EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Evolution Industries, Inc.

January 2012

Overview

There are 4 sections included in this module:Fire extinguishers – types and useFire – what do to in case of fire in our

buildingEvacuation – when to make the decision to

evacuate due to fireExternal emergency – procedure for an

event that occurs outside of our building

Fire extinguishers

Fire Types:A – fires in paper, cloth, wood, and many

plasticsB – fires in oils, gasoline, grease, and

solventsC – electrical firesD – powders, shavings, or flakes of metalsK – fires from combustible cooking fluids

Fire extinguishers

Extinguisher types:Water - fights A firesCO2 or dry chemical – fights B firesDry chemical – fights C firesMultipurpose – fights A, B, and C firesDry powder – fights type D firesWet chemical– fights K type fires

Fire extinguishers

All fire extinguishers at Evolution are ABC extinguishers.

This means that they are able to be used against fires of common combustibles, electrical fires, and flammable liquids.

Fire extinguishers

PASS technique:Pull – pull the pin on the fire extinguisherAim – Aim low, pointing at the base of the

fireSqueeze – Squeeze the handle to release

the extinguishing agentSweep – Sweep from side to side at the

base of the fire until it is out

Fire

This is the most common type of emergency encountered at small businesses.

Employees must be trained to fight a small fire and/or simply evacuate.

Fire

Employees should attempt only to fight very small fires.

Consider the following questions:Is the fire limited to original materials or

contained in a small area?Is the air safe to breathe?Is the environment clear of excessive

smoke?Is there a safe path to evacuate?

Fire

If the answer to all of the previous questions is “yes”, then trained employees are empowered to extinguish the fire.

Fire

Should you be the first to notice a small fire:Call 9-1-1 or activate the alarm if

appropriateIdentify a safe path to evacuateGrab the nearest fire extinguisherDischarge the fire extinguisher using the

PASS techniqueEvacuate immediately if the fire is not outEvacuate immediately if the fire gets bigger

Fire

If you have any doubt about your ability to extinguish the fire, evacuate immediately

Note: Never use water on an electrical fire or on a liquid (such as oil) fire

Fire

Be prepared. Know where the nearest fire extinguisher to your work area is located.

Be prepared. Know where the closest exit to your work area is located.

Be prepared. Know how to alert fellow employees in the event of a fire.

Evacuation

In the event of a fire or other emergency, it may be necessary to evacuate the building

Evacuation routes are posted in all work areas

Evacuation

Certain fires should not be fought with a fire extinguisher.

Consider the following questions:Has the fire spread over 60 sq. ft.?Is the fire partially hidden or cannot be

reached from a standing position?Is the air smoky and visibility low?Is it impossible to approach within 15 feet of

the fire due to heat?

Evacuation

If the answers to any of the preceding questions is “yes”, then you must immediately evacuate the building.

Evacuation

Alert fellow staff of emergency Call 9-1-1 if necessary Proceed to the closest available exit Meet at the designated rally point so that

all employees can be counted

Evacuation

The designated rally point after evacuation is at the SW corner of our building complex, near Conway Road.

If this is not available, the secondary meeting place is at the SE corner of Conway Road and Judge Road.

It is required that you meet at the rally point following any evacuation!

External emergencies

It is possible that Evolution employees will have to mobilize based on circumstances outside of our walls:Inclement weather including tornado or

hurricaneChemical spill or other industrial emergency

at another facility Airport emergency such as plane crash Civil disturbance

External emergencies

In these cases we will likely be alerted by local police, fire, or news media that there is an incident

A member of the management team will make a decision to evacuate the building if it is safe to do so, or have employees meet in a safe room for protection

External emergencies

Safe room characteristics:Minimal doors and windows Located on the 1st floor of the buildingAway from external walls of the building

External emergencies If advised to move to a safe room due to

inclement weather, do so immediately. Employees will remain there until it is safe to exit

If advised to move to a safe room due to chemical, radiation, or biological hazards, do so immediately. Further precautions may be taken to “shelter in place.” These instructions can be found in the Evolution Safety Manual.

References

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/portable_required.html

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/portable_relation.html