Be prepared

By - , Build 159

It will happen, you just don’t know when. To ensure optimal outcomes for your workplace after a natural disaster, put a plan in place and let everyone know who, what, where and how.

KIWIS know that, as natural disasters can strike at any time, we need to be ready for anything – whether it’s an earthquake, a fire or an accident. The first step is a good emergency response plan, as being prepared will make your business more resilient and better able to bounce back when the unexpected happens.

Get ready – make a plan

Make an emergency response plan that includes:

  • a list of your emergency equipment such as a first aid kit, extinguishers and spill kit, and when they were last tested and where they are located
  • up-to-date fire and emergency training
  • emergency contact phone numbers
  • spill, leak and hazardous substances procedures checklists
  • a list of people who have specific skills and responsibilities in an emergency, like fire wardens, their contact details and the date of their last training
  • emergency first aid information
  • information on CPR
  • a list of what’s in the Civil Defence kit and the location of the nearest Civil Defence assembly point
  • a record of when the emergency plan was last tested.

Let people in on the plan

All staff need to be informed of what’s in the plan, who the people with special responsibilities are and where the plan and essential emergency equipment are located.

It’s a good idea to regularly remind staff of this information at toolbox talks or prestart meetings. Where possible, make sure everyone has emergency supplies, like a ‘go bag’ filled with water, food, a first aid kit and other emergency needs in case of a large-scale event.

Emergency response trials should be conducted regularly or when there has been a significant change in staff. For owners of buildings requiring a fire evacuation scheme, trial evacuations must occur at approved intervals.

Hazardous substances and spills

In case of a chemical or environmental emergency (like a diesel spill), store appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) so it is available if required.

Make sure everyone is trained in the safe control of the chemicals that are on site and the emergency procedures associated with their use.

If you use, store or make hazardous substances, also keep a hazardous substances manifest in a safe place. This should include a list of what the substances are, where they are stored and the maximum quantities likely to be present.

Safety data sheets should be backed up and stored with other important information on cloud-based storage or a removable storage device such as a flash drive. This essential information should be kept secure in a location separate from your main workplace.

When a disaster strikes

If a natural disaster does strike, remember to keep up to date with the latest Civil Defence information.

Where possible, keep a record of any events that harm people or damage property.

Put people first

You should always know your headcount – how many of your team are on site and need to be accounted for. If evacuation is required, take the register to the evacuation point so you can sign everyone off.

Remember to check the sign-in register to make sure visitors are also safe. You’ll also need to have a system in place for contacting your staff after an emergency and their current emergency contact details.

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Earthquake

If an earthquake hits while you’re at work, remember to drop, cover and hold. Do not run outside, and stay indoors where practical. Keep away from windows and heavy furniture. If necessary, evacuate using a previously identified route. If possible, take bags, phones, wallets and emergency supplies.

Afterwards, make sure to gather staff together in a safe place and establish what has happened to everyone. If the building is damaged, turn off the water, electricity and gas at the mains – if safe to do so – and conserve your water.

Remember to be extra careful when re-entering buildings after an earthquake – stop, look and assess – and don’t take any risks. If you’re a business owner, listen to Civil Defence advice and, when safe, make a careful external inspection of your building. If you see cracks or have the slightest doubt about the safety of the building, get an expert report before going inside.

Once you are cleared to enter the building, be extra vigilant as the contents of the building may have shifted, material may have fallen and there could be unexpected hazards. If you know there are chemicals or other dangerous materials, make sure to wear PPE and be very careful when going inside.

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Tsunami

If a tsunami happens while you’re at work and you could be affected, go to high ground immediately, using your planned route to a safe location. Go at least 1 km inland or 35 m above sea level. If you’re in a vehicle, think about carpooling and make sure to leave room for the people arriving behind you.

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Spill

If there’s a hazardous substance spill, raise the alarm and evacuate upwind if necessary. If safe to do so, put on PPE, identify the substance and close off the source of the spill, for example, secure tops or lids. If there are flammable substances present, remove any sources of ignition.

Use your spill kit if it’s appropriate and safe to do so. If possible, prevent the chemical from entering drains or leaving the site. Refer to the safety data sheet, or if necessary, call an approved handler or specialist for advice. You may need to call emergency services and advise the local council. You will also need to dispose of waste safely, as set out in the safety data sheet.

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Fire

If a fire breaks out, raise the alarm, evacuate and activate any emergency shut-down systems. If it’s a small fire and it’s safe to do so, use your fire extinguisher. If it’s a large fire, don’t try to extinguish it – retreat to a safe distance and call 111. Either way, it’s important you don’t endanger yourself.

Do not use water on petroleum or electrical fires.

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For more

Download the free emergency response plan template from www.sitesafe.org.nz, or speak to one of Site Safe’s expert health and safety advisors.

Download the PDF

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Articles are correct at the time of publication but may have since become outdated.

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