This procedure outlines the actions staff must take if the building needs to be evacuated due to an emergency.
Examples may include:
- Fire.
- Gas leak.
- Structural damage.
- Dangerous chemical release.
- Serious violence or threats.
- Any situation where remaining inside the building presents a risk to health or safety.
Immediate Actions
Remain calm.
Stop what you are doing and begin evacuating the building immediately via the nearest safe exit.
While exiting:
- Ensure customers and coworkers are also leaving the building.
- Do not collect personal belongings.
- Walk quickly but do not run.
- Do not turn back.
- Close doors behind you where safe to do so.
Customers are unfamiliar with our store. Staff must assist customers and visitors to exit safely.
Person in Charge (PIC)
The most senior manager on site becomes the Person in Charge and is responsible for coordinating the evacuation.
The Person in Charge must:
- Direct the evacuation.
- Assign key roles.
- Ensure emergency services are contacted where required.
- Conduct a staff headcount at the assembly point.
- Liaise with emergency services.
- Authorise re-entry only when it is safe to do so.
Emergency Announcement
If available, use the microphone to announce:
"This is an emergency evacuation. Please leave the building immediately via the nearest exit and proceed to the assembly area."
Repeat as required while staff provide calm verbal directions to customers.
Calling Emergency Services
The Person in Charge must ensure somebody is assigned to call 000 where required.
Provide:
- Business name.
- Address.
- Nature of the emergency.
- Any known injuries.
- Any relevant hazards.
Sweeping the Building
Staff must quickly and safely check their assigned areas.
Upstairs
- Fishing Department.
- Office.
- Mezzanine.
Downstairs
- Marine.
- Camping.
- Diving & Sports.
- Front Counter and Tills.
- Kitchen/Tearoom.
- Bathrooms.
Bathroom doors must be knocked on loudly before entry.
Each area should be checked once, quickly and thoroughly, before exiting.
Do not place yourself at risk during a sweep.
Smoke, Fire or Unsafe Conditions
Before opening any door:
- Check the door and handle for heat.
- If hot, do not open it.
- Use an alternative route.
If smoke is encountered:
- Stay low to the ground.
- Crawl if necessary.
- Use walls for guidance.
If an LPG gas leak is suspected:
- Be aware that LPG is heavier than air and may accumulate in low areas.
- Avoid low-lying areas where gas may collect.
- Move to fresh air and a safe location.
- Do not operate electrical switches, power points, or equipment.
- Do not use mobile phones near the suspected leak if it can be avoided.
- Eliminate ignition sources where safe to do so.
- Follow any directions provided by emergency services.
If you are unsure whether smoke, gas, or another hazard is present, evacuate and treat the situation as potentially dangerous until assessed by emergency services or management.
Assembly Point
All staff and customers must proceed directly to the designated assembly point.
Once at the assembly point:
- Remain there.
- Report any injuries.
- Participate in headcounts based of TANDA at work roster
- Do not re-enter the building until authorised by emergency services or the Person in Charge.
If You Cannot Evacuate
If you are unable to evacuate:
- Notify others of your location by phone if possible.
- Signal from a window if safe.
- Stay low to the ground.
- Keep doors closed.
- Block gaps where practical to reduce smoke entry.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth if required.
- Remain as calm as possible.
If your clothing catches fire:
STOP.
DROP.
ROLL.
Key Reminders
- Do not just leave — ensure others are out.
- Customers are the least familiar with our building and may require assistance.
- Once outside, stay outside.
- Never re-enter a building until authorised to do so.
- Protect people first. Property can be replaced.
Keywords
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