EMERGENCIES

Building emergencies may arise at any time. They can develop from a number of causes including fire, chemical spills, gas leaks, bomb threats, structural faults and civil disturbance. Any of these may threaten the safety of building occupants.

The University of Sydney is committed to establishing and maintaining procedures to control emergency situations that could adversely affect staff, students and visitors.

All Heads of Department are responsible for ensuring that emergency procedures are implemented within their area of authority. This includes the nomination and supervision of appropriate emergency personnel, and the allocation of time and resources to ensure that procedures are current and effective.

An emergency control organisation (ECO) will be established in each building. The ECO will be under the control of Departmental Emergency Planning Representatives who will be appointed by and report to the Heads of the Department with staff occupying the building. The ECO should meet as required, but at least once every six months.

Building emergency procedures shall be regularly reviewed by the Emergency Planning Representatives, and updated as needed to account for changes in personnel, building use and building alterations.

The most effective way to test emergency procedures is to conduct regular evacuation exercises. All areas of each building shall participate in an emergency evacuation exercise at least once per year.

Procedures - Table of Contents

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Notes
Approved by the Central OHS Committee: March 10, 2004
Last updated: 15 Dec 2004
Page maintained by: Matthew Mitchell