DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

Policy aimed at; Employers and Employees

 

 

 

Issued Feb 2006

 

Updated August 2018

 

 

Dealing with Emergencies

 

Introduction

 

This policy and guidance document is designed to be read within the context of our wider policies and procedures. In particular, reference should be made to member’s plans, members Risk Assessment, Management of challenging behavior (including the use of physical intervention) policy and guidance. More guidance and procedures on all health and safety matters are contained in our Health and Safety Policy.

 

What is an emergency?

 

An emergency may be defined as an unplanned, and normally dangerous, event that requires immediate action in order to minimise any loss or damage to people, property and the environment.

 

Emergencies may be caused by property damage (e.g. due to adverse weather), by a breakdown in essential services, or by people. Whatever the cause, the aim must always be first to protect the safety of service users, staff and any members of the public. The next priority is to try to minimise damage to the property and surrounding environment.

 

Preparation

 

Most situations can be prevented (or at least the losses can be minimised) by careful planning, by regular risk assessments of the property and the people living and working in it, and by ensuring that member’s plans are comprehensive and current.

 

Members should be supported to deal with an emergency by"

 

staff talking through with members what they should do in a given situation, e.g. if they think they can smell smoke or gas or suspect a fire

having the opportunity to practice evacuation drills

knowing how to contact the emergency services (999 - police, ambulance and fire brigade).

 

All staff and volunteers must have easy access to emergency phone numbers.

Essential telephone numbers include:

 

         emergency services (999 - police, ambulance and fire brigade)

         essential services: gas, electricity, water

         out-of-hours maintenance number(s)

         management contact numbers

         management out-of-hours on-call service.

 

 

 

Staff responsibilities

 

It is vital that employees and volunteers cooperate and share responsibility for the full and correct implementation of health and safety. In particular, staff are reminded of their own responsibility to:

 

Familiarise and observe the operational and health and safety policies and procedures of your organisation

report any dangerous occurrences to the coordinator or leader of the service or group

report any personal injury or incapacity that could affect their ability to move or safely handle members

follow management advice in ensuring safe working practices

seek to work in a manner that will not be detrimental to their own health and safety

report any changes in members' health, environment or working condition

at all times keep themselves updated with the content of the risk assessments and members plans.

always make every effort to minimise the risks to service users, themselves and others.

 

Dealing with an emergency situation

 

In dealing with an emergency situation staff and volunteers should:

 

stay calm

assess the situation, and then choose a course of action to manage the situation

only manage a situation if this is safe to do, and does not place service users, themselves and others in to a position of greater possible harm or risk  reassure members

never attempt to deal with a situation alone, unless it safe to do so

contact the appropriate emergency service or agency, being clear and concise when making an call

contact the chairperson of the service. In emergency situations, staff are authorised to call upon additional staff to assist with the situation.

 

Reporting of accidents and dangerous occurrences

 

Any accident/incident that results in an injury whilst at work must be reported to the chairperson and an accident report form must be completed. An entry should also be made in the accident book.

 

If any person has an accident that requires reporting under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) then your designated health and safety officer must be informed within 24 hours. There is a legal requirement to report this to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) Incident Contact Centre.

 

Any fatality in the workplace must be reported to Mencap's national health and safety officer as soon as possible by telephone.

 

Notification to others

 

Other people and agencies will need to be informed as required, for example:

 

line management without delay

relatives

placing authority. (if appropriate)

Children

 

In respect of children's homes, Regulation 30.1 of the Children's Home Regulations 2001 states that it is necessary to notify with immediate effect any concerns about the welfare or safety of a child to one or more of the following:

 

The Police

National Care Standards Commission

Social Services Child Protection Team

Placing Authority.

 

In the case of a child (under the age of 18) the parents or the person with parental responsibility should be informed without delay once the situation has been reported to management. A decision on further action can then be made in consultation with parents or the person with parental responsibility

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