It should be the policy of an organization to take all rational and practicable steps to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and to protect all other persons against hazards to safety and health under their premises and its activities. The Safety awareness among individuals in an organization and realistic emergency procedures should be strictly in place to safeguard against accidents and injuries. But when your Emergency arrangement is not yet well structured or there is no such arrangement in your organization at all, at least you or your superior must be able to react efficiently at your own level and capabilities to evacuate others away from danger. That is why it is very important to assign a responsible person in case an emergency arises. Herein you will find the general procedures on an emergency and how to evacuate safely from your building premises to a safe area:
1. Immediately upon hearing the fire alarm or an announcement to evacuate, all personnel shall do so calmly. On your way out, turn off lights and all electrical equipment and proceed to your designated assembly points; or to an area clear from walls, buildings and other dangers in case you do not have this arrangement.
2. A responsible person shall let their subordinates to form two lines (only when dealing with a huge crowd or evacuating from narrow corridors) inside the premises and prepare to move out. Unless they receive contrary instructions, they shall lead towards the exits until they reach the assembly point.
3. Everybody shall walk briskly but do not run, push nor attempt to overtake one another. The responsible person shall call the roll to account for individuals under their look-out. Should there be anybody missing, the responsible person shall immediately inform authorities so that actions can be made.
4. Do not let anybody to re-enter the building unless it has been secured and confirmed that it is clear and out of danger.
Emergencies are unpredictable. So be prepared when it happen.
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