Emergency Preparedness
Core requirements
- Emergency preparedness starts with a risk-based plan covering fire, chemical release, medical emergency, severe weather, violence and utility failure.
- The plan names roles, alarms, escape routes, assembly points, shutdown procedures, first-aid arrangements and external contacts.
- Workers need training and drills. Drills test alarms, evacuation, roll call and communication; they are not just paperwork.
- Equipment such as fire extinguishers, spill kits, emergency lighting and first-aid supplies must be available, inspected and maintained.
- Review the plan after drills, incidents, building changes or new processes.
Worked example
A solvent spill occurs in a workshop. The plan requires stopping work, isolating ignition sources, evacuating non-essential staff, using the spill kit only by trained staff and calling the emergency contact. The incident is logged and the spill kit is restocked. If the release meets a reportable threshold, DOSHS notification is considered.
Traps that cost marks
Having a plan that has never been practiced; blocked escape routes; no roll call; no review after a drill; assuming external services will handle everything.
Exam focus
Show a cycle of plan, equip, train, drill and review. In scenarios, identify immediate life-safety actions before property protection.