EMERGENCY/DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Emergency defined: “Any unplanned event that can cause death or injury to employees, customers or the public or that can shut down your business, disrupt operations or cause physical or environmental damage”

m c I. Speaker’s Notes: The best way to manage a natural disaster is to have a plan in place that can be implemented when an event occurs. In an earthquake, seek protective cover (i.e., under a table or in a doorway). Once the earthquake has subsided, evacuate the building. Earthquakes may result in structural damage to the building, equipment, or chemical storage tanks. Shut off natural gas and electrical services. Do not re-enter the building until the “all-clear” signal has been given by the evacuation coordinator. For flooding: Have flood shields or sandbags on hand. Board up windows. Raise machinery or stored goods off the ground or remove from a basement. Shut off gas and close valves to any tanks. In a tornado or hurricane: Board up windows. Bring in loose items from outside or secure them. Inspect roof coverings to make sure they are secure. Have radios, flashlights, and other emergency items available. Take shelter.

Objectives Better understanding of potential workplace emergencies How to recognize emergency situations Steps to create and implement a written Emergency Preparedness plan

Why Prepare? Prevent injury or loss of life Prevent property loss Save $$$ on insurance Reduce liability exposure Enhance your company’s image with employees and the public. Comply with Federal statute

OSHA requirements: General Duty Clause - “Each employer shall provide each employee, employment and a place of employment that is free from any recognized hazard that is causing or likely to cause death or physical harm”

4 Major Types of Emergencies: Weather Emergencies Non-weather Emergencies Fires Medical

Weather Emergencies Blizzards High Winds Tornadoes Lightning or Hail Flash Floods Mudslides

Non-Weather Emergencies Earthquakes Violence Gas leaks Aircraft Hazardous material emergencies Water Damage

Fires and Explosions Building fires Wildfires Reactive chemicals Bombs

Medical Emergencies Workplace Accidents Non workplace illness (heart attack) Biohazards

Emergency Program Identify/Prioritize Risks Determine how to respond Assign responsibilities Maintain documentation Train personnel Conduct drills Evaluate program

#1: Identify/Prioritize the Risk Historical: emergencies in the past? Geographical: workplace location? Technological: business operations? Human Error: what emergencies could be caused by human error?

#1: Assess the Impact Human- Probability of Death or Injury? Property- Cost of repair or replacement? Business- Loss of customers, etc?

#2 Determine How to Respond Receive notification Provide warning Evacuate Implement Emergency Procedures Shut down facility Return to normal operations

# 3 Assign Responsibilities Emergency Plan Administration * Assign a Program Administrator with authority Emergency coordination * Designate a coordinator per facility or shift Evacuation assistance * Overall assistance * Specific Emergency Duties (CPR/ first aid, spill response)

#4 Maintain Documentation Written preparedness plan Procedures for specific emergencies List of important phone numbers Maps for evacuation routes, exits, etc Material Safety Data Sheets Preparedness training records List of employee data (phone #’s, etc)

#5 Train General Personnel Purpose of program What potential emergencies? General & Specific procedures Evacuation procedures, routes, etc. Assembly and shelter area Training at least annually

#5 Train Evacuation Leaders How the evacuation will be sounded Specific areas of responsibility Evacuation procedures, routes, exits Assembly and shelter areas How to account for their personnel How to account for non-employees

#6 Conduct Emergency Drills Notify authorities prior Scheduled and unscheduled drills Assign observers

#7 Evaluate/Update Program Was communication effective? Were response times adequate? Did employees react as planned?

10 most common errors with Emergency Response Plans No method of communication to alert employees OSHA regulations not part of the plan No procedures for shutting down critical equipment Employees not instructed what to do in emergency No upper management support No employee buy-in Poor planning Lack of training/practice No designated leader Failure to keep plan updated

Example - Fire Preparedness Consult local Fire Dept for response capabilities, fire codes, etc. * What is their estimated response time? * Is your facility adequately protected? * Are nearby building operations a “high-risk”? * Is your business in a multi-unit building?

Fire Preparedness- Identify processes or materials that could cause or exacerbate a fire. * Are materials being used correctly? * Are they stored correctly (MSDS)? * Are hazardous/flammable chemicals noted on outside of building (NFPA 704) ?

Fire Preparedness Identify Hazardous Practices * Are boxes or materials stored close to sprinkler heads? * Are oily rags disposed of properly? * Is access to fire extinguishers obstructed?

Fire Preparedness- Distribute information to employees! * How to prevent fires * How to report fires * How to contain fires (fire extinguishers, close doors/windows, etc.) * How to evacuate the facility safely * Shelter areas?

Fire Preparedness - Establish a warning system * Fire alarms * Intercom * Flashing lights * Telephones * Verbal

Fire Preparedness - Establish evacuation routes. * Never use elevators, use stairs * Assign “buddies” to employees who need assistance * Ensure exits, stairwells are never obstructed * Is emergency lighting available & working? * If in multi-tenant, multi-story building coordinate with building management company * Create evacuation route maps & post them

Fire Preparedness - Assign Leaders for each area * Monitor evacuation procedures * Shut down any necessary equipment * Do head count for employees and non-employees

? ? Questions? ? ?

For more information on Workplace Safety Call Pinnacol Assurance 1-800-873-7242 ( Have Policy number ready ) Ask for your assigned Safety Consultant