This document discusses emergency preparedness and provides guidance on developing an emergency plan. It outlines key aspects to consider like having an emergency plot plan showing escape routes and assembly points. Emergency equipment needs to be available and inspected regularly. The document assigns emergency roles and responsibilities to employees, supervisors, emergency controllers and a safety officer. It stresses the importance of regular emergency drills to test effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Drills should be treated as real emergencies and followed by a debriefing session and report.

1. Toolbox Talk
Emergency Preparedness
Compiled by
Rudi Nieuwoudt

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Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness is planning and actions undertaken in
advance of a possible or probable natural or man-made
emergency. To be prepared for the worse is the key to ensuring
the safety of yourself and colleagues.
There are many factors to take into consideration when
developing an emergency preparedness plan. In this
toolbox talk we will concentrate on the following key
aspects:
 Emergency Plot Plan.
 Escape Routes and Assembly Points
 Site Emergency equipment – Availability and inspections
 Assigning duties and responsibilities.
 Regular Emergency Drills
What Is Emergency Preparedness?

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The function of the emergency plot plan is to show to all
employees where the escape routs are as well as the
assembly points. The plot plan must be easy to
understand and must be communicated to all affected
people. It is also important to ensure the plot plan is
displayed in various areas in the workplace.
Emergency Plot Plan
Escape routes must be well defined. Signage/Snow
netting and barricading goes a long way in ensuring
escape routes are highlighted. Assembly points must be of
appropriate size for the amount of people they must
accommodate. Internal Emergency Assembly points must
contain a plot plan, emergency contact numbers, and
forms of communication with the outside. It is imperative
that assembly point are not used as storage areas!
Escape Routs and Assembly Points
Emergency Preparedness

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Emergency
Equipment
Environmental Spill Kits
Fire Extinguisher
Fire Hydrants
Breathing Apparatus
Sirens
Radios
Telephones
Air Horns
First Aid Equipment
What does all this equipment
have in common?
They Need Appointed and Trained people to
operate and inspect them!! Don’t get caught in
an emergency with equipment that is defective
or missing!!
Some emergency equipment commonly found on construction sites
Emergency Preparedness

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The Emergency Controller The Supervisor
Duties and Responsibilities
Pre-Emergency
 Ensure you are aware of the location of all the assembly
points.
 Ensure you are trained in the emergency procedures.
 Ensure you are clearly visible by wearing a brightly
colored reflective vest.
 You must have communication (Radio) with your
supervisor.
 Regularly inspect escape routes to ensure they are
clear at all times.
 Regularly inspect emergency equipment to ensure they
are in working order at all times.
During an Emergency
 React immediately when the alarm is sounded.
 Direct employees to the nearest appropriate assembly
point.
 Sweep the area to ensure everyone is evacuated.
 Report to your supervisor.
 Assist with the taking of roll calls.
Post Emergency
 Ensure any used emergency equipment is replaced.
 Make sure you are part of the debriefing session and
report any concerns you have to your supervisor.
 Ensure corrective and preventative measures are
implemented and monitor effectiveness.
Pre-Emergency
 Ensure that your team is trained on the emergency
procedures.
 Ensure that regular emergency drills are carried out and
report any improvable points.
 You must have communication (Radio) with your
emergency controller.
 Regularly inspect escape routes to ensure they are
clear at all times.
 Regularly inspect emergency equipment to ensure they
are in working order at all times.
During an Emergency
 React immediately when the alarm is sounded.
 Direct employees to the nearest appropriate assembly
point.
 Take roll calls and report the status to the appropriate
authorities.
Post Emergency
 Ensure any used emergency equipment is replaced.
 Lead a debriefing session with all involved parties.
 Ensure that you are part of the investigation where
applicable.
 Communicate any lessons learnt to employees.
 Ensure corrective and preventative measures are
implemented and monitor their effectiveness.
Emergency Preparedness

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The Employee
Duties and Responsibilities
Pre-Emergency
 Ensure you are aware of the location of all the assembly
points.
 Ensure you are trained in the emergency procedures.
 Ensure that the employees, emergency controllers and
supervision are made aware of their duties and
responsibilities.
 Regularly inspect escape routes to ensure they are
clear at all times.
 Regularly inspect emergency equipment to ensure they
are in working order at all times.
During an Emergency
 React immediately when the alarm is sounded.
 Direct employees to the nearest appropriate assembly
point.
Post Emergency
 Ensure any used emergency equipment is replaced.
 Make sure you are part of the debriefing session.
 Communicate any lessons learnt to employees.
 Ensure corrective and preventative measures are
implemented and monitor effectiveness.
Pre-Emergency
 Ensure that you are trained in the emergency
procedures.
 Ensure that you know where the assembly points are.
During an Emergency
 React immediately when the alarm is sounded.
 Switch off any machinery and close gas bottles that
you were working with before leaving the area.
 Follow any directions from the emergency controller.
 Move quickly to the emergency assembly point.
 Report to your supervisor to be accounted for during
roll call.
Post Emergency
 Join the debriefing session.
 Give input about any concerns you had during the
emergency. Mention any improvable points you think
must be considered.
 Make sure that you are made aware of any changes in
the procedure and any corrective and preventative
actions taken.
The Safety Officer
Emergency Preparedness

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Emergency Drills
If conducted correctly, emergency drills are the most effective way to gauge the
effectiveness of your emergency procedure. To ensure that your drills are
conducted correctly please take into account the following points.
 Treat every Drill as if it is a real emergency.
 Have several observers positioned at strategic points to monitor the
evacuation without interfering with the proceedings.
 Debrief all involved after the drill.
 Compile a report of the findings noted during the drill. Note both positive and
negatives.
 Compile an action plan for the corrective and preventative measure to be
taken. Assign responsible persons and target dates.
 Monitor effectiveness of actions taken.
Emergency Preparedness