Health and Safety

This Policy section pertains to the following WCA

Part 3 Division 3, Sections 115(b) (e) General duties of employers
Part 3 Division 3, Sections 116(a) General duties of workers

This Policy section pertains to the following OHS Regulation:

Part 4 General Conditions- Emergency Preparedness and Response

4.13 Risk assessment
4.14 Emergency procedures
4.15 Maintenance of equipment [Repealed] Referenced to 4.3 Maintenance of equipment
4.16 Training
4.17 Notification of fire departments
4.18 Notification of utilities

The risk(s) and procedures

Situated in a northern climate and having some very remote learning centres Northern Lights College has specifics needs that differ significantly than that other colleges in British Columbia.

Northern Lights College recognizes the necessity of being prepared for emergency needs at every campus and that each campus will have specific needs and concerns. This set of procedures and instructions will work in conjunction with the campus specific emergency response procedures.

Emergency Response Guide and Supplementary Instructions

The Emergency Response Flowchart and which will compliment this policy and set of procedures is contained here. The guide consists of a flow chart and supplementary instructions. The Emergency Response Guide is intended to provide all personnel with quick easy to follow instructions for what to do in the event of an emergency. A PDF file for print can be downloaded here.

Quick response reference guides
Each campus has been charged with the responsibility of creating a quick reference guide to be utilized by instructors and staff. These quick reference guides are to be kept in each classroom as well as frequently utilized rooms and offices. These guides are a quick reference only and not meant to supersede the H&S Policy and Procedure Manual. It will be the duty of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees (JOHSCs) or Worker Representatives to review these documents annually and provide advice on necessary revisions to ensure they always remain current.

Fire Prevention
Employees are responsible for conducting visual checks for worksite fire hazards, particularly where the worksite contains flammables, combustibles or machinery which creates sparks. On entering/leaving the worksite, check and report to the Campus Administrator or designate:

Fire doors blocked open
Defective or exposed electrical wiring
Missing or malfunctioning fire extinguishers
Oily rags and garbage not properly disposed of

Each campus can effectively ensure safe exit in the case of fire by doing the following:

Check batteries on fire alarms
Check lights on emergency exit lighting
Conduct regular fire drills (at least once a year)
Post fire exit route maps at all doorways
Designate and train a fire warden for each shift on each worksite.

Instructors shall:

• Begin the first class or session of the term with a preamble including fire escape and muster procedures.
• Reiterate the fire escape plan every 60 days.
• Ensure students are all aware of the posted evacuation plan and confirm understanding of the plan and map.
• Ensure the classroom has a quick reference guide.
• Begin the first class or session of the term with a preamble including fire escape and muster procedures.
• Reiterate the fire escape plan every 60 days.
• Ensure students are all aware of the posted evacuation plan and confirm understanding of the plan and map.
• Ensure the classroom has a quick reference guide.

Fire Procedures
In the event of fire, staff and instructors shall:

• Set off the nearest fire alarm. This will alert the Fire Department.
• If the fire is light, and NOT between the worker and the nearest exit, the worker should attempt fight it with a fire extinguisher. It is important to note that heroism often has undesirable results. If the fire extinguisher is not working the worker should drop it and exit the area immediately.
• Follow the evacuation procedures for the specific area the worker is occupying.

If the fire alarm sounds instructors shall:

• Direct their students to leave the building in an orderly manner at a brisk but safe pace, taking keys and valuables with them. There will be no use of elevators during fire evacuation. Take the quick reference guide with them.
• Ensure that all students are notified and evacuated prior to the instructor evacuating the building. Ensure that special needs students have assistance to exit the building. Close windows and doors to prevent airflow.
• Assemble their class for roll call once outside the building. Notify emergency personnel if a student is missing. Keep students away from the building and keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles. The fire warden is responsible to ensure that everyone has left the building.
• Re-enter the building only when it is declared safe to do so by the fire department.

Maintenance of emergency equipment other than first aid equipment
Each campus will be responsible for the maintenance of emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, hoses and pumps. A maintenance log shall be kept on site for these items and a regular schedule adhered to. If the campus does not employ personnel qualified to maintain the equipment, an outside contractor will be commissioned to perform the required maintenance.

Emergency Evacuation and Emergencies other than Fire
Each campus is responsible to prepare and post emergency procedures specific to the work site. Administrators will consult with the JOHSCs, the Facilities Manger (where applicable) and the HSEA to develop Emergency Evacuation Procedures for reasons other than fire (some examples are gas leaks and incidents where the normal muster areas are not considered safe).

Notification of Utilities
If a gas or electrical utility disruption occurs as a result of construction, maintenance or normal operation on Northern Lights College property, leased or rented property or in an area being used by Northern Lights College for college business the supervisor or designate will follow this process:

• Ensure the safety of all in the area, if evacuation is required then the site specific evacuation procedures will be implemented.
• Summon any emergency personnel (Police, Fire and Ambulance) necessary.
• Inform the utility owner (e.g. PNG, BC Hydro, etc...) as soon as possible.
• Notify the Campus Administrator
• Notify Regional Administration via the Regional Switchboard
• Submit written report to HSEA within 48 hours.

Training
All workers required to participate in emergency response action must have the training sufficient to the task or duty. If the employee requires additional training or certification it will be supplied and cost covered by Northern Lights College.

Only training by recognized certification bodies will be acceptable to the College, for example Occupational First Aid has different certifying agencies all must meet WorkSafeBC requirements for agency status.

If workers are trained on the job documentation describing the process, observation of progress and skill evaluation must be completed. All documentation or copies of documentation must be forwarded to the HR Dept.

Additional Links:


Printable (PDF) copy of the Emergency Reponse Plan



-- Created September 2008 | Revised November 2008 | Review Date September 2009 -----