Fire Safety and Evacuation Policy
Vitality Club is dedicated to fostering a safe environment for both our service users and staff, emphasising protection from fire hazards and emergencies. This policy outlines our fire safety and evacuation strategies, applicable to our Head Office and all field operations, including every member involved in delivering services, whether in-home or within the community, in any capacity.
The Fire Safety Office bears the responsibility of ensuring our Head Office's compliance with the latest fire safety standards, as specified in the NSW Health Department PD 2005_336S.
Our Fire Safety Officer is tasked with the annual review of the emergency evacuation plan and procedures for Vitality Club, ensuring that all staff members are well-versed in the plan through regular training. This includes understanding how to sound the alarm, general emergency protocols, individual duties during an emergency, identifying the locations of fire-fighting equipment and how to use it, knowing the nearest fire exits and escape routes (with clear signage and instructions within the office), and following evacuation and roll call procedures at the assembly point, with special attention to assisting those with mobility issues.
Office Procedures for Emergencies:
In case of fire, bomb threats, gas leaks, explosions, or any serious incident requiring evacuation:
The person discovering the incident should immediately sound the alarm and alert everyone in the vicinity, including adjacent units if necessary.
Contact emergency services by calling Triple Zero (000).
Evacuate individuals from immediate danger.
If it's a fire, try to contain it by closing doors and windows, but don't risk lives. When evacuation is signaled, proceed to the designated assembly area.
Regular review and updating of the emergency evacuation plan are essential for its effectiveness.
Fire Safety Officer Responsibilities - Prevention Measures Office:
Ensure staff training on emergency response, including evacuation procedures and emergency call actions.
Maintain a list of vital information for business continuity and have contingency plans for safeguarding and recovering essential data, including offsite storage options.
Ensure adequate fire insurance coverage.
For additional training needs, contact Commercial Fire Safety Training.
Fire Safety Officer Responsibilities - Preventative Measures for In-Home and Community Settings:
Complete the Risk Assessment form during an initial appointment making notes of access points and fire safety procedures. Update the risk assessment during any appointments where hazards are identified or have changed.
In the case of an incident, immediately sound the alarm and alert everyone in the vicinity, including adjacent units if necessary.
Contact emergency services by calling Triple Zero (000).
Evacuate individuals from immediate danger.
If it's a fire, try to contain it by closing doors and windows, but don't risk lives. When evacuation is signaled, proceed to the designated assembly area.
Regular review and updating of the emergency evacuation plan in conjunction with clients and their families are essential for its effectiveness.
By adhering to these guidelines, Vitality Club aims to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals within our care and employment, promoting a secure and prepared environment against fire hazards and emergencies.
Last Updated Feb 2024