
Any unconscious people should be removed from the immediate danger where safe. If possible
they should be given first aid if safe also be moved to a designated safe place. Their medical state
and location is then to be notified to the Chief Warden.
Locked area or room

For locked or unsearchable areas or rooms all attempts should be made to determine if any person
is inside the locked area or room. Feel the door with the back of your hand to determine if there is
a fire on the other side. If there is no warmth and it is safe to do so try to open the door by using
the handle. If it is locked, then knock loudly and shout in order to determine if anyone is inside.
Participant Manual
Page 57 of 93
If there is no response then inform the Floor / Area Warden or Chief Warden that the area / room
was locked and then you could determine with certainty whether there was anyone inside.
Unsearchable area or room
Unsearchable areas (smoke filled rooms etc) should be recorded and reported to the Chief
Warden. Wardens should not attempt to search these areas that are deemed unsafe.
Evacuation
Whichever tone or alarm system is in use in your workplace when you hear or see the sign to
evacuate you should:
 Evacuate by the nearest SAFE emergency exit

 Assist visitors and customers if needed
 Move to the Assembly Point or Area
 Adhere to instructions given by ECO Team members
Evacuation routes
Evacuation routes are routes designated in your workplace emergency procedures manual that are
to be used during an evacuation. These routes are shown on your evacuation and location
diagrams (an example of an evacuation diagram or plan follows) which are located at various
places around your workplace (emergency exits etc). Your workplace warden or area/floor warden
will also provide you with the opportunity to walk the evacuation route from your workplace to the
Assembly Area.
Different evacuation routes from your designated route should not be used as they may become
congested and the route may not be able to accommodate the increased number of people using
it. The evacuation route is designated because in the majority of emergencies it provides a safe
way out of the workplace and to the Assembly Area. However, the evacuation route can change,
depending on the emergency or information that the Chief Warden may have. At all times, take
directions from your warden.
Participant Manual
Page 58 of 93
An example Evacuation Route diagram
If in another area that is not your normal workplace area
If you are required to visit areas or zones other then your usual workplace location then you need
to be aware of the evacuation routes from those areas or zones. If required, participate in an
evacuation exercise from those other areas or zones so that you are familiar with those evacuation
routes. If you are visiting an area, and the need to evacuate is required, you “belong” to that area.
Do not go back to your normal work area. You are to assembly with the area you visiting, but you
must inform the warden who will pass on this information to the Chief Warden.
Remember… workplace emergency response procedures are procedures to assist in the

controlled movement people from an emergency to a place of safety.
Alternate evacuation routes

In some emergencies your normal evacuation route may be part of the emergency incident area.
This will mean that you will need to use an alternate evacuation route. You may have to decide for
yourself if your normal evacuation route is part of the emergency incident by using your knowledge
of what an emergency incident is. In other cases a warden will tell you that you need to use an
alternate evacuation route.
Alternate evacuation routes can be identified on the evacuation and location diagrams displayed
around your workplace. Evacuation exercises will also provide you experiences with using
alternate evacuation routes. Learn the alternate evacuation routes.
Participant Manual
Page 59 of 93
Assembly Area
An Assembly Area is a safe place from the emergency which has been designated in the
workplace emergency response procedures. At the Assembly Area a member of the ECO team will
conduct a review to identify possible missing persons. A system such as the buddy system may be
used instead of a head count to ensure that all people have been evacuated from the workplace.
Once in the Assembly Area, do not leave the Assembly Area until advised by the Chief Warden or
the emergency services. It should be noted, that most workplaces do not have a sign-on log. An
all clear to an area by the Area/floor warden after a sweep of the area is critical and part of the
accounting process.
It may be necessary for an ECO member to conduct further head counts or to question people as
to the whereabouts of work colleagues or visitors. Remaining in the Assembly Area will also allow
you to have access to any medical support or access to water, etc.
The Assembly Area becomes the worksite or workplace and therefore smoking is not allowed at or
near the Assembly Area. Mobile phones are also prohibited when at the Assembly Area with the
exception of the ECO team.
An alternate Assembly Area may be assigned by the Chief Warden during a bomb threat
evacuation. Ensure that you follow the directions of the ECO team to avoid any confusion
regarding Assembly Areas.
Communication
The clue to a successful evacuation is communication. The ECO Team communicates to you and
you let your Warden know of any issues within your particular area of the workplace. You should
inform your Warden of:
 Any emergencies which may occur in your area

 Any injured occupants that you know of in your area or along your evacuation route
 Any occupants from your area that may be missing.
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 60 of 93
Topic 7 - Identify evacuation options, plan evacuation

procedures and test procedures
Options in an Emergency
The Chief Wardens responsibility is to assess the nature, severity and location of emergency and
decide if situation requires:
Option 1: Evacuation (full/partial)
Option 2: Lock-down
Option 3: Shelter-in-place
Option 4: No further action (i.e. no risk)
Option 1
Evacuation (Code Orange)

 Brief Wardens on the nature/scale of the emergency and plan of action
 Advise safest path of egress and assembly area
 Evacuate the emergency affected area, then commence staged evacuation until building is
cleared (if necessary).
 Assess mobility of clients to determine the order of evacuation
 Delegate duties as appropriate
 Follow evacuation plan for stand-down and recovery
 Conduct debrief.
 Document outcomes.
Order of Evacuation
 Ambulant (people who can walk unaided)
 Semi-ambulant (people who walk with assistance)
 Non-ambulant (people who cannot walk)
Assembly Areas
 Location
 Clear of entry points to provide access for Emergency Services
 Accessible
 If possible not in car parks
 May need to be changed depending on the location and nature of the emergency.
The Chief Warden determines the safest area.
Refusal to Leave
Wardens have no authority to force people to leave the building, but should report them to the
Chief Warden.
Participant Manual
Page 61 of 93
Option 2
Lock-down (if time permits)

(eg; external or internal threat such as a violent person)
 Alert Wardens and staff and brief them on the emergency and scope of lock-down
 Secure exterior doors, windows or areas as instructed
 Eliminate the movement of people to outside
 Direct occupants to seek protective cover if necessary
 Be guided by the Emergency Services re “All Clear”
 Conduct debrief.
 Document outcomes.
Option 3
Shelter-in-place
This is an option where there is no immediate threat to the structure of the building and an attempt
to evacuate from the building is likely to expose occupants to more danger than they would face by
remaining.
Prior to shelter in place being implemented, specific plans and procedures need to be developed
including:
 Location(s)
 Action cards (assign responsibilities to maximise co-operation)
 Communication systems (including telephone, radio etc)
Chief Warden to:

 Inform Wardens that shelter-in-place plan is to be implemented
 Isolate occupants from the external environment
 Distribute Action Cards to key personnel
(if applicable)
 Collect communications equipment
(if applicable e.g. phones, radios)
 Direct Wardens to shut and lock all windows and close internal doors.
 Direct Maintenance (or delegate) to shut down main isolation points for air-conditioning or
ventilation and label “shelter in place shutdown”
 When pre-determined warning time has elapsed (e.g. 3 minutes), place sign on external doors
and lock all outside doors.
 Proceed to shelter in place room
 Seal doors and windows
 Remain until advised “All clear” by the emergency services.
 Conduct debrief and document outcomes.
Note: Employees cannot be forced to shelter-in-place.
Evacuation Exercises
 Aim to test emergency procedures and identify opportunities for improvement.
 A schedule of exercises should be documented.
 First evacuation exercise, occupants to be briefed by EPC or via the Wardens.
 Exercises allow members of the ECO to practice their role and responsibilities.
 Exercises without notice are not recommended.
 Observers should be appointed to document actions against procedures
(checklists can be developed for this purpose). Immediately after an exercise, members of the
Participant Manual
Page 62 of 93
ECO should attend a debrief conducted by the Chief Warden and outcomes and
recommendations forwarded to the EPC for the organisation’s records and subsequent action if
necessary.
 The aim of evacuation exercises is to have all occupants participate in at least one exercise per
year consistent with the nature and risk of the building.
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 63 of 93
Topic 8 - Framework for response
Notification of an emergency
Before the specialist nominated and trained workplace (internal) emergency incident response
personnel or team can be launched the identification and notification of an incident will usually be
raised by an employee who may not be trained in specialist response to emergency incidents.
The actions that should be followed by every employee will be stated in the workplace standard
operating procedures for building / workplace evacuation. However, as a general guide the
following should occur:
 Evacuate the immediate area. Confine and contain the emergency by shutting off the
source (close the valve, shut off the pump, upright the container, etc) if safe to do so!
 Notify a work colleague, supervisor, etc to notify the warden or Incident Controller
 Call 000 if there is an injury involving medical treatment, the spill involves a fire/explosion,
or the spill is life threatening
 Attend to injured victim. Secure the site to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the
area
 Take subsequent action as advised by the Emergency Controller or Incident Controller
If you contact 000 or the fire and emergency services provide the following information:
 Ask for the dominant emergency service required for example if you had a fire and
someone injured you would ask for fire.
 The type of emergency and the name of the substance which was spilled if known
 Exact location of the emergency (building, room number, etc.)
 The size of the emergency (e.g., the amount of spilled substance and the area it covers)
The warden or Incident Controller will then conduct a detailed initial assessment of the emergency
incident before committing any further resources.
The ability of incident response personnel to manage a hazardous material incident is dependant
upon a number of factors. The following factors need to be considered when responding:
 the level of knowledge and training of employees;
 equipment and resources available;
 safe working procedures;
 additional agencies and authorities to assist if the incident cannot be controlled.
These factors will determine your response to any particular hazardous materials incident.
Size of the emergency
Depending on factors such as the chemical or incident leading up to the emergency, a good guide
to go by is 1 metre cubed (for fire).
Participant Manual
Page 64 of 93
An emergency incident has just occurred in your workplace…
First Attack Procedures
Before you can enter into a decision to respond to a hazardous materials incident, we must
consider safety first. That is, you need to be sure you have the correct equipment, enough
resources and assistance, and that if you are unable to contain the emergency incident, your
colleagues and yourself should evacuate to safety.
The suggested procedure is (consult your workplace standard operating procedures):

1. Remove any person in immediate danger (if safe to do so).
(This is your stage one evacuation procedure).
2. Raise the Alarm

Even if the emergency (fire or hazardous materials) incident seems small and uncomplicated,
the
first priority is to notify someone of the emergency incident’s existence, warn people in danger
and
ensure an appropriate workplace person (as designated in your standard operating
procedures) has
been notified and fire and/or emergency services organisation have also been called.
3. Confine
The situation needs to be isolated to as small an area as possible. The quicker the area can
be
contained the small the affected area and the safer for persons as they are being evacuated.
4. Consult
Once an alarm has been raised the ERT needs to report to the Chief Warden for specific
information in relation to the emergency situation. Advice may need to be sort from such
locations as the site WEP, MSDS and professionals such as engineers and chemists.
5. Decide on Action – assess the level of severity

Now is the time to decide if you should attempt to control the emergency incident. Your
decision needs to be quick and without doubt. To determine if you should control the
hazardous materials incident, consider the following:
 Support – Never control the hazardous materials incident alone. You should ensure that
someone knows what you are attempting to do and coming with back-up equipment.
 Size – Incidents that are beyond the capability of personnel training and workplace emergency
equipment (as determined by WEP) should be left to experienced emergency services
organisations.
 Surroundings – Check surroundings for signs of danger such as hazardous chemicals, gas
cylinders, sealed containers and other physical hazards which impede escape routes, etc.
 Smoke\ gas\ vapour and Fumes – Avoid entering an environment where smoke is limiting
visibility even at low levels in the room. Be extra cautious of fire that is producing an
acidic/rancid smell or green coloured smoke plumes.
6. Select the Correct Equipment – assess the incident

When selecting equipment to use, consider:
Participant Manual
Page 65 of 93
 What class of fire is it?
 A, B, C, D or E?
 What type of fire extinguisher should be used?
 What is the hazardous material?
 Has the hazardous material been previously identified and a plan put in place?
 Is this a previously unidentified or un-encountered hazardous material?
 Is this incident a combination of a number of different hazardous materials?
 What equipment is available?
 Is the correct PPE available? Have you been trained to use it?
 Are the correct fire extinguishers / hazardous materials containment kits
available? Training?
 Is the fire extinguisher / hazardous materials containment kit close to the
incident?
7. Controlling the incident – Safety

Once the decision is made to begin controlling the emergency incident and the appropriate
equipment has been selected, the task can begin. There are a number of important things to
remember in terms of safety:
 Test Equipment – Make sure your equipment works before entering the incident area.
 PPE – Don the appropriate PPE.
 Escape Route – Keep an escape route behind you in case the incident gets out of control.
 Be Vigilant – Do not turn away from the incident even if it appears contained.
 Confine – If the incident cannot be controlled, evacuate and advise the fire and/or emergency
organisations of the situation through the ECO.
Above all remember:
IF IN DOUBT GET OUT

Once the incident has been controlled, the job does not end there. Do not disturb the incident area
or allow anyone near the incident affected areas. Wait for the fire and/or emergency services
organisations to give the all clear.
Once you have completed your duties and or have handed control over to another service such as
fire service, you need to report any equipment that has been used or damaged in the course of
your duties. These should be reported via your WEP for example reporting to your supervisor or
ECO.
Each stage of the First Attack procedure will now be explained in detail and practical exercise
opportunities provided.
Participant Manual
Page 66 of 93
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 67 of 93
Topic 9 - Identify and assess Bomb Threats
Different types of threats

Written threat
 Keep the note and any envelope or packaging
 Avoid unnecessary handling to retain evidence
 Place evidence in an envelope if possible (preferably plastic)
 Do not alert everyone of the threat
 Advise your Chief Warden or Supervisor
 Contact the police
Telephone threat
 Treat as genuine
 Do not hang up the phone
 Obtain as much information as possible
 Complete bomb threat check list (see Attachment One)
 Do not alert everyone of the threat
Suspect object
 Identified by an employee as suspect by virtue of its characteristics, location and
circumstances.
Evaluation
 Specific threat
 Caller will provide more detailed information including description of the device, why it was
placed and its location, time of activation.
 Non-specific threat
 Caller will make a simple statement and terminate the conversation.
 The more common
Options for dealing with a bomb threat

 Take no further action
 Search without evacuation
 Evacuate and search
 Evacuate (without a search)
Each has advantages and disadvantages related to safety, speed and effectiveness of search and
have to be assessed against the potential risk.
Total Evacuation
 All persons should be requested to remove all personal belongings.
 Assembly area should be searched prior to any evacuation to ensure it is safe. If may be
necessary to select an alternative area.
Participant Manual
Page 68 of 93
Partial Evacuation
 Remove non-essential personnel.
 Search personnel remain.
 Critical business services may be continued
Disadvantages of total evacuation

 Risk of injury
 Panic
 For repeated threats, loss of business through interruption
Notification
 Police should immediately be advised
 It should not be assumed that the police will conduct bomb searches.
 An analysis of the threat or discovery of a suspect object shall determine the requirements to
evacuate the building.
Search
Those best qualified to carry out the search are the occupants of the building as they have the
local knowledge and know can identify more readily if something is out of place.
The aim of search is to identify:
 any object not normally found in an area
 a suspiciously labelled object
 an object similar to that described in the threat
 an object of unusual size, shape or sound
 the presence of pieces of tape, wire, string or explosive wrappings
The Chief Warden should co-ordinate a systematic search of the building and record findings for
each area (block plans could be photocopied and used to record areas searched)
Search priorities should include:
 Outside areas including the assembly area
 Entrances and exits
 Public areas within the building
IF A SUSPICIOUS ITEM IS LOCATED - Do not move, touch or open the object.
 Report immediately to the Chief Warden and/or Police.
After ensuring there is no other suspect objects in the vicinity, the area should be evacuated and
isolated. Evacuate area (at least 100 metres) and follow evacuation procedure. A search of other
areas should continue to ensure that there are no other suspect objects.
 Secure the area and move all persons away from glass windows, doors or partitions.
 Prevent other persons from entering the area.
 Open all doors
If device/suspect device is located, the Police take control of the area and the device.
The site will remain under their control until the area is declared “safe” and control restored to the
Chief Warden for subsequent re-occupation.
Participant Manual
Page 69 of 93
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 70 of 93
Topic 10 – Personal Protective Equipment
The following information is to provide some guidance on the selection and correct use Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) to meet the needs of responding to workplace emergencies.
The environment in which hazardous materials incidents response personnel are required to work
demands a high standard of PPE. The type and complexity of PPE used is dependent on the
hazardous materials present within the workplace. Therefore each workplace is unique and should
be assessed and resourced accordingly.
The following list of PPE is considered to be the minimum requirement that should be worn by
personnel attending emergencies. You should consult the risks identified in you workplace
emergency procedures manual (WEP).
Note: Regardless of what protective equipment is selected for use it will only provide
protection if it is worn at all times.
Head Protection
Emergency response personnel need to wear head protection. Helmets protect the wearer against
contact with protruding, flying and falling objects. The helmet should be fitted with a secure chin
strap and comply with Australian Standards.
Eye and Face Protection
The face and particularly the eyes are in great danger of being injured by spraying liquids, high
speed projectiles or stationary objects. The face can be protected by the use of high speed impact
resistant clear face shields. These are generally available in 100mm or 150mm sizes with the
larger size being preferred.
Fully enclosed eye goggles should be worn under the face shield to provide protection for the eyes.
Eye protection should not rely solely on the face shield.
Protective Clothing
Full body cover protective clothing is essential for personnel responding to incidents involving
emergency conditions.
When turning out to an emergency scene the clothing worn must be able to provide a high level of
fire resistance and protect against sharp, protruding or flying objects.
It is imperative that response personnel be clearly visible at the emergency scene. Reflective
highly visible markings are recommended for all body clothing and helmets.
Footwear
Hazards involving the feet and ankles of wearers are numerous and can be caused by broken
glass, sharp protruding objects, falling objects and hazardous materials. The footwear selected
should be sturdy and comfortable and suitable for the job at hand. Hardened toe or Steel Cap
boots are recommended with non slip sole.
Participant Manual
Page 71 of 93
Hand Protection
Hand protection is essential at any incident. Injuries due to cuts, punctures or burns (chemical and
fire) can not only be painful and have serious long term health risks and also impair the ability of
the wearer to complete the task.
Suitable Helmet fitted with torch Appropriate footwear Protective Gloves
AS/NZS 1337 Eye protectors for industrial applications
AS 1800 The selection, care and use of industrial safety helmets
AS/NZS 2210/.1/.2 Occupational protective footwear
Additional forms of PPE
Breathing / respiratory protection

Where engineering controls cannot be utilised to minimise the need for personal protection, then
respiratory protection must be supplied
The following is an outline of types of respiratory protection which must comply with AS1716-1994
and be selected for the hazard in accordance with AS1715-2003
SCBA
The type of set referred to in this section is a Self Contained Compressed Air Open Circuit Positive
Pressure Breathing Apparatus. In the open-circuit system, air is supplied to the wearer at a
breathable pressure. Exhaled air is discharged to the atmosphere and is not purified for re-use as
in the oxygen closed circuit systems.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (Open Circuit)
Participant Manual
Page 72 of 93
Airline supplied
Compressed air, airline supplied equipment operates on the same principle as the self contained,
open circuit sets, however the user does not carry the air supply. The equipment consists of a full
face mask with positive pressure demand valve, which is attached to an air line of usually no more
than 30 meters.
Airline Supplied Open Circuit Sets
Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

There are two main types of Powered Air Purifying Respirators - particulate and gas filters.
Particulates are designed to remove mechanically or thermally generated particles, where as gas
filters remove only certain gases or vapours. They will not increase the oxygen level if the
atmosphere is deficient in oxygen.
Fan Supplied Respirator Canister Respirators
Facemask facial fit and seal

The facemask should fit in accordance with Australian Standard AS1716: 2003.
Facial fit (Clause 2.2 of the standard) of complete respirators shall be tested by determining the
total inward leakage of the respirator by a test aerosol of sodium chloride according to the method
described in Appendix D of the standard.
Personnel shall be selected in accordance with Appendix B, pp 66-67 of the standard. Where the
fit of a respirator is to fit particular facial features, whether it be characterised by size or specific
facial features, is to be assessed, the testing laboratory, may select test personnel who conform to
those features. Where testing has been carried out in this manner, the manufacturer shall label the
respirator accordingly. See Clause 12.1.2 of the standard.
When carrying out the test procedure, none of the wearers shall experience any undue discomfort
on account of the fit, air delivery or any other feature of the respirator.
The seal of the facemask should be in accordance with AS1715 – 1994. This standard refers to
beard growth, some hairstyles and other facial features prevent an adequate seal between the
wearer’s face and the fitting surfaces of a face piece or mouthpiece. Facial hair may also interfere
Participant Manual
Page 73 of 93
with inhalation and exhalation valve operation. Male wearers in particular shall be made aware of
the general rules.
General
It is reiterated that PPE is personal and should be fitted as discomfort, restricted vision; hearing
and movement as a result of wearing PPE may affect performance.
Where PPE is used it must:
 Be appropriate for the job
 Fit the operator correctly
 Be accompanied by training on its proper use
 Be clean and functional
 Be regularly serviced by appropriately trained staff
 Used, serviced and stored according to procedures and manufacturers guidelines
Other equipment that may be required includes:

 Non-static clothing (Long sleaves and trousers, natural fibre)
 Intrinsically Safe Torch
 Watch
 Earmuffs
 Knee and Elbow Pads
 Full Body Harness
 Personal First Aid Kit
 Intrinsically Safe Communications Devices (two-way radio
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 74 of 93
Topic 11 - Hazardous material

What are hazardous substances?
There are many kinds of chemical products and other substances in the workplace. They maybe
used in different ways:
 in work processes (e.g. paints, printing ink, solvents)
 in support processes (e.g. cleaning products)
Not all of these substances are hazardous according to the regulations – but some are.
Hazardous substances are chemicals and other substances that can harm people’s health. They
can cause injury or illness as well as harm to the environment.
Under the regulations, the manufacturer or importer of a substance is responsible for analysing
whether the substance is defined as hazardous.
To do this refer to a list published by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission –
the List of Designated Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:10005(1994)], often called The List. If the
substance is not on The List, they have to apply strict classification criteria developed by the
Commission (published in Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008
(1994)]. These publications are listed in the further information section of these resources.
Hazardous substances, dangerous goods and hazardous materials

Don’t confuse hazardous substances with dangerous goods – they are classified according to
different criteria. Hazardous substances are substances with the potential to harm health. They
can be gases, liquids or solids, and can be either pure substances or mixtures. Hazardous
substances are classified according to their long term health effects, while dangerous goods are
classified by their immediate physical and / or chemical effects such as fire, explosion and
corrosion.
Forms of hazardous materials
Hazardous substances can be in various forms.
Solids
Solids have a definite shape. They include dusts, fibres and powders, which consist of small
particles. An example of a solid is dishwasher detergent powder.
Solids by their definition are already contained. The method for removing the hazardous material
from the incident may simply involve a shovel and a suitable container such as a specialist rubbish
bin. An example of this is in the health industry where contaminated medial waste such as
syringes and needles are disposed of in a medical hazardous waste bin.
The size and complexity of the solid hazardous material incident will depend upon the workplace
and should be covered in the workplace standard operating procedures.
Participant Manual
Page 75 of 93
Liquids
Liquids are substances that flow, like water or paint.
Liquids by their definition require containment and confinement. A liquid is a fluid whose volume is
fixed under conditions of constant temperature and pressure; and, whose shape is usually
determined by the container it fills. Therefore, a liquid hazardous material will tend to flow to fill a
container or to the lowest level and it is an objective to limit the spread (or flow) of the hazardous
material liquid.
In this respect there can be permanent facilities designed to contain liquids which have been
identified through the workplace hazardous materials incident assessment. Permanent facilities
are used referred to as bunding which is an embankment of earth or a wall to form a perimeter of a
compound where liquid hazardous materials are stored or manufactured. Bunding is usually found
in workplaces with large amounts of liquid hazardous materials such as oil refineries.
In smaller cases it may not be practicable (remember the definition) to construct a permanent
barrier therefore a smaller portable system for containment is required.
Mists, vapours and gases

Mists are formed when a liquid is broken up into small droplets by being pumped or sprayed into
the air (like when spray painting).
Vapours come from liquids that have evaporated into the air. For example, if a bottle of turpentine
(“turps”) is left open, the liquid can evaporate into the air, forming “turps” vapour.
Gases float and move freely in the air. Often you can’t see or smell a gas, but you can still inhale it
along with the air you breathe. An example is carbon monoxide.
Mists, vapours and gases are harder to contain and confine. The objective is to stop the escape to
the atmosphere. This can be achieved by turning off the:
 Machine creating the mist as in a spray painting machine
 Heat source creating the vapours
 Main or controlling valve to the gas
Mists, vapours and gases can be neutralised to some extent through the application of a water
curtain mist/spray.
Exposure to hazardous materials at work
The form of a substance affects the way it can enter people’s bodies. There are three main ways
that this can occur. These are known as routes of exposure:
Breathing (“inhalation”), where the substance enters a person’s lungs. Some substances (like
dusts and fine fibres) stay in your lungs if you breathe them in; others, like gases or vapours, can
be absorbed into your bloodstream and carried to other parts of your body.
Direct contact with skin or eyes Some chemicals can harm the skin directly, causing burns,
irritation, rashes or dermatitis.
Some substances can pass right through the skin and enter your bloodstream. If your skin is cut,
cracked or dry, substances can pass through into the bloodstream even more easily. Some
substances can seriously burn or irritate your eyes. This may happen if liquids splash into your
eyes, or if you touch your eyes when your fingers have chemicals on them, or if a vapour gets into
your eyes. Some substances can pass through the eye membrane and enter your bloodstream.
Participant Manual
Page 76 of 93
Swallowing (“ingestion”) Most people don’t swallow harmful chemicals on purpose. However,
you could accidentally swallow them if you eat, drink or smoke after you’ve been working with the
chemical.
The form of the substance and the way it is used in the workplace affect risk because they affect
the likelihood that a substance will enter people’s bodies. For example, you’re more likely to
breathe in paint when you apply it as a mist with a spray gun than when brushing it on.
Hazardous materials spill kits
Types of chemical spills control and containment measures
Spills can be:

 Confined
 Contained
 Diverted, or
 Neutralised
Some portable containment systems are:

Spill Kit (Hydrocarbon 25Kg)
 1 x Hydrocarbon absorbent mini-boom (1200 x 100mm)
 10 x Hydrocarbon absorbent pads (400gsm x 460mm²)
 2 x Contaminated Waste bags
 2 x 300mm ties
 1 pair oil proof gloves
 1 x zip-top bag with signage
Hydrocarbon absorbent mini-boom Spill Kit
Spill Kit (Hydrocarbon Spills Response Kit 240Kg)

 4 x Hydrocarbon absorbent boom (1200 x 100mm)
 3 x Hydrocarbon absorbent boom (3m x 100 mm)
 150 x Hydrocarbon absorbent pads (400gsm x 460mm²)
10 x Contaminated Waste bags
 1 x wall locator
 1 x instruction sheet
 1 x UV resistant weather cap
 1 x 240L wheelie bin with signage
Participant Manual
Page 77 of 93
Hydrocarbon absorbent boom Drain cover Spill Station
These are only examples of the many commercially available spills containment kits.
Training
Whichever spills containment kit is available to you in your workplace you need to know its location
and be trained how to use the kit. This training should also include the use of your PPE and be
based on the most likely scenario as per your standard operating procedures.
Manufacturer’s instructions
In all cases when using commercially supplied spills containment kits and the like, the
manufacturer’s instructions should be followed. It is also reiterated that training in using the kits
should also be conducted regularly and that the kits should be maintained.
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 78 of 93
Topic 12 - Containing a fire
When a workplace hazard analysis and risk assessment is completed, one of the most commonly
emergencies likely to occur is a fire. This is due mainly to the abundance of combustible materials
in the workplace and the method and conditions which support ignition.
Fire
Fire is a series of rapid chemical reactions between combustible materials, broken down by
sufficient heat, reacting with oxygen. The chemical reaction produces more heat, which breaks
down more combustible material, which reacts with more oxygen, thus continuing the chemical
chain reaction. The reactions produce light, heat and release a by-product cocktail in the form of
smoke.
The Fire Triangle:
In general terms, sufficient HEAT breaks down a FUEL which then CHEMICALLY REACTS with
OXYGEN. This can be represented in the following diagram:
HEAT OXYGEN
FIRE
Chemical
Chain
Reactions
FUEL
The Fire Triangle
Extinguishing Methods:
The fire relies on all three of the elements shown in the Fire Triangle to begin and sustain its chain
reactions, therefore removing one or more of these elements or inhibiting its chain reaction will
cause the fire to go out. Four extinguishing methods are:
Cooling: Reducing the temperature of the fuel so that it falls below its ignition point.
Example: using water to cool the fuel
Smothering: Excluding all or part of the oxygen from the area of the fuel.
Example: smothering the fuel with a blanket, dispersing the oxygen with an inert gas
Starving: Removing the combustible material.

Example: shutting off the gas cylinder, removing fuel from the path of the fire
Inhibiting: Applying a chemical agent that ceases the reaction process.

Example: applying a fire retardant chemical
Participant Manual
Page 79 of 93
Classification of Fire:
Fires are classified according to the fuel type and presence of electricity. The classes of fire are
listed in the following table:
Class Fuel Examples Best extinguishing method
A Common combustible solids Wood, plastics, clothing Cooling
B Flammable liquids Petrol, oil, paints, Smothering,
C Flammable gases LPG, Natural gas Starving by turning off the gas valve
D Combustible metals Magnesium Inhibiting the chemical reaction
(E) Electrically involved fires Plugged in electrical device Switch off and cool, or smother
F Fats and Oils Cooking oils smothering
Table 1 – Classification of Fire
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 80 of 93
Topic 13 - Portable Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire extinguishers
A portable fire extinguisher is primarily a cylinder containing a fire fighting agent under
pressure which can be discharged onto a fire.
As little as 15 years ago, different types of extinguishers were constructed and
operated very differently. Some required a plunger to be depressed; others had to be
turned upside down. Now, despite the type of portable extinguisher used in the
common workplace, different types have the same or similar components and are
operated in the same manner.
Figure 2 – “Extinguisher Parts” shows two types of extinguisher with very different agents that
extinguish the fire in different ways. However, the operating principals of both these extinguishers
are the same. Since 1999, all extinguishers are coloured red and a coloured band indicates the
contained agent.
Operating handle
Safety Pin
Carry Handle
Pressure Gauge
Identification Band
Usage Safety
Director/Nozzle
Cylinder
Figure 4 – Extinguisher Parts
Usage Safety:
Some agents can be dangerous to use on some classes of fire. Care should be taken to determine
if the extinguisher is safe to use on electrically involved fires (Class (E)) to avoid electrocution,
liquid fires (Class B) to avoid spreading the fuel, or if it is effective on common combustible (Class
A) fires.
Extinguishers now have green Usage Safety indicators that show if the extinguisher is safe to use,
or effective against Class A, B and (E) fires.
Usage Safety Labels
Participant Manual
Page 81 of 93
Extinguishers and Extinguishing Agents:
Contents: WATER
Band Colour: Red (none)
Extinguishing Method: Cooling
Technique: Direct stream at the fuel
Last between: 70-80 seconds (9 litre)
Fire Class: A
Danger: Electrically Conductive. Will cause fuel to spread and fat/oil fires to splatter
Contents: FOAM
Band Colour: Blue
Extinguishing Method: Smothering
Technique: Contained fuels: Aim stream at corner of container and cover completely.
Open spills: Spray/lob foam high over spillage to cover fuel completely.
Last between: 30-40 Seconds (9 litre)
Fire Class: B (also safe for A)
Danger: Electrically Conductive. Do not disturb foam blanket after application
Contents: WET CHEMICAL – typically an alkali metal salt

Band Colour: Oatmeal
Extinguishing Method: Smothering
Technique: Spray over fat/oil. Agent reacts with the fat/oil to form a thick layer of foam.
Last between: 90-100 Seconds (9 litre)
Fire Class: F (also safe for A and limited effectiveness on B)
Danger: Electrically conductive
Contents: CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)

Band Colour: Black
Extinguishing Method: Smothering by dispersing oxygen
Technique: Sweep at the seat of the fire
Last between: 11-13 Seconds (3.5 Kg)
Fire Class: (E) Effective for small, unestablished fires
Danger: Lasts for a small period of time. The director freezes, only hold by the handles
Contents: DRY CHEMICAL POWDER (DCP)

Band Colour: White
Extinguishing Method: Smothering and Inhibiting
Last between: 20-26 Seconds (2.5 kg)
Fire Class: Type 1: B (E) and F. Type 2: A B and (E)
Danger: Fine powder can destroy micro-electronics. Avoid using in enclosed areas
Contents: VAPORISING LIQUID

Band Colour: Yellow (replaced the now-banned BCF Extinguisher)
Extinguishing Method: Inhibiting and smothering
Technique: Sweep over the fire and fuel
Last between:
Fire Class: (E) (also effective on A and B)
Danger: May produce hazardous fumes, avoid using in enclosed areas.
Contents: METALEX (Special Use Powder)

Band Colour: Lime Green
Extinguishing Method: Inhibiting
Last between:
Fire Class: Specially developed for D Class fires
Note: This extinguisher will be found only in places where metal fires are likely.
Table 2 – Extinguisher Types
Participant Manual
Page 82 of 93
Operating Instructions:
Operating modern portable fire extinguishers is straightforward. The safety pin must first be
removed, and then the operating handle can be squeezed to the carry handle. The extinguishing
agent will then be released out of the director. A simple acronym for operating an extinguisher is
PASS. This stands for:
P – Pull out the safety pin, test the extinguisher
A – Aim the director at the base or seat of the fire
S – Squeeze the operating handle
S – Sweep the agent over the base of the fire
In most cases, the extinguisher will have a plastic seal tag (usually green or white) holding the
safety pin to the handle. This tag shows that the extinguisher has not been activated since its last
service. This tag is quite easy to remove and usually breaks as the safety pin is pulled out.
Once you have pulled the pin and before you approach the fire, give the extinguisher a quick test
squeeze. This is to ensure that you have a charged extinguisher and it will also provide you with
an indication of reach or throw of the extinguishing medium.
Participant Manual
Page 83 of 93
Fixed Fire Hose Reels
The fire hose reels in most workplaces and apartment buildings are simply rubber
hoses wound onto a reel and connected direct to a water supply. The extinguishing
agent is only water; therefore hose-reels are for use only on Class A fires.
The hose is usually a 20mm diameter rubber hose up to 36 meters long and fitted
with a controllable nozzle. Under the Building Code of Australia, a hose reel must be
able to reach every square metre of the workspace. In larger areas two hose reels
may be needed and, the hoses should be able to reach each other.
In some cases the water supply is connected to a booster pump to provide greater pressure within
larger buildings. Generally, there should be enough pressure to throw water between 4 and 6
meters from the nozzle. Despite the pressure, hose reels can be operated by one person;
however, it is recommended that two people work as a team – one at the nozzle, the other at the
reel.
The Figure 6 (below) shows the main parts of the common fire hose reel found in the workplace.
Notice that the nozzles and hose guides differ between makes. The nozzle on the left hose reel is
a “twister” type which operates by twisting the head - much like a garden hose nozzle. The other
type (right picture) is a “Valve” type which operates by turning the handle 90°.
Hose Reel
Hose
Hose Guide Arm
Nozzle Lock
Main Valve
Nozzle
Operating Instructions:
Fire hose-reels are fitted with a pin that locks the nozzle in place at the main valve. This is a safety
feature that ensures the water is turned on before the hose is released and run-out to the fire.
To operate a fire hose reel, open the main valve by turning it anti-clockwise like a standard tap.
Once the main valve is fully open the nozzle lock will release the nozzle and allow you to run-out
the hose. Before you proceed to the fire, turn on the water at the nozzle and test the discharge –
turn off the water. Run out an appropriate length of hose to reach the fire. Turn on the water
BEFORE attacking the fire. Direct the stream at the base/seat of the fire. Always remain facing the
target while moving away.
Participant Manual
Page 84 of 93
Fire Blankets
Fires involving cooking oil are one of the which will prevent the removal of the
most difficult types of fire to put out. Chubb blanket? Where practical the blankets
Fire Blankets are especially designed to should be placed along normal paths of
extinguish cooking oil fires by safely travel and near exits.
smothering it both in domestic and
commercial kitchens. They are also suitable Fire blankets require minimal
on other small, contained fires involving maintenance. However, they should be
paper and flammable liquids. inspected regularly by a competent
technician as part of the regular
The tough protective cover has instructions maintenance of the fire protection
which outline the correct use of the blanket. equipment in accordance with Australian
Fire blankets should be located in a readily Standard AS1851.1
accessible position. Care should be taken
not to locate the blanket too close to the risk
Features and Benefits

 Ideal for use on fires involving
cooking oils
 Available in three sizes – 1.0m x
1.0m, 1.8m x 1.2m, and 1.8m x
1.8m.
 Leaves no mess
 Simple to use
 Requires minimum maintenance
 Tough protective cover
 For ease of use, pull down tabs
provided
Ideal for use in the following

 Domestic kitchens
 Garages
 Canteens
 Restaurants
 Fast food outlets
 Laboratories
 General industry
Participant Manual
Page 85 of 93
Topic Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Participant Manual
Page 86 of 93
General Incident Report (1)
Occurrence Details
Date: Time:
Site Address:
Occupier / Unit:
Type of Emergency
 Fire / Smoke  Structural Damage  IED / Bomb Threat
 Explosion  Chemical Spill or Threat  Hazardous Material Incident
 Biological Threat  Terrorism  Intrusion / Security Breach
 Hostage  Civil Disturbance  Vehicle Accident
 Land Storm / Gale  Medical Emergency  External Services
 Hold-up / Robbery  Bush Fire  Other (Details Below):
Details:
Equipment Used
Extinguishers Type Quantity Type Quantity
 CO2  AFFF
 DCP  SWP
 Wet Chem  VL
Fire Hose Reels Location Location
Other Details / Location Details / Location
Participant Manual
Page 87 of 93
Alarm Activation
Building:
FIP Alarm Zones:
Evacuation
Site (Multi-Building) Building Evacuation Partial Evacuation Areas
 Complete Site Evacuation  Complete Evacuation Location of Evacuation:
 Partial Site Evacuation  Partial Evacuation
Buildings Evacuated: Floors/Areas Evacuated:
 EWIS  EWIS
 Alarm  Alarm
 Verbal  Verbal
Initial Response (Extinguishers, First Aid, Services Called etc)
Emergency Services in Attendance

 Fire Brigade  Ambulance  Police  Other
Senior Officer Rank/Names:
Casualties
Name Injury Hospital
Participant Manual
Page 88 of 93
Building Damage
General Location/Description:
Diagram:
Equipment/Stores Loss
Other Details
Report Completion
Name: Signature:
Rank: Date:
Participant Manual
Page 89 of 93
Attention
Required
Service
Required
Participant Manual
Page 90 of 93
F.P. 0 C FL VD SG WATER
% Fuel/Air by Volume SOLUBLE
Petrol -47 1.5-7.5 3 0.8 NO
Kerosene 38 1.6-6.0 4 0.8 NO
Turpentine 35 0.8-6.0 4 0.8 NO
Methylated Spirits 13 3.0-19.0 1.6 0.8 YES
Methanol 10 7.0-36.0 1.1 0.8 YES
White Spirits 38 1.0-6.0 2 0.8 NO
Toluene 4 1.0-7.0 3 0.8 NO
Benzene -11 1.4-7.0 2.8 0.8 NO
Acetone -18 2.0-13.0 2 0.8 YES
Diesel Oil 65 1.6-10.0 4 <1 NO
Gases - LPG -104 1.7-9.0 1.5 0.5 NO
-Acetylene -18 2.5-100 0.8 0.6 NO
FP FLASH POINT VAPOUR DENSITY OF AIR = 1

FL FLAMMABLE LIMITS SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF WATER = 1
VD VAPOUR DENSITY > = HEAVIER
SG SPECIFIC GRAVITY < = LIGHTER
Participant Manual
Page 91 of 93
Appendix 1
A Fire Safety Adviser (FSA) is required to be appointed and trained for high occupancy buildings
as defined under the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.
High occupancy buildings include:
 Class 2, 3, 5, 6, 7b, 8, 9a or 9b buildings that are workplaces where 30 or more workers are
normally employed.
 Class 2 or 3 buildings that are more than 25 metres in height.
 Licensed premises that have been identified by the Commissioner as at risk of
overcrowding.
Who is responsible for appointing a Fire Safety Adviser?
It is the occupier’s responsibility to appoint and train a FSA for buildings that are classified as high
occupancy.
What is a Fire Safety Adviser?
A FSA is person who holds a building fire safety qualification for an approved building fire safety
course, issued within the last 3 years.
What duties will a Fire Safety Adviser perform?
The occupier is responsible to for ensuring that all workers receive adequate instruction of building
evacuation in the event of fire or emergency. The occupier can be assisted in this by the FSA.
In addition, the occupier is responsible for:

 Fire safety management plans (where applicable)
 Evacuation instructions to workers
 Evacuation plans and procedures
 Annual practicing of evacuation procedures
 Prescribed record keeping
A FSA can provide:

 General evacuation instructions (General evacuation instructions include point out the paths of travel, evacuation
routes and the location of manually operated alarms. These should be given to all workers within 2 days of commencement
of work and every 12 months thereafter)
 First response evacuation instruction (First response evacuation instructions include the method of operation of
manually operated fire alarms and fire fighting equipment such as extinguishers. These should be given to all workers within
30 days of commencement of work and every 24 months thereafter)
 Evacuation coordination instructions (Evacuation coordination instructions are given to those responsible for
coordinating the evacuation of a building at intervals not more than 1 year)
 Coordination of evacuation procedures practice (intervals not more than 1 year)
 Annual review of evacuation diagrams and procedures
Participant Manual
Page 92 of 93
Glossary
FSA – Fire Safety Advisor
OH&SW – Occupational Health and Safety Welfare
EPC – Emergency Planning Committee
ECO – Emergency Control Organisation
BCA – Building Code Australia
AS – Australian Standard
PPE – Personal Protective Equipment
ALARP – As Low As Reasonably Possible
CEO – Chief Executive Officer
EWIS – Emergency Warning Intercommunication System
EWS – Emergency Warning System
FIP - Fire Information Panel
PA – Public Announcement
Participant Manual
Page 93 of 93

Chief Fire Warden Participants Manual

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chief Fire Warden Participants Manual

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chief Fire Warden Course

Package: Public Safety Training Package

Element name Performance criteria

Element name Performance criteria

Element name Performance criteria

Element name Performance criteria

Element name Performance criteria

Element name Performance criteria

Element name Performance criteria

Element name Performance criteria

Element name Performance criteria

Element name Performance criteria

Element name Performance criteria

Unit Element Performance Criteria

What you can do now:

Evidence gathering to determine competency:

What you need:

Standards and Legislation

The standards are:

AS1851.19:2005 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment (emergency

QLD BUILDING FIRE SAFETY REGULATION 2008

BUILDING CODE OF AUSTRALIA

Access and Egress

Services and Equipment

Health and Amenity

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE (OHSW)

Authority during an Emergency

Workplace Emergency Response Procedures

You should have a look at your workplace emergency procedures manual.

Implementing the emergency procedure

Topic 1 - Hazard Analysis

 Animal or livestock emergency  Hazardous substances incident

 Fire doors jammed open, or locked

We need to remember this as it is important to remember for the prevention of emergencies.

 Spot the hazard – identify

Spot the hazard

You can check for hazards at work in many ways:

 Identify your safe practice procedures

 Things that may block egress – evacuation routes, etc

a) conduct regular searches for hazards,

Methods of Identifying Hazards

1. Walk through/around inspections (AS1851.19:2005 checklists may be useful)

The definition of a risk is:

Risk Assessment Matrix

1. Eliminate the Risk

2. Substitute the Risk

3. Isolate the Risk

6. Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment (PPE)

Report the hazard

 Your supervisor or manager

What does this mean to you?

Topic 2 - Human behaviour during an emergency

Surveys and observations made on human behaviour in emergencies reveal that:

The general adaptation syndrome

Methods of fear reduction

Topic 3 - Workplace emergency systems

 Allow occupants time to evacuate safely,

A workplace emergency system is normally constituted by a number of other support systems.

Workplace profiles are categorised by:

Active and Passive Protection

 Active protection (working or operative)

 Passive protection (Not active – inert – power of resistance)

Examples of some alarms that may be used are: