by HSEI Training
There are seven key steps to develop and effectively implement an emergency management plan (EMP).
Follow these steps to develop an EMP and implement it in your business:
Step 1: Identify and assess workplace hazards
Identify the internal hazards in your workplace and assess the potential consequences of an emergency occurring because of those hazards. For example, consider whether a fire could start in your workplace due to the presence of ignition sources and combustible material. When identifying and assessing hazards, consider:
the size and location of your workplace, especially if it is remote
the closest health and emergency services, and
the number and composition of your workers and visitors to your workplace
Consult with your workers during this part of the development process.
Step 2: Consider risks posed by external hazards
Determine whether any external hazards might cause an emergency, such as a fire or explosion. For example, are there any hazardous facilities, such as a fuel depot or gas station, located near your workplace?
Step 3: Consult with local authorities
If your workplace is in or near a public place – such as a mall, cinema or hotel – there is likely to be a local emergency or disaster plan in place, which you should consider when developing your own plan. Ensure your EMP is consistent with local plans. You may also be involved in a joint master EMP if you are part of a shared workplace.
Step 4: Determine the risk controls you will put in place
Identify the controls you will implement to deal with the internal and external risks you identified.
Step 5: Document the EMP
Document your EMP and include the date it was created and when it is due for review.
Step 6: Train workers in the EMP
To ensure your workers understand the processes to be followed in the event of an emergency, you should adequately train them in your emergency procedures by:
providing an orientation to new workers in your evacuation procedures and providing staff with refresher training at least every 6 months
practising evacuation drills at least every 12 months
conducting specific training sessions for your emergency personnel, including fire wardens and first aid officers
showing workers how to shut down plant safely, both during an emergency and as part of a planned shutdown
informing workers where emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and gas masks, are located, and
teaching workers how to use fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment
Step 7: Review your EMP
Ensure that someone is responsible for documenting and retaining the results of any emergency management drills, as well as reviewing the EMP and informing workers of any revisions. You should review your EMP:
every 6 months, or
when there have been significant changes to:
the layout of your workplace
the size of your workforce, or
the nature of your work activities (e.g. requirements for workers to undertake a greater amount of work outdoors)