Safety Programs
The following points should be considered when creating a safety program.
Building Systems
- Understand how the building mechanical and electrical systems work in normal and emergency conditions.
- Know how building ventilation and infiltration (air intakes, vents, dampers, windows, doorways, etc.) are controlled, and create a plan to shutdown equipment in an emergency.
- Know the HVAC control options for shutdown, pressurization, air purge, specialized fans, dampers, local exhausts, etc.
- Identify areas where ventilation is essential on a normal basis, such as flammable storage closets. Understand what might happen if ventilation
were lost and create a contingency plan. - Identify all systems and processes that are connected to emergency power to understand what would operate in an emergency.
Planning
- Incorporate building procedures and systems into emergency processes and training programs.
- Update emergency contact information.
- Train staff about emergency procedures and tell them where the emergency plans are kept.
- Create an evacuation plan that has a designated area for evacuees.
Communications
- Have a daytime and nighttime communications plan for employees and contractors who maintain the facility.
- Routinely test the communication devices—telephone calls, pager messages, radio transmissions, etc.
- Prepare written information about emergency procedures and distribute the information to tenants.
Reviewing Safety and Security Plans
Plans and procedures should be reviewed on a scheduled, periodic basis. When certain events occur, the property manager should review the plans and procedures to make sure that the plans were appropriate and viable and that procedures were followed. Following are some events that should prompt a review of plans and procedures:
- An accident, injury, or breach of security on the property
- A merger, major lawsuit, or other significant event that increases publicity or draws public attention to the organization
- Addition of a new function/use to the building, such as a child care center
- Outside groups using the building for meetings or functions
- Contracting for new services or a new supplier
- Installation of new equipment or new emergency contingencies, such as doors, elevator controls, emergency lighting, phone systems
- New tenants