EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (FIRE) PLAN GUIDE

Transcription

1 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (FIRE) PLAN GUIDE This resource can be used as a Guide by bus operators to develop their own Emergency Management (Fire) Plan or to enhance their existing Emergency Management Plan in respect of dealing with fire emergencies. The Guide is related specifically to fire emergencies, but elements may be applied to suit other identified emergency situations. Part 1 of the Guide deals with relevant sources of information relating to fire emergencies, and developing an Emergency Management Plan. Part 2 deals with rapid on-set bushfire and other fire emergencies. Bus Association Victoria Inc ABN Graham St, Port Melbourne Vic 3207 P.O. Box 125 Port Melbourne Vic 3207 Tel: Fax:

2 BUS OPERATOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (FIRE) PLAN GUIDE PART 1:SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND DEVELOPING AN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (FIRE) PLAN Bus operators can use this Part to help them consider which links to sources of fire emergency information to include in their proposed Emergency Management (Fire) Plan. Examples of such links are set out below. In addition, operators should, as a minimum, consider the different elements listed below when developing their Emergency Management (Fire) Plan. SOURCES OF INFORMATION Emergency Information and Warning Systems and Fire Danger Ratings: 1) The Fire Information and Warning Poster. See Appendix 1. 2) The Fire Danger Rating Poster. See Appendix 2. 3) Further information is also available at: Other systems well regarded by bus operators: 4) VicRoads Road Closures and Traffic Alerts (for all types of road hazards and closures). You can send an to Dean.Zabrieszach@roads.vic.gov.au to register. 5) CFA Fire Ready Application - You may register for the mobile app via 6) Parks Victoria, Park Closures DEVELOPING AN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN Bus operators should have an Emergency Management (Fire) Plan in place which matches each of the prevailing emergency warnings and fire danger ratings set out above in points 1) and 2). Obviously, driver and passenger safety is the priority when developing such a Plan. When developing the Plan, the bus operator should consult the procurers of their services, as well as local Emergency Services. The Plan should be written in a clear and concise manner. Once completed, the Plan should be communicated to all employees, procurers of the bus service and local Emergency Services. Elements to consider including in a Plan: 1) Risk assessment of the bus route s fire risks including: terrain, fuel sources, passenger profiles, stops, bus and driver experience.

3 2) Identifying alternative bus routes and designated safe areas to be used in a fire emergency. 3) Authority to cancel a bus service (procurer and operator). The bus operator will need to reach agreement with the procurer on: When a service will be cancelled when a particular fire emergency warning /fire danger rating (FDR) and/or a rapid on-set fire emergency has been confirmed. Who has the authority to cancel a service when a particular fire emergency warning /FDR and/or a rapid on-set fire emergency has been confirmed. Contact details (office phone, mobile and ) of the procurer and operator to be used in a fire emergency situation. When and in what conditions the bus service can be resumed. Pre-emptive arrangements should come into force when a trigger based on the (FDR) level-code Red is reached. The potential for National Park, school closures and bus service cancellations as a result of a Code Red Day should be flagged up to three days in advance and should be confirmed no less than 6 hours before cancellation. Bus services should not operate to or from a destination that has been closed as a result of a declared Code Red Day. Buses should also not operate in or near an area determined by the procurer and the operator as high risk in consultation with the relevant Emergency Services. 4) Authority to deny access and cancel a bus service (Emergency Services). Victoria Police, VicRoads, CFA and Parks Victoria have the authority to deny road access. The operator and driver must adhere to the instruction of these authorities when on the road, and utilise the sources of information detailed in the section above when determining, in consultation with the procurer, whether a service should proceed. 5) Communication of the emergency level and actions to be taken. What, how and who communicates cancellation of the service and to who the information is communicated. What, how and who communicates resumption of the service and to who the information is communicated. Maintaining a core set of principles can assist operators to prepare and respond to fire emergencies. As such, the key communication themes are: HOW Prepare and plan ahead with a crisis communications plan. Provide regular, accurate, concise and relevant communications. Ensure that your message is timely. Be responsive do not allow an information vacuum to develop. Ensure that your message relates to the crisis. Ensure methods of communication are up to date, available in emergency circumstances and tested regularly. WHAT What has happened Impact on the organisation and its operations Contingency arrangements How long the crisis is expected to last

4 Reassurance Who is responding Actions that they need to take Where to go for more information WHO Ensure the responsible person has appropriate authority and training. Ensure the contact details of the driver, the operator, the procurer and emergency services are recorded and easily accessible to all relevant groups/persons in an emergency. 6) Driver pre-trip check The driver should have a pre-trip checklist to complete prior to starting any trip. Amongst other things, it could include the following checks which relate to potential fire emergencies: The vehicle is fully fuelled; The vehicle two way is working; There is a fully charged mobile phone and charger; The AM / FM radio is on at all times; There is an up to date Melway or VicRoads Regional Directory; There is drinking water; Driver is wearing suitable clothing and footwear (non-synthetic shirt/trousers & solid, closed footwear); Quick reference guide for what to do in an emergency and all relevant Emergency Services and operator contact numbers are easily accessible. 7) Resources on board In addition to the things covered in 6), if the bus service goes into and through areas that are identified as experiencing high fire danger ratings/warnings then operators should seriously consider having these resources on board: Fire blankets for staff and passengers Drinking water for staff and passengers 8) Rapid on-set fire emergencies. The Plan should include detailed instruction on what to do in a rapid on-set fire emergency. See Part 2 of this Guide. 9) Communicate the Plan to the drivers, other staff, the procurer and emergency services. 10) Practice your Plan.

5 BUS OPERATOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (FIRE) PLAN GUIDE PART 2: RAPID ONSET FIRE EMERGENCIES This information below is specific to the critical roles that can be performed by the driver, operator and procurer in a rapid on-set fire emergency. They should be incorporated into the Plan and relate to areas including: sourcing of information; identification of hazards; when to cancel a service; and communication during an emergency. Quick reference guides can be developed from this information to be used on board the bus and in the depot. WHAT TO DO IN A RAPID ON-SET FIRE EMERGENCY? DRIVER - ONCE AWARE OF A RAPID ON-SET FIRE EMERGENCY Operate in a manner to ensure the safety of passengers at all times. Call 000 and notify the bus operations manager of any fire emergency encountered en route. Receive instruction, where possible, from the Emergency Services and/or bus operations manager with regard to destination. If fires are burning in the area, bus drivers must not allow passengers to alight from buses unless parents/guardians are waiting for them at a designated bus stop. If no-one is waiting, buses will take passengers to the nearest safe area with guidance provided by the Emergency Services and/or bus operations manager. ( Safe areas should be agreed to in advance by local Emergency Services and the bus operator and procurer.) If the road is blocked, the bus driver should return to the depot if it is practical and it is safe to do so, or travel to an area deemed to be safe as directed by Emergency Services. If Emergency Services are not at the scene and the driver is in doubt they should call 000 for assistance. Confirm arrival at destination with the bus operations manager as soon as possible. As soon as possible after the event, record details of actions taken. See Appendix 3 Incident Report Form DRIVER IF CAUGHT IN A FIRE FRONT/STORM If caught in a fire try to make it to a township and follow the advice of the Emergency Service to reach a safe area. If this cannot be achieved then: The bus driver should encourage all persons to remain on the bus as it is the safest option. Pull over- try and park near/next to a solid brick or concrete building that will provide a shield. If it is not possible to park near a building then park in the clear away from any fuel for the fire such as long grass and trees. If the situation is absolutely catastrophic and only as a last resort then try to face the front of the vehicle into the fire. Keep the engine running with headlights and hazard lights on, the air conditioning running on recirculate to keep cool inside and minimise smoke entering Instruct all passengers cover as much exposed skin as possible with non synthetic clothing/material and to stay below the window line Instruct all passengers to maintain as much water intake as possible. Enlist help from others on board if necessary. Fire front/storms generally take between 10 and 20 minutes to pass depending on the wind. Once the fire front has passed then check passenger safety and well being.

6 Vacate to the nearest safe area (already burnt). In the bus if possible. Once relatively safe then contact Emergency Services and the office to advise situation and any casualties. As soon as practicable, complete and submit an incident report form. See Appendix 3 Incident Report Form DRIVER ON BOARD VEHICLE FIRE Pull vehicle over immediately to the near side lane / kerb ensuring that it is safe and out of danger from other road users, trees and buildings. Open all doors and SHUT down engine as soon as practicable. If vehicle is fitted with master isolator switch then this must be switched off. Instruct passengers to disembark in an orderly and safe manner and move away to the side to a safe location. Access vehicle fire extinguisher and attempt to contain fire (if the fire is contained to the engine bay, NEVER open the engine hatch to attempt to extinguish fire). If access to exit doors is restricted due to fire, instruct a responsible person to utilise emergency window hammers to break emergency windows to allow access from the side of the vehicle. Check the welfare of your passengers and assess any injuries. Contact Emergency Services on 000 to seek assistance. Contact Operations Manager to notify of incident and seek guidance. BUS OPERATOR/OPERATIONS MANAGER Receive notification of rapid on-set fire emergency this could be from a range of sources including emergency services, members of the public, bus drivers or the procurer. Call 000 for assistance if required. Enact bus operator emergency management plan. Seek further advice and information from emergency services agencies, and procurer and if required, to determine bus service cancellations. Liaise with bus drivers regarding service cancellations and instruct drivers not to leave their current location until the all clear is given. If the driver is caught in a fire, try and maintain communication with them. Seek details of their location and situation and remind the driver of the agreed actions noted above. If the driver is caught in a fire, notify emergency services of the location and situation immediately. Instruct all other affected passengers to remain at their current (or safest) location until the all clear is given. Notify the procurer of further situation and actions taken. Notify TSV if an incident has occurred. Keep an accurate log of all communication in relation to the event. See Appendix 4- Incident Activity Log. THE PROCURER Receive notification of emergency status this could be from a range of sources including emergency services, the operator or members of the public. Convene the emergency management committee if required. (PTV or V/Line) Liaise with appropriate bodies on status of emergency situation. Determine with the bus service operator of any changes to public transport services. Authorize cancellations if necessary. Confirm media, external public and internal government messaging. Will notify their customers via stations, websites, multi-media and PTV Call Centre.

7 Keep an accurate log of all communication in relation to the event. Liaise with emergency services and the bus operator about when to resume the service. REVIEW THE INCIDENT AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN AND UPDATE THE PLAN AS NECESSARY, AT LEAST ANNUALLY RESOURCES: Several resources were used to develop this Guide, they can be further referenced by operators when developing their Emergency Management (Fire) Plan: 1) Incident Management Guide for Bus Operators- Bus Industry Confederation. This Guide was developed and revised by Bus Industry Confederation in June It is available for members at 2) DEECD & PTV School Bus Program Emergency Management - Operational Guidelines. 3) CFA website APPENDIX: Appendix 1: The Fire Information and Warning Poster Appendix 2: The Fire Danger Rating Poster Appendix 3: Example - Incident Report Form Appendix 4: Example - Incident Activity Log

8 APPENDIX 1: FIRE INFORMATION AND WARNINGS POSTER

9 APPENDIX 2: FIRE DANGER RATINGS POSTER

10 APPENDIX 3: CRITICAL INCIDENT REPORT FORM EXAMPLE STAFF REPORTING A CRITICAL INCIDENT ARE TO COMPLETE THE INCIDENT REPORT FORM AND PROVIDE TO THE MANAGER/OPERATOR IMMEDIATELY. THE MANAGER CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION IS TO COMPLETE THE BUS INCIDENT REPORT FORM AND INVESTIGATION FORM. THE MANAGER MAY ALSO NEED TO REPORT THE INCIDENT TO EMERGENCY SERVICES, TSV AND THE PROCURER INCIDENT REPORT FORM PASSENGER/PUBLIC INJURY SIGNIFICANT VEHICLE ACCIDENT EMPLOYEE LOST TIME INJURY VIOLENCE/LIFE THREATENING *Includes object throwing or aggression/violence by passengers, public or other staff. Date of Incident Estimated Time Street address/area where incident occurred _ Name of person reporting incident: Were any persons injured in the incident? Names and injuries: If employee injured, estimated time lost from incident: Witness to incident: How did the incident happen? Was any instruction/training available for this activity? Please specify _ Suggestions how future incidents of this type could be prevented: Signature of reporting person:

11 BUS INCIDENT NOTIFICATION FORM REPORTING PERSON FIRST NAME: SURNAME: DEPOT: CONTACT PHONE NO: TIME AND LOCATION OF INCIDENT DATE: TIME: STREET: SUBURB: ROUTE NO: BRIEF SUMMARY OF INCIDENT Did Police attend or take reports regarding this incident YES NO If yes, name or station of attending Police or Facsimile to required authorities:

12 INVESTIGATION FORM What was the immediate reason for the incident? Where workplace conditions a factor in the incident? Please specify: What were the underlying causes of the incident? List as many as appropriate: Recommended remedial actions (to prevent accident from re-occurring): Nominated officer/s for implementing corrective action Date for completion of remedial action Managers Signature Date FORM TO BE FORWARDED TO COMPANY MANAGERS Company Manager agrees with nominated remedial action Other action recommended by Company Manager **Managing Director to refer report for staff meeting/training where issue not personal or confidential. TWO MONTH REVIEW Corrective action completed Managers Signature DATE

13 APPENDIX 4: INCIDENT ACTIVITY LOG EXAMPLE This sample Incident Activity Log shows the type of information that should be recorded. Completed by: Bill Jones Location: Small Town Bus Depot DATE TIME ACTIVITY DETAILS 1/5/ am Notified of emergency situation by Jack Driver. Bus Rego A on Route 123 (Small Town to Big Town) stopped by Emergency Services at corner of First and Second Street, Big Town. Due to fire approaching Second St a watch and act emergency warning is in place and no traffic is allowed to pass into that zone. 8.35am Called Jack Driver Follow emergency plan for what to do if notified of a rapid on set fire. 8.40am Called procurer Advised that services on Route 123 have been suspended due to emergency warning and road closed on route, asked them to follow their agreed emergency plan. 8.45am Monitor emergency situation Use sources of information in emergency plan and consult with procurer about situation and when services can resume 8.50am Spoke to Jack Driver Reassurance provided and kept him updated with situation monitoring am Monitor emergency situation Emergency services confirmed that road opened due to fire emergency passing. All other roads on route 123 are safe and open am Called procurer Advised procurer that fire emergency and warning downgraded and roads opened on route 123 opened. Procurer authorised route 123 to resume 11.10am Called driver Advised them to resume route 123 services 11.15am Monitor situation Monitor emergency warning information sources of information