Code Yellow - Infrastructure and other internal emergencies - Albany Health Campus WACHS Great Southern Version 1.00
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Code Yellow – Infrastructure and other internal emergencies Albany Health Campus WACHS Great Southern Version 1.00 Healthier country communities through partnership and innovation
Effective: < InsertXXX
Effective: Date >
Effective: 11 February 2021
Code Yellow – Infrastructure and other internal emergencies
Approval
Approval
These emergency response procedures assign responsibilities, actions and procedures
that are implemented at Albany Health Campus following the occurrence of an emergency.
These procedures have been formally endorsed by the GS Emergency Management
Committee as the Standard Operating Procedure to be followed during an emergency
response at Albany Health Campus.
Recommended HE05994
Miranda Wootton, A/Program
Manager Emergency Management
10/02/2021
Dated
Endorsed HE24872
Juan Clark, AHC Operations
Manager
11/02/2021
Dated
Approved HE70336
Geraldine Ennis PSM, Regional
Director
11/02/2021
Dated
Printed or saved electronic copies of this policy document are considered uncontrolled.
Always source the current version from WACHS HealthPoint Policies.
Date of Last Review: February 2021 Page 1 of 45 Date Next Review: February 2026WACHS Great Southern Code Yellow – Infrastructure and Other Internal Emergencies
- Albany Health Campus
Table of contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................4
1.1 Emergency response ........................................................................4
1.2 Classifying emergencies ...................................................................4
1.2.1 Code Blue and Code Brown .............................................................5
1.2.2 Continuous improvement ..................................................................5
1.3 Business Continuity Plan ..................................................................5
2. Emergency Control Organisation.....................................................................6
2.1 First responder..................................................................................6
2.2 Emergency Response Coordinator (CONM or After hours Bed
Manager)...........................................................................................6
2.3 Area Warden.....................................................................................6
2.4 Emergency Response Team ............................................................6
2.5 Communications Officer (Switchboard or Admin Manager or
Delegate). .........................................................................................7
2.6 Medical Emergency Response Team ...............................................7
2.7 Scene-specific ECO structure...........................................................7
2.8 Site-wide ECO structure ...................................................................8
3. Documentation and equipment ........................................................................8
3.1 Emergency Control point ..................................................................8
3.2 Area Warden Points..........................................................................9
3.3 Action cards ......................................................................................9
3.4 Albany Health Campus Communications Log ..................................9
3.5 Equipment.........................................................................................9
3.5.1 Identification .....................................................................................9
3.5.2 Equipment checking and maintenance...........................................10
4. Communication................................................................................................10
4.1 Emergency Warning and Information System ................................10
5. Notification .......................................................................................................11
5.2.1 Paging system ................................................................................12
6. Post incident activities ....................................................................................12
7. Code Yellow – Infrastructure and other internal emergencies....................15
1.1. Introduction .....................................................................................15
1.2. Sub-plans........................................................................................15
1.3. Infrastructure damage.....................................................................15
1.4. Essential service disruptions ..........................................................15
1.4.1. Facility system status report ...........................................................16
1.5. ICT downtime procedures...............................................................17
1.6. Hazardous materials .......................................................................17
1.6.1. Hospital Response to a Code Yellow Hazardous Spill ...................17
1.7. Earthquake......................................................................................17
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1.8. Missing Inpatient .............................................................................18
General .....................................................................................................................20
Flood Prevention.....................................................................................................20
Preparation...............................................................................................................21
Flood Warnings .......................................................................................................21
Flood Watch: ...................................................................................................21
Flood Warning: ...............................................................................................21
General .....................................................................................................................22
Other Considerations .............................................................................................22
1.12 Code Yellow - facility system status report template ......................................23
1.9. Code Yellow workarounds ..............................................................29
1.10. Action Cards ...................................................................................30
Action Card 31 First Responder ......................................................................31
Action Card 32 Emergency Response Coordinator .........................................32
Action Card 33 Area Warden ...........................................................................36
Action Card 34 Emergency Response Team Leader ......................................39
Action Card 35 Emergency Response Team Member ....................................41
Action Card 36 Communications Officer..........................................................42
This document can be made available in alternative formats
on request for a person with a disability
Contact: Operations Manager – Albany Health Campus
Directorate: Operations Great Southern EDRMS Record # ED-CO-21-41742
Version: 1.00 Date Published: 11 February 2021
Copyright to this material is vested in the State of Western Australia unless otherwise indicated. Apart from
any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the
provisions of the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced or re-used for any purposes whatsoever
without written permission of the State of Western Australia.
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Date of Last Review: February 2021 Page 3 of 45 Date Next Review: February 2026WACHS Great Southern Code Yellow – Infrastructure and Other Internal Emergencies
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1. Introduction
This procedure outlines the assigned responsibilities, actions and procedures to be
undertaken at Albany Health Campus to respond to and manage a potential or actual
emergency affecting the facility.
1.1 Emergency response
The emergency response is the initial phase following the occurrence of an
emergency.
This procedure is facility-specific and covers:
immediate actions to be taken by the first responder; and
Follow-on actions (action cards) to be taken by members of the facility’s
Emergency Control Organisation (ECO).
Following the implementation of the ERP, the emergency may abate and resolve, or
transition into the incident management and/or business continuity phases.
1.2 Classifying emergencies
Emergencies in hospitals are categorised into colour codes, as set out in Australian
Standard (AS) 4083:2010 – Planning for emergencies – Health care facilities, and
AS 3745:2010 – Planning for emergencies in facilities.
Code Red Fire / smoke
Code Blue Medical emergency
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Code Purple Bomb threat / substance
Code Yellow Infrastructure and other internal emergencies
Code Black Personal threat
Code Brown External emergency
Code Orange Evacuation
Additionally, there are two subcategories of code black:
Code Black Alpha – infant/child abduction
Code Black Bravo – active shooter.
Some hospitals may have separate emergency management sub-plans for specific
hazards in their community, such as cyclones, bushfires, storm surge, and
hazardous materials.
As a minimum, one printed copy of these procedures should be available on site,
located at the Emergency Control Point (see section 3.1). Additional copies of these
procedures may be printed and stored on site where required.
1.2.1 Code Blue and Code Brown
Code Blue action cards are not included as part of these ERPs. Resources,
information and templates pertaining to Code Blue Medical Emergency Response
processes, please refer to the Clinical Escalation of Acute Physiological Deterioration
including Medical Emergency Response Policy.
Code Brown action cards are not included as part of these ERPs. Please refer to the
site’s Code Brown Emergency Response Procedure.
1.2.2 Continuous improvement
The ERP should be regularly reviewed, tested and updated based on lessons
learned from actual emergencies or drills and exercises.
As per Clause 2.2 (d) of AS 3745:2010, the ERP is to be reviewed at least every five
years.
1.3 Business Continuity Plan
This site’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP) documents the procedures and strategies
to be enacted when critical business activities and/or services are disrupted. The
BCP aims to restore disrupted services within acceptable pre-identified timeframes
as part of the business continuity response phase to an phase to an emergency.
Business Continuity is not to be confused with contingency arrangements that are
documented in the Code Yellow procedures. Code Yellow procedures deal with the
initial emergency response to an infrastructure failure or other internal emergency,
and the actions required to protect people and assets.
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2. Emergency Control Organisation
The ECO is a person or a group of trained persons that are responsible for directing
and controlling the implementation of the site’s ERPs.
The primary role of the ECO is to ensure the safety of the facility’s occupants and
protection of assets. Occupant safety always takes precedence over asset
protection.
2.1 First responder
Although not part of the ECO, the first responder is any staff member who first
notices and initiates the response to an emergency. The first responder’s main
responsibilities are to maintain safety of the building occupants, and to notify the
ECO of the occurrence of an emergency.
2.2 Emergency Response Coordinator (CONM or After hours Bed Manager)
The Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC) leads the ECO for the entire site. The
ERC has responsibility for commanding and coordinating the site’s emergency
response in order to control the emergency. An ERC is rostered for all hours of
Albany Health Campus’s operation.
In the event of an emergency, the ERC has principal accountability of all patients,
staff and visitors within the facility, regardless of their organisational position or
tenancy arrangements. In complex emergencies or incidents that requiring ongoing
incident or business continuity management, the ERC escalates the management of
the emergency to the Hospital Incident Commander (HIC) (Operations Manager)
2.3 Area Warden
In each ward, department or area, an Area Warden is to be appointed during all
times of operation. In the event of an emergency, the Area Warden has immediate
responsibility of all staff within the designated area, regardless of their organisational
position or tenancy arrangements
The Area Warden is normally the ward’s shift coordinator, nominated delegate, or
otherwise senior person designated by the Site Service Manager or senior lead for
the site.
2.4 Emergency Response Team
The Emergency Response Team (ERT) may be mobilised to respond to an
emergency. The ERT carries out front line actions for all emergencies except for
Code Blue, at the direction of the ERC.
The team consists of the After Hours / Bedflow Nurse Manager (ERT Lead), Security
Officer and Orderly.
The ERT is led by the ERT Leader (Executive on Call or Delegate).
The role of the ERT is to:
Attend the scene of a reported emergency within the facility grounds.
Provide expert assistance where required.
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Prevent unauthorised people from entering the scene area.
Liaise with emergency services personnel when they arrive.
Assist staff to evacuate the area if the situation requires it.
2.5 Communications Officer (Switchboard or Admin Manager or Delegate).
The Communications Officer may form part of the ECO to facilitate clerical support
and record maintenance during an emergency response.
The Communications Officer is the single point of contact for any event affecting a
facility. In the event of an actual or potential incident, the Communications Officer is
responsible for:
a) Receiving the initial notification of an actual or potential incident.
b) Notifying the ECO of any actual or potential incident.
c) Facilitate ERC with clerical and record maintenance activities during an
emergency response
2.6 Medical Emergency Response Team
The Medical Emergency Response (MER) Team is a defined team of staff that
respond to a medical emergency response, as defined by this site’s on site
escalation procedure. The size and composition of the MER Team will be dependent
on the facility’s staffing profile and rostering.
Resources, information and templates pertaining to Code Blue Medical Emergency
Response processes, please refer to the Clinical Escalation of Acute Physiological
Deterioration including Medical Emergency Response Policy.
2.7 Scene-specific ECO structure
The following diagram outlines the ECO governance structure for a scene-specific
emergency response.
Emergency
Response
Coordinator
(ERC)
Communications
Officer
Emergency
Response Team Area Warden
Leader
Emergency
Response
Team Staff, patients and
(ERT) visitors
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2.8 Site-wide ECO structure
The following structure outlines the ECO governance structure for a site-wide
emergency response.
Emergency
Response
Coordinator
(ERC)
Emergency
Communications
Response Team
Officer
Leader
Emergency
Response Area Warden Area Warden Area Warden
Team
(ERT)
Staff, patients and Staff, patients and Staff, patients and
visitors visitors visitors
3. Documentation and equipment
3.1 Emergency Control point
The Emergency Control Point is located at Binalup Meeting Room (opposite staff
development). The Emergency Control Point serves as the staging area for the ERC,
Communications Officer and the Emergency Response Team. The Emergency
Control Point should contain:
Ring bound, laminated action cards for the ERC, ERT, and Communications
Officer.
Radios and charging points for the ERC, ERT and Communications Officer.
Tabards for the ERC, ERT and Communications Officer. Tabards should be
consistent with requirements in section 3.5.1.
Contact list for the wards/departments, DECT numbers, WIP phone numbers,
PSTN emergency phone numbers.
Map detailing the fire compartments throughout the facility.
A laminated table of each ward/department, their primary and secondary stage
two and three assembly areas.
Chinagraph pencils or other suitable writing instrument.
Contact details for emergency services.
A hard copy of these Emergency Response Procedures.
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3.2 Area Warden Points
Each area is to have an Area Warden Point. The point should be situated near a
Warden Intercommunication Point (WIP) phone and have an Area Warden Pack
contained with a box or document holder, ideally mounted and made of Perspex.
The Area Warden Pack should contain:
Ring bound, laminated action cards for the Area Warden and First Responder
Yellow Area Warden emergency vest with Area Warden clearly labelled front
and back.
Search map – a schematic of the respective area/fire compartment showing all
rooms, doors, and exits. This is used to conduct a search of an area during
some emergencies (e.g.: fire, bomb threat, evacuation).
Chinagraph pencils or other suitable writing instrument.
The primary and secondary evacuation routes and assembly areas.
Instructions on operating the Warden Intercommunication Point (WIP) phone.
An “area evacuated” sign.
3.3 Action cards
Action cards have been developed for first responders and each member of the
ECO. When an emergency occurs, ECO members are to complete their respective
action cards.
Following the emergency, the ERC is responsible for collating the action cards and
sending them to the Communications Officer for collation, and the ERC for review.
The ERC is also responsible for ensuring new action cards are printed and replaced
in warden kits and muster points as soon as possible.
3.4 Albany Health Campus Communications Log
The Communications Officer is to commence a communications log for following a
55 call to switch. The log should capture key decisions, communication details
between key stakeholders, and any other relevant communications as part of the
emergency response.
Once the emergency response is stood down, the ERC is to review the
communications log for accuracy before sending to the AHC Emergency
Management Committee for review. Once reviewed, the HSM is to attach the log to
action card documentation for that event and electronically save the record. A
communication log template is available in Appendix A.
3.5 Equipment
ECO members are issued with pieces of equipment to assist them in responding to
an emergency.
3.5.1 Identification
ECO members are required by clause 5.8 of AS 3745 to identify themselves to allow
for easy recognition. This site uses hard hats and tabards.
The ECO positions should be identifiable by the following colours, with the position
clearly labelled front and back.
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- Albany Health Campus
Position Colour of tabard
Emergency Response Coordinator White
Emergency Response Team Orange
Emergency Response Team Leader Orange
Communications Officer White
Area Warden Yellow
3.5.2 Equipment checking and maintenance
ECO members are responsible for checking their emergency equipment at the start
of each shift to ensure it is in working order.
Following the occurrence of an emergency, ECO members are responsible for
refurbishing their equipment in warden kits and muster points.
4. Communication
A series of communication systems may be used during an emergency to
communicate with key stakeholders. This includes, but is not limited to:
4.1 Emergency Warning and Information System
The Emergency Warning and Information System (EWIS) can notify building
occupants of emergencies through the use of a series of audible tones. This includes
an alert tone (BEEP… BEEP…) and an evacuation tone (WHOOP… WHOOP…).
A Public Address (PA) system can also be used to allow the ERC or the emergency
services to communicate to the entire facility or selected areas. The EWIS can be
operated from the Fire Indicator Panel(s), located at:
Ground Floor at security office,
The EWIS is only be operated by DFES or the ERC who has been trained in its
operation.
4.2 Warden Intercommunication Point phones
WIP phones are linked to the EWIS and allow the ERC or emergency services to
directly communicate with Area Wardens for respective areas. Each department /
ward should have one or more WIP phones located within their vicinity.
4.3 Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications
This facility used Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) as part of
its internal communication system. A number of paging groups have been set up to
provide notification messages to predetermined handsets.
4.4 Mobile telephones
Mobile telephones are a critical communication platform, and may be used to notify
stakeholders on or off site.
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4.5 Satellite telephones
Satellite telephones (sat phones) may serve as a primary notification method in some
remote sites or as redundancy when other communication platforms are unavailable.
4.6 Runners
Runners are staff members who may be co-opted to relay key pieces of information
or instructions. Runners may be used when conventional communication platforms
become overwhelmed or unavailable.
4.7 Situation reports
A situation report (SITREP) is a short verbal summary of the current situation that
can be used to inform decision making and actions required. A SITREP may be
simply “all ok” or more detailed about the nature of the emergency and its current or
anticipated impact. A SITREP should contain the below fields:
Current situation (what has happened, where did it occur, what time)
What actions have been undertaken (what has been done)
What actions still need to be completed (what needs to be done)
Any other issues (anything of interest or noteworthy).
5. Notification
There are a number of automatic and manual notification processes used by this
facility. More detail on notification is provided in the specific emergency code
sections.
5.1 Automatic notification
This facility has a fire detection system installed to automatically detect smoke or fire.
This includes smoke and thermal detectors, and sprinkler systems. These systems
are linked to the Fire Indicator Panel and Building Management System (BMS).
This will also automatically notify the Department of Fire and Emergency Services
(DFES) through the Direct Brigade Alarm (DBA).
The BMS will also send automatic notifications to respective paging group.
5.2 Manual notification
A first responder can manually notify about the occurrence of any emergency by a
number of methods, including:
A 55 emergency call
Manual call points (break glass alarms)
Duress Alarms
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When notifying of an emergency via 55, the first responder should provide the
switchboard operator with information to develop the first report. This information
should include:
Type of emergency (e.g.: code red)
Exact location of emergency
Brief description of the incident
Name and title of caller
5.2.1 Paging system
This facility uses dura suite system to send paging messages to notify the ECO of an
emergency.
Details of emergency code paging groups:
Code Blue
Code Black
Code Black Alpha
Code Red
6. Post incident activities
Following the abatement or resolution of the emergency, the ERC is responsible for
ensuring appropriate post-incident activities are implemented.
6.1 Reporting
All emergencies, regardless of whether they are false alarms or actual events, are to
be reported on. There are three main avenues of reporting:
1. Emergency Code Reporting Tool. This online data collection tool is used to
capture the occurrence of a code red false alarm, code yellow, code orange code
purple, code black alpha, code black bravo, and code brown emergencies.
All reports submitted through this tool will require Tier 4 manager review and
approval.
2. Safety Risk Report Form. This form is to be completed for all code red (real
event) and code black incidents.
3. Code Blue emergencies – Medical emergencies are to be reported as per
the Clinical Escalation of Acute Physiological Deterioration including Medical
Emergency Response Policy.
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Code Red – Fire / Smoke
False Alarms only
Code Purple – Bomb Threat
Code Yellow – Infrastructure
and other internal emergencies
Code Orange - Evacuation Emergency
Emergency Code
Code Reporting
Reporting Tool
Tool
Code Brown – External
Emergency
Code Black Alpha – Infant /
Child Abduction
Code Black Bravo – Active
Shooter
Code Red – Fire Smoke
Confirmed fires only
Safety
Safety Risk
Risk Report
Report Form
Form
Code Black – Personal Threat
Code Blue – Medical
Datix
Datix // CIMS
CIMS
Emergency
Further information is available from the Reporting of Emergencies Procedure.
6.2 Debriefing
Following the occurrence of an incident, the ERC should determine whether a debrief
is warranted. There are two forms of debriefing:
a) Hot Debrief - A hot debrief is a quick and informal debrief. The main objectives
of a hot debrief are to determine:
How the emergency or near miss occurred
If any staff members, patients, and other building occupants have been
affected by the emergency, and any follow up actions that are required.
This may include referrals to Employee Assistance Programs.
If there are any ongoing potential hazard/s or risk/s to personnel
Any urgent actions to mitigate risk/s
Appropriate reporting and notification requirements
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b) Formal Debrief – a formal debrief may be convened a number of days
following the occurrence of the emergency. A formal debrief involves a more
detailed analysis of the emergency to determine:
What was the cause of the emergency?
What was the impact(s) of the emergency?
Contributing factors that affected the outcome of the emergency.
Any risks or issues that that have been identified as a result of the
emergency.
Recognition of staff members involved in the emergency.
Opportunities for continuous improvement with respect to training,
emergency response procedures or equipment.
Any follow-up recommendations required to prevent a reoccurrence, or
mitigate the impacts, of the emergency,
The formal debrief may involve an investigation, and a formal report should
be drafted and tabled at the Great Southern Regions Emergency
Management Committee. The committee should track progress on the
implementation of any recommendations.
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12. Code Yellow – Infrastructure and other
internal emergencies
1.1. Introduction
A code yellow emergency refers to emergencies that impact the facility and may be
caused by infrastructure damage or other internal events that may adversely impact
service delivery and/or the safety of staff, patients and visitors.
A code yellow emergency also covers emergencies that may originate external to a
facility which may also impact on service delivery. Examples include failure or
disruption to electricity, medical gases, water supply, and information
1.2. Sub-plans
The following sub-plans have been established for Albany Health Campus, based on
the facility’s risk profile:
Code Yellow Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) incident (See 1.6).
Code Yellow Earthquake (See 1.7).
Code Yellow Bush Fire (See 1.9).
Code Yellow Floods (See 1.10).
Code Yellows Storm Surge (See 1.11)
1.3. Infrastructure damage
The Albany Health Campus is made up of a number of structures where critical
business functions are carried out. Damage to certain infrastructure may affect the
effective functioning of units and may threaten the safety of patients, staff and
visitors.
These Code Yellow (infrastructure damage) emergency response procedures
address infrastructure damage through the implementation of emergency actions.
Where emergency actions have failed and infrastructure damage disrupts critical
business functions for periods greater than the tolerable period or threatens the
safety of people, the Business Continuity Plan and Code Orange emergency
response procedures is to apply.
1.4. Essential service disruptions
The Albany Health Campus is dependent on the integrity of a number of essential
services. Numerous planned and unplanned incidents can disrupt the critical
business functions of the Albany Health Campus which may have adverse impacts
on the safety of patients, staff and visitors.
Although the Albany Health Campus has a number of contingencies in place to
minimise the risk of essential service loss, these contingencies may also fail at a
critical stage. These Code Yellow emergency response procedures address
contingency failure through the implementation of manual workarounds.
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Where contingencies have failed and manual workarounds have become
unsustainable, causing disruption to critical business functions beyond tolerable
periods, the Business Continuity Plan is to apply.
Refer to the Albany Health Campus Business Continuity Plan to determine essential
service contingencies and unit/area dependency levels on essential services.
The Business Continuity Plan contains contingency arrangements for the loss of key
services are listed below. This includes:
Electricity supply disruption
Water supply disruption
Medical oxygen
Natural Gas supply
Air-conditioning system
Fuel supply disruption (petrol and diesel)
Sewerage / waste water
Voice telephone system (PABX)
ICT network
3G/4G network
Wide Area Network Disruption.
Paging system
1.4.1. Facility system status report
The Facility system status report is used to record the status of various critical facility
systems and infrastructure. The form provides an overview of current and potential
system failures or limitations that may affect incident response and recovery.
Should the facility’s infrastructure be damaged or impacted by a disruption or
external hazard, an impact assessment should be undertaken to determine the status
of particular systems throughout the hospital.
The report assesses seven key systems:
Communications
Power
Lighting
Water
Sewerage / toilets
Nurse Call System
Medical Gases / Oxygen
When determining the status of systems, the status uses the following definitions:
Fully functional: 100% operable with no limitations
Partially functional: Operable or somewhat operable with limitations
Non-functional: Out of commission
N/A: Not applicable, do not have
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1.5. ICT downtime procedures
A number of applications have formalised downtime procedures in place to deal with
a disruption to ICT applications in systems. Other systems have no formalised
downtime processes in place.
If loss of an ICT application or system results in wards or departments not being able
to deliver their services, refer to the site’s Business Continuity Plan.
1.6. Hazardous materials
Numerous hazardous materials (HAZMAT) such as gases (medical and non-
medical), flammable liquids, poisons, corrosive substances, radioactive materials and
infectious materials are handled and stored within health service facilities.
Additionally, HAZMAT may be transported along the main arterials near the health
facility. HAZMAT incidents are most likely to be accidental, however may also be
caused deliberately.
Although Albany Health Campus has a number of engineered control measures in
place to minimise the risk of HAZMAT incidents, these control measures may also fail
at a critical stage. These emergency response procedures address control measure
failure through the implementation of emergency actions.
For further information, refer to the WACHS Managing Risks of Hazardous
Chemicals and Dangerous Goods Procedure.
1.6.1. Hospital Response to a Code Yellow Hazardous Spill
A ‘Code Yellow - Hazardous Spill’ may be declared should the spill of a hazardous
substance impact on the normal operations of the hospital.
If the spill cannot be contained with a local response or it is having a significant
impact on hospital functions, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services
(DFES) should be contacted (via triple zero telephone call) for further advice and
assistance. Appropriate Subject Matter Expertise should also be sought.
1.7. Earthquake
Western Australia is a seismically active state, and has experienced many large
magnitude earthquakes in its history.
When an earthquake occurs:
DROP, COVER AND HOLD
Do not leave the building as you may be in danger from falling debris.
Stay where you are. Do not attempt to reach another area or floor within the
building until instructed to do so.
Where possible ensure all persons are under beds, tables, benches or
doorframes to protect them from falling debris.
If no cover is available, move into a corner or away from the centre of the
room and away from glass, walls/windows.
Await instructions from the Area Warden or Emergency Services and evacuate
only on orders from them or the Emergency Response Coordinator or Area
Warden
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Do not light matches or cigarette lighters, as there may be danger of explosion
caused by ruptured gas lines. Use torches if there is no lighting.
For occupants outside buildings during an earthquake:
Keep away from buildings, high walls and power lines.
If you are caught beside a building, seek refuge under archways and
doorways.
If you are driving, pull off the road and stop.
After the shaking has stopped, do not enter damaged buildings.
Senior Person in the Area – actions to be taken:
When the shaking has stopped, check staff and patients / visitors for injuries
and arrange appropriate first aid.
Survey your area for structural damage, particularly stairwells. Check for fire
and fire hazards such as ruptured gas lines.
If applicable, determine if medical gas supplies are functional by checking
the gas warning lights in the area. If there is interruption to the main supply it
will be necessary to ensure that bottled gas (oxygen, air) is available for
dependant patients.
Unless there is immediate danger, do not evacuate until instructed by the
Area Warden, Emergency Response Coordinator, or Fire and Rescue
Officers.
Ensure no one smokes inside the building or where a fire/explosion hazard
exists.
Ensure all staff are accounted for and remain in the area until instructed to
evacuate.
Assist emergency response team and Fire and Rescue officers. Participate
in checking evacuation routes and, once in the assembly area, conduct a roll
call to account for everyone.
Evacuation
Do not evacuate the building during an earthquake. It is safer to remain within the
building taking cover under tables, desks, doorframes and stairwells, to reduce the
risk of injury from falling debris.
It may be necessary to check the evacuation routes before evacuation to ensure the
area is safe. Stairwells may have collapsed. Do not use lifts.
1.8. Missing Inpatient
The procedure for responding to a missing or suspected missing inpatients are
managed under the WACHS Missing or Suspected Missing Inpatient Procedure.
1.9. Bush Fire
Purpose
The purpose of this sub plan is to outline the preventative and preparatory
measures for and emergency responses to, a bushfire.
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General
Bushfires are a significant risk to the Albany Health Campus due to summer
heat, the campuses close proximity to trees, forests, scrub and grasslands and
the catastrophic consequences that result from fires. A bushfire can start
suddenly within the area and without time for the Department of Fire and
Emergency Services (DFES) to issue a warning.
The two most likely events associated with a bushfire are smoke enveloping part
or the whole site and/or ignition of fires caused by embers. Where a fire ignites
on site, the Albany Health Campus Code Red emergency response procedures
shall apply.
A Code Yellow bushfire call can be made by any staff member who feels the
situation is an emergency.
Fire Prevention and Protection
There are a number of preventative and protective fire safety measures in place
at the Albany Health Campus which increase the facilities survivability. Refer to
the Albany Health Campus Code Red Emergency Response Procedures.
Additionally, every building and asset of critical infrastructure is surrounded by a
Building Protection Zone (BPZ) that aims to reduce the flammable material in the
immediate vicinity of structures and other assets.
Preparation:
Fire Danger Ratings
Fire danger ratings should be used as a guide to help decision makers evaluate
the situation and initiate action before a fire even starts. Refer to Appendix 7.1
Fire Danger Ratings.
Bushfire Warnings
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services will provide information through
a variety of means during a bushfire. Additionally, they will issue community
alerts for bushfires that threaten lives and/or property. Alert levels escalate to
reflect the increase in risk.
Advice
A fire has started but there is no immediate danger, this is general information
to keep you informed and up to date with developments. Be alert and monitor
the situation. Issued at 11am and 4pm daily.
Watch and Act
A fire is approaching and conditions are changing, you need to leave or prepare
to actively defend and protect in place. Issued at least every two hours.
Broadcast in full on ABC local radio and 6PR every half an hour on the quarter
hour.
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Emergency Warning:
Take immediate action to survive -you will be impacted by the fire. A siren sound
called the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) may be used to get
your attention on radio and television. Issued at least every hour. Broadcast in
full on ABC local radio and 6PR every 15 minutes. This message will start with
the Standard Emergency Warning Signal.
All Clear:
The danger has passed and the fire is under control, but you need to remain
vigilant in case the situation changes. It may not be safe to return. Issued to
close the incident.
A table detailing the bushfire warning system and detailed messaging is available
via the DFES web site.
1.10. Flood
Purpose
The purpose of this sub plan is to outline the preventative and preparatory
measures for and the emergency responses to, a flood caused by nature.
General
Floods are a significant risk to the Albany Health Campus due to their
catastrophic consequences. The likelihood of a flood increases for the
Albany Health Campus due to plumbing and infrastructure design.
Although the Albany Health Campus has been designed and constructed
in accordance with Legal and other Department of Health planning
requirements, flooding may still occur. This Code Yellow flood sub plan
addresses floods caused by nature through the implementation of
emergency response actions.
Where floods cause disruption to critical business functions beyond
tolerable periods or threaten the safety of patients, staff and visitors the
Albany Health Campus Business Continuity Plans shall apply.
A Code Yellow flood call can be made by any staff member who feels the
situation is an emergency.
Flood Prevention
Flood risk is mitigated through planning schemes implemented at a local
government level. Here a series of overlays have been used to influence
the design and construction of the facility to reduce the effects of a flood
caused by nature.
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Preparation
Where a flood is expected, departments/areas should prepare
accordingly. This includes but is not limited to:
securing hazardous items (i.e. sharps containers and other
clinical waste, oxygen cylinders etc.)
moving specialist equipment to a higher level
water proofing medical records and other important documents
relocating patients if it is safe to do so
preparing sand bags to place over back flowing drains
preparing patient essentials (medications, clothing, valuables etc.).
Flood Warnings
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services will provide
information through a variety of different means during a flood caused
by nature. Additionally, they will issue community alerts for floods that
threaten lives and/or property. Alert levels escalate to reflect the
increase in risk. These include:
Flood Watch:
Provides information to generate early awareness of developing
hydro meteorological conditions, which may lead to possible or
likely flooding in a particular district during the next 24 to 72 hours.
Messages will make short generalised statements about the
developing weather situation, including forecast rainfall totals, the
current state of the catchments and the indication of the rivers at
risk from flooding. Enable people and the community to take action
to increase safety and reduce the cost associated with flooding.
Flood Warning:
Provides information to enable timely appropriate action to be taken
when flooding is anticipated or occurring. Messages are issued for
specific river basins and, where possible, will provide sufficient
information to explain what is happening, where it is happening, how
it will affect the recipient of the message and what possible evasive
actions could be deployed.
1.11. Storm
Purpose
The purpose of this sub plan is to outline the preparatory measures for and
emergency responses to a storm surge.
Storms are a significant risk to the Albany Health Campus due to the
damaging impacts caused by heavy rain, winds, lightning, hail and
tornados that hit the district. Although storms are most likely to occur
between May and October, they may also occur in the summer months.
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General
This Code Yellow storm surge sub plan address storm surges through
the implementation of emergency actions. Where structural damage has
occurred on site, causing disruption to critical business functions beyond
tolerable periods or threatens the safety of patients, staff and visitors,
Business Continuity Plans and Code Orange evacuation procedures shall
apply.
A Code Yellow storm surge call can be made by any staff member who
feels the situation is an emergency.
Preparation:
Weather Warnings
There are a variety of means to keep up to date with the latest storm
warnings and advice. This includes:
News bulletins: Local radio, TV or online.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services:
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM): or by calling their Land Weather
Warnings and Flood Warnings Advice Line on 1300 659 213.
Other Considerations
Identifying loose material from around the health campus that can turn
into potentially deadly missiles and notifying the Engineering
department.
Where practicable, moving vehicles to cover.
Contacting mobile/outdoor workers and advising them to seek
adequate shelter.
Checking on community patients to see if they need help.
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1.12 Code Yellow - facility system status report template
1. Incident Name 2. Operational Period (# )
DATE: FROM: ______________________________ TO:
_____________________________
TIME: FROM: ______________________________ TO:
_____________________________
3. Name of Facility / Building Reporting Status Below
6. Comments If not fully functional, give location, reason, and estimated
4. System 5. Status
time/resources for necessary repair. Identify who reported or inspected.
Communications
Fax Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Information Technology Fully functional
System Partially functional
Network, applications Non-functional
N/A
Nurse Call System Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Overhead Paging Fully functional
(EWIS/PA) Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Paging System Fully functional
Code teams, standard paging Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Satellite Phones (Held by Fully functional
security) Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Telephone System Fully functional
Primary Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Internet Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Infrastructure
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Fully functional
Campus Access
Roadways, sidewalks, bridge Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Fire Detection System Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Fire Suppression Fully functional
System Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Food Preparation Fully functional
Equipment Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Ice Machines Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Laundry / Linen Service Fully functional
Equipment Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Structural Components Fully functional (Note cracked walls, loose masonry, hanging light fixtures, broken windows)
Building integrity Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Patient care
Decontamination Fully functional
Systems Partially functional
Including containment Non-functional
N/A
Digital Radiography Fully functional
System, Routine Partially functional
Diagnostics Non-functional
PACS, CT, MRI, other N/A
(split between ICT, third party
providers and WA PACS)
Steam / Chemical Fully functional
Sterilisers Partially functional
Non-functional
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N/A
Isolation Rooms Fully functional
Positive/negative air Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Security
Facility Lockdown Systems Fully functional
Door/key card access Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Campus Security Fully functional
External panic alarms (also Partially functional
described as fixed duress)
Non-functional
N/A
Campus Security Fully functional
Surveillance cameras Partially functional
Nonfunctional
N/A
Campus Security Fully functional
Traffic controls Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Campus Security Fully functional
Lighting Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Duress Alarms Fully functional
Internal and other reporting Partially functional
devices (fixed and mobile)
Non-functional
N/A
Utilities
Electrical Power Fully functional
Mains feed Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Electrical Power Fully functional
Backup generator Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
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Fuel Storage (Gas tank) Fully functional (Note amount on hand)
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Sanitation Systems Fully functional
Partially functional
Nonfunctional
N/A
Water Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Natural Gas/Propane Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Air Compressor Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Elevators Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Hazardous Waste Fully functional
Containment System Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Heating, Ventilation, and Fully functional
Air Conditioning (HVAC) Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Oxygen Fully functional (Note bulk, H tanks, E tanks, Reserve supply status)
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Medical Gases, Other Fully functional (Note reserve supply status)
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Pneumatic Tube Fully functional
(engineering and ICT Partially functional
depending on issue) Non-functional
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N/A
Sump Pump Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Water Treatment System Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Vacuum (for patient use) Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Water Heater and Fully functional
Circulators Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
External Lighting Fully functional
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
External Storage Fully functional
Equipment Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
External Storage Fully functional
Vehicles Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Parking Structures, Lots Fully functional (Power, panic alarms, access, egress, lighting)
Partially functional
Non-functional
N/A
Landing Zone Fully functional Code orange
Pads, lighting, fuel source Partially functional
(Spencer Park Primary oval or
Non-functional
Albany Regional Airport)
N/A
7. Remarks (Cracked walls, broken glass, falling light fixtures, etc.)
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