Emergency Procedures Policy and Procedure

Principle Alignment

• Bushidō (Integrity): Commitment to prioritising community safety, calm, and accurate emergency response.
• Kaizen (Continuous Improvement): Ongoing review and practice of emergency plans for best practice and compliance.

1. Purpose

To ensure all College personnel, contractors, students, and visitors know how to act quickly and safely in any emergency, minimising risks to people, property, and reputation, and to meet regulatory compliance.

2. Scope

Covers all ASC venues, offices, clinic/classrooms, training locations, staff, contractors, and students present during any ASC activity.

Scope delineation: This document governs immediate, on-the-ground response to routine contingency scenarios — including fire, evacuation, on-site medical events, chemical/spill incidents, bomb threats, and natural disasters. It provides the step-by-step response framework for these scenarios.

Where an incident has broader organisational, reputational, legal, or multi-agency dimensions — including serious injury, assault, death, infectious disease outbreak, or any event requiring sustained organisational response beyond the immediate emergency — the Critical Incident and Crisis Management Policy applies concurrently and should be consulted immediately. Where both documents apply, this document governs the immediate physical response; the Critical Incident and Crisis Management Policy governs the organisational response, communication, and recovery.

3. Policy Statement

• ASC commits to maintaining comprehensive and practical emergency procedures for all types of emergencies—including fire, medical, chemical/spill, bomb threat, natural disaster, or external incidents (road accidents, etc).
• Regular safety drills, induction training, and clear communication ensure staff and students are prepared.
• Calm, prompt action and strict adherence to emergency plans are crucial for safety and regulatory compliance.
• Emergency plans/posters, assembly points, and contact numbers are displayed throughout College premises.

4. Emergency Procedures (Main Types & Response Flow)

• In any emergency:

1. Remain calm and stop work.
2. Activate the emergency alarm (if available); prepare to evacuate.
3. Shut down equipment/systems only if safe to do so.
4. Follow all warden/contact officer instructions.
5. Evacuate via the nearest safe exit, do not use lifts or block doors/hallways.
6. Proceed to the designated assembly point.
   • Teachers conduct a head count for their class/group.
   • Anyone unaccounted for must be reported immediately—no one leaves the assembly point without permission.
7. Do not block access for emergency services.
8. Wait for all-clear from College/emergency authorities before re-entering the premises.

• If you receive a bomb threat:
  • Keep the caller talking; do not hang up if they do.
  • Advise a contact officer or Director immediately.
  • Wardens/directors will coordinate response.
• If fire is discovered:
  • Raise the fire alarm or yell “FIRE, FIRE”
  • Remove everyone from danger, call 000, answer operator questions.
  • Close doors/windows if safe; evacuate calmly.
  • Only use extinguishers if trained and it is safe.

5. Fire Safety

• Prevention is primary: dispose of rubbish daily, never allow flammable waste to build up, and be vigilant with ignition sources (electrical faults, candles, etc).
• All exits and corridors must remain clear of obstacles at all times.
• Fire extinguishers are located at strategic points; never move them except in an emergency.
• Staff and students are expected to participate in regular fire safety training and drills.

6. Information Display & Training

• ASC ensures all emergency plans, assembly points, evacuation maps, and contact procedures are displayed at key points.
• All employees/students must familiarise themselves with these on their first visit and attend all scheduled drills/inductions.

7. Post-Incident Procedures

• Directors are responsible for:
• Arranging first aid, restoration of workspaces, and documentation of incidents.
• Investigating and reporting on all incidents within 48 hours.
• Maintaining records (incident logs, evacuation records, training records) as per the Records Retention & Archiving Policy.

8. Non-Compliance/Discipline

• All staff, students, and contractors must comply with emergency procedures.
• Failure to follow instructions, participate in drills, or interfering with emergency equipment will result in disciplinary action.

9. Roles and Responsibilities