EMERGENCY EVACUATION:

Transcription

1 EMERGENCY EVACUATION: Getting Out Alive EME009-HBK-ENG

2 EMERGENCY EVACUATION: Getting Out Alive This employee handbook is one of a series of fully illustrated employee handbooks, informative posters, broadcast-quality video training programs, interactive CD-ROM and Web-based courses produced by Coastal Training Technologies Corporation. Each product is the result of painstaking analysis, design, development and production by the instructional designers and technical specialists on our staff. Our catalog is constantly being revised and expanded, so we would appreciate any comments on current titles or suggestions for future ones. For further information on any Coastal product, or to receive a free catalog, call Coastal Training Technologies Corp. (Virginia Beach, VA) at or send a FAX to Visit us on the web at This handbook is for educational purposes only, and is designed to be used in conjunction with a qualified trainer. Nothing herein is to be regarded as indicating approval or disapproval of any specific practice or product. Copyright 2000 Coastal Training Technologies Corp. All rights reserved. No part of this handbook may be copied by any means or for any reason without the written permission of Coastal Training Technologies Corporation. Printed in U.S.A. INTERACTIVE CD-ROM COURSES FROM COASTAL Asbestos Awareness Back Safety Bloodborne Pathogens Confined Space Entry Defensive Driving Electrical Power Generation Electrical Safety Employment Terminations Environmental Awareness Ergonomics Fall Protection Fire Safety First Aid Forklift Safety Hazard Communication Hearing Protection HAZMAT Preparation HAZMAT Transportation HAZWOPER Awareness Hydraulics Indoor Cranes Industrial Electricity Interviewing Lab Safety Lockout/Tagout Office Safety Performance Appraisals Personal Protective Equipment Pneumatics Respiratory Protection Safety Orientation Sexual Harassment Stairways and Ladders Teamwork Time Management Trenching and Shoring Walking and Working Surfaces Vibration Analysis VIDEO-BASED PROGRAMS FROM COASTAL Accident Investigation Anhydrous Ammonia Asbestos Series Back Safety Series Behavior-Based Safety Series Bloodborne Pathogens Series Chemical Handling Series Chlorine Safety Series Commercial Driver Series Confined Space Series Contractor Safety Construction Safety Series Crane Safety Series Disaster Planning Series DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Driving Safety Series Electrical Safety Series Electrical Power Generation Series Emergency Planning Series Employment Terminations Environmental Series Ergonomics Series Fall Protection Series Fire Safety Series First Aid First Aid for Schools Foot Protection Forklift Safety Series Asbestos Series Back Safety Bloodborne Pathogens for Schools Bloodborne Pathogens Series Chemical Handling Series Chlorine Safety Confined Space Series Contractor Safety Driving Safety Series DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing Electrical Safety Series Environmental Series Ergonomics Series Eye Protection Fall Protection Series Fire Safety First Aid for Schools First Aid on the Job Foot Protection Forklift Safety Series Groundskeeping Safety Hand Safety Hand Tool Safety Series Handwashing Hard Hat Safety Hazard Communication for Schools Hazard Communication Series HazWaste Transportation Series HAZMAT Transportation Series HAZWOPER Training Series Hearing Protection Heat Stress Highway Work Zone Series Hotel Safety Orientation Hydrogen Sulfide Indoor Cranes Interviewing ISO 9000 Series Lab Safety Series Laser Safety Lead Safety Line Breaking Lockout/Tagout Series Low-Lift Trucks Machine Guarding Mechanical Power Press Safety Media Relations Motor Vehicle Awareness Hand Safety Hazard Communication Series HAZMAT Transportation Series HAZWOPER Training Series Hearing Protection Heat Stress Holiday Safety Series Hotel Safety Hydrogen Sulfide Indoor Cranes Interviewing Lab Safety Lead Safety Lockout/Tagout Series Low-Lift Trucks Machine Guarding Mechanical Power Press Safety Office Safety Performance Appraisals Personal Protective Equipment Off-the-Job Safety Series Office Safety OSHA Inspection Series Performance Appraisals Phosphoric Acid Pollution Prevention Series PPE Series Pro-Active Safety Series Process Safety Series RCRA Respiratory Protection Series Rope Rescue Series Safety Orientation Sexual Harassment Slips, Trips & Falls Stairways and Ladders Static Electricity Substance Abuse Prevention Series Teamwork Time Management Train the Trainer Series Trenching & Shoring Series Tuberculosis Awareness Walking & Working Surfaces Welding Safety Series Winter Safety Series Workplace Violence ILLUSTRATED HANDBOOKS FROM COASTAL Pollution Prevention Series Pro-Active Safety Series Process Safety Respiratory Protection Safety Orientation Scaffold Safety Series Sexual Harassment Slips, Trips & Falls Stairways and Ladders Static Electricity Teamwork Time Management Trenching & Shoring Series Tuberculosis Awareness Vacation/Summer Safety Video Display Terminals Walking & Working Surfaces Warehouse Safety Winter Safety Series Workplace Violence

3 Contents INTRODUCTION PREPARING FOR AN EMERGENCY IN EVERY EMERGENCY EVACUATION TIPS DURING THE EVACUATION IF YOU BECOME TRAPPED Introduction Emergencies like fires, earthquakes and explosions can strike at any time with little warning. This handbook is designed to help you respond correctly in an emergency. It shows you: How to prepare for an emergency What to do in an emergency situation What to do when you hear an emergency alarm. It also discusses specific emergencies like earthquakes, hazardous material releases and explosions. ASSEMBLY EARTHQUAKES DROP AND COVER EARTHQUAKE EVACUATION EARTHQUAKES OUTDOORS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TIPS BOMBS AND EXPLOSIONS SUMMARY QUIZ Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 2

4 Preparing for an Emergency No one wants to be involved in an emergency. But if you are, your best protection is to be prepared. No matter where you work, training and drills help you learn about the emergency warning system and what to do when an alarm sounds. Your employer s emergency planning and your training can help prepare you, but you need to do your part: Examine the floor plan and area layout in every area where you work Learn primary and secondary exits from each location Know where fire extinguishers and alarm pull stations are located Understand what each type of alarm means and what procedures to follow Know where to report after you leave the building. In Every Emergency Rescue Rescue anyone in immediate danger, but only if it does not put you at risk. Attempting a dangerous rescue without training and proper equipment could add you to the victim list. Alarm Activate your facility s system for notifying emergency personnel. This may mean pulling the handle on a fire alarm or activating an emergency call system. Clearly state your name, the location and the nature of the emergency. Confine Confine the emergency if you can. Close all doors, windows or other openings that would spread a fire or toxic fumes. Shut down the ventilation system, as well as valves, fume hoods and open flames. Evacuate Leave the area by your designated evacuation route. Move calmly and quickly. Do not run! Do not stop to gather your belongings! Some employees receive special training to help shut down equipment, use fire extinguishers or assist other employees. Unless you are one of them, you should leave immediately Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 4

5 Evacuation Tips Never store anything in hallways or stairwells, or take any action that would block or lock off an exit route. Follow instructions given by the emergency warden for your area or by uniformed firefighters. Never use an elevator to evacuate unless uniformed firefighters are conducting the evacuation and order you to use the elevator to leave. If you are in a multi-story building, it is safest to go down, not up to a higher floor or to the roof where a rescue would be more difficult. Help handicapped or injured people leave the area if you can. Be sure that deaf or hearing-impaired employees know about the emergency. Never try to maneuver a wheelchair up or down the stairs. Ask the disabled person what would be the best way for you to help. If it is necessary to leave someone in the building, leave the person in a safe and secure area, like a stairwell. During the Evacuation As you leave your area: Check bathrooms, storage rooms and other areas to make sure everyone knows about the alarm and is leaving. Close the door behind you but don t lock it. Walk calmly in a single file-line. Follow lighted exit signs and emergency lights and instructions given by emergency evacuation monitors. Feel the lower, middle and upper part of doors before you open them. If a door is hot, don t open it. If there is smoke, stay low to the ground where the best air is located. A damp cloth over your mouth and nose can help you breathe. Chemical vapors may rise or sink to the floor, so learn the best way to proceed in an emergency if chemicals are present. Stay calm. You ll not only get out more quickly, but your demeanor will reassure other employees Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 6

6 If You Become Trapped If you should become trapped in an area: Close all doors and openings. Close the windows. Block the space below all doors. Shut down air conditioning and ventilation systems. Telephone for help if you can, giving your exact floor and room number. Signal at a window to show emergency crews your location. Don t panic, and don t break out a window. Stay calm while you wait for help to arrive. Assembly As you leave the building: Move away from exits. Proceed immediately to the designated assembly point for your work area. Report for roll call as soon as you arrive so officials know you are safe. Each facility and workplace develops an emergency plan that deals with the layout and hazards that are present. Follow what you learned in training to know the exact action to take. Earthquakes If you live in an area where earthquakes occur, you must be ready to protect yourself from falling objects, and be ready to evacuate once the vibration and shaking stop. If the earthquake alarm sounds or if you feel the vibration of an earthquake: Get as close to the floor as you can and head for cover. Avoid windows or other glass that could shatter. Stay away from light fixtures, bookcases and anything else that could fall on you. Get under a heavy desk, table or chair or under a doorjamb. If you can t get under something, crouch against an inside wall with your back toward any windows. Remain where you are until the earthquake s vibration stops. Stay calm. The sprinkler system or various alarms may go off. Shelving and partitions may fall and wiring may spark. When the movement ends, prepare to evacuate to a safe designated area outside Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

7 Dropand Cover The drop and cover position lets you protect your face and vital organs and makes you a smaller target for flying debris. Always assume the drop and cover position during an earthquake, whether you are indoors or outside. To assume the drop and cover position: Drop to your knees. Clasp both hands behind your neck. Bury your face in your arms. Make your body as small as possible. Close your eyes. Cover your ears with your forearms. If protection, like a coat or blanket, is available, use it to cover yourself. Earthquake Evacuation After the movements and the shaking end: Evacuate to your designated safe area outside. Use the stairs, not the elevators. Stay away from the exterior walls of the building and avoid downed wires or power lines, including TV cables. Don t step in pools of water they could be electrically charged. If you need light, use flashlights don t light matches or flip light switches that could spark and cause an explosion if gas or flammable vapors are present. Go to your designated assembly point and report immediately for roll call. Search teams will begin looking for you if you fail to report. Never re-enter the building until you are told it is safe. Aftershocks and loose materials can create many unseen hazards, so wait until officials inspect the building and say it is safe. If you work in a multi-story workplace, you may be told to delay evacuation until exit routes are inspected. Always follow these and other precautions that apply specifically to your workplace. EARTHQUAKES OUTDOORS If you are outside when an earthquake hits: Protect yourself from falling debris. Assume the drop and cover position until the vibrations stop. Stay away from buildings, trees and telephone and electrical lines. Avoid overpasses, ramps or equipment that could fall on you. If you re in a refinery or facility with liquid or gas pipelines, seek cover as far from these as possible just in case the earthquake damages the lines Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 10

8 Hazardous Materials If you work in a facility with hazardous materials: Learn all you can about substances that are present and steps to follow in an emergency. Learn to use personal protective equipment that you must wear during an evacuation. Follow your facility s training for using an escape pack respirator. An escape pack provides about five minutes of breathable air, enough to get out of an area where toxic gas is present. If you discover a chemical emergency: Immediately warn nearby employees. Put on your escape pack and other protective gear. Move upwind or across wind to a safe area. Try not to inhale vapors, gases, fumes or smoke. Stay away from ditches, basements and other low places where vapors may collect. If there is a spill or leak: Avoid getting the substance on you. Stay upstream of the flow and upwind of the fumes. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth. Proceed immediately to your assigned assembly point for roll call. Hazardous Materials Tips The following pointers can help you deal with a hazardous materials emergency: If someone is overcome, have someone help you move or drag the victim to a safe location. Never enter or re-enter a contaminated area to rescue someone unless you have full protective gear. An escape pack does not have enough air for you to attempt a rescue. If asked to shelter in place, stay inside the building until the emergency is over. Close windows and doors and seal gaps with wet cloths and duct tape. Shut down the air intakes and ventilation system. Then move to the area furthest from the emergency and wait for the all clear. If you re exposed, tell officials at the assembly point, even if you feel fine. Some chemical injuries don t show up until later and it is important to get the right medical care as soon as possible Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 12

9 Bombs and Explosions If there is a bomb or explosion move quickly and calmly to exit the area. Stay away from windows and other items that can shatter or fall on you. If debris is falling, get under a sturdy table or desk until it stops. If there is a fire, stay low to the floor to avoid heavy smoke and poisonous gases. Report for roll call as soon as you reach your designated assembly point. If you are trapped by debris: Avoid stirring up dust. Cover your mouth with a rag or your clothing. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear you. Shout only as a last resort yelling can make you inhale dangerous amounts of dust. Never try to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building. It takes special equipment and skill that only trained emergency responders have. Summary When an emergency alarm sounds where you work, thorough preparation, training and drills can save your life. To be prepared, remember: Know the floor plan, layout and exits in every area where you work. Know where fire extinguishers and alarm stations are located. Understand what each type of alarm means and what you should do. Know where to report after you evacuate. This kind of thorough preparation is your ticket to getting out alive no matter what kind of emergency you face Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 14

10 Quiz 1. True False In an emergency, your best protection is to be prepared. 2. True False You should know one exit from each area where you work. 3. True False The four steps you take in an emergency are rescue, alarm, confine and evacuate. 4. True False In an emergency like a fire you should open the windows and doors so the smoke can get out. 5. True False Always get your belongings and take them with you when you evacuate a building. 6. True False Only employees with special training should stay behind to shut down equipment or use fire extinguishers. 7. True False Never use an elevator to evacuate unless uniformed firefighters are conducting the evacuation and order you to use the elevator to leave. 8. True False If it is necessary to leave someone in the building, leave the person in a safe and secure area, like a stairwell. 9. True False You should lock doors behind you as you leave so emergency responders will know that everyone is out. 10. True False Because smoke rises, you should stay low to the ground to get the best air. 11. True False If a door is hot, don t open it. 12. True False If you become trapped, you should seal the area to keep out smoke and then telephone or signal for help. 13. True False In an emergency, you have 15 minutes after you leave the building to report to your assembly area for roll call. Quiz (cont.) 14. True False Each facility and workplace develops an emergency plan that explains the proper action to take in an emergency. 15. True False If the earthquake alarm sounds or if you feel an earthquake, you should get as close to the floor as you can and head for cover. 16. True False In an earthquake, you should evacuate the building only after the shaking stops or when told by officials that it is safe to leave. 17. True False Always assume the drop and cover position during an earthquake, whether you are indoors or outside. 18. True False In a hazardous materials emergency, you should stay away from ditches, basements and other low places. 19. True False Never enter or re-enter a contaminated area to rescue someone unless you have an escape pack. 20. True False If you are trapped after an explosion, you should tap on a pipe or wall to alert rescuers. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRAINING I have read and understand the employee handbook, Emergency Evacuation: Getting Out Alive. I have also completed and passed the comprehensive quiz at the conclusion of this handbook. Employee s Signature Date Trainer s Name NOTE: This record may be included in the employee s personnel or training file. Date Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission Coastal Training Technologies Corp. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission. 16