OURIMBAH FLOOD RESPONSE PLAN February 2014
2 EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS Security Services for all Emergencies (24 Hours) Ourimbah 4348 4222 If not able to be reached please call Newcastle on Newcastle 4921 5888 If Security Services cannot be reached contact: Fire, Ambulance or Police: 000 (Prime emergency call service number) 112 (International standard emergency number) 106 (Emergency relay service for the hearing or speech impaired) Incident Assessment Team Infrastructure & Facilities Services 4921 7210 IT Services 4921 5681 Media & Public Relations 4921 6934 Health and Safety 4921 7330 Risk and Assurance Services 4921 6489 PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING: 1. Name and location of the Facility 2. Number of injured persons and the nature of injury 3. The type and scale of emergency including a brief description 4. Hazards involved (e.g. substances) 5. Telephone contact number (for any return calls - Usually a mobile number for the person making the call) Other Emergency Numbers: State Emergency Services: 132500 Water / Sewer: 4350 5555 (Ourimbah Wyong Shire Council) Ausgrid (Electricity): 13 13 88 Telstra (Phones): 13 22 03 Jemena (Gas): 13 19 09 WorkCover: 131050 (business hours) 9214 9220 (after hours) Revision 1 Page 2 of 17
3 Document Control Revision: 1 Date: 4 February 2014 Status: Document change control: Approved by EPC Revision # Change Description Date Author 1 Initial document release as per 4/02/2014 Andrew Sargent draft 1.3 approved by EPC Revision 1 Page 3 of 17
4 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION... 5 2. PURPOSE... 5 3. OBJECTIVES... 5 4. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS... 6 5. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS... 6 5.1 Statutory Requirements... 6 5.2 Standards, Codes, Guidelines and References... 6 6. ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES... 6 7. EMERGENCY CONTROL ORGANISATION - ECO... 7 8. TESTING OF FLOOD EVACUATION SYSTEM... 7 9. FLOOD RESPONSE... 8 9.1 Flood Indicators... 8 9.2 Flood Response Triggers... 8 9.3 Pre Incident Plan Ourimbah Campus Library... 8 9.4 Flood Response for Blue Gum House - Accommodation... 9 9.5 Severe Storms and Floods Impacting Ourimbah Campus... 9 9.6 Traffic Management Plan... 9 10. MANAGEMENT OF FLOOD SAFETY ISSUES / INCIDENTS...10 10.1 Notification of Problems...10 10.2 Incident Investigation or Identification of Flood Safety Risk...10 10.3 Remediation of Issues...10 APPENDIX...11 Appendix 1 Assessment Process for Ourimbah Flood Response...11 Appendix 2 Pre Incident Plan for Ourimbah Campus Library...12 Appendix 3 Flood Response for Blue Gum House...13 Appendix 4 Procedures for Severe Storms and Floods Impacting Ourimbah Campus...14 Appendix 5 Sample Weather Status Report...15 Appendix 6 Ourimbah Campus Flood Emergency Exit Plan...17 Revision 1 Page 4 of 17
5 1. INTRODUCTION The University of Newcastle s (UoN) Central Coast Campus is located at 10 Chittaway Road, Ourimbah NSW. Streams from the Ourimbah Creek catchment drain through the Campus. Significant flooding across the Ourimbah Creek catchment has occurred on a number of occasions including the 2007 flood ("pasha bulker" storm) and again in 2011 and 2012. This flooding has caused significant disruption and inconvenience with flood waters impacting directly on the Campus. Flooding across the catchment can occur as a result of the streams overtopping their banks in combination with elevated water levels within Tuggerah Lake such as those experienced at high tide. Wyong Shire Council and Gosford City Council are currently preparing a flood study for the area as part of their Floodplain Risk Management Programs, which aim to reduce the impact of flooding on the community and better prepare against significant flood damage and possible loss of life. While UoN has overall responsibility for the campus, the site is shared with a range of education providers, government departments and businesses. 2. PURPOSE This document was developed by Risk and Assurance Services in conjunction with Director Regional Campuses, Associate Director Tertiary and Regional Partnerships, Infrastructure and Facilities Services, and Security Services. The OFRP is designed to provide information on how the University manages the risk of flood at Ourimbah. The OFRP is a sub plan to the University s Emergency Management Plan (EMP) which provides information for the controls to be implemented and steps that need to be undertaken to manage the University s emergency response. 3. OBJECTIVES There are four main objectives of the OFRP: To ensure that a process is applied when responding to potential flood situations at Ourimbah which considers relevant inputs in determining response actions to minimise risk and protect life and property. Revision 1 Page 5 of 17
6 To ensure that flood situations are quickly and effectively responded to and resolved. To ensure that the University complies fully with its legal obligations in relation to workplace health and safety. To ensure that appropriate training and information is provided on flood response to UoN staff. 4. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS The OFRP applies to the University of Newcastle s Central Coast Campus only. Each potential flood situation is different and the OFRP is focused on: The identification of key inputs to be considered when deciding on an appropriate response to a flood situation. Actions required to ensure the safety of all persons on campus and actions required to minimise the risk of damage should a flood situation arise. 5. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 5.1 Statutory Requirements The following legislation is applicable: NSW Work Health and Safety Act and NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 5.2 Standards, Codes, Guidelines and References The following Australian Standards and Codes of Practice apply: AS 3745-2010 Planning for emergencies in facilities; Health & Safety procedures (refer UoN web site); University Emergency Management Plan (refer UoN web site). 6. ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES The following are responsible for the implementation and management of the control measures discussed in this document: Person/Organisation Director, Council Services and Chancellery as Chair Emergency Planning Committee (EPC) Director, Regional Campuses Chief Operating Officer Responsibility Endorse OFRP as a sub plan of the Emergency Management Plan. Promote compliance with OFRP. Provides recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer. Enacts response plans for the identified scenarios including evacuation of Campus, passive leaving, close campus to incoming traffic, remain on site, move cars etc. Reviews information provided by Director Regional Campuses and approves decision to evacuate campus. Advises Vice Chancellor of actions taken. Activates Critical Incident Response procedures. Revision 1 Page 6 of 17
7 Associate Director, Infrastructure and Facilities Services Associate Director, Risk & Assurance Security Services Coordinator Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) Associate Director, IT Business Continuity Ensure the design, installation and maintenance of flood management systems such as traffic management plan, site water level indicators, traffic signage, barricades, sandbags etc. Ensure OFMP aligns with the Emergency Management Plan, Critical Incident and Business Continuity Framework. Responsible for ensuring appropriate response to emergencies and monitoring of indicators such as Bureau of Meteorology, tides and site water levels. Responsible for coordinating evacuations when ordered to minimise safety risk across the University in accordance with the terms of the OFMP. Ensure OFMP aligns with Disaster Recovery plans 7. EMERGENCY CONTROL ORGANISATION - ECO An Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) member database is in place to assist in managing the provision of ECO members in all areas of the University as required by AS3745 Planning for emergencies in facilities. Authority is bestowed to the ECO to enlist the assistance of other people during an emergency response. It is the responsibility of Faculties, Schools, Campus Partners and other areas to appoint an ECO for their respective areas, ensuring adequate coverage, and to report membership changes to the Senior Safety Advisor. In the event of an emergency event, where all identified emergency wardens are not in attendance, the senior management person in attendance will take the ECO role to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation. Training ECO Training is coordinated through the Senior Safety Advisor and provided through a contracted service provider. The course is delivered by a qualified contractor with manuals provided to all participants. It is the responsibility of all ECO members to attend one training course every 3 years. The ECO database can identify ECO members who have not attended training. Attendance reports will be provided to Faculties and Schools to ensure required training objectives are met. 8. TESTING OF FLOOD EVACUATION SYSTEM A test of the Ourimbah flood evacuation system will be coordinated by the Organisational Resilience Officer at least once per year. All building ECO members (Emergency Wardens) should be trained in the evacuation system. Revision 1 Page 7 of 17
8 9. FLOOD RESPONSE 9.1 Flood Indicators The history of flood events at the Ourimbah Campus indicates that it is generally a combination of situations which results in flooding occurring. These situations include: A significant weather event such as an east coast low pressure system producing consistent heavy rains in the Ourimbah catchment area. High tide in Tuggerah Lake which prevents the increased water levels in the Ourimbah catchment from flowing out to sea resulting in streams overflowing their banks. These situations combined with local site knowledge of water levels at particular site markers on Campus, can provide reliable indicators of a flood situation which will require a response. 9.2 Flood Response Triggers The triggers which indicate that flooding may occur include: The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issuing a Severe Weather Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warning indicating a likelihood of flash flooding or the issuing of a Flood Watch. The State Emergency Service issuing a Flood Bulletin Heavy rainfall at the campus or within the Ourimbah Creek catchment area. Reference against Wyong Council indicators for a trend towards flood. Security Services will check the Bureau of Meteorology web site each day to assess the forecast weather, particularly during inclement weather. Where the triggers indicate that flooding may occur, Security Services will provide a Weather Status Report (see appendix 5) to the Director Regional Campuses, Director Council Services and Chancellery, Chief Operating Officer, Associate Director Risk and Assurance Services, Head of Security Services, Manager Risk and Assurance and Organisational Resilience Officer. The Weather Status Report will include: BOM Weather Forecast for the Central Coast noting date and time of issue. Total forecast rainfall and forecast chance of rainfall. Rainfall recorded in the previous 24 hours. Times and heights of high and low tides. Details of any weather warnings issued for the area and weather situation. Summary of the current situation at Ourimbah. Security Services will then continue to monitor the flood indicators and provide advice to the Director, Regional Campuses on recommended response actions. See Flow Chart at Appendix 1. 9.3 Pre Incident Plan Ourimbah Campus Library Due to its location (proximity to the water course and location of site drainage) previous flood events at Ourimbah have resulted in damage to the Campus Library from water inundation. Revision 1 Page 8 of 17
9 Based on information received from Security Services (taking into consideration the flood response triggers), the Director Regional Campuses may elect to implement a Pre Incident Plan to limit flood water damage to the Campus Library. The pre incident plan will involve actions from Infrastructure and Facilities Services, Security Services and communication activities. See Flow Chart at Appendix 2. 9.4 Flood Response for Blue Gum House - Accommodation Blue Gum House is a 26 room residential accommodation facility located in Loop Road near the south west corner of The Boulevard. It is in close proximity to the water course and previous flood events have impacted on Blue Gum House car park, Blue Gum House itself and the roadway at the south west corner of The Boulevard and Loop Road. Based on information received from Security Services (taking into consideration the flood response triggers), the Director Regional Campuses may elect to implement an emergency response for flood water impacting on Blue Gum House. This emergency response will involve actions from Infrastructure and Facilities Services, Security Services and communication activities. See Flow Chart at Appendix 3. 9.5 Severe Storms and Floods Impacting Ourimbah Campus Where triggers indicate that flooding may occur, Security Services will provide a Weather Status Report and then regularly monitor the flood indicators and provide advice to the Director, Regional Campuses on recommended response actions. Taking into consideration the information received, previous experience and campus activity, the Director Regional Campuses may initiate any necessary response action including placement of sand bags, removal of cars from the car park, closure of the campus to incoming traffic or partial or full evacuation of the Campus. The emergency response may involve actions from Infrastructure and Facilities Services, Security Services and communication activities from Media and Public Relations. See Flow Chart at Appendix 4. 9.6 Traffic Management Plan A Traffic Management Plan will be developed for Ourimbah Campus. The traffic management plan will indicate preferred traffic directions and exits in the event that a campus evacuation is required. The traffic management plan is prepared and maintained by Infrastructure and Facilities Services and used by Security Services to implement traffic controls. Revision 1 Page 9 of 17
10 10. MANAGEMENT OF FLOOD SAFETY ISSUES / INCIDENTS This section describes the process for managing flood safety issues and incidents at the University of Newcastle. The aim is to define the reporting line for such issues and incidents to ensure timely management of the problem. 10.1 Notification of Problems Emergency Wardens and building occupants can assist the management of flood safety by reporting any issues or problems that they may identify. Generally, flood safety issues will be identified during heavy rain events or through routine building maintenance and inspections. Any flood related issues that are identified may be reported via Maximo requests with follow up to Infrastructure and Facilities Services. 10.2 Incident Investigation or Identification of Flood Safety Risk In the event of a flood or the identification of a flood safety risk, the issue will be fully investigated by one or more of the following: Jointly by Risk and Assurance Services, Health & Safety and Infrastructure and Facilities Services. Other external assistance depending on the nature and extent of the problem. Insurance agency if a claim is lodged. The Complaint/Incident Investigation report will be reviewed by all relevant stakeholders to agree a timely action plan to assess and address any gaps or deficiencies in the controls/measures in place to mitigate future flood risks. Responsibility for resolution of issues and completion of associated actions will be assigned. 10.3 Remediation of Issues Depending on the extent of the problem and the associated risk, a service contractor or other external organisation may be engaged to affect remedial action. If the issue is identified as requiring major refurbishment or asset replacement work, the final resolution will be prioritised and placed on a works program. As Wyong Shire Council and Gosford City Council are currently preparing a flood study for the area as part of their Floodplain Risk Management Programs, long term remedial action will depend on actions outside the control of the University. Revision 1 Page 10 of 17
APPENDIX Appendix 1 Assessment Process for Ourimbah Flood Response
12 Appendix 2 Pre Incident Plan for Ourimbah Campus Library Revision 1 Page 12 of 17
13 Appendix 3 Flood Response for Blue Gum House Revision 1 Page 13 of 17
14 Appendix 4 Procedures for Severe Storms and Floods Impacting Ourimbah Campus Revision 1 Page 14 of 17
Appendix 5 Sample Weather Status Report
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Appendix 6 Ourimbah Campus Flood Emergency Exit Plan