Emergency Procedures

Emergency Procedures

Emergency Procedures

 

CONTENTS
1
 INTRODUCTION
2
 FIRE
3
 PERSONAL INJURY
4
 ELECTRIC SHOCK
5
 SERIOUSLY SICK
6
 WHEN SHUT INSIDE A LIFT
7
 SPILLAGE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
  7.1 GENERAL
  7.2 CHEMICAL SPILLAGE
  7.3 BIOLOGICAL SPILLAGE
  7.4 SPILLAGE OF RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES
8
 HAZARDOUS GAS LEAKAGE
9
 CRIME
10
 ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES
11
 USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
     

 

1. INTRODUCTION

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is committed to providing a safe, healthy and environmentally sustainable campus for every student, faculty and staff member.

Being a member of the university community, it is your responsibility to follow the established procedures during an emergency. You are one of the key persons to ensure that prompt and efficient actions are taken so as to minimize bodily injury and property damage. We need your cooperation and support to ensure a safe campus.

Read it carefully now. Don't wait until there is an emergency.

Campus Security Control Centre

Emergency situations within the campus may include:

  • Fire
  • Personal injury
  • Electric shock
  • Shut inside a lift
  • Spillage of hazardous substances
  • Hazardous gas leakage
  • Crimes
  • Other incidents when life or property is endangered
*
In complicated situations, one event may trigger another. Therefore, multiple incidents might occur at same time.

 

1.1
General consideration

In the event of emergency when human lives and/or university properties are threatened, it is important to minimize any personal injury and property damage. To this end, it is prudent to adhere to the following priorities when encountering an emergency :-

  a. Protect Life and Personal Safety, yours and others.
  b. Protect University Property.
  c. Preserve Academic Programmes.

 
 
Emergency Telephone

You are encouraged to report the situation promptly either by telephone or emergency phone or in person to the 24-hour manned Campus Security Control Centre located at P111.
2766 7999 (emergency line) or
2766 7666 (24 hours)

*
Emergency Telephones are installed throughout the campus and directly linked to the Campus Security Control Centre.

Do not send memo in the case of emergency!!!

A security team will be dispatched to the scene to render on-the-spot assistance. If the situation demands, the Campus Security Control Centre will request assistance from Health, Safety and Environment Office, University Health Service and/or other Government bodies such as Police, Fire Services, Ambulance, etc.

If it is safe and time permitted, report the incident to the Campus Security Control Centre first before you handle the emergency.

 

1.2
What to report?

Particulars to be reported to the Campus Security Control Centre when there is an emergency on campus:

  a. Nature of incident with brief description.
(e.g. person(s) injured, missing or trapped, in the incident. In case of chemical incident, type(s) of chemicals involved and the quantities.)
  b. Your name and location.
  c. Your contact telephone number.
  d. Full detail of location of incident and the place you can wait safely to meet with the dispatched security team.

If you make your report by phone, STAY CLAM.
DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO.

 

1.3
Emergency Evacuation


Buildings on campus have fire alarm notification systems for emergency evacuation. The systems may vary at different buildings and most systems sound only fire alarm bells while others may have red flashing lights to supplement the alarm bells and/or announcements about the situation. At all times, when the alarm system sounds and/or voice command for evacuation is activated, everyone must leave the building and move to a safe location.
Upon hearing fire alarm or evacuation announcements

  • Keep yourself and others calm
  • Turn off electrical devices and stop laboratory operations that are not safe to be left unattended
  • Quickly exit the building (do not use lifts)
  • Help those that need special assistance
  • Close doors behind you but do not lock
  • Wait at a safe location for instructions from emergency response personnel
  • Do not re-enter the building until told it is safe to do so

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2. FIRE

2.1
In case of fire

  a. Do not panic.
  b. Sound the fire alarm by activating the break-glass alarm in the corridor.
  c.

If time permits phone the Campus Security Control Centre by dialling

2766 7999 (emergency line), or
2766 7666 (24 hours).
  d. Switch off power / fuel supply to machinery and plant.
  e. Close doors.
  f. Do not use the lifts, use the stairs and exit the building as quickly as possible.
  g. Do not return for valuables or for any reason until area is declared safe by firemen or the Senior Facilities Manager (TS2).

  Upon discovering a fire
  a. Keep calm.
  b. Sound the fire alarm by activating the break-glass alarm in the corridor.
  c. Call Campus Security Control Centre, if time permits, by dialling Ext 7999 or using the nearby emergency telephone.
  d. Only tackle the fire if you are absolutely sure that danger is not imminent.
  e. Close doors to contain fire and smoke.
  f. Exit the building.
Break glass alarm

  Upon hearing fire alarm
  a. Keep calm.
  b. Stop your work immediately.
  c. Exit the building.
  d. Urge and assist other people in the building to leave.
  Click to Play Video (Fire Safety)

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3. PERSONAL INJURY  
  • For minor injury, apply first aid and may use supplies contained in the first aid box. Either the first aid box management team of the workplace or UHS will help you.

  • For serious case, please call for assistance. Apply first aid technique if you are a qualified first aider.

  • General Consideration
  a. Don't move the casualty unless it is absolutely necessary.
  b. Check that you and the casualty are in a safe place while waiting for help.
  c. If the danger is imminent, move the casualty to a safe place.
A typical first aid box on campus

3.1
Minor Wound

  a. If the wound is dirty, clean it by rinsing lightly under running water or use an antiseptic wipe.
  b. Pat dry with a gauze swab.
  c. If the bleeding persists, apply direct pressure.
  d. Cover the small wound with an appropriate dressing such as an adhesive dressing or standard dressing.
  e. Raise and support the injured part.

3.2
Foreign Body in Eye

  a. Lay the casualty on his back, support his head to keep it as still as possible.
  b. Ask the casualty to keep both eyes still as movement of the good eye will cause movement of the injured eye, which may damage it further.
  c. Cover it gently with an eye pad or a sterile dressing.
  d. Secure it with a bandage or adhesive plaster.
  e. Take or send the casualty to hospital/clinic in the treatment position.
Do not touch or attempt to remove an embedded foreign body.

3.3
Bleeding

  a. Have casualty lie down. Elevate injured limb higher than heart level unless you suspect a broken bone (fracture).
  b. Control bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound with a sterile pad or clean cloth.
  c. If bleeding is controlled by direct pressure, bandage firmly with clean cloth strips or bandages to protect wound from contamination and infection. Check circulation to be sure bandage is not too tight.
  d. If there is a protruding foreign body, press down firmly on two sides. Build up padding on two sides of the object until high enough to bandage over the object without pressing on it.

3.4
Shock

  a. Treat known cause of shock as quickly as possible, (i.e., breathing difficulties, bleeding, severe pain).Have casualty lie down, loosen tight clothing. Raise and support legs to improve the blood supply to the vital organs. Take care if you suspect a fracture. Maintain an open airway. If casualty vomits, gently turn head to side.
  b. Keep the casualty warm by covering with coats or blankets. Constantly reassure the casualty and check breathing, pulse and level of response.
  c. DO NOT give anything by mouth or leave the casualty unattended.

3.5
Burns and scalds

  a. Flood the injured part with cold water for at least ten minutes to relieve the pain.
  b. Gently remove any jewellery, watches, belts, or constricting clothing from the injured area before it begins to swell.
  c. Cover the area with a sterile dressing or clean cloth. A plastic bag or some kitchen film makes a good temporary covering.
  d. Be alert for signs of shock and infection.
  e. If it is a chemical burn, remove contaminated clothing and flush the affected area with water until medical help arrives.

3.6
Fractures

  a. DO NOT move casualty until the injured is secured and supported, unless there is danger of fire, explosion, or other life-threatening emergency.
  b. Keep casualty warm and still, support the injured part with your hands until it is immobilised. Treat for shock if necessary.
  c. If bone is suspected to be broken but does not pierce the skin (closed fracture), secure the injured part to a sound part of the body.
  d. If broken bone pierces the skin (open fracture), treat the wound before secured the injured part.

3.7
Poisoning

  a. Move the casualty from danger into fresh air area; loosen tight clothing.
  b. If casualty is conscious, maintain an open airway.
  c. If casualty is unconscious, open the airway, check breathing and pulse, and be ready to resuscitate if you have been trained.
  d. Place the casualty in the recovery position if resume pulse and breathing but still unconscious. The casualty lays on the front and side, with the head supported but slightly tilted to keep the air passages open. The uppermost hand is kept near the face, and the uppermost leg is bent keeping the thigh well forward.

Recovery Position

 

3.8
Animal Bites

  a. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water.
  b. Pat the wound dry with clean gauze swabs and cover with an adhesive dressing or a small sterile dressing.
  c. In case of serious wounds, control bleeding by applying direct pressure and raising the injured part (don't raise the injured part for snake bites as venom will spread via the body). Cover the wound with a sterile dressing or a clean pad bandage.
  d. Advise the casualty to see doctor or arrange to hospital in case inoculation is needed.

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4. ELECTRIC SHOCK  

If electricity passes through the human body, it may give a shock to the nervous and muscular system. Electric shock can cause both breathing and heartbeat to stop. The current may cause burns at where it enters and leaves the body. Alternating current also causes muscle spasm that often prevent the casualty from letting go of an electric cable, so the casualty may still be "live" when you come on the scene.

4.1
Procedure

  a. The electric current should be turned off before touching the casualty. Do not touch the casualty if he is in contact with live current.
  b.

If current cannot be turned off, the followings can be attempted to free the casualty:-

  i) stand on some dry insulating material such as wooden box, a rubber or plastic mat, a telephone directory or a thick pile of newspaper. Push the casualty's limbs away from current with a dry nonmetallic pole such as broomstick, wooden chair or stool or push the source away from the casualty, whichever is the easier.
  ii) Without touching the casualty, loop a dry rope around his feet or under the arms and pull him away from the source.
  iii) If absolutely necessary, pull the casualty free by pulling at his loose, dry clothing. Do this only as a last resort.

4.2
Treatment

  a. As soon as casualty is separated from electrical source, check if the casualty is unconscious. Open the airway, check breathing and pulse. Summon help.
  b. If breathing difficulties develop or breathing is stopped, start mouth to mouth ventilation if you have been trained to give artificial respiration.
  c. If the heart has also stopped, start cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you have been trained.
  d. Once vital signs have been re-established, the casualty should be moved into the recovery position, which helps to stabilise the position and maintain open airways. The casualty lays on the front and side, with the head supported but slightly tilted to keep the air passages open. The uppermost hand is kept near the face, and the uppermost leg is bent keeping the thigh well forward.
  e. If you have not been trained on mouth to mouth ventilation and CPR. Ask for help.
  f. If the casualty has burns. The affected area should be immobilised and gently covered with a dry sterile bandage.
  g. Treat for shock if the casualty feels sick, faint and may breathe erratically, the pulse may also be faint or erratic. The casualty must be kept warm, although tight clothing should be loosened, and the legs should be slightly elevated. Nothing should be given to eat or drink.

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5. SERIOUSLY SICK  

5.1
During office hours

Immediately notify University Health Service at Ext. 5433 or Campus Security Control Centre at Ext. 7999.

 

5.2
After office hours

  a. Call the Campus Security Control Centre (Ext. 7999) or use a nearby emergency telephone. State clearly your location and whether or not ambulance service is required.
  b. Take a comfortable posture and wait for the attending security personnel.
  c. If the patient could be safely transported, ambulate him/her to the nearest well equipped medical centre/UHS.

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6. WHEN SHUT INSIDE A LIFT  

6.1
If you find someone shut inside a lift

  a.

Immediately inform the Campus Security Control Centre by dialling ext.7999 or using a nearby emergency telephone.

i) Tell the persons in the lift that assistance has been called for.
ii) Warn them not to open the lift door by force.
  b. Wait for the security personnel. Don't try to open the lift door to release the persons inside.

 

6.2
If you are shut inside a lift

  a. Call for assistance by pressing the emergency alarm button on the lift control panel. The intercom on the panel facilitates you to speak to the Campus Security Control Centre.
  b. If someone answers you, tell him your situation.
  c. Tell the attending security personnel if you feel uncomfortable so that medical assistance could be rendered.
  d. Keep calm and wait for assistance. Don't try to open the lift door by yourself from inside.
  e. When the lift door is being opened by the attending firemen or staff from lift company, stay away from the lift door.
  f. After the lift door is opened, leave the lift car according to the instruction given by the emergency personnel.

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7. SPILLAGE OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES  

7.1
General

  Some accidents and incidents occurring on campus may be related to hazardous substances such as chemicals, biological agents and radioactive substances. The procedures suggested here aim at giving some general and simple guidance to those who may be involved in such incidents on how to deal with these situations so that the potential damages to life and property can be minimised. The following important points must be borne in mind when following the suggested emergency procedures:
  a. These procedures are and can only be generic, as any special situations will call for the individual persons-in-charge to develop situation-specific procedures. Situation-specific procedures, if available, are to be followed in lieu of this one.
  b. Common sense should always be exercised in any attempt to deal with emergency situations.
  c. Knowledge of the hazardous substances involved is of prime importance when handling chemical-related emergencies. Anyone handling chemicals should consult the relevant Material Safety Data Sheets and other relevant guidance documents.

 
Possible events resulting from a chemical incident

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7.2
Chemical Spillage

  a. Stay away from the area of spills.
  b. Alert others around the area.
  c. Open the windows if the spilt chemical or the leaked gas is flammable, do not turn on or off any electrical switches, or use the telephone in the area.
  d. Wear the necessary personal protective equipment if you decide to contain the spill from spreading.
  e. If splashed with chemicals, remove contaminated clothing and try to use the nearby emergency shower or eye-wash for decontamination if necessary.
  f. Call the Campus Security Control Centre (Ext. 7999) for assistance.
  g. Stay in a safe place until assistance arrives.

(For further responses in how to deal with a spill in a laboratory, please refer to the Guidelines for Laboratory Chemical Safety of the University's Health and Safety Guide.)
Spill-response kit

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7.3
Biological Spillage

  a. Stay away from the area of spills.
  b. Alert others around the area.
  c. Personnel should hold their breath and leave the premises immediately.
  d. If splashed with the spill, remove contaminated clothing before leaving the laboratory.
  e. Close the laboratory door upon leaving and make sure nobody enters the room.
  f. Use the emergency shower or eye wash for decontamination if necessary.
  g. Call the Campus Security Control Centre (Ext. 7999) for assistance.
  h. Stay in a safe place nearby until assistance arrives.

(For further responses in how to deal with a spill in a laboratory, please refer to the Guidelines for Laboratory Biological Safety of the University's Health and Safety Guide.)
Emergency shower and eye-wash

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7.4
Spillage of radioactive substances

  a. Stay away from the area of spills.
  b. Alert others around the area.
  c. Shut off the room ventilation to avoid spreading of the radioactive substances.
  d. If splashed with radioactive substances, remove contaminated clothing before leaving the laboratory but do not proceed far away from the laboratory.
  e. Close the laboratory door upon leaving and warn others to keep clear of the area.
  f. Use the emergency shower or eye wash for decontamination if necessary.
  g. Inform the Campus Security Control Centre by using the nearest emergency telephone or calling Ext. 7999.
  h. Stay in a safe place nearby until assistance arrives.

(For further responses in how to deal with a spill in a laboratory, please refer to the Guidelines for Ionizing Radiation Protection of the University's Health and Safety Guide.)

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8. HAZARDOUS GAS LEAKAGE  

In case of a leakage of town gas/LP gas or a suspected case,

  a. Open all windows and doors to allow the gas to disperse, if possible.
  b. Turn off the gas control valve, if possible.
  c. Alert others to leave the area and stay at a safe place (Do not use break glass alarm).
  d. Inform Campus Security Control Centre (Ext 7999) for assistance.
  e. Do not switch on/off any electrical equipment within the vicinity which may induce spark and trigger an explosion.
  f. Do not use telephones or mobile phones inside the suspected area.

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9. CRIME

9.1
Report Crime

Be alert and report any criminal case, e.g. burglary, theft, vandalism, assault, etc. to the Campus Security Control Centre at P111. Call Ext. 7999 or use emergency telephone for immediate assistance.

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10. ACCIDENT/ INCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES

  a. All accidents and incidents must be reported and accident/incident investigations carried out to determine the causes and recommend corrective actions to prevent future recurrence.
  b. After an incident, the supervisor of the injured person or the staff member responsible for the area in which the accident/incident took place should complete an Accident/Incident Report Form (HSE Form 2) and send it to Health, Safety and Environment Office through his/her respective Head of Department within 72 hours of the accident/incident.
  c. In case of work related accidents involving a PolyU staff, Heads of Department shall ensure that the Director of Human Resources is informed of such case immediately after such accidents by completing HR Form 67 and a copy of the form be sent to the Health, Safety and Environment Office in sealed envelope.
  d. In case of an accident that involves an insurance claim of damage/loss to property and/or equipment, the Finance Office should be contacted immediately for insurance claim.

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11. USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

Facilities Management Office http://www.polyu.edu.hk/fmo/main/index.html
Campus Security Control Centre For enquiry 2766 7666 (24 hours)
  For emergency 2766 7999 (24 hours)
FMO Help Desk   2766 7777 (office hours)
Health, Safety and Environment Office http://www.polyu.edu.hk/hseo/
General Office   3400 8396 (office hours)
University Health Service http://www.polyu.edu.hk/uhs/
General Office   2766 5433 (office hours)

 
The contents of this publication are jointly prepared by Health, Safety and Environment Office and Facilities Management Office, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Design and editorial work are administered by Health, Safety and Environment Office.
For any comments and suggestions, please email to hosafety@inet.polyu.edu.hk or call 3400 8396.

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