EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANING
IDENTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
BY SHAHBAZ ALI (HSSE SPECIALIST)
With ever increasing technological advancements, the potential for risks and hazards have been substantially minimized in the recent years. However to a flip side, whether it’s a mass scale manufacturing facility or a service business down the block; the potency for unforeseen events to occur is considered to be on top of the list when it comes to establishing precautionary measures.
These” unforeseen events” generally categorized as emergency situation(s) tend to emanate not just with in the work environment but also from the outside e.g a flood, territorial rains, typhoons, cyclones, earth quakes etc.
While these emergency situations transpire naturally, yet the potential for harm or damage from these is as equally impactful if not greater as the emergency situations that tend to occur due to human error or equipment malfunction such as oil leakages, spills, fires, toxic gas releases etc. Most notably ; owing to the volatile nature of security and unvarying geo political metastasis , vast number of companies around the globe now deem potential terrorist/ mob attacks and bomb threats as imperative emergency situations.
“According to ironhide consultants (pvt) ltd https://www.ihc.com.pk : emergency response plan(ERP) and the role of emergency response team (ERT play the most fundamental role when it comes down to responding , mitigating and preventing potential environmental, health & safety incidents and emergencies. ironhide consultants (Pvt) ltd from their impeccable role towards providing top notch emergency response services to various industries and vast exposure; state that emergency response plans (ERPs), respective emergency teams(ERT’s), emergency combat equipment(ECE’s) and mock exercises have become fundamental part of almost all conscientious companies.“
Emergency Response Plan(S) provide relevant information, procedural steps and responsibilities to combat the emergency situations and the identification of persons to take charge in case of emergency. Some of its features include responsibilities, authorities and duties of personnel with specific roles during The emergency, such as fire wardens, first aid staff, toxic spillage specialists (if needed) etc. Availability of necessary information during the emergencies such as plant layout drawings, hazardous materials data, relevant procedures, standard work practices and emergency contact phone numbers etc all are incorporated in an ERP.
Similarly Emergency Response Teams With Their Responsibilities Remain Available With Their Back Up In Case Of Emergencies. On Declaration Of An Emergency, These Emergency Response Teams Come Into Action Immediately. The Personnel In These Teams Are Present On Round The Clock (Shift Duties) And Immediately Response To The Emergency Situations. From Overall Supervision And Coordination For Control Of All Emergencies To Fire Fighting And Providing Medical Assistance Are Few Of The Key Responsibilities Of The These Teams
Lastly Schedule Mock Drills And Respective Trainings Aim To Ensure Capabilities, Effectiveness And Completeness Of Emergency Response Procedures. Where Required, Participation Of External Agencies Is Also Ensured To Comprehend The External Assistance Capabilities And Overall Response Time In Such Situations.