SOP for Evacuation Procedures During Emergencies

Standard Operating Procedure for Evacuation Procedures During Emergencies

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish standardized procedures for safely and efficiently evacuating personnel from the facility during emergencies such as fire, chemical spills, gas leaks, or natural disasters.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all employees, contractors, visitors, and emergency response team members in the facility. It outlines evacuation protocols to ensure safety and minimize risks during emergencies.

3) Responsibilities

Emergency Response Team (ERT): Coordinate evacuation efforts, guide personnel to safety, and manage assembly points.
Supervisors: Ensure department personnel are familiar with evacuation procedures and participate in drills.
Facility Manager: Maintain evacuation maps, emergency equipment, and ensure clear access to exits.
Safety Officers: Monitor compliance with evacuation protocols and document evacuation drills and incidents.

4) Procedure

4.1 Preparing for Emergencies

Evacuation Plan Preparation:
- Develop a comprehensive evacuation plan, including primary and secondary routes, assembly points, and emergency contacts.
- Post evacuation maps in visible areas, such as corridors, offices, and near exits.

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Emergency Equipment Inspection:
- Ensure emergency alarms, fire extinguishers, and exit signs are functional and accessible.
- Conduct monthly inspections of all emergency equipment and record findings in the Equipment Inspection Log (Annexure 1).
Training and Awareness:
- Train all employees on evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency protocols

during onboarding.

Conduct periodic refresher training sessions and drills.

4.2 Emergency Evacuation Protocol

Alarm Activation:
- In case of an emergency, activate the nearest alarm to alert all personnel.
- Ensure the alarm is audible throughout the facility.

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Evacuation Instructions:
- Immediately cease all activities and follow evacuation announcements or signals.
- Leave personal belongings behind to expedite evacuation.
Evacuation Routes:
- Use the designated primary evacuation route; if blocked, switch to secondary routes.
- Do not use elevators during evacuation unless explicitly authorized for emergency use.
Assembly Points:
- Proceed to the nearest assembly point as indicated on evacuation maps.
- Remain at the assembly point until further instructions are provided by the ERT.
Special Assistance:
- ERT members must assist individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges during evacuation.

4.3 Managing the Evacuation Process

ERT Responsibilities:
- Ensure all personnel are evacuated from high-risk areas, such as laboratories, chemical storage rooms, or production floors.
- Conduct a sweep of the building to verify no one is left behind, particularly in restrooms, storerooms, and isolated spaces.

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Attendance Verification:
- Supervisors must perform headcounts at assembly points and report missing individuals to the Safety Officer immediately.
Incident Reporting:
- Document any issues or delays during the evacuation process in the Evacuation Incident Log (Annexure 2).

4.4 Post-Evacuation Activities

Situation Assessment:
- ERT leaders must assess the emergency situation and coordinate with local emergency services if necessary.

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Reentry Authorization:
- Reentry to the facility is permitted only after clearance is provided by the Safety Officer or emergency services.
Debriefing and Feedback:
- Conduct a debriefing session with ERT members and supervisors to discuss evacuation performance.
- Document feedback and corrective actions in the Evacuation Drill and Incident Report (Annexure 3).

5) Abbreviations, if any

ERT: Emergency Response Team
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

6) Documents, if any

Equipment Inspection Log
Evacuation Incident Log
Evacuation Drill and Incident Report

7) Reference, if any

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards
OSHA Emergency Action Plan Guidelines
ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Equipment Inspection Log

   Date  Equipment Type  Location  Condition  Inspected By  
  DD/MM/YYYY  Fire Extinguisher  Main Corridor  Good  John Doe

Date	Equipment Type	Location	Condition	Inspected By
DD/MM/YYYY	Fire Extinguisher	Main Corridor	Good	John Doe

Template 2: Evacuation Incident Log

   Date  Incident Description  Evacuation Time  Issues Observed  Action Taken  
  DD/MM/YYYY  Fire in storage area  5 minutes  Delay in lab evacuation  Reviewed evacuation map

Date	Incident Description	Evacuation Time	Issues Observed	Action Taken
DD/MM/YYYY	Fire in storage area	5 minutes	Delay in lab evacuation	Reviewed evacuation map

Template 3: Evacuation Drill and Incident Report

   Date  Drill Type  Evacuation Time  Observations  Improvement Actions  
  DD/MM/YYYY  Evacuation Drill  7 minutes  Confusion at assembly points  Added signage