IOSH Emergency Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is an 'emergency plan' and what should it cover?
- A plan for planned maintenance work
- A documented plan setting out procedures, roles, equipment and arrangements for responding to foreseeable emergencies (Correct answer)
- A plan that is only needed for chemical plants
- A plan prepared by the emergency services
Correct answer: A documented plan setting out procedures, roles, equipment and arrangements for responding to foreseeable emergencies
An emergency plan is a documented set of procedures for responding to foreseeable emergencies such as fire, explosion, chemical release, structural collapse, bomb threat, or severe weather. It covers: procedures, roles and responsibilities, communication, equipment, assembly areas, liaison with emergency services, and recovery.
Question 2: What factors determine the level of first aid provision needed?
- Only the number of employees
- The nature of the work (hazards and risks), number of employees, workplace size and layout, distance from emergency services, and shift patterns (Correct answer)
- Only whether the workplace is classified as 'high risk'
- Only the cost of first aid training
Correct answer: The nature of the work (hazards and risks), number of employees, workplace size and layout, distance from emergency services, and shift patterns
The HSE guidance on first aid considers: the nature of the work and associated hazards, the number of workers (including peak times), the size and layout of the workplace, the distribution of the workforce, whether it is a single or multi-floor building, proximity to emergency services, and working patterns including shifts and lone workers.
Question 3: What is the difference between an 'appointed person' and a 'first aider'?
- There is no difference
- An appointed person takes charge and calls emergency services; a first aider has formal training to provide first aid treatment (Correct answer)
- A first aider is a volunteer; an appointed person is paid
- An appointed person has higher qualifications than a first aider
Correct answer: An appointed person takes charge and calls emergency services; a first aider has formal training to provide first aid treatment
An appointed person takes charge of first aid arrangements and calls emergency services when needed — they do not need full first aid training. A first aider has completed a HSE-approved training course (First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work) and is qualified to provide first aid treatment.
Question 4: What should happen after an emergency has been resolved?
- Return to normal work immediately
- Conduct a debrief, investigate the incident, review and update emergency procedures based on lessons learned, and support affected individuals (Correct answer)
- File the paperwork and take no further action
- Wait for the HSE to conduct their investigation
Correct answer: Conduct a debrief, investigate the incident, review and update emergency procedures based on lessons learned, and support affected individuals
Post-emergency actions include: conducting a debrief with all involved parties, investigating the root cause of the incident, reviewing and updating emergency procedures based on lessons learned, providing support to affected individuals (welfare, counselling), making RIDDOR reports if required, and repairing/replacing damaged equipment.
Question 5: What is 'shelter-in-place' and when would it be used?
- A procedure for homeless employees
- An emergency response where people remain inside the building with doors and windows sealed, typically during an external chemical release or security threat (Correct answer)
- A fire evacuation procedure
- A rest break procedure
Correct answer: An emergency response where people remain inside the building with doors and windows sealed, typically during an external chemical release or security threat
Shelter-in-place means staying inside the building rather than evacuating — typically when the danger is outside. It may be used during: an external chemical or gas release (where going outside would increase exposure), a security incident (active threat outside), or severe weather. Windows and ventilation are closed to prevent contamination.
Question 6: What emergency arrangements should be in place for lone workers?
- Lone workers don't need emergency arrangements
- Reliable communication systems, check-in procedures, automatic alarms or monitoring devices, and access to first aid provision (Correct answer)
- Only a personal mobile phone
- Only telling someone where they're going
Correct answer: Reliable communication systems, check-in procedures, automatic alarms or monitoring devices, and access to first aid provision
Lone worker emergency arrangements include: reliable communication systems (mobile phone, two-way radio, personal alarms), regular check-in procedures, automatic alarm/man-down devices, access to first aid equipment and training, clear procedures for raising the alarm, and colleague/supervisor who knows their location and schedule.
IOSH Emergency Procedures 3
What is an 'emergency plan' and what should it cover?