Page 103 - IGC BOOK

Emergency Procedures and First Aid 3.8

The Need for Emergency Procedures

Even though when control measures are in place, there are chances that still things may wrong.
The organisation must develop and maintain procedures to deal with accidents and emergency
situations in order to prevent and minimise the impacts arising from it.

A workplace emergency is unforeseen that threatens the business operations. Such emergencies
may include the following:

• Fires
• Toxic gas releases
• Chemical spills
• Radiological accidents
• Explosions
• Floods
• Threats from terrorists
• Workplace violence resulting physical harm and trauma

Emergency Procedure Arrangements

The organisation will have to make internal arrangements to deal with each emergency, these
arrangements should include:

Foreseeable emergencies

It is advisable to see the foreseeable emergencies that could occur in your workplace and the
potential consequences of it. This helps to identify what could cause emergency and why
procedures will have to be followed.

Procedures for raising the alarm

Make sure alarms are distinctive and unique and easily recognised by all the workers as a signal
to evacuate the workplace or perform actions identified in your emergency plan. Use of emergency
communication system – public address system. Such alarms should be able to be heard, seen
and perceived by all the workers. Consider providing auxiliary power to alarm systems to manage
power shut off.

POSHE V2| Unit IG1 – Element 3 – Managing Risks – Understanding People and Processes 58