Every organisation is required to provide a safe environment for workers and visitors. This includes the prevention and management of emergencies in the workplace. As such, emergency management planning is an integral part of every business’s work health and safety.
The Australian Standard 3745 serves as the basis for managing emergency procedures in the workplace. The standard is used as the benchmark for developing compliant and effective emergency management programs and provides a framework for emergency planning.
Requirements of the Australian Standard for Emergency Planning
The standard requires organisations to have the following in place:
1. Emergency planning committee (EPC)
The emergency planning committee is responsible for the documentation and maintenance of an emergency plan. You should ensure the EPC has adequate resources to enable the development and implementation of the emergency plan.
As per the current standard, the EPC should have at least two members and must take responsibility for the development, implementation and maintenance of the emergency plan, emergency response procedures and related training.
2. Emergency control organisation (ECO)
The emergency control organisation is composed of individuals appointed by the emergency planning committee to direct and control the implementation of the facility’s emergency response procedures.
3. Emergency Management Plan
The Australian standard 3745 advocates for an ideal emergency plan structure that includes information on the purpose and structure of the EPC. The emergency plan should also document the systems, strategies and procedures relating to the response and management of emergencies.
Employers and facility owners are required in collaboration with the EPC to determine the potential emergencies and the specific emergency responses within the emergency plan.
Regardless of your facility’s size and complexity, continual efforts are needed to ensure that you have effective emergency management. Although the Australian Standard is not legally binding, organisations are encouraged to update their practices and training procedures to comply with the guideline.
Find out about our Fire & Emergency Training
At Recovery Partners, we can help you design an emergency plan that works best for your needs and one that is compliant with the Australian Standard AS 3745-2010. Our services are available in multiple locations nationwide.
Our services are available nationwide. For more information about our services contact us.
Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au
Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/