Duty to prepare an emergency plan

PCBUs must ensure that an emergency plan is prepared for the workplace, including for workers who may work at multiple workplaces.

What is an emergency plan?

An emergency plan is a written set of instructions that outlines what workers and others at the workplace should do in an emergency. An emergency plan must provide for the following:

• emergency procedures, including:

− an effective response to an emergency

− evacuation procedures

− notifying emergency service organisations at the earliest opportunity

− medical treatment and assistance, and

− effective communication between the person authorised to coordinate the   emergency response and all people at the workplace

• testing of the emergency procedures—including the frequency of testing, and

• information, training and instruction to relevant workers in relation to implementing the emergency procedures.

What types of emergencies should be covered?

The types of emergencies to plan for may include fire, explosion, medical emergency, rescues, incidents with hazardous chemicals, bomb threats, armed confrontations and natural disasters.

The emergency plan should be based on a practical assessment of hazards associated with the work activity or workplace, and the possible consequences of an emergency occurring as a result of those hazards. External hazards should also be considered in preparing an emergency plan, for example a chemical storage facility across the road.

In developing the plan, consideration should be given to the application of all relevant laws, including public health laws (for example, workplaces that are also public places) and state or territory disaster plans

To assist in creating a rescue plan

 

Heights Rescue Planning Click here 

Confined Space Rescue Planning Click Here

For a Safe Work Australia Fact Sheet click here  Emergency_plans_fact_sheet