Emergency Response Planning


Objective is a brief summary of the purpose of the plan; that is, to reduce human injury and damage to property and environment in an emergency. It also specifies those staff members who may put the plan into action. The objective identifies clearly who these staff members are since the normal chain of command cannot always be available on short notice. At least one of them must be on the site at all times when the premises are occupied. The extent of authority of these personnel must be clearly indicated.

Organization

 Safety Manager is responsible for ERP.  Safety officer  should be trained to act as Emergency Co-ordinator as well as a "back-up" co-ordinator. However, personnel on site during an emergency are key in ensuring that prompt and efficient action is taken to minimize loss. In some cases it may be possible to recall off-duty employees to help, but the critical initial decisions usually must be made immediately.
Specific duties, responsibilities, authority, and resources must be clearly defined. Among the responsibilities that must be assigned are:
  • Reporting the emergency.
  • Activating the emergency plan.
  • Assuming overall command.
  • Establishing communication.
  • Alerting staff.
  • Ordering evacuation.
  • Alerting external agencies.
  • Confirming evacuation is complete.
  • Alerting outside population of possible risk.
  • Requesting external aid.
  • Coordinating activities of various groups.
  • Advising relatives of casualties.
  • Providing medical aid.
  • Ensuring emergency shut offs are closed.
  • Sounding the all-clear.
  • Advising media.
This list of responsibilities should be completed using the previously developed summary of countermeasures for each emergency situation. In organizations operating on reduced staff during some shifts, some personnel must assume extra responsibilities during emergencies. Sufficient alternates for each responsible position must be named to ensure that someone with authority is available onsite at all times.
External organizations that may be available to assist (with varying response times) include:
  • Fire departments.
  • Mobile rescue squads.
  • Ambulance services.
  • Police departments.
  • Telephone companies.
  • Hospitals.
  • Utility companies.
  • Industrial neighbours.
  • Government agencies 

  • The emergency plan includes:
    • All possible emergencies, consequences, required actions, written procedures, and the resources available.
    • Detailed lists of personnel including their home telephone numbers, their duties and responsibilities.
    • Floor plans.
    • Large scale maps showing evacuation routes and service conduits (such as gas and water lines).
    • the plan should provide staff members with written instructions about their particular emergency duties.

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