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Reporting Emergencies |
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Employees
must know how to report emergencies. Some use internal
telephone numbers, intercom, or public address systems
to notify other employees. It is important for employees
to also notify the proper authorities such as fire, medical,
or rescue services, if your company relies on this type
of assistance during an emergency.
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Reporting
emergencies |
Dialing
"911" is a common method for reporting
emergencies if external emergency personnel are
used at your workplace. Internal numbers may be
used for reporting emergencies. If they are, they
should be posted on, or near, each phone. Internal
numbers sometimes are connected to intercom systems
so that coded announcements may be made. In some
cases, employees are requested to activate manual
pull stations or other alarm systems. No matter
what system is used, it is imperative that emergency
situations be immediately reported. Fires and other
emergency situations can reach dangerous levels
in seconds and any delay in getting emergency responders
to the scene can result in additional loss of life
and property. |
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Telephones are often used to alert employees about an emergency. |
Once
an emergency that requires a response from employees
is reported, a system -- typically an alarm system
-- must be in place to notify employees. Alarms
must be distinctive and recognized by all employees
as a signal to evacuate the work area or perform
other actions identified in your emergency
action plan. The alarm must be capable of being
perceived above ambient noise and light levels.
Sequences of horn blows or different types of alarms
(bells, horns, etc.) can be used to signal different
responses or actions from employees. Ideally, alarms
will be able to be heard, seen, or otherwise perceived
by everyone in the workplace including those who
may be blind or deaf. Otherwise, floor wardens or
others should be tasked with ensuring all employees
are notified. You might want to consider providing
an auxiliary power supply to your alarm system in
the event of an electrical failure. Consider making
available an emergency communications system, such
as a public address system, for broadcasting emergency
information to employees. |
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Your building should have an alarm that employees can activate in case of fire.
An intercom or public address system may also be used to report emergencies. |
Bells, whistles, and horns can all be used to alert employees about an emergency. |
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