EARTHQUAKE SAFETY IN THE WORK PLACE

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY IN THE WORK PLACE

All companies have an obligation to their employees to maintain a disaster plan. An

Emergency evacuation area must be designed, a nearby safe area, preferably outdoor,

Where workers can get together after a fire or earthquake. It should be out in the open

Away from buildings or power lines. If there is no open space nearby, designate some

Other safe place.

Set up a procedure to account for all employees. If there is a register assign someone to

Take this with them when evacuating the building.

Identify evacuation routes and alternate routes, and keep them clear of any obstructions.

Plan assistance for people with disabilities, employees, and people who maybe visiting

and conduct drills.

Assign and train teams of employees to handle basic first aid, search and rescue, fire

Response, evacuation, damage assessment, and security. Train all employees in

Earthquake preparedness and identify safe places at work. Appoint and train wardens to

Take leadership in emergencies. Conduct regular evacuation drills.

HAZARD HUNT

Office hazards include:

1. Tall Shelves

2. Bookshelves

3. Tall, Heavy Lamps

4. Hanging Plants

5. Heavy Objects on Walls

6. Windows, Air Conditioners / PA Systems

7. Light Fixtures

8. Desks by Windows, etc.

9. Heavy Pictures

10. Gas Stoves

11. Unsecured TV, typewriters, computers. Attach these items to their stands

1.       With industrial strength Velcro

2.       B. By bolting them to the stand

3.       C. Using a detachable leash attached to the wall

4.       D. Tie down with bicycle or bungee elastic card.

12. File cabinets – These will tip over unless they are bolted to the floor. Bolting them

Together also increase their stability. Be sure the drawers can lock when they are

Closed, because if a drawer slides open during an earthquake it can injure Someone.

13. Ceiling Partions

14. Signs

15. Fans

16. Water Tanks – on roof can affect the load bearing capacity of the roof causing it to fail.

17. Satellite dish (older version).

EARTHQUAKE DRILLS

In order that your staff knows how to respond during an earthquake, it is essential that

they practice these procedures by conducting earthquake drills until they are second

nature.

There are six (6) components to an Earthquake Drill.

• 1.       Alarm
• 2.       Response
• 3.       Evacuation
• 4.       Assembly
• 5.       Head Count or Roll Call
• 6.       The Evaluation.

1.  

ALARM

During the alarm stage, those involved in the drill are alerted by a loud warning device.

such as a bell or buzzer. This must be a pre-arranged signal known by everyone, so that

all will respond appropriately.

RESPONSE

During the response phase, everyone heads for cover. Persons get under a heavy desk,

table, chair, bed or under a door jamb. Make sure you move away from windows, glass or

light fixtures. If there is not cover available, crouch and try to protect your head.

EVACUATION

After remaining in your respective safe-place until the shaking has stopped, persons

should then evacuate the building. The evacuation proceeds through pre-determined safe

routes and evacuees gather outside in a safe area away from buildings, fences, walls,

electricity poles, bridges and trees.

ASSEMBLY

At the assembly point, the evacuees are grouped in order of classrooms, departments or

floors – whichever is more convenient to facilitate the next step, which is roll call.

ROLL CALL

During the roll call, teachers, floor wardens, or others designated before-hand determine

if everyone is present. In the event of a real earthquake, a search and rescue team would

have to be dispatched to look for those missing.

EVALUATION

After the roll call, there should be an evaluation where the institution identifies snags in

the drill, problem areas, or potential problem areas.

Remember that only by practicing will occupants of a building be reasonably sure that in

the event of a serious earthquake they will be able to respond appropriately.