Section 12
Emergency Procedures
Emergency Procedures on Blitz Personnel’s Premises
Emergencies, injuries, and accidents occur without warning and at any given time. Being prepared to handle such
emergencies is not only an organizations responsibility, but an individual responsibility. Management and/or the
JHS Committee are responsible for ensuring that employees are orientated and aware of safety procedures and
emergency protocols.
The purpose of an emergency preparedness procedure is to:
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Prevent and reduce injuries or fatalities.
Reduce damage to the facility and equipment.
Reduce loss of materials.
Reduce loss of productivity.
Establish a comfort level for employees.
Minimizing such losses shall facilitate the return to normal operation in the shortest possible time.
911 Procedures
Always proceed on the side of caution when determining the nature of the emergency. The following examples are situations
which would indicate an emergency response is necessary:
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Life threatening injuries (unconsciousness, head trauma, fall, uncontrollable bleeding, i.e. critical injury)
Severe burns
Breathing emergencies (persistent or sudden chest pain and heart attack)
Hazardous material spills
Bomb threats
Fire
Gas leaks
Designated Rescue Assistance Area
Individuals with mobility impairments may not be able to exit a building without help from qualified emergency personnel.
Persons who are unable to evacuate should await evacuation assistance in designated rescue locations.
It is recommended that a person with a disability stay in place. It is the responsibility of the Fire Marshal to immediately
communicate to the emergency personnel the location of individuals unable to evacuate. In addition, the person with
disabilities should be reminded to call 911 immediately to further ensure that on-site emergency personnel will receive the
information as soon as possible.
When calling 911, provide the following exact information:
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Nature of the emergency
The address of the location where the incident is taking place
Telephone number
In case of fire – call 911 after leaving the building
** Do not hang up as additional information may be needed. **
Pandemic Emergency procedures please refer to Section 20
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Section 12
Emergency Procedures
Evacuation Procedures
Situations requiring evacuation include fire, bomb threats, and/or hazardous material release. Fire alarms need to be treated
as real emergencies and evacuation of the building must occur. Never assume that the fire alarm is a practice drill or false
alarm.
If evacuation is necessary:
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Advise all other employees to evacuate the building, through PA system, fire alarm or other means appropriate
(follow instructions from Blitz Personnel’s emergency personnel).
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Remain calm and proceed to the nearest exit
o In case of fire evacuation, always check door for heat before opening.
o Avoid the use of elevators.
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Walk – don’t rush or crowd. Use handrails in stairways and assist people with disabilities.
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The last person out must close the doors.
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Step away from the building quickly and watch for falling glass and other hazards (if applicable).
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Go to your established designated meeting area and stay there until further guidance is provided by
supervisors/management representatives.
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Do not re-enter the building until advised by fire official or other authority it is safe to do so.
All assignment employees dispatched to client sites are covered under the client site emergency procedures.
Supervisor/ Management Representative
Upon receiving notification:
1.
Ensure alarm has been sounded; direct designated Fire Marshal to notify the fire department and other
emergency responders.
2.
Ensure there is someone to meet the fire department, to direct them to the exact location of the fire, and to
provide information on the chemical hazards they may encounter.
3.
Encourage workers to remain calm and exit the building in a timely and orderly fashion.
4.
CONDUCT ROLL CALL. (Fire Marshal needs a current list of all employees in the building with telephone
numbers, and reception needs to provide the visitor log (if applicable).
5.
Review status with fire officials.
6.
Do not allow employees to re-enter the building for personal belongings until the building is cleared by officials.
7.
Advise workers to return to work if so authorized by fire officials, or inform workers to go home and that they shall
be contacted by telephone as to when to return to work.
Supervisors shall ensure the evacuation routes and meeting points are posted on the Health and Safety bulletin boards.
If caught in smoke:
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Drop to your knees and crawl.
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Breathe shallowly through your nose, holding your breath as long as possible.
o Use a damp cloth over your mouth and nose to filter out smoke.
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Remain calm.
Know in advance exactly how many doors you will have to pass along your evacuation route before you reach the nearest exit.
In heavy smoke you can crawl or crouch low and count the number of doors you pass, you will then know when you have
reached the exit door.
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