Evacuation

evacuations

Planning for emergency evacuations follows the same risk management* process described above. That is, for each evacuation that has been identified, the place and the reason for the evacuation is assessed and control measures are introduced to reduce the risk of injury or harm during the evacuation. Even though the work processes, the work environment and the people in each workplace may vary, the process is basically the same and is outlined below.

Hazard Identification

In a workplace where hazardous substances are used, there could be serious contamination of the atmosphere requiring emergency evacuation while the situation is brought under control. The workplace has introduced controls to reduce the risk of contamination but there is still a chance the contamination may occur and therefore evacuation plans are considered necessary.

Risk Assessment

The assessment would consider all of the factors that may affect an orderly evacuation, including aspects such as:

 the number of people likely to need evacuation;

 the characteristics of the people (factors such as age, experience, mobility, general health and language skills are taken into account);

 the physical characteristics of the area likely to be contaminated (factors such as lighting, ventilation, layout, the presence of stairs, exit signs and distance to exits would be taken into account);

 the health effects of the hazardous substance;

 the need to evacuate unconscious or seriously ill workers;

 the protective equipment available;

 possible escape routes for all workers;

 the availability of trained staff who may be able to take control;

 the communication systems in place;

 how the alarm might be raised; and

 the location of a safe place to retreat to.