QUALITY DOCUMENT
Name of Form: IMS9.4.7.4 Emergency Evacuation Procedure SeaLink Gladstone Office

IMS9.4.7.4 Emergency Evacuation Procedure SeaLink Gladstone Office

1.0   PURPOSE

The purpose of the Emergency Evacuation Procedure is to ensure there is documented instructions and guidance to perform a coordinated response in the event of an emergency. The intent of the procedure includes the following:

• to control or limit any impacts that an emergency or potential emergency may have on the site, on neighbouring areas and off-site locations.
• to facilitate emergency response and to provide such assistance at the emergency location as is appropriate to the occasion.
• ensure communication of all vital information as soon as possible
• facilitate the reorganisation and reconstruction activities so that normal operations can be resumed
• provide training so that a high level of preparedness can be continually maintained.
• provide a basis for updating and reviewing emergency procedures.

An emergency can be defined as an act (or threatened act) which may endanger the lives of people, cause damage to property or pose a threat to the environment.

Emergencies include but are not limited to fire, explosion, spillage, accident, and sabotage. This plan is designed to ensure that any emergency will be managed in a structured and coordinated approach with the intent of reducing any potential impacts.

This procedure requires that all emergencies are reported without delay to each responsible authority, when required, to manage the emergency.

2.0  EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST

2.1   SeaLink Gladstone Emergency Contact List

2.2   Emergency Services to Site

2.3   Emergency Services from Site

2.4   Building Information

3.0   ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

The Emergency and Evacuation Procedure identifies key employees and the allocation of specific responsibilities to enable a systematic and coordinated response to an emergency. Roles and responsibilities include but not limited to:

• immediate action to prevent escalation or further impact
• emergency process reporting and documentation
• containment of the emergency
• advising Emergency Services
• providing and coordinating effective communications and communication protocols, and
• on-site risk identification and minimisation.

3.1   Site Manager Responsibilities

On the activation of an alarm or on becoming aware of an emergency, the Site Manager (most Senior Manager onsite) is responsible for taking the following actions:

• implement the emergency procedures for their area
• notify Emergency Services of the emergency
• provide further onsite support to Emergency Services as required
• notify adjacent properties of emergency if required
• ensure main power supply is isolated if required
• ensure free access to roadway for vehicles leaving site
• prevent entry of vehicles to site other than Emergency Services
• ensure General Manager is made aware of the circumstances and actions taken
• direct Fire Warden/s to check the area for any abnormal situation
• commence evacuation of the area if required
• co-ordinate Fire Warden/s as required to conduct their duties
• confirm the activities of the Fire Warden/s are completed and provide an update to the General Manager.

3.2   Fire Warden Responsibilities

On hearing an alarm or on becoming aware of an emergency, the Fire Warden is responsible for taking the following actions:

• implement the emergency procedures for their area
• ensure the Site Manager is made aware of the appropriate emergency services required
• check the area for any abnormal situations
• commence evacuation if required due to the circumstances of the emergency
• communicate with the Site Manager by whatever means available and act on instructions
• provide updates to the Site Manager of the situation and actions taken.

3.4   General Responsibilities for all Employees

On becoming aware of an emergency, all employees are responsible for:

• determining the nature and location of an emergency
• raising the alarm or notifying someone who can
• notifying all personnel in the immediate area
• if safe to do so, attempt to extinguish any fire or contain any other incident
• assist in the evacuation of all personnel in the immediate area
• proceed directly to the Emergency Assembly Area under the direction of the Fire Warden or Site Manager
• close any doors if required to reduce and contain the spread of smoke
• remain calm and assist with the evacuation as required
• remain at the assembly point until dismissed and not re-enter the building until instructed.

4.0   EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

4.1   Normal Business Hours

• raise alarm and evacuate personnel from site
• notify the Emergency Services if required
• notify any adjacent properties of the emergency
• account for all personnel who are on the premises
• rescue casualties where a rescue can be accomplished without undue risk to the rescuer. Use fire extinguishers, fire hoses, etc to support the rescue
• if it is safe to do so, attempt to extinguish the fire pending arrival of Emergency Services
• ensure clear access for Emergency Services
• advise Emergency Services of the situation and be prepared to assist.

Site staff are expected to be familiar with the following Action Plan.

In the case of an emergency, it is the responsibility of the Site Manager on site to:

• direct the site response to the emergency until Emergency Services arrive and then provide further support as required
• notify Emergency Services immediately (000)
• notify adjacent properties of the emergency
• account for all personnel who are on the premises
• rescue personnel casualties if this can be accomplished without undue risk to the rescuers
• attempt to extinguish fires pending arrival of Emergency Services if safe and poses no immediate threat
• ensure clear access to site for Emergency Services
• advise Emergency Services of the situation and be prepared to assist.

4.2   Out of Normal Business Hours

The responsibility of the staff member who raised the alarm:

• evacuate personnel from site if required
• notify the Site Manager/Duty Manager (refer to the Emergency Contact List)
• notify the Emergency Services if required
• account for all personnel who are on the premises
• advise Emergency Services of the situation and be prepared to assist.

IF IN DOUBT SUMMON ASSISTANCE

Site staff are expected to be familiar with and conduct the following Action Plan.

4.3   Fire Emergency

A fire may or may not be in the actual vicinity of the work area that is to be evacuated, however it may be blocking the safe egress of others should it spread. All reports of fire and alarms should be investigated, even if you cannot see the fire or smell the smoke.

If a fire is discovered or suspected or the fire alarm is activated:

• raise the alarm
• notify all persons in the immediate area
• notify Fire Warden of the type of fire and location
• notify Emergency Services
• if it is safe to do so, attempt to extinguish the fire
• close any doors and windows (do not lock) to contain the spread of smoke
• assist others and evacuate all persons from the immediate area
• proceed to the Emergency Assembly Area via the emergency exit routes shown on the Building Evacuation Diagrams
• do not re-enter any building after evacuating until the all-clear is given
• remain calm and assist in evacuation where required
• remain at the Emergency Assembly Area until dismissed

4.4   Medical Emergency

In the event of a medical emergency the following procedure should be followed:

• first staff member on the scene should assess the situation and if they are not first aid trained immediately notify the Site Manager or other suitably trained first aid personnel
• if required, notify Emergency Services, and request an ambulance
• be ready to provide the following details:
  • your name
  • site location
  • number of people involved, and
  • details of the medical emergency
  • any further information requested by the Emergency Services Operator
• apply first aid as trained
• dispatch a staff member or other able person to meet the ambulance at the entrance to site
• at least one person is to remain with the injured person until Emergency Services arrive onsite and take control of the emergency.

4.5   Bomb or Sabotage Threat

Staff members who receive a telephone call or communication pertaining to bomb threat or a threat of intended sabotage should immediately refer the matter to the Site Manager. If possible, staff members should record the telephone message and try to establish as much information as possible. The following steps should be undertaken:

• try to remain calm and avoid confrontation
• obtain as much information as possible
• record all information on the threat checklist
• discretely notify others that you are receiving a threatening call
• notify the Site Manager as soon as possible without the caller becoming aware
• engage in conversation with the caller for as long as possible
• do not hang up the phone, even if the caller has done so as an active line may be traced

When advised of a bomb threat or a potential act of sabotage the Site Manager should undertake the following:

• assess the information and notify Emergency Services
• follow instructions given by Emergency Services
• advise the Fire Warden and employees of the threat and initiate the evacuation plan as required
• advise the General Manager at the time of the emergency and what actions have been undertaken.

4.6   Written Threat

On receiving a written threat, the following steps should be undertaken:

• the written threat must be retained including any envelopes or containers that have been in contact with the material the threat was written on
• once a threat is recognised, avoid all unnecessary handling of the item
• retain and preserve any evidence such as fingerprints, handwriting, postmarks, and time of delivery if observed
• place any evidence in a plastic envelope or a suitable container to reduce loss of integrity
• notify the Site Manager as soon as possible
• notify Emergency Services and/or relevant authorities if required

4.7   Telephone Threat

A telephone threat is such that the recipient of the call is made aware that a person/s have notified of their intentions to cause imminent harm to personnel or property. On receiving a telephone threat, the following steps should be undertaken:

• remain calm and avoid confrontation
• obtain as much information as possible
• record all information on the threat check list located with the telephone
• discretely notify others that you are taking a threatening call
• notify the Site Manager as soon as possible without informing the caller
• engage in conversation with the caller for as long as possible
• do not hang up the phone, even if the caller is no longer on the active line, it may still be traced.

4.8   Suspect Mail

Suspect mail is defined as an item that has been received via postal services or courier and delivered to the site. On receipt of all mail items, staff should:

• show caution for parcels and objects that seem different to normal deliveries
• be observant if items are leaking liquid, powder, or abnormal odours
• take note of protruding wires and be aware of noises within the package.

Any item that appears to be suspect should be treated with caution until advised by the relevant authorities. On suspicion of a suspect mail item, the staff member concerned is to immediately:

• notify the Site Manager
• notify Emergency Services, if required.
• evacuate and isolate the area as per the evacuation plan.

4.9   Suspect Object

A suspect object is one that would not normally be seen in its current environment and may have been delivered, intentionally deposited, or unknowingly brought on to the site. If a suspect object is identified, the following must be undertaken:

• do not touch, move, or remove the object and mark the area conspicuously
• make note of any features that could be useful to Emergency Services.

Any item that appears to be suspicious should be treated as such until an all clear is given by the relevant authorities. On identification of a suspect object, the staff member concerned is to immediately:

• notify the Site Manager
• notify Emergency Services if required immediately
• evacuate and isolate the area as per the evacuation plan.

4.10   Search Procedure

In some situations, staff members may be required to search their area of responsibility for suspicious items before evacuating the area. This is only to be done if instructed to do so by Emergency Services. If required to search an area, staff members should be vigilant in the following:

• take note of protruding wires
• be observant if items are leaking liquid, powder, or abnormal odours
• be aware of noises within the package
• do not touch, move, or remove an object
• mark the area conspicuously if instructed and safe to undertake
• take note of any features that could be useful to Emergency Services
• be cautious of parcels and objects that seem different to normal.

4.11  General Site Evacuation

A general site evacuation can occur for several reasons including safety, environmental or health threat due to fumes or contaminant spills etc. The following procedure is to be followed in the event of a general evacuation that does not involve fire:

• raise the alarm.
• notify all persons in the immediate area
• notify the Site Manager and Fire Warden of the situation and location
• close any doors and windows (do not lock)
• assist others and evacuate all personnel from the immediate area
• proceed to the Emergency Assembly Area via the egress routes shown on the Emergency Evacuation Diagrams
• do not re-enter any building after evacuating until the all-clear is given
• remain calm and assist in evacuation where required
• remain at the Emergency Assembly Area until dismissed.

4.12  Hazardous Materials on Site

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials products onsite are managed in the ChemWatch and are accessed by the SafeConnect applications menu.

4.13   Vessel Emergency Procedures

All vessel procedures in relation to emergencies and evacuations are detailed in the relevant Safey Management System (SMS) applicable to that vessel.

5.0   EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES

5.1   On Site Equipment

All work locations have designated emergency equipment and information:

• Fire Warden – red helmet and red vest
• Evacuation Diagram identifying:
  • location of all firefighting equipment
  • location of first aid equipment
  • location of exists
  • assembly points
  • emergency egress routes

Emergency Evacuation Diagrams are listed in Section 8.

5.2   Emergency Assembly Area

The Emergency Assembly Area is a designated safe location that all personnel must report to during an emergency or if directed to by the Site Manager or Duty Manager. Failure to move to the designated Emergency Assembly Area could result in the unwarranted use of Emergency Services to conduct a search. If a person cannot physically get to the Emergency Assembly Area, they are to contact another staff member or third party by any means possible to report their whereabouts on the site. Refer to the Emergency Evacuation Diagram for the location of the Emergency Assembly Area.

5.3   First Aid Equipment

First Aid equipment is only to be used for its intended purpose. If practical and if required, first aid equipment should be removed from the building in the event of an evacuation. The location for first aid equipment is illustrated on the Emergency Evacuation Diagram.

5.4   Fire Fighting Equipment

5.4.1 Fire Hose Reels

Fire hose reels are installed throughout the site and listed on the Emergency Evacuation Diagram. Fire hose reels are used to extinguish fires involving ordinary combustible materials (e.g. wood, paper, and textiles) and/or provide boundary cooling for a fire.

To operate a fire hose reel:

• turn on the water supply valve
• pull out the required length of hose
• turn on the nozzle
• direct water towards the burning material or direct water for boundary cooling.

5.4.2 Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers are located throughout the site (Emergency Evacuation Diagram). The type of fire extinguisher used will depend on the type of fire or burning element.

• Dry Chemical Powders Extinguishers - Red with a white band
  • suitable for Classes A, B, C and E fires
  • not considered effective for Class F fires
• CO2 Extinguishers - Red with a black band
  • suitable for Class E fires
  • has limited effectiveness on Class A, B and F fires.
  • dangerous if used on electrically energized equipment.
• Foam Extinguishers - Red with a blue band
  • suitable for Class A and B fires
  • has limited effectiveness on Class F fires.
  • not considered effective for Class C fires
  • dangerous if used on electrically energized equipment.
• locate and identify the correct extinguisher.
• remove the extinguisher from the wall bracket.
• carry to the scene of the fire.

There are four (4) basic steps for using portable fire extinguishers. The acronym PASS is used to describe these four basic steps.

Pull (Pin)

Pull pin at the top of the extinguisher, breaking the seal. When in place, the pin keeps the handle from being pressed and accidentally operating the extinguisher. Immediately test the extinguisher, aiming away from the persons. This is to ensure the extinguisher works and shows the operator how far the stream travels.

Aim

Approach the fire standing at a safe distance. Aim the nozzle or outlet towards the base of the fire.

Squeeze

Squeeze the handles together to discharge the extinguishing agent inside. To stop discharge, release the handles.

Sweep

Sweep the nozzle from side to side as you approach the fire, directing the extinguishing agent at the base of the flames. After an A Class fire is extinguished, probe for smouldering hot spots that could reignite the fuel.

6.0   CHECKLISTS AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION DIAGRAMS

6.1  Telephone Threat Checklist

7.0   EVACUATION SITE DIAGRAMS