Emergency procedures and first aid

Pages53-56
53
14. Emergency procedures and first aid
14.1. Emergency procedures
14.1.1. Arrangements should be made to deal at all times, and in accordance with
any requirements laid down by the competent authority or as advised by the assessment
of risks, with emergencies and accidents which might arise from the use of hazardous
chemicals at work.
14.1.2. These arrangements, including the procedures to be followed, should be
kept up to date in the light of new information such as that provided in chemical safety
data sheets, experience with the chemicals and any changes in the work activity.
14.1.3. Workers should be trained in the relevant procedures. These should
describe:
(a) arrangements for raising the alarm;
(b) arrangements for calling for appropriate emergency assistance, whether in plant or
off site, e.g. fire-fighting services in the event of a fire and emergency medical
services;
(c) the use of appropriate personal protection and its limitations;
(d) the evacuation of the work area, premises or establishment and the location of
emergency exits and escape routes;
(e) action to minimise the incident, e.g. tackling the fire, controlling leaks and spills,
emergency shut-down, removal of portable pressure vessels in case of fire, and
action specifically prohibited if persons are put at risk;
(f) the evacuation of nearby premises.
14.1.4. In some cases it will be necessary to provide for emergency procedures in
the event of a foreseeable incident from adjacent work activities or adjacent
establishments, which may affect safety during the use of chemicals. Examples might
include arrangements:
(a) to cool vessels or other containers from overpressurisation in the event of a fire
nearby;
(b) to stop processes and leave plant and equipment in a safe condition in the event of
a chemical release from an adjacent plant or site.
14.1.5. Where an incident may affect people or property outside the establishment
in which the work activity takes place, appropriate procedures should be developed in
consultation with the national authorities or services that may have relevant
responsibilities, e.g. external emergency services and local authorities. Guidelines on
preparing an emergency response plan in the event of such an incident can be found in

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT