Include instructions for how emergency situations should be communicated to the occupants of the building. If applicable, ensure that instructions for using the building PA system or fire alarms are provided. Include specific instructions for different potential emergency situations. There are various types of emergency situations and each may require different instructions. For example, a fire may require evacuating the building, but a tornado will likely require moving to a safe location within the building. Ensure that there are instructions for as many potential emergency situations as possible and include them with the posted information.

Maps should be posted around the facility to show the locations of the nearest exits. Include all levels of the building, if applicable. “You Are Here” points, specific to each map location, may help make it easier for facility personnel to determine the nearest exit more quickly. This may even include a drawn path to the nearest exit, also specific to each map location. Posted maps can also include the locations of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations for emergencies that may not require immediate evacuation. Also include safe places within the facility for situations that require staying inside.

Evacuation procedures

Emergency evacuation procedures should begin with notification. This can be done either by an announcement over a PA system or passed on by word-of-mouth. The nature and location of the emergency, and the meeting point outside of the building should be clearly communicated.

With some exemption of ERT members, everyone should immediately exit the building and gather at the specified meeting point. Be sure that outside emergency responders, such as the fire department, are called during or immediately after the evacuation process. Inform neighboring businesses and residents if there is any chance that they may be in danger.

At least one member of the ERT should be assigned to the designated meeting area. Duties of this member should include conducting a head count after the evacuation is complete and relocating the group if conditions become dangerous for the current area.

A large facility may want to require guests (anyone who is not employed by the company) to sign in and out at the front desk to ensure that everyone is accounted for in case of an emergency. Guests may include customers, contractors, delivery drivers, or students of an I-CAR class that is being held at the facility.

Maintenance

Maintaining an emergency evacuation plan is just as important as creating one. The assigned ERT should meet occasionally to review these plans to ensure that everyone remembers what should be done should an emergency occur. Company fire drills should also be done to ensure that all employees know how to quickly exit the building during an emergency.

Conclusion

Considering all the hazardous materials most collision repair facilities work with on a daily basis, it is not hard to understand that having an emergency evacuation plan is important. Having a plan and a designated ERT will help ensure that evacuation procedures are conveyed and followed properly. Occasional review of the evacuation procedures and conducting fire drills will help ensure employees make it out of the building should an emergency situation occur.

This Advantage Online article first appeared in the I-CAR e-newsletter, which is published and distributed free of charge. To learn more about I-CAR, and to subscribe to the free e-newsletter, visit http://www.i-car.com or contact I-CAR Supervisor or Marketing Communications Brandon Eckenrode at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it