Most workplaces have an evacuation procedure in place, with a designated Assembly Area for people to go to.

The evacuation procedure and site map are often posted up in various places around the worksite.

Company Policies and Procedures Manuals generally specify that an emergency evacuation drill will take place periodically, so that everyone working at the site knows what the alarm sounds like, and can practice the process of shutting down their equipment, leaving their work station, and going to the assembly area to have their name marked off.

General emergency evacuation procedure

Here is a typical procedure for dealing with an emergency evacuation situation.

Raising the alarm

If you are the first person alerted to the emergency:

1. Notify your supervisor or manager immediately, or send another person to convey the message to management.
   
   
2. If it is safe to do so, try to control the emergency by isolating the power supply, or using the appropriate equipment.
   
   
3. If safe, remove any people in immediate danger of further injury from the area.
   
   
4. Follow all directions regarding evacuation of the area from your supervisor or manager.

Evacuation procedure

If you are told to evacuate, or if you hear the emergency evacuation alarm:

1. Stop what you are doing and switch off the power in your immediate work area, if possible.
   
   
2. Take the safest route to the Emergency Assembly Point, or the front gate of the site.
   
   
3. Advise other people along the way to evacuate.
   
   
4. Ensure that you have been accounted for by your supervisor or company management.
   
   
5. Wait at the assembly point until directed otherwise by management or the emergency services. Do not go in search of other personnel unless given explicit instructions from an authorised person.

Notifying emergency services

If it is your place to call the emergencies services for help, you should dial '000', remain calm, and provide the following information:

• your name
  
  
• location
  
  
• location of the emergency
  
  
• number of people injured
  
  
• types of injuries sustained
  
  
• assistance required; such as ambulance or fire brigade
  
  
• any hazards that might exist; such as toxic fumes or spilt chemicals
  
  
• contact phone number.

Vehicles drivers

If you are driving a vehicle on-site when the emergency alarm sounds, you should:

• pull over to the side of the road or access way
  
  
• park the vehicle, making sure it is well clear of any thoroughfare that may be needed for emergency vehicles
  
  
• leave the vehicle unlocked, with the keys in the ignition
  
  
• report to the Assembly Area.