Leadership Training Center

HSE EMERGENCIES COUNTER-MEASURES & RESPONSE PROCEDURES/ EQUIPMENT

Objectives:

Workplaces need a plan for emergencies that can have a wider impact. Special procedures are needed for emergencies such as serious injuries, explosion, flood, poisoning, electrocution, fire, release of radioactivity and chemical spills.

Quick and effective action may help to ease the situation and reduce the consequences.

Course contents:

Planning for Emergency Responses:

An effective organizational structure for implementing the emergency plan (which will require a good safety culture to avoid any hesitation in implementing the plan) and a good command and control structure for managing the incident.
Suitable training (and competency assessment) for all those allocated roles in the emergency.
Good selection criteria and assessment for allocating staff to roles within the emergency plan (seniority and job titles are not necessarily the best criteria for selection for key roles, needs to be done on suitability).
Clear and well rehearsed procedures which include a consideration of human reliability and error issues such as preparing people to deliver to realistic expectations and the usability of equipment. Procedures need to include good ‘job aids’ e.g. summaries of responsibilities, check sheets, etc.
Have the staffing levels required to implement any emergency response been formally assessed
Are the staffing levels in place appropriate, both during normal working hours and, most especially, during the night and at weekends?
Planned and rehearsed interfaces between the various responders with all aspects of the emergency response have been practiced, at all levels (plant, site and off-site), covering all expected scenarios, using both table-top exercises and drills.
Efficient means of information handling during the emergency and good critical communication arrangements.

Counter-Measures (Response Procedures)):

Identifying the hazards
Potential sources of hazards could include Naked flames, Hot surfaces, Hot work, Friction, Sparks, Arson. Solids, Liquids, Gases and Chemicals..etc
Identifying people at risk
The likely speed of growth and spread of any hazard and associated repercussions.
The number of people in the area including employees, contractors, visitors, members of the public .
Arrangements for giving warning to people at risk against any specific hazard
How they will make their escape.
Evaluating the risks
Further control measures may act to reduce the possibility of exposure to the hazard & minimise the potential exposure in the premises. Assist people to escape, should it occur.
They may fall into a number of different categories, such as: safety management systems. Means of escape. Staff training. Warning systems. Means of fighting .
If the risk is the possibility of a fast growing hazard, potential control measures could include one or any combination of the following:
Changing the process to use a slower acting hazard.
Removing or reducing possible triggering sources.
Moving the hazard to an area that affects the minimum number of people.
Providing an additional exit/protected route to speed up the escape of the occupants.
Providing a hazard detection and alarm system to warn people in its early stages.
Training staff to reduce the possibility of a hazard occurring.
Providing appropriate hazard fighting equipment / fixed installation.
Recording findings:
Recording the significant findings of the work risk assessment, together with details of any people that are at particular risk, and reviewing and revising the risk assessment
Summary of duties
Establish procedures to follow in the event of serious and imminent danger to persons at work, including risks from non-occupational sources such as bomb alerts.
Nominate competent persons to implement the above as regards evacuation of premises.
Ensure that no employee has access to a restricted area unless that employee has been appropriately trained.
Policy statement & Record keeping
Procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.
Competent persons responsible for implementing procedures.
Details of emergency evacuation drills and any other relevant training provided.
Maintenance of emergency alarms and other equipment for use in an emergency.

(Counter-Measures & Response Procedures/ Equipment):

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) which requires that equipment provided for use at work is:
Suitable for the intended use
Safe for use, maintained in a safe condition and inspected to ensure it is correctly installed and does not subsequently deteriorate
Used only by people who have received adequate information, instruction and training
Accompanied by suitable health and safety measures, such as protective devices and controls. These will normally include emergency stop devices, adequate means of isolation from sources of energy, clearly visible markings and warning devices
Used in accordance with specific requirements, for mobile work equipment and power presses

Who Should Attend?

Safety Engineers