Section 5.2       Take initial action to control/confine emergency according to organisation procedures, and taking account of the nature and scope of the emergency

First aid

The law requires suitable arrangements to be made for the provision of first aid at work. Management needs to ensure procedures are in place to make workers aware of the location of first aid kits and other facilities, and of the identity and location of the first aid officers.

Initial approach to a first aid scene

• Use the DRABCD Action Plan to conduct an initial assessment of the casualty and to determine if life threatening situations exist

DRABCD Danger: Assess the scene and make sure it is safe to enter Response: check the casualty for response Airway: check the airway clear of objects, open Breathing: check breathing Compression: give CPR Defribillation: apply a defibrillator if available Call for help. Call services such as Emergency Services and the ambulance for help at the earliest possible stage, if required.

Click here for an overview of first aid management processes (.pdf 54 KB)

Fire

Workplaces should have plans and procedures to cope with fire and other emergencies. Emergencies can result from events such as leaks or spills, fire or explosions, mechanical failures or other incidents. There should be contingency plans in place to deal with the types of emergencies that might arise. Management needs to provide information and training to employees about these plans and about evacuation procedures.

It is important for workers to know the location of fire extinguishers or other fire-fighting equipment (such as fire blankets in kitchens), and how to use them. They should receive training in these matters when they first start work at an organisation. Evacuation plans should include pre-determined emergency exits points and muster points, as well as warning signals and responsibilities of fire wardens and others.

If you discover a fire, remember the RACE steps to safety:

• Remove persons in immediate danger if safe to do so. Disabled people should be removed to a predetermined area like the fire stairs.
• Alert by activating the alarm and calling the fire brigade. You should know if your alarm system contacts the fire brigade automatically when you activate the alarm.
• Confine the fire by shutting doors.
• Extinguish the fire if it is safe to do so and you have been trained

You should also

• evacuate the building
• do not re-enter the building until the all clear has been given by the fire brigade.
• for electrical fires, remember to turn off the power.

Hazardous substances

In a hazardous substance or dangerous goods emergency the guidelines for employees are to:

• remain upwind of the incident scene
• identify the type of incident (i.e. spillage, fire, explosion)
• determine if anybody is injured, ensuring you are not at risk yourself
• if possible, identify the hazardous substance or dangerous good involved including its chemical name, United Nations (UN) number and Hazchem code
• notify emergency services.

Security threats

If somebody is aggressive or acting dangerously in the workplace, it places other people at risk. This can be another type of emergency for which you need to know what to do.

If you see an intruder acting suspiciously trying to steal supplies, or even a co-worker stealing from your office, they are likely to become aggressive when they’re caught. Don’t place yourself at risk — simply report it to your boss immediately.

Robberies or armed hold-ups

If a robbery occurs and/or a client or staff member has documents or belongings taken, contact your supervisor immediately. Your supervisor will then notify the police. If you aren't in an office, you may need to contact the police yourself, then your supervisor and any other operator(s) involved at the time.
Hopefully, you'll never have to experience a hold-up yourself. However, it's a good idea to know the procedures to follow if you are in this situation. If you have good training, chances are you'll do the right thing in such a situation.

Some major points to observe are:

• Don't be heroic and turn a holdup into something worse. No amount of money or property is worth a life. Insurance will cover losses.
• Try to remain as calm as possible.
• Obey instructions: Do exactly what you are asked, but do only what you are told and nothing more. Don't volunteer any information.
• If you're ordered to hand over money, do so.
• When it's safe for all concerned, activate the alarm. Stay out of danger if you aren't directly involved.
• If the alarm hasn't been activated, phone the police if you are able to do so without danger. You should have the local police number on hand or you can use the emergency number: 000. Keep the line open.
• Try to protect the crime scene. Try not to touch anything and discourage others from doing so. You could remove clues that may otherwise assist the police in their investigations.
• Try to observe as much as possible. In particular, note bandit's speech, mannerisms, height and weight, clothing details, scars or any other distinguishing features such as tattoos.
• Ask witnesses to remain until the police arrive. They will record details of the crime.

Bomb threats

Bomb threats are often hoaxes however they can't be ignored. You can handle this emergency situation best if you are prepared and know what questions to ask and how to act.

Bomb threats have been received by telephone (more frequently) and mail.

If you receive a bomb threat over the phone, follow these procedures:

• Don't interrupt or hang up on the caller; let them finish speaking.
• If asked for a response, keep your answer to one or two words.
• Record all information.
• Try to attract the attention of people near you without alerting the caller to what you are doing.
• Be sympathetic and don't abuse the caller.
• Try to keep the caller in conversation. You could:
• Say you can't hear the caller
• Ask them to repeat what they have said
• Stress that if an explosion occurs, innocent people may be hurt.
• Listen carefully. You can get a feel for the caller's state of mind (eg anxious, highly stressed).
• Avoid saying anything to increase the caller's anxiety or stress level.

If you receive a threat by mail:

• Notify your manager who will notify the police.
• Time and date stamp the letter.
• Handle the letter by the edges only. There could be fingerprints on it, which may help identify the offender.
• Don't discuss details of the suspect mail with others esp. the media.