Safety Matters with Dr Paul

Emergency Planning

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The Queensland Work Health and Safety Act 2011 places an obligation on a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to provide and maintain a safe and healthy workplace as far as is reasonably practicable. This obligation includes planning and responding to emergencies.

Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 specifically requires the PSBU to prepare, maintain and implement an emergency plan (section 43). It must include the following:

  • An effective response to an emergency
  • An evacuation procedure
  • Notifying emergency services at the earliest opportunity
  • Medical Treatment and assistance
  • Effective communication with people at the workplace

Relevant workers are required to be provided with information, instruction and training in the emergency procedures. The procedures are required to be tested and maintained so that they remain effective.

There are some factors that must be taken into consideration when preparing and maintaining an Emergency Plan for a workplace:

  • The nature of the work being carried out
  • The nature of the hazards present
  • The size and location of the workplace
  • The number and composition of workers and other people present

Recommended elements of an Emergency Plan include:

  • Consultation with relevant workers on emergency planning
  • Adequate first aid facilities
  • A worker(s) with adequate and relevant competency in first aid
  • Documented evacuation procedures with a building diagram if considered appropriate
  • A method of indicating the need to evacuate
  • Emergency wardens that implement evacuation procedures
  • Appropriate fire-fighting facilities
  • Sufficient emergency exits and an evacuation assembly area
  • Documented relevant emergency contact details
  • Role and responsibility for contacting and liaison with emergency services
  • Information, instruction and training in the implementation of the Emergency Plan
  • Rehearsal and review of emergency procedures

Relevant documents and records could be a list of emergency wardens (fire wardens and first aid); an evacuation plan and procedures on display; list of emergency contact numbers; first aider and fire warden competency records; evacuation rehearsal records and improvements made; and evacuation instructions in a worker’s induction program.

This article provides general information only and should not be a substitute for seeking professional advice regarding your specific situation.

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Dr Paul will be contributing regular articles to assist and advise PCBUs and their workers on the management of health and safety.