Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Aged Care Facilities Guidelines
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority provides these guidance notes as an
aid to improving fire and emergency safety in your premises.
Please use this information to help you achieve your occupational and civil duty
of care.
Aged Care Guidance Notes
1
December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
INSPECTION GUIDANCE NOTES
The purpose of these guidance notes is to provide advice to owners/operators so
that they can:
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Assess the standard of fire/emergency safety in their premises
Implement any required changes
Put in place policies, procedures, practices and necessary equipment
which will give their patrons, staff and other occupants the very best
chance of survival in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Aged care facilities have been identified as being at serious risk due to potentially
devastating consequences of a fire or other emergency.
Inspections of these premises have, at times, discovered the following faults,
many of which are breaches of Building Codes, Australian Standards, local
government regulations and state acts and regulations including the
Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Health Act.
 Locked exit doors
 Limited communication system
 Faulty or inappropriate exit signage
 Minimal, or no fire and/or smoke separation – often due to age of buildings
 Inadequate maintenance of fire safety services
 Poor housekeeping
 Lack of staff training in the actions to be taken during an emergency.
 Non-existent or inadequate emergency procedures and evacuation plans.
 Inappropriate/unsatisfactory testing of the emergency management plan /
procedures.
 Concern over capacity of staff, especially after hours, to manage an
emergency particularly if the event necessitates the complete evacuation
of residents.
 Lack of Business Continuity Planning – what are the contingencies if
residents can’t be returned to the facility?
Appropriate emergency planning will reduce the likelihood and
consequences of fire and other emergencies. It is absolutely imperative for
staff and residents to be prepared to respond appropriately to give them
the best chance to survive.
Rapid, controlled emergency evacuation is by far the most important life
saving activity that should take place when responding to a fire or other
emergency.
It must be noted that the safety of residents and staff is the responsibility
of owners / managers of these facilities and cannot be passed on to the
attending emergency services – it simply might be too late.
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Major fires and serious emergency events are likely to have serious
consequences other than death and serious injury and the associated grief and
sorrow, including:
 Coronial Inquiries
 Litigation
 Damage to the image and reputation of the Aged Care industry in
Australia
 Property losses
 Business losses
 Losses of infrastructure, heritage and other losses of community value
1. Firefighting Equipment
Key Points and Questions
1.1 Fire Extinguishers
 Is the extinguisher correct for the hazard?
 Is the extinguisher easy to access? i.e. unobstructed and hung on its
bracket at the appropriate height.
 Is the extinguisher fully charged?
 Are all extinguishers in place and where they should be? i.e. none missing
or where they shouldn’t be e.g. propping a door open.
 There must be suitable and appropriate signage on the extinguisher
indicating its use.
 There must be suitable and appropriate signage above or adjacent to the
extinguisher indicating the location.
 A metal maintenance tag should be fixed to the extinguisher indicating the
date of the most recent service. The Australian Standard AS1851 for
maintenance states that extinguishers should be inspected 6 monthly and
serviced annually and after use.
 Generally one fire extinguisher [4.5kg Dry Powder (ABE)] will be required
in the kitchen food preparation area. An additional wet chemical fire
extinguisher is preferred where deep fryers are in use.
 Where fire hose reels are not installed it is quite common to see Water,
Dry Powder and Carbon Dioxide extinguishers installed – this is OK as
long as they are correct for the hazard.
1.2 Fire Blankets
 There must be appropriate signage above or adjacent to the fire blanket
detailing the correct method of use.
 A metal maintenance tag should be fixed to the fire blankets indicating the
date of the most recent service. The Australian Standard AS1851 for
maintenance states that fire blankets should be inspected and serviced
annually and after use.
 Generally one fire blanket is required in the kitchen food preparation area
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
1.3 Fire Hose Reels
Fire hose reels, where installed, may be in the open, or in a cabinet/cupboard. In
all instances access to the equipment must not be obstructed.
 Fire hose reels should be able to run out freely - either the reel swings out
or, where the reel is fixed an arm with rollers swings out to guide the hose.
 The fire hose reel nozzle should be locked into the open/close valve so
that water must be turned on prior to running out the hose. This is in
accordance with Australian Standards and the instructions on the face of
the hose reel.
 The maximum hose length is 36m.
 Where 36m of hose cannot cover all parts of the floor area, (measured
around obstructions such as machinery or shelving, doors, partitions etc),
then an additional hose reel should be installed.
1.4 Fire Hydrants - On site (Internal and external)
 External on site hydrants must be within 20 metres of hard standing and
be accessible to a fire appliance.
 Hydrants must be free of obstructions so that fire personnel can see and
access them.
 Your service provider should ensure:
o The washer is intact and the lugs move freely.
o The hydrant works effectively.
o The hydrant satisfies flow and pressure requirements.
1.5 Equipment Cupboards/Cabinets
 Suitable signage:
o “FIRE EQUIPMENT” sign must be marked on the door (where there is
more than one piece of equipment e.g. fire hose reel, extinguisher,
hydrant).
o “FIRE HOSE REEL” must be marked on the door (where the only
piece of equipment is a fire hose reel).
o Signage on the cupboard/cabinet must be a colour that provides
suitable contrast with the background.
 The cupboard/cabinet is not required to be red in colour.
 No other storage or services are permitted in the cupboard/cabinet e.g.
brooms, combustible materials, electrical (cables, power points etc)
2. Alarm Systems
Smoke alarms and suppression systems have proven themselves as life savers
many times over by providing early warning of fire and in the case of suppression
systems by also containing and/or extinguishing a fire.
Key Points and Questions
2.1 Smoke Alarms
 Is there a smoke alarm system installed? Is it battery operated or hard
wired?
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
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Your service provider should ensure:
o The system is tested and maintained in accordance with the
appropriate Australian Standards.
o The system works.
o The system checks and maintenance records are kept
2.2 Other Alarm/Suppression System
 Are there manual alarms?
 Are there thermal detectors?
 Is there a sprinkler system?
 Do these alarms/systems work in accordance with standards?
 Are these systems checked and maintained in accordance with
standards?
 Are the systems checks and maintenance records kept?
 How is the alarm raised?
 Is there a communications system e.g. Public Address?
3. Egress/Evacuation
Many premises make it difficult for occupants to escape in the event of a fire or
other emergency – doors are locked, pathways are obstructed, visibility and
signage is poor, emergency lighting is inadequate or non existent, emergency
planning is poor, emergency training is questionable and final egress is often
obstructed (internally or externally).
Key Points and Questions
3.1 Paths of Egress (paths of travel to exits)
 Exit paths should be clear and unobstructed with a clear minimum width of
one metre. This is likely to be greater in Aged Care facilities especially if
evacuation on beds is necessary.
3.2 Exit Doors
 Doors that lead to the outside must not have key locks installed on the
inside? If the exit doors require a key for escape, then the lock may be
illegal.
 Is the point of discharge clear of obstructions or potential obstructions?
e.g. car bays, rubbish bins. If not, some form of barrier may be required
e.g. bollard or kerbing. Also consider writing on the outside of such doors
‘Emergency Exit Keep Clear’.
3.3 Fire/Smoke Doors
 Where fire or smoke doors are fitted they must close fully and correctly
when tested.
 Self closing doors must close in accordance with design.
 They must not be wedged open
 They must not be penetrated or damaged
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
3.4 Bedroom Doors
 Solid core doors offer greater protection from fire than hollow core doors.
 Doors should not be wedged open.
 Doors should be clearly identified e.g. numbered. This will aid when trying
to account for residents and will also assist emergency services officers
when searching for people who require rescue.
 Doors should have door closers fitted.
o If doors are left open smoke from a smouldering fire can reach all parts
of a building and threaten the lives of occupants who are remote from
the area of fire origin, even before the fire has reached flaming stage.
o Closed doors allow valuable time for emergency evacuation. Even a
standard non-fire-rated door, when fully closed, presents an efficient
barrier to the spread of smoke and fire (to a lesser degree) through a
building resulting in reduced risk to remaining occupants and greater
chance for safe escape.
o Closers will also be valuable in the event of someone making a rapid
escape from a fire – without closers it is likely that doors will be left
open, permitting smoke spread throughout the building.
3.5 Exit Signs.
 Exit signs must be illuminated.
 Exit signs must operate correctly when tested.
 Exit signs must be readily visible to people seeking to evacuate the
building.
 Exit signs must comply with AS/NZS 2293.1
3.6 Emergency Lighting.
 Exit corridors and passageways must be illuminated sufficiently in the
event of power failure to allow people to escape without becoming
disoriented. Illumination must be at a level that will allow people, who are
unfamiliar with the premises layout, to find their way if the general power
supply fails for any reason.
 Changes in floor level (steps) or ramps must be adequately illuminated.
 The emergency lighting system should operate correctly when tested.
 Exit signs must comply with AS/NZS 2293.1.
An Emergency Lighting System may comprise of a separate and dedicated
emergency power system with separate luminaries, or a system that utilises the
existing light fittings, or a combination of both.
3.7 Evacuation plan
 An evacuation plan (floor or area plan) for each floor or area should be
posted in prominent locations throughout the premises e.g. common
areas.
 Make sure detail on the evacuation plans is in a sufficiently large font size
to ensure legibility.
 Ideally plans should be a minimum of A3 in size. The plan may incorporate
simple emergency procedures such as: how to raise the alarm and
evacuation procedures.
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
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An evacuation plan should, as a minimum:
o Detail all exits from the building
o Indicate the primary and secondary direction of travel from the "You
are Here" point.
o Be "up the right way" and oriented in such a way as to remove
confusion for the person viewing the plan i.e. if the plan indicates that
there is an exit to the right of a person viewing a plan that person
should be confident that if he/she turned to the right they would see an
exit sign and that they would be able to follow the direction of travel to
the exit.
o Include the evacuation assembly area/s. There may be a need to
include a site plan to capture the exact location/s, or to superimpose
the floor/area plan on the site plan.
o The evacuation plan should include a reminder to people that they
must not return to the building once they have evacuated.
o Not include anything other than information essential for evacuation.
The evacuation plan and standard emergency action plans are often
located adjacent to each other in paths of travel to the exits and common
rooms.
When developing the evacuation plan be cognisant of persons with
special needs e.g. disabled, people with languages other than English,
medical conditions and children etc.
3.8 Assembly Areas
 Ideally a minimum of two assembly areas should be established.
 Assembly areas should be located in areas that will not be affected by the
prevailing winds - so that those assembled will not be affected by smoke,
toxic gases etc.
 They should be located at a sufficient distance to ensure that evacuees
will not be affected by fire, debris, broken glass etc. and they will not
hinder the arriving emergency services.
 They should be indicated on the evacuation plan and/or site plan.
 They should not put residents at further risk e.g. risk of wandering off or
injury.
4. Emergency Planning
Emergency procedures as required by law, should be tested annually, as a
minimum, and should be developed in line with AS 3745 and AS 4083.
Owners/managers have both a civil and an occupational duty of care to
ensure a safe environment/work place. Staff must be suitably trained and
able to respond in the event of an emergency.
Appropriate emergency planning will remove or reduce the likelihood of the
occurrence of an event. Good prevention, preparation and response strategies
may mitigate the consequences of an event and in doing so will aid in speeding
recovery and return to normal business.
The Emergency Management Plan must be reviewed annually, after tests /
exercises and if the risks change due to the physical environment or hazards
changes.
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Note: Owners of aged care facilities are responsible for the development of the
emergency plan and associated emergency procedures and evacuation plans.
Key Points and Questions.
4.1 Emergency Procedures
 Written emergency procedures identifying the warden structure and
detailing responsibilities must be prepared. These procedures identify the
responsibilities of staff, what is expected of them and when it is expected.
 A system of accounting for people in the event of an emergency is
imperative - this may be a register - but generally this does not cover staff.
 A system for listing missing people and last known location is required.
This will aid the attending emergency services during search and rescue
efforts.
 A system of recording occurrences in the event of an emergency is
imperative for the post incident investigation, analysis and evaluation and
for Police/Coronial and internal inquiries.
 A checklist of emergency contact numbers (internal and external) is
required to raise the alarm e.g. ring "000", alert others e.g. senior
management, provide security, deal with media attention, to commence
recovery and business continuity proceedings, contact insurers etc. A
telephone tree is commonly used.
 Strategies should be developed to prevent, prepare for, respond to and
recover from emergencies.
 Strategies need to be developed to manage the health and well being of
persons with special needs e.g. people with disabilities and people with
languages other than English, medical conditions etc.
 Site plans should be developed showing assembly areas, hazardous
goods, electrical switchboards, gas shut off valves. These in conjunction
with the evacuation plans will aid the attending emergency services.
 Do staff understand the emergency procedures? Do they know what to do
in an emergency?
 Do residents understand what to do in the event of an emergency?
4.2 Emergency Action Plans
 Instructions detailing “Actions to be taken in the event of fire and other
emergencies” should be posted in prominent locations throughout the
premises in common areas such as passages, lounges.
 Emergency action plans must include an evacuation plan that includes a
reminder to people that they must not return to the building once they
have evacuated.
4.3 Fire Prevention
 Ensure cooking activities are allowed in kitchen areas only
 Disallow the improper use of candles, incense etc throughout
accommodation.
 Ensure smoking is allowed ONLY in designated areas and that butts etc
are disposed of correctly.
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
4.4 Staff Training Programme
 Staff must be aware of their responsibilities during an emergency.
 Train staff in the safe use of fire-fighting equipment.
 Staff must be aware of their responsibilities prior to an emergency e.g.
enforcing fire prevention policies and house rules, maintaining
housekeeping at a high level, practicing the emergency procedures,
involvement in exercises, informing patrons of their responsibilities prior to
and during an emergency etc.
5. Housekeeping
Good housekeeping will assist in evacuation of people, remove hazards, reduce
the likelihood of an event occurring and reduce the impact of the event.
5.1 Safe Storage
 Any dangerous goods stored on site must be stored safely in accordance
with Dangerous Goods regulations. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
should be available for such goods. Do not store more than you need.
 Ensure spare furniture/bedding and other combustible materials are stored
correctly i.e. not obstructing paths or stored under stairs.
 Ensure external gas cylinders are secured in an upright position
5.2 Tidiness
 Remove rubbish, leaf litter etc from around and under the property.
 Clear gutters of leaf litter
 Ensure an adequate clearance of combustible materials, leaf litter etc
around external gas cylinders.
 Do not allow boxes/rubbish etc to build up inside or outside the building
 External walls should be kept clear of combustible items e.g. pallets,
rubbish bins
5.3 Security
 Secure rubbish bins - rubbish bins are a common target for arsonists
 Do not place rubbish bins near windows or under eaves.
 Monitor residents and visitors for unacceptable behaviour.
 Do not lock exit doors from the inside unless there is legal agreement to
do so to safeguard resident welfare. An alternative may be to install
electronic locks that open automatically when the fire alarm operates.
 Ideally windows should not be barred as this denies egress by occupants
and entry by emergency services personnel. If they are barred they should
be able to be opened from the inside without a key.
 Other measures such as security lighting will help to reduce the
opportunity for offences such as arson.
5.4 Clear Passage/Obstructions
 Internal passages/access ways must be clear to allow obstruction free
escape/evacuation so occupants are not at risk of falling or tripping during
evacuation. Some operators store items such as mattresses, furniture and
other materials in passageways, in stairwells and under open stairways internal/external. This practice will impede escape.
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
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Do not allow storage of combustible materials, furniture etc under internal
or external staircases. A fire under stairs may impede escape and result in
persons trapped.
Ensure that firefighting equipment is accessible and unobstructed.
External pathways to the assembly area/s should be kept clear.
5.5 Rubbish Disposal
 Ensure rubbish, combustible and smoking materials are placed in
appropriate receptacles and removed at regular intervals. This will reduce
the chance of random acts of arson utilising available materials.
5.6 House Rules
 Ensure cooking activities are restricted to appropriately supervised areas
only.
 Ensure candles, incense etc are not used improperly.
 Ensure that smoking is only allowed in designated areas and that
sufficient ash trays are provided.
 Ensure wet or dry combustible items (clothing etc) are not placed on or too
close (less than one metre) to any heating device.
 Post appropriate signage with regards to house rules.
 Comply with total fire bans, when in force.
 Ensure BBQ gas cylinders are in service i.e. less than 10 years old.
 Ensure BBQ’s are in good working order i.e. no gas leaks.
 Ensure BBQ’s are turned off at the cylinder when not in use.
 All electrical/electronic equipment to be in good working condition
 All electrical/electronic equipment must be used only as intended e.g. no
piggyback double adaptors, do not run extension cords under carpets etc
6. Record Keeping
Good record keeping is essential to ensure compliance with fire/emergency
standards. It is also vital after an incident occurs and will likely be required for
internal investigations, analysis and evaluation by Fire and Emergency Services
Authority of WA and by police, the Coroner’s office, for internal investigations and
any possible legal actions.
Key Points and Questions
6.1 Fire/Emergency File
Maintain a “Fire/Emergency file” to be available for inspection by the Local
Government Authority and/or the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of WA
that incorporates:
 An Equipment Maintenance Log to record service history i.e. maintenance
dockets for fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, fire hose reels, fire blankets
and other protective equipment e.g. sprinkler systems. This log should be
available through your service provider.
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
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A calendar of events including:
o Scheduled maintenance
o Testing early warning system, testing communications - raising the
alarm, checking contact lists (internal and external), reviewing the
emergency procedures etc.
o Exercises such as trial evacuations and emergency procedures tests.
o A history of previous exercises (what was done, when it was done,
who was involved e.g. did you involve the local fire service?)
o Evidence of staff training.
Develop a package of information including site plans, evacuation plans
and register of residents, checklists and forms etc to be used during the
response phase of the emergency.
Develop a package of information for the recovery phase of an incident.
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Appendix 1
The following checklist may prove useful when conducting fire and emergency
safety inspections of your facility in line with the guidance notes.
Fire / emergency safety – self inspection checklist
Name of Premises
Address:
Tick the appropriate box. N = not compliant and requires description of fault.
1. Firefighting Equipment
1.1 Fire Extinguishers
1.2 Fire Blankets
1.3 Fire hose reels
1.4 Fire hydrants – on site
1.5 Equipment cupboards
2. Alarm Systems
2.1 Smoke alarms
2.2 Other alarm / suppression systems
3. Egress / Evacuation
3.1 Paths of egress
3.2 Exit doors
3.3 Fire / smoke doors
3.4 Bedroom door
3.5 Exit signs
3.6 Emergency lighting
3.7 Evacuation plans
3.8 Assembly areas
4. Emergency Planning
4.1 Emergency Procedures
4.2 Emergency Action Plans
4.3 Fire Prevention
4.4 Staff training program
5. Housekeeping
5.1 Safe storage
5.2 Tidiness
5.3 Security
5.4 Clear passage
5.5 Rubbish disposal
5.6 House rules
6. Record Keeping
6.1 Fire / Emergency File
Name of person conducting inspection:
Signature:
Aged Care Guidance Notes
Date of inspection:
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Appendix 2
EMERGENCY PLANNING ADVICE
HUMAN BEHAVIOUR WHEN CONFRONTED WITH DANGER
Studies show that people will behave unpredictably when threatened with
physical harm.
 A small percentage of people are not prone to panic –these people may put
themselves and others at risk as they often refuse to acknowledge the
danger.
 Some people act independently which may lead them into danger. This also
makes accounting for people difficult. They may also influence others
resulting in mass panic.
 A large proportion of people are easily influenced to panic unless they are
controlled and well led.
With good planning, training and strong leadership - irrational (panic) behaviour
can be controlled, and most people will act appropriately and will not increase the
risk to themselves or others.
HUMAN BEHAVIOUR IN SMOKE AND HEAT
Common items found in buildings give of toxic smoke and extreme heat when
burning. Temperatures in an enclosed space may reach between 100 o C at the
floor and 900o C at the ceiling.
As a fire burns oxygen is consumed and toxic gases are released. As the oxygen
is depleted any person trapped in a smoke filled environment will increasingly
suffer from the psychological and physiological effects of smoke inhalation. The
onset of these effects can be extremely rapid ie it may take only seconds to be
affected.
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Psychological effects of smoke may include:
o Irrational thinking which may prolong exposure to heat and gases
o Confusion – judgement and reasoning are impaired
o Fatigue
o Fear
o Disorientation – where and how far is the exit, which way to travel
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Physiological effects of smoke may include:
o Vision loss, decreasing to zero, due to irritant gases and denseness of the
smoke
o Irritation to severe damage to the eyes and lungs
o Coughing and nasal discharge
o Nausea and vomiting
o Impairment of muscle control
o Physical damage (burns) to the linings of the respiratory system, the eyes,
skin and digestive tract.
o Anaesthetic effect resulting in disorientation
o Altered conscious levels, decreasing to unconscious and death
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Smoke from a fire contains deadly toxic gases of which only a few are listed
below.
 Carbon Monoxide which causes reduced oxygen deprivation reducing supply
to the brain and the remainder of the body.
 Carbon Dioxide which causes the breathing rate to increase thereby causing
increased intake of other toxic gases.
 Hydrogen Sulphide affects the nervous system (causing dizziness and pain)
and the respiratory system.
 Hydrogen Chloride irritates the linings of the nose, throat and mouth.
 Nitrogen Dioxide is very poisonous and causes numbness to the throat and
lungs.
Nearly all people who die as a result of fire die from suffocation due to smoke
inhalation. This is especially so when persons are affected by alcohol or drugs or
suffer from serious illness such as heart or respiratory disease.
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES
Emergency management planning should consider the following:
 Effect of emergencies on your site on neighbouring buildings, structures
and workplaces
 Effect of emergencies at neighbouring sites on your site
 After hours activation of the plan. Is the Emergency Management Plan
available at all times i.e. normal and after hours? Does someone take it
home every day?
 Availability of emergency services e.g. volunteer (on call availability),
career (24 hour, availability)
 Availability of the person responsible for the plan. Is their somebody who
will take over in their absence and is trained to do so?
 Business continuity – consider the need to continue to deliver the vital
functions well into the future until full recovery has been established.
 Emergencies often have a very serious effect on the management of
information and very often result in major losses of records. It is necessary
to put in place an appropriate strategy for information management. This
may include off site back up of electronic data.
 Capacity and availability of the local fire and emergency services to assist.
Remember a community wide disaster will affect many buildings,
structures and workplaces and will stretch the resources of the emergency
services. The fire and emergency services may not be available to attend
due to high demand.
 Contact lists (including after hours) of specialist personnel, contractors,
service providers etc should be available and kept up to date at all times.
 Develop an exercise and drill review system that provides feedback into
the Emergency Management Plan
 Re-entry to occupants to the building after evacuation must not be allowed
until the "All Clear" is given. If the emergency services have completed
their role do not assume that it is safe to re-enter.
 Devices that give off heat such as heaters, clothes dryers, cooking
implements, office equipment such as laminators etc should be kept well
away from combustible materials and should be monitored whilst in use.
Aged Care Guidance Notes
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
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Employee assistance, critical incident stress and trauma counselling
services should be available.
Ensure hazardous materials such as paints, solvents, gas cylinders etc
are stored and handled as required by dangerous goods regulations and
common sense. Do not store any more than necessary.
Establish procedures for the safe handling and storage of flammable
liquids/gases.
Establish procedures to prevent the accumulation of combustible
materials.
Establish a preventive maintenance schedule to keep equipment
operating safely.
Housekeeping – particularly important for fire safety and to remove
opportunity for criminal activity e.g. arson.
Locate fire blankets and appropriate fire extinguishers in appropriate
places for their use.
Post event management such as emergency investigations and analysis.
Residents ‘Mobility Lists’ should be developed and include information
such as assistance / aids required, medications, O2 , next of kin,
disabilities such as hearing, sight, speech etc. a copy of this should be
kept in the fire / emergency file or for use in the recovery phase.
Risks posed by neighbouring sites such as dangerous goods. Are they a
target for civil unrest or other disturbance e.g. armed aggression, personal
conflict and acts of terror
Safeguarding records, cash and valuables
Security – personal and facility
Smoking on the premises. Most organisations have “No Smoking” policies
these days. If smoking is allowed in or around the premises ensure correct
disposal. Do not allow smoking in storage areas.
Special needs / dependency levels of residents – the greater the
vulnerability the higher the risk. Some residents may be prone to
wandering and if evacuated to the street may be at significantly increased
personal risk.
Stores and resources required to respond and recover from the effects of
an emergency.
Staff numbers required to conduct evacuation – do you have sufficient
trained staff especially at night and weekends to efficiently, effectively and
safely evacuate residents to a place of safety.
Staff training is required to ensure comprehension of emergency
procedures.
Stores and resources required to respond and recover from the effects of
an emergency.
Train employees in the use of fire extinguishers.
Welfare of the evacuees (clients and staff) immediately and into the future
should be considered in the emergency planning phase. Be aware of their
physical needs and their psychological safety. Consider post incident
management of the people in your care.
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
HINTS FOR REDUCING EXPOSURE TO RISKS
The following tips may be of use in preventing, preparing for and mitigating the
affects of workplace emergencies.
 Staff should be aware of the location of manual alarms, fire fighting
equipment (extinguishers, hose reels, fire blankets) and how to use them
 Leave fire doors CLOSED at all times. Do not prop them open. Do not
obstruct them. If they are required to be open they should close
automatically upon sounding of the alarm.
 Install and maintain hardwired smoke detectors/alarms.
 Keep corridors, evacuation paths, exits clear of obstructions.
 Do not store combustible/flammable materials near machinery or heat
causing equipment.
 Store flammables and other dangerous goods in accordance with
Dangerous Goods regulations.
 Do not smoke inside. Ensure smoking materials are disposed of safely.
 Trim or remove trees that may threaten power lines or clog gutters with
leaf litter
 Do not coil electrical extension cords, run them under carpets or hang
them with nails. Do not use electrical cords that are frayed. Ensure correct
fuses are installed Do not overload electric switches, power boards and
adaptors. Install Residual Current Devices (RCD). Ensure all electrical
equipment complies with standards and regulations. Report unsafe
electrical wiring and equipment, frayed cables, equipment emitting
excessive heat.
 Do not use appliances incorrectly e.g. don’t place heaters too close to
combustible or flammable materials, don’t leave clothes dryers on and
unattended
 Maintain a clean and tidy work environment. Ensure combustible materials
are not allowed to accumulate. Arsonists often use what they can find on
the site.
 Do not allow rubbish to build up over time – inside or outside.
 Secure rubbish bins. Do not place bins against buildings especially where
eaves may be exposed. Bins are common arson targets.
 Consider installing a fire alarm with automatic notification to the fire
service.
 Consider installing a sprinkler system, fire hydrants and fire-resistant walls
and doors, especially if renovations are planned.
 Establish preventive maintenance schedules for all systems and
equipment.
 Have at least one phone in each area that works when the PBX fails.
 Utilise a fire proof safe/room for vital records
 Establish “emergency kits” which could include a radio, torches, batteries,
candles, matches, first aid kit and coins for phones or vending machines.
 Ensure strangers/suspicious persons are monitored, reported and
challenged – what business have they on the site?
 Clearly mark all gas, electrical and other hazardous materials
shutoff/isolation valves so they are easily identified during an emergency.
Record them on your site plans for use by emergency services.
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Appendix 3
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Contents
Contents
2
Contact List
3
Types of Emergencies
4
Emergency Action Plan – Evacuation (staff responsibility)
5
Assembly Areas
5
Emergency Action Plan – Fire (staff responsibility)
6
Emergency Action Plan – Injury / illness (staff responsibility)
7
Evacuation Plan
8
Site Plan
9
Emergency Action Plan – Fire (occupant responsibility)
10
Emergency Action Plan - Evacuation (occupant responsibility)
11
Fire Equipment Service Record Sheet
12
Smoke Alarm Check Sheet
13
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Contact List
Owner
Business
Mob
Manager
After Hours
Mob
Fire Brigade
Emergency
Local Station
000
SES
State Duty Officer
Local Unit
135200
Ambulance
Emergency
Local Service
000
Police
Emergency
Non-Emergency
Local Station
000
9222 1111
Electricity
company
Emergency
Local Depot
131 351
Gas company
Emergency
131 352
Poisons Info.
Emergency
131 126
Plumber
Work
After Hours/Mob
Electrician
Work
After Hours/Mob
Insurance Agent
Work/Mob
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Types of Emergencies
Emergency situations may arise as a result of any of the following and more.
Choose the threats/hazards that you are at risk of and develop emergency
procedures to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from.

Fire

Medical Emergency

Cyclone / Severe storms

Flood

Earthquake
Conduct a risk assessment – risk x consequences for each of the hazards.
From this determine which hazards you will develop action plans for.
Threats may also include:
Hazardous materials spills / leaks – on or off site.
Bomb threat
Personal threats / acts of violence.
Storms – hail, tornadoes, strong winds, lightening etc
Civil unrest
And many others that you may consider are risks.
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Emergency action plan - Evacuation
(Staff responsibility)
Evacuation is required in an emergency if there is any danger to occupants, there
is any danger of building collapse, the situation unexpectedly changes or
communication cannot be established with the area affected by a fire/emergency.

Remove everyone from immediate danger, if it is safe to do so.

Guide all persons to the nearest safe exit.

Ensure all rooms (common and sleeping), toilets and storage areas have
been checked and evacuated
Assembly Areas
Assembly area 1
BAKER’S PARK – Opposite front gate.
Assembly area 2
ROBERT’S LANE – rear of building
NOTE
Assembly areas should be:
Known to every one
Clearly indicated
Large enough to hold everyone from the building
Clear of the properties boundaries where possible
Consideration must be made for local wind patterns
Allow for the attending Emergency Services.
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Emergency action plan - Fire
(Staff Responsibility)

Remove everyone from immediate danger, if it is safe to do so.

Raise the alarm by contacting the front desk; or
Ring 000 and provide the fire service:
 Address
 Nearest cross street
 Type of emergency
 Your name

If safe to do so, attempt to put fire out using correct extinguisher.

Advise attending Fire Service Officers of the status of evacuation and
assembly area/s, as well as the location and status of the fire.

Ensure no one re-enters the building until authorised by the Emergency
Services.
Emergency action plan – Injury / Illness
(Staff Responsibility)

Have someone remain with the injured person until help arrives.

Seek first aider to render assistance if available

DIAL “000” and advise ambulance of details of the injured person/s and
provide:






Address
Nearest cross street
Location of injured person/s
Details of injury
Your name
Meet ambulance officers and take to injured person/s.
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
SAMPLE EVACUATION PLANS
Assembly Area 2
Assembly Area
1
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Assembly Area 2
Assembly Area 1
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Site Plan
Provide a copy of your site plan especially when the site has more than one
building.
Ensure the assembly areas are marked on the plan.
Ensure all other necessary information is marked on the plan e.g. gas, electricity
and sprinkler shut off locations.
Assembly Area 2
Smith Street
Administration
Residential Block A
Residential
Block B
Assembly Area 1
Electricity Isolation
Gas Isolation
Hydrant
Dangerous Goods
NOTE:
Site and floor/area plans are extremely valuable for the emergency
services and should be made available upon their arrival.
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December 2006 Updated January 2011
Fire and Emergency Services Authority of W A
Emergency action plan – Fire
(Occupants responsibility)
If YOU discover smoke or fire:
1. Remove anyone from DANGER
2. Confine if possible, by closing the door.
3.
Raise the ALARM, use break glass alarm if available.
4.
Move to the nearest safe exit, then to the assembly area.
5.
Follow staff instructions
6.
Remain at the assembly area.
7. Do not re-enter the premises until told it is safe to do so by the management.
Emergency action plan - Evacuation
(Occupants responsibility)
On hearing the alarm (Beeping or Voice)
1. Leave your location immediately, closing the door behind you.
2. Escape via the nearest, safe exit to the assembly area.
3. Follow staff instructions.
4. Remain at the assembly area.
5. Do not re-enter the premises until told it is safe to do so by the management.
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December 2006 Updated January 2011