UNOFFICIAL OHS DATABASE
1) GENERAL EMERGENCY REQUIREMENTS
Clasue 17 of the OH&S Regulation 2001 states:
17 Employer to provide for emergencies
(1) An employer must ensure that, in the event of an emergency at any place
of work at which the employer´s undertaking is conducted, arrangements
have been made for:
(a) the safe and rapid evacuation of persons from the place of work, and
(b) emergency communications, and
(c) appropriate medical treatment of injured persons.
If the employer does not have control, or has only limited control, of the place
of work, the duty under this subclause applies only to the matters over which
the employer has control.
(2) In making arrangements for the purposes of this clause, an employer
must take the following into account:
(a) the nature of the hazards at the place of work,
(b) the size and location of the place of work,
(c) the number, mobility and capability of persons at the place of work.
(3) If employees work at a fixed place of work, the employer must ensure that:
(a) adequate arrangements are made for the shutting down and evacuation
of the place of work in the event of an emergency, and
(b) details of the arrangements for any such evacuation are kept on display
in an appropriate location or locations at the place of work, and
(c) one or more persons are appointed and appropriately trained to oversee
any such evacuation and, if appropriate, in the use of on-site fire fighting
equipment.
2) FIRE SAFETY
Specific legislative requirements for fire safety provisions are administered by the NSW Fire Brigades (Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 and the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulations 2000). This legislation references the Building Code of Australia 1996 (BCA), as the code of compliance for every building built in Australia. The BCA details such requirements as egress access, extinguishers, etc.
Also called up in the BCA are the Australian Standards, with which extinguishers and other fire protection equipment must comply regarding maintenance and installation. See list of relevant standards.
Further information in this area can be obtained from the Fire Safety Division of the NSW Fire Brigades on (02) 9742 7400.
Resources:
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures (Canberra University - included Fire housekeeping checklist)
Fire safety and emergency procedures (ACT Govt site)