EARTHQUAKE PROCEDURES
As a consequence of earthquake and aftershock experience in the last 6 weeks, we have received a number of enquiries from readers, asking for advice on earthquake safety and procedures.  The following information will be of help and assistance.

Dangers Associated With Earthquakes:

  1. Partial building collapse, such as collapsing walls, falling ceiling plaster, dislodged light fixtures and pictures.

  2. Flying glass from shattered windows.

  3. Overturned furniture such as cabinets, floor lamps or book cases.

  4. Fires, broken gas lines and similar causes.

  5. Fallen power lines.

  6. Inappropriate actions resulting from panic.

General Safety Rules During the Shaking:

  1. Remain calm. Sound usually proceeds earthquake motion by a split second. The rolling and roaring is frightening, but unless something falls on you, the sensation probably won't hurt you.

  2. If you're inside a building, stay there.

  3. Get down and away from anything that might fall on you.

  4. Get under a table or desk.

  5. Brace yourself in an inside corner away from windows.

  6. Move to an inner wall or corridor.

  7. Stay away from tall shelves, cabinets and other furniture which might fall or topple over.

  8. Stay away from windows, sliding doors, mirrors.

  9. Grab anything handy to shield your head and face from falling debris and splinting glass.

  10. Don't be alarmed if the fire alarm or sprinklers go off.

  11. Do not rush outside. Stay on the floor that you are on. Do not use elevators as the power may go out and you will be trapped. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls.

  12. If you are outside, stay there. Move away from any buildings, garage walls, power poles, lamp posts. If possible, proceed cautiously to an open area.

General Safety Rules After an Earthquake:

  1. Remain calm. Don't panic.

  2. Do not light matches, cigarettes or turn on electrical switches.

  1. Protect hands and feet in all areas near broken glass or debris. Keep head and feet protected (blanket, hat, pillow, etc.).

  2. Fill your bathtub and sink with water.

  3. Wait for further instructions by the emergency response team.

FIRE STRIKE SAFETY
As London braces itself for the first national fire strike in 25 years, the capital's fire chief is urging residents to think hard about fire safety in their own homes and places of work.

During strike periods, emergency cover will be provided by the Ministry of Defence. London Fire Brigade senior officers have been advising the MoD, but the speed and level of response to fires will not be the same as the Brigade's normal service.

"That is why we are urging everyone to think safe and take care," said Fire Commissioner Brian Robinson. "Everyone should review their fire safety precautions and make sure they know exactly what to do if fire breaks out. It's important to remember that during strike periods you should still dial 999 if fire breaks out."

"Simple precautions can save lives. If you don't have one already, fit a smoke alarm. For around a fiver you can buy the reassurance that if there is a fire the alarm will give you time to get out. We know from our experience at thousands of fires across the capital that alarms do save lives."

"Make an escape plan and make sure everyone knows what to do. Keep your exit routes clear and make sure everyone knows how to unlock doors or windows. Practice the plan and if you have children, elderly or disabled people with you, think how you would get them out in an emergency."

"Be sensible. If you smoke, take extra care that you put your cigarettes right out and don't empty your ashtrays into bins containing anything that could catch alight. Smoldering ash could start a fire."

"Be careful with candles. It may be better to avoid using them, but if you

do, make sure they are in proper holders on a stable surface. Even recently we've had fires started when hot "tea light" candles burnt the surface they were standing on. Don't leave candles lit when you are not around."

"Many fires start in the kitchen, so take special care there. Never leave pans unattended and be particularly careful with hot fat. If a pan of fat does catch alight, never put water on it. Don't try to dry things like towels and tea towels on or near cookers and other hot surfaces."

"Good housekeeping makes sense. Don't overload plug sockets and make sure electrical equipment is safe. At night, switch off as many electrical appliances as you can, and shut doors. Then, if there is a fire, you will stop it spreading."

The Government is launching a major safety campaign and you can get comprehensive advice from http://www.firekills.gov.uk/ or by ringing 0845 0800723. You will also find advice on London Fire Brigade's website, www.london-fire.gov.uk/firesafety and the public can call the London Fire Brigade advice line on 020 7587 4441. The line is open during normal office hours.

WINTER & COMPANY HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING COURSES
Training courses are provided on these topics:-

  • Office Health & Safety

  • Warehouse Health & Safety

  • Manual Handling

  • Display Screen Equipment

  • Fire Health & Safety

  • Food Hygiene Health & Safety

For your convenience, Health & Safety Training Induction Courses are held on-site at your premises.

For further information email us at training@health-safety.net

For information on health & safety matters in your office, including “questions & answers”, see our web site at www.health-safety.net.