External Emergency (Code Brown)
These guidelines are intended to provide information for staff, students and contractors in the event of an External Emergency.
An external disaster is any occurrence including fire, flood, tempest, earthquake, accident, epidemic of human, animal or plant disease, hostilities directed by any enemy against Australia that:
- Causes, or threatens to cause, loss of life or inury; and/or
- is of such a natrue or magnitude that extra ordinary measures are required in order to protect life.
(For example a major chemical spill on North Terrace, Offender with a gun in Uni SA)
On Receiving Notice of an External Disaster
Security Office/Supervisor
- Notify Manager, Security Services.
- Brief Patrols, and request they standby for further information.
- Contact Emergency Communications to confirm the situation.
Manager, Security Services
- Assess the seriousness and relevance of the threat to human safety, and the proximity of the hazards whichmay be relevant to the situation.
- Contact Manager, Campus Services and Emergency Director.
- Determine appropriate course of action:
- Stand by
- Evacuation
- Lock down
- Follow the directions of the Emergency Director/Emergency Services
Evacuation
- Evacuate the bulding/areas in accordance with Evacuation Procedures (Code Orange)
Stand-by
- Await further updates from Emergency Services
Lock-Down
- Lock-down building/areas in accordance with Lock Down Procedures (Code Black)
General Guidance Notes
Earthquake
- Tremor
- Remain indoors
- Take cover under tables or desks, or go to a structurally strong location such as a hall by a pillar.
- Beware of falling objects
- Stay away from windows
When Shaking stops
- Assess the situation.
- Check persons in your immediate area.
- Render first aid assistance if required.
- Check for hazards (eg leaks, spills).
- Turn off ignition and heat sources if it is safe to do so.
- Shut off all gas sources.
- Exit the building if possible and proceed to predetermined assembly areas.
- Report any injuries, damage and potentially hazardous conditions to the Chief Warden/Security.
- Do not re-enter the building until given the "All Clear".
- Terrorist Activity
- Every incident is diffenent. There may or may not be warning.
- The warning or notification of a potential terrorist act could come from a number of sources (eg Local, State, Federal law enforcement agencies).
- Follow the directions of all the Emergency Services or enforcement agency.
What is a terrorist act?
- In accordance with the Security Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2002, a terrorist act is defined to mean "an action or threat of action of certain kinds where the action is done or the threat is made with the intention of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause and the action is done or the threat is made with the intention of coercing or influencing by intimidation the Government of the Commonwealth, or a State, Territory, or Foreign Country or part thereof, or intimidating the public or a section of the public".
- The action falls within the definition of a terrorist act, if, in addition to meeting the above requirements, it causes serious harm, that is physical harm, to a person, or causes serious damage to property, or causes a person's death, or endangers a person's life, other than the life of the person taking the action, or creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public, or seriously interferes with, seriously disrupts, or destroys an electronic system.
What 'weapons' are used by terrorist groups?
- In the context of "Terror related" emergency events, some examples include use of:
- An explosive device,
- biological agents;
- chemical agents;
- radioactive agents;
- cyber-terrorism;
- firearms and other dangerous weapons or means of transport including vehicles, vessels or aircraft.
Collectively they are potentially weapons of mass destruction.
To reduce the risk of terrorist activities within the Univeristy
- Report anyone behaving suspiciously, videotaping or photographing buildings restricted areas or other areas identified as "high risk".
- Report any suspicious vehicles or behaviour around vehicles near significant buldings or in busy public areas.
- Report any person where you believe they may have a false identity.
- Report if anyone has been asking detailed questions about security procedures. Be cognizant of surroundings.
- Secure areas at risk when they are not occupied.
- protect critical infrastructure information systems from electronic attacks of cyber-terrorism.
- Keep ventilation systems secure with access only by authorised personnel.
IF IN DOUBT CONTACT CAMPUS SECURITY ON (830) 35444
Guidelines for the management of a potential Chemical, Biological or Rediological (CBR) Incident.
Chemical
- Agent types include nerve, blister, blood, choking, irritation.
- May be a solid, liquid or gas and, in some gasses may be odourless colourless and tasteless.
- Agents may be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin.
- Effects may be immediately felt or delayed. The agent may produce incapacitation, serious injury or death.
If you have been exposed
- Hold your breath.
- Move away from the areas.
- Alert others in the immediate area.
- Isolate the area (if possible) eg place towels or other fabric items under the door.
- Seek medical assistance (0) 000 as soon as possible and follow their instructions
- If you think you have droplets on yoru clothing or skin - remove outer clothing and wash exposed skin with cold water.
- Contact Security giving exact location as soon as possible.
Other precautions
- Turn off fume hoods, range hoods, air handlers, and all air conditioners.
- Seal off vents, grills or other openings to the outside.
- Do not use lifts (unless authorised).
Radiological
- Radiation exposure can affect the body in a number of ways, and the adverse health effects of exposure may not be apparent for many years. Health effects range from mild to death, depending on the amount absorbed by the body (the dose), the type of radiation, the route of exposure the length of time a person was exposed.
- Possible terrorist events could involve:
- introducing radioactive material into the food or water supply,
- using explosive to scatter the radioactive materials or exploding a small nuclear device.
Protective action may include:
- Evacuation to a safer location (follow directions of Security/Emergency Services).
If you believe you have been exposed
- Alert others,
- notify campus security,
- seek medical treatment - dial (0) 000.
Biological
- Alert types include Bacteria (eg Anthrax), Virus or Toxin.
- Normally ingested or inhaled.
- May be disseminated or transmitted easily from person-to-person
If you believe you have been exposed
- Do not dusturb the item.
- If spilt, do not try to clean it up or brush it from clothing.
- Cover the package/spill if possible (eg with a large garbage bin) to inhibit dispersal.
- Contact police then Campus Security.
- Advise other people to remain in the area.
- Prevent other people from entering the area.
- Stay where you are - help will come to you.
On being advised of an Emergency incident the Emergency Services will:
- Assess the situation.
- Set up a staging area and work with the other Emergency Services.
- Determine how many people have been exposed.
- Secure the scene.
- Commence set up of the decontamination process.
- water shower,
- decontamination corridor.
- Arrange area for shelter.
- Brief those who reqire decontamination.
- Advise health care/hospitals.
Bushfire Warning Messages
There asre two types of message:
- A Bushfire Information message;
- A Bushfire Warning Message.
These Messages are Broadcast over the Radio on ABC Radio and 5AA
For further information you may call the CFS Bushfire Hotline on 1300 362 361. Information is also available on the CFS Website www.cfs.org.au
The messages will be very simple and will advise the community of what actions they should take.
Bushfire Information Message
- Issued to provide information about a bushfire which is burning out of control and has the potential to threaten the safety of the public;
- this information message may give details of road closures, drifting smoke which may affect an area;
- these messages will be updated as information changes.
Bushfire Warning Message
- This is the highest level of warning to all South Australians and is issued where:
- A wide area of the community may be impacted;
- a major bushfire is burning out of control;
- risk of loss of life or damage to property is almost certain or has occured.
- As this message is given it will be accompanied by the use of the Standard Emergency Warning Signal - an audible siren like sound.
CHIEF WARDEN
- Assess the seriousness and relevance of the "Bushfire Information Message" or other bushfire information received, to human safety, and the proximity of the fire, given available information which may be relevant to the situation.
- Contact the CFS Bushfire Hotline on 1300 362 361
- Refer CFS Website www.cfs.org.au
- If available tune battery operated radio to ABC or 5AA.
- EVACUATION (If considred necessary at this stage)
- STAND BY
- Advise wardens of the situation
- Consider lock-down or shelter-in-place options if applicable
- Evacuate the building in accordance with Evacuation procedures (if necessary)
- Await further updates from Emergency Service
WARDENS/STAFF
Follow the instructions of the Chief Warden, Security or Emergency Services.
GENERAL
It should be noted that an emergency may require partial or total evacuation of the building. The objective of an Evacuation Procedure is to ensure occupants are able to evacuate safely and rapidly in an emergency if necessary.
Where time allows and an alarm is not automatically activated (ie in a Fire Alarm), the Chief Warden will conduct an assessment in conjunction with Security/Emergency Services/Incident Response Team to ascertain the safest path of egress and location of the assembly area and advise occupants accordingly via PA, runner, email, phone as applicable.
The University has developed policies and guidelines to assist manage potential risks and minimise the impact.
- Risk Management (AS/NZS 4360)
- Preparation for Evacuation
- Evacuation Procedure(Staff, Students, Contractors, occupants)
Risk Management (AS/NZS 4360)
| Hazard Identification |
|---|
A Source of potential harm or a situation with a potential to cause loss. |
|
| Risk Assessment | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Likelihood | Consequences | ||||
| Negligible Injury | First Aid Injury | Minor Injury | Major Injury | Fatality | |
| Very Likely | High | High | Extreme | Extreme | Extreme |
| Likely | Moderate | High | High | Extreme |
Extreme |
| Possible | Low | Moderate | High | Extreme |
Extreme |
| Unlikely | Low | Low | Moderate | High |
Extreme |
| Highly Unlikely | Low | Low | Moderate | High | High |
| Risk Controls |
|---|
Implementation of policies, standards, procedures and physical changes to eliminate or minimize adverse risks |
Engineering
Administration and Training
|
Preparation for Evacuation
As part of your induction, and as a minimum you will be provided with information on the following :
- Employees’ responsibilities
- Reporting emergencies
- Reacting safely to emergency signals
- Evacuating from endangered areas
- Emergencies that may occur
- The roles and responsibilities of Wardens
- The name(s) of your Wardens
- The location of emergency exits in your building
- The location of any break glass fire alarms (manual call points) in your area (if applicable)
- The location of fire extinguishers (Note – to be used only if safe and you have been trained to do so)
- The location of your designated Assembly Area
The University also arranges for Emergency Evacuation Exercises to familiarise Wardens and staff with their roles and the evacuation procedures.
If you require any additional information on any of the above, contact your Manager.
Evacuation Procedure(Staff, Students, Contractors, Occupants)
On hearing the evacuation signal :
(eg fire alarm, or evacuation tone whoop…whoop…., or verbal advice from the Chief Warden/Warden
- Follow the instructions of the Warden or information over the PA system
- Cease activities
- Secure your area (eg any activity or process that may become hazardous or suffer damage if left unattended as a consequence of evacuation)
- Save data and shut down computers
- Take personal belongings (eg handbags, car keys) as re-occupation may not be possible in the short-term
- Assist any person in immediate danger, but only if safe to do so
- Proceed to the designated assembly area - Do not use the lifts
- Await further instructions from the Chief Warden/Warden/Security/Emergency Services
- Do not re-enter until given the “All Clear”
- Follow the instructions of relevant Emergency Services personnel
Note : Where resources are limited, staff may be requested by Emergency Control personnel to assist with the general evacuation of the area or provide assistance at the Assembly Area.
Evacutating Persons with a Disability
Prior to an emergency, the Wardens will as far as practical, be aware of any staff working in, or students who come into the building who have a disability. Evacuation strategies should be discussed with the individuals concerned.
During an emergency evacuation, the Warden (or a nominated person) will assist and support a person with a disability until the arrival of the Emergency Services. The presence of an ECO member dispels any impression of abandonment.
The Warden will advise the Chief Warden of any need for assistance, and the Chief Warden will ensure that Emergency Response personnel are aware of the situation and the location of the disabled person and their carer.
Note : Those incapable of using the stairs should be evacuated under the control of the attending emergency services.
If you have a disability or any concerns re your ability to evacuate, please discuss your concerns with your Manager.
Disabilities may relate to physical, intellectual, visual or auditory, temporary or permanent.
Evacuation Routes
The University provides adequate emergency lighting and signage to assist occupants evacuate in an emergency.
Additional directional signs are also installed where an exit is not readily apparent. Exit signs are clearly visible to occupants approaching the exit and located above or adjacent to the specified exits and doors.
Exit signs will lead occupants to an open space.
The Chief Warden may need to assess the safest path of egress with regard to the proximity of the hazard.
Follow their instruction to ensure evacuation is not via or to the area in danger.
Stages in Evacuation
Depending on the nature of the emergency, evacuation may be conducted in stages.
The Warden will advise the Chief Warden when each stage is complete.
You may be required to assemble at a “Safe Place” which is not under threat from an emergency, before proceeding to another designated area.
For example :
Stage 1 = Removal of people from the immediate danger area (eg the room)
Stage 2 = Removal to a safer area eg adjoining area on the same level, or to a safer level
Stage 3 = Complete evacuation of a building to the external assembly area
Order of Evacuation
To assist with evacuation, occupants are generally evacuated in the following order :
- Ambulant – people able to walk unaided
- Semi-ambulant – people requiring assistance
- Non-ambulant – people who have to be physically moved or carried
Evacuation Assembly Areas
Each building has a designated Assembly Area. The location is noted on the Evacuation Posters displayed in all buildings.
Accounting for People
In an evacuation the ECO personnel will ensure that their area of responsibility is clear of all occupants, by conducting a systematic sweep. eg room by room. The Warden will provide a report of the result of the check to the Chief Warden.
This function is of greater importance than a physical count of those evacuated, as the University can never be sure of how many people are in a given area at any given time.
However, depending on the nature of the emergency, a register of those evacuated may be required once occupants reach the Assembly Area.
Multiple Building Evacuations
Should an emergency require the evacuation of a number of buildings, or the entire site, the University may divide the site into sectors to assist in the evacuation process.
The Emergency Control Organisations in each building will co-ordinate the evacuation, under instructions from the Incident Management Task Group.
A designated assembly area (or areas) will be determined by the Incident Management Task Group, which may be on or off site depending on the location and nature of the emergency.
Re-Occupation
The Emergency Services advise when it is safe to re-enter the building.
The Chief Warden will contact Wardens.
Before re-entry the Chief Warden will arrange for Wardens to check secure repositories to ensure that they have not been tampered with, whilst unattended.
If evidence of tampering is found, contact the Security Office.
Should Re-Occupation Not be Possible
Cancelling University activities prior to commencement
This means notifying students, faculty, staff, transportation and facilities managers that the University will not be open for business on a specific day. This option is available whenever University buildings are unoccupied and the time of day allows sufficient time for notifications.
- The Emergency Director, with the concurrence of the Vice-Chancellor, will notify the relevant Heads of Department that normal University operations are to be cancelled or that reporting times have been changed
- The Emergency Director will notify the University’s media liaison officer who will pass on the necessary details to the local media for release if required
- All students, faculty and staff should monitor local radio and television stations for announcements.
- The Department Head is responsible for co-ordinating cancellations in their area
Early dismissal
Early dismissal refers to releasing students, faculty and staff prior to normal dismissal times. This option assumes there is a need to clear buildings while normal university operations are in progress. Early dismissal should only be used when it is safe to do so. Students, faculty and staff should not be released if they will be exposed to more danger by leaving University facilities than they would if they remained under the University’s control.
Procedures are as follows:
- The Emergency Director, with the concurrence of the Vice-Chancellor, will notify the relevant Heads of Department of the early dismissal arrangements
- The Emergency Director will notify the University’s Media Liaison Officer who will pass on the necessary details to the local media for release if required
- As far as practicable, a 100% accounting of students and staff will be completed and verified immediately preceding the dismissal
