What is an Emergency Response Procedure?
An emergency response procedure is the plan of actions that are to be taken in the event of an emergency. The procedure should be designed to protect life and minimize the loss of property and protect the environment. The procedure should be specific to the type of emergency that could occur and should be reviewed and updated regularly. The procedure should be well-documented and known to all employees.
What is an Emergency?
A workplace emergency can be described as an actual or imminent occurrence (such as fire, flood, storm, earthquake, explosion, terrorist act, accident, epidemic or warlike action) which:
- Endangers, or threatens to endanger, the safety or health of persons or animals.
- Destroys or damages, or threatens to destroy or damage, property.
- Is a situation that requires a significant and coordinated response.
What Are the Steps in an Emergency Response Procedure?
Emergency response steps are important to follow to ensure the safety of those involved and to minimize damage. The general steps of an emergency response procedure are:
- Pre-planning – this step involves creating a plan of action in advance to be prepared for an emergency. This plan should include who will be responsible for each task, what resources will be needed, and what the evacuation route will be.
- Notification – this step involves notifying the appropriate personnel, such as emergency responders and advising of the emergency situation. This can be done through a variety of means, such as a telephone number call, a fire alarm system, a public address system or a radio broadcast, etc. For notifications, the caller should state:
– Caller’s name.
– The nature of the emergency.
– The location of the emergency.
– What support is needed.
– How many people are involved.
- Assessment – Once the appropriate personnel have been notified of the emergency, they will need to assess the situation to determine the best course of action. This assessment will consider the severity of the emergency and the potential for escalation.
- Evacuation – this step involves all persons evacuating the building or work area to a designated assembly point to protect their health and safety.
- Stabilization – this step involves controlling the work environment where possible so that the damage does not get worse.
- Post emergency activities – after an emergency, it is important that the incident scene is secured until it can be examined and all evidence collected. It is vital to gather as much information and evidence as possible to assist with an investigation and determine what caused the emergency.
When seconds count, the importance of emergency response cannot be understated. Every year, emergency responders save countless lives and their efforts are crucial in minimizing the impact of natural disasters and other catastrophic events.
Contents of this Emergency Response Procedure
- Approval.
- Purpose.
- Scope.
- Terms and Definitions.
- Roles and Responsibilities.
- Procedures.
- Emergency Response Overview.
- Emergency Response Plan Flowchart.
- Approach to Emergency Management.
- Emergency Plans and Actions.
- Evacuation Plans and Escape Routes.
- Declaring an Emergency.
- Requesting Emergency Services.
- Emergency Contacts.
- Service Contacts.
- Directions for Emergency Services.
- Procedures When Fire Is Discovered.
- Discovery by a Single Person.
- Discovery by Two Persons.
- Basic Rules and Precautions When Fighting Fires.
- Explosive Fires and Extinguishers.
- Chemical Spills.
- Gas Leak.
- Bomb Threat.
- Post-Drill Activities.
- Post-Emergency Activities – Debriefing and Support.
- Related Procedures, Forms and Documents.
- Review Criteria.
- Record Management.
- References.
Why Choose to Buy this Emergency Response Procedure
This 13-page emergency response procedure template can help you ensure that if an emergency occurs at your workplace:
- All persons are protected, as far as reasonably practicable, against injury or loss of life.
- Damage to the natural and social environment is minimized.
- The potential for asset loss is mitigated.
- The reputations of the company and its workers are protected.
- Business continuity and recovery are assured.
- Legal risks are minimized.
Refer above to the ‘Contents of this Emergency Response Procedure’ to see what emergencies and actions are covered in this template.
After purchasing this template you will be able to:
- Very easily edit and customize the template to create your own procedure.
- Apply your own style, format and brand to the procedure.
- Use it in any industry or sector regardless of the size or type of organization.
Availability and Use of this Emergency Response Procedure
- This procedure is accessible to you right now by clicking the ‘Buy Now’ button.
- The procedure will be delivered to you in fully editable Microsoft Word format for immediate and full use in your business.
- There are no subscriptions, contracts or ongoing costs.
