In QLD, there are 2 regulatory requirements for emergency preparedness
- Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (BFSR08) and
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHSR11)
The Fire Safety Regulation details the requirements around the Fire and Evacuation Plan, Emergency Diagrams and Signs, the provision of instructions and maintenance of equipment. This plan is very specific to fire and chemical spills. On the other side, the Work Health and Safety Regulation requires an emergency plan that relates to the hazards at the specific workplace and medical emergencies. In addition, the Work Health and Safety Regulation also details specific work activities that require an emergency or rescue plan such as working in a confined space and using a fall-arrest system.
So, what is contained in these plans?
The Fire Regulation has specific requirements and QFES have templates that can be utilised; https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/buildingsafety/Pages/Forms-and-Templates.aspx.
You can also manage the requirements of both Regulations under one plan which means a holistic approach to emergency preparedness. In general, the plan would contain
- Building or Site details. The Fire Regulation does require some specific information including details of building owner and body corporate (if applicable) and class of building
- Planning including responsibilities for planning and resourcing the plan, consultation (such as emergency specialist or agencies) and emergency risk analysis – what is the business planning for
- Emergency Control Organisation – this is the team that will facilitate the plan such as wardens and first aiders
- Communication through the building or site and with the emergency services
- Emergency resources including location, maintenance, and operation
- Emergency response procedures
- Implementation including training, emergency diagrams, posters/signs and emergency exercises
- Post emergency activities
- Review of plan including activities such as an emergency audit
Encompass Safety can assist your business prepare an emergency management plan that captures the requirements of a fire and evacuation plan under the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 and an emergency plan under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. The plan will be designed in consultation with your workplace.
Encompass Safety can create evacuation diagrams and signs that display emergency procedures, escape routes and the location of emergency equipment. Diagrams are provided in A3 frames and are displayed in prominent locations around your workplace; https://encompasssafety.com.au/emergency-management/
