Emergency Procedures and Safety Protocols
At Zeito, safety is our priority. Our emergency procedures ensure swift and effective responses to incidents such as fires, chemical spills, or equipment malfunctions. With clear evacuation plans and immediate action steps, we are committed to protecting our employees and maintaining a secure work environment
The Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) committee is responsible for the operation and training of the Emergency Response Team (ERT). Our ERT is composed of employees from various departments who are knowledgeable and trained in emergency response protocols. Each team within the ERT must have a designated team leader, and all members must be confirmed employees. Our ERT shall comprise the following sub-team :
Fire Fighting & Chemical Spillage Response Team
First Aid Team
Assembly Team
Evacuation Team
Our ERT members will participate in regular drills, such as fire drills, chemical spillage drills, and first aid drills, to practice and reinforce the skills acquired during training. These drills will be conducted at least once a year. When necessary, the local Fire Brigade will be notified of upcoming fire drills. The SHE Committee is responsible for coordinating all related activities and ensuring the effectiveness of our ERT. After each drill, a Post Mortem meeting will be conducted to review the drill’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Refer to the Post Mortem Checklist (ES-ER-F01) for a detailed evaluation process.
In the event of a fire or explosion, quick and decisive action is crucial to ensure everyone’s safety. It is essential to follow established emergency procedures to minimize risk and prevent further damage. Below are the key steps to take during such emergencies:
1. Emergency Response
Fire Emergency/Explosion The Fire Fighting and Chemical Spillage Response Team, equipped with knowledge of site conditions and local regulations, is responsible for preparing the Emergency Evacuation M.A.P (ES-ER-S01) for fire/explosion scenarios. This plan takes into consideration available financial and human resources. The Emergency Response Team (ERT) may be involved in the preparation of the plan and contribute to its continual improvement over time.
2. Procedure Updates
The Emergency Preparedness & Response procedure will be revised whenever significant components become outdated, or due to changes in business operations or regulations. Each update will be documented with a revision date and appendix number. The updated procedure will be distributed to all relevant personnel, including SHE committee members.
3. Notification
The first individual aware of an emergency must inform the Fire Fighting and Chemical Spillage Response Team Leader or a SHE Committee member immediately. The notified leader or committee member will then alert the relevant team members to assemble at the emergency site. The emergency alarm will be activated to signal the assembly.
4. Fire Emergency Signal
Emergency alarms are strategically located at the front and rear of the factory. The alarm will sound when the Break Glass is activated, signaling an emergency.
5. Shutdown of Utilities & Operations
In the event of a fire or explosion, it may be necessary to shut down gas, electricity, water, and other services or operations:
Maintenance staff are responsible for initiating the emergency stop to shut down operations.
All maintenance activities must cease immediately.
Flammable materials, such as solvents, should be moved to a safe location if possible.
Flammable materials should not be taken out of the plant during evacuation.
6. Fire Control
The person who spots the fire, and any individuals nearby, should attempt to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher, provided it does not endanger their lives. Meanwhile, someone should contact the ERT for assistance. If the fire is beyond the ERT’s control, external assistance should be sought immediately.
7. Evacuation
The Evacuation Team is responsible for ensuring that all employees in the affected department evacuate the area safely. During evacuation, everyone must move in an orderly fashion along the designated routes identified in the Emergency Evacuation M.A.P (ES-ER-S01).
8. Accounting for Employees at Assembly Points
It is the responsibility of the Assembly Assistant to account for all employees at the designated assembly points for their department. Any missing employees must be reported immediately to the Assembly Leader. Employees should be clearly instructed not to re-enter the area until the all-clear signal is given by the SHE Committee Chairman. In the absence of the Chairman, this role will be assumed by the SHE Deputy Chairman.
9. Assessment of Emergency
Members of the Fire-Fighting and Chemical Spillage Response Team will inspect the emergency area to ensure that all employees have safely evacuated. They will then assess the emergency situation to determine the appropriate next steps.
10. Evacuation Maps & Assembly Points
Up-to-date evacuation maps must be displayed in multiple locations throughout the company. These maps should clearly indicate the closest exit, backup exit, and the location of assembly points. All employees should be familiar with the primary exit route in the event of a fire or explosion.
11. Removing Injured Employees
If injured employees are found, Fire Fighting Team members equipped with PPE should carefully remove them from the emergency area. First aid should be administered while awaiting the arrival of an ambulance.
12. Calling for Outside Resources/Agencies
If additional assistance is required, any external or internal personnel may contact the fire department, ambulance, or other necessary services. This action will be confirmed by the Fire Fighting and Chemical Spillage Response Team Leader.
13. Evacuation Practice for Fire/Explosion Emergency
An evacuation drill will be conducted at least once a year for all employees. If the drill disrupts the production line or work schedule, each department may carry out a separate drill. Observations made during the drill will be compiled into a report for all Department Managers, detailing the outcomes. Any significant issues encountered should be investigated through an incident report.
In the event of a chemical spillage, swift and effective action is crucial to mitigate risks and prevent harm. Chemical spills can pose significant dangers to health and the environment, so it’s essential to address the situation promptly and efficiently. Ensuring proper management helps minimize these impacts and safeguard everyone involved.
1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Hazardous Material / Chemical & Chemical Spill Clean-Up Supplies
Before an emergency occurs, it is essential to ensure that PPE and chemical spill clean-up supplies are purchased and stationed in high-risk areas, such as storage and production zones. Depending on the chemicals used in the facility, necessary PPE and supplies may include breathing apparatus, chemical suits, pH papers, gloves, brooms, shovels, and more. The Fire Fighting and Chemical Spillage Response Team Leader is responsible for ensuring that all PPE and clean-up supplies are in good condition, properly stored, and always in stock.
2. Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be readily available at the workplace and briefed to all relevant workers. This ensures that employees are informed about the properties and handling procedures for the chemicals they work with.
3. Notification
In the event of a chemical spillage emergency, any personnel must immediately notify the SHE Committee and the Fire-Fighting & Chemical Spillage Response Team.
4. Evacuation
If there is an immediate threat to human life, the Department Manager and Fire Fighting and Chemical Spillage Response Team Leader must ensure that all employees are evacuated from the affected area. Evacuation should be carried out in an orderly manner, following the designated routes identified in the evacuation map.
5. Stopping the Source of the Spill
The source of the spill must be stopped immediately, such as by plugging a hole or upright a drum. Appropriate PPE must be worn during this activity to ensure safety.
6. Clean-Up of the Spill
Chemical spills should be cleaned up immediately, particularly if the spill is spreading to the soil, water, drains, or sewer systems. If there is any uncertainty about handling the spill, a professional clean-up vendor should be called in. Clean-up materials should be treated as hazardous waste. An initial assessment must be conducted to determine if the spill has caused significant environmental impact. If pollution is detected, the Management Representative (MR) and SHE Chairman must notify the relevant authorities after consulting with the SHE Committee for legal advice. Refer to the SDS for specific clean-up procedures.
7. Assessment of the Emergency
The Fire-Fighting and Chemical Spillage Response Team member must inspect the emergency area to ensure all employees are safely evacuated and conduct an assessment of the emergency situation.
8. Erecting a Barricade
A barricade (e.g., caution tape) must be erected to prevent entry by anyone except the ERT members. The zone of isolation should be determined based on the nature and extent of the chemical spill.
9. Re-Entry of the Building
The Fire-Fighting & Chemical Spillage Response Team Leader will coordinate with the SHE Committee Chairman to assess when it is safe for employees to re-enter the building or affected area. This determination may involve consultation with other experts as necessary, and the decision will be communicated clearly to all personnel.
