Anyone who has been exposed or injured must, if safe to do so, be moved to safety.
Treatment of serious injury takes precedence over containment and decontamination.
- Biological or radioisotope
- Chemical or gas
- Fire
Biological or radioisotope
- Raise the alarm.
- Evacuate the immediate area around the spill and ensure the immediate safety of anyone within the vicinity.
- Report the spill to UWA Security telephone (+61 8) 6488 2222, your supervisor, Safety Officer or UWA Safety and Health on telephone (+61 8) 6488 3938.
- Isolate the hazard. If unsure of the hazards presented and associated risks to safety and health, prior to taking action consult your supervisor, Safety Officer or Safety and Health.
- Restrict unnecessary movement into and through the area. Isolate the affected area at a safe distance by erecting barricades and warning signs.
- Evacuate the building as instructed. Remain in the assembly area in groups.
- Do not re-enter the area until it has been decontaminated by trained personnel. For any clean-up after decontamination there must be a minimum of two people.
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Chemical or gas
- Raise the alarm.
- Evacuate the immediate area and ensure the immediate safety of anyone within the vicinity of the spill.
- Report the spill to UWA Security telephone (+61 8) 6488 2222, your supervisor, Safety Officer or UWA Safety and Health on telephone (+61 8) 6488 3938.
- Isolate the hazard. If unsure of the hazards presented and associated risks to safety and health, prior to taking action consult your supervisor, Safety Officer or Safety and Health.
- Restrict unnecessary movement into and through the area. Isolate the affected area at a safe distance by erecting barricades and warning signs.
- Do not switch any electrical equipment, including light switches, as these may spark and become an ignition source. In the case of non-flammable gases and vapour it may be necessary to turn off air conditioning to restrict its spread.
- Evacuate the building as instructed. Remain in the assembly area.
- Do not re-enter the area until it has been decontaminated by trained personnel. For any clean-up after decontamination there must be a minimum of two people.
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Fire or smoke
On discovery of fire or smoke:
- Help people in immediate danger.
- Warn others by shouting "Fire, Fire, Fire", raise the alarm if not already sounding and contact UWA Security on telephone (+61 8) 6488 2222.
- Decide if you can put the fire out. If you are not sure, do not attempt to.
- Don't attempt to use a fire extinguisher if you have not been instructed on its use.
- If you can put out the fire then do so, if unable to, evacuate the building.
Remember:
- Fires and smoke spreads rapidly.
- Fires produce smoke that is difficult to see through and causes suffocation.
- The freshest air will always be near the floor.
- Move quickly but do not run.
- Be decisive, make a decision, communicate and follow that decision.
In the case of a fire every effort must be made to prevent undue spreading of contamination. However, fire fighting must take precedence over the control of contamination.
Evacuation of lecture theatres, libraries, classrooms and teaching laboratories
It is the responsibility of the lecturer and tutor to maintain control over their class during an emergency until released by the ECO.
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