Learning Topic 5 Protecting the rights and interests of clients
This topic should provide you with the ability to:
Identify emergency signals and alarms and take initial action to control/confine emergency
Implement emergency response procedures within scope of training and competence
Section 5.1 Identify emergency signals and alarms and responded to them appropriately
OHS generally focuses on the prevention of illness, injury and damage to people, however, unplanned incidents can and do occur. Such emergencies should be planned for in advance. These plans also need to be periodically tested to ensure that an adequate response occurs during an actual emergency.
An emergency may be defined as a dangerous situation that requires sudden and urgent action. Your work environment determines the types of emergencies that are most likely.
Examples of emergencies
power failure/electrical hazards
fire
armed hold-up
someone requiring urgent medical attention
bomb threat
earthquake
flood.
Staff should be trained in identifying the different emergency signals and alarms and know what to do when the signal is activated.
Don’t panic
In an emergency, there is an additional danger of panic. Panic can cause people to do stupid things, especially if they’re not sure what to do. This is why organisations have Emergency Procedures which describe what responses are required and who is responsible in an emergency.
