Emergency plans

It is a legal requirement that all workplaces have an emergency plan.

No one can predict when an emergency is going to take place. Emergency situations may arise due to a fire, explosion, chemical spill, medical emergency, natural disaster, bomb threat or violence. Your plans will help staff and visitors in any type of emergency.

Display emergency procedures in a prominent place and make sure your workers know how to implement them.

Use this medical emergency plan poster to help emergency services access an injured worker quickly and easily.

Developing an emergency plan

Specific laws outline the steps you are required to follow when developing your emergency plan.

Your emergency plan must be an effective response to any emergency. It must include:

  • evacuation methods
  • notifying emergency services at the earliest opportunity
  • medical treatment and assistance
  • effective communication with everyone at the workplace
  • how often the emergency procedures are to be tested
  • instruction and training about implementing the emergency procedures.

Emergency plans and procedures depend on:

  • the type of work
  • the safety issues
  • the size and location of your workplace
  • the number of workers.

If you share a workplace with other businesses, for example in a shopping centre or on a construction site, you need to consult with those businesses when preparing your emergency plan.

Review procedures

You must test emergency procedures regularly to ensure they are up-to-date and effective.

For more information about preparing emergency plans and procedures, see the Code of practice for managing the work environment and facilities.

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