Emergency provisions

All emergency provisions

The site establishment team must:

Notify all relevant emergency services and inform them of the scope of works to be undertaken and arrange for collaborative emergency drills to be undertaken at an agreed frequency.

---

Fire detection and protection

The potential dangers from fire can be particularly severe on construction sites, where high risk activities such as hot work activities, are frequently combined with circumstances where fire can spread quickly, and escape routes may be compromised.

The site establishment team must:

• Conduct a comprehensive fire risk assessment and specific fire plan for the construction site, incorporating all fire prevention arrangements, are carried out by a competent individual, e.g. specialist subcontractor and relevant information is included in the site induction.
• The requirements of the current edition of ‘The joint code of practice on the protection from fire on construction sites and buildings undergoing refurbishment’ are communicated to all parties, where applicable.
• Develop and implement clear emergency evacuation procedures. Ensure that all colleagues are familiar with the procedures and participate in regular fire drills.
• Ensure the provision of emergency lighting which is compliant with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 within offices and/or pedestrian emergency routes external to the offices/welfare.
• Ensure Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are in place for all individuals who may require assistance to evacuate.
• Install suitable fire detection systems based on the size and complexity of the construction site. This may include smoke detectors, heat detectors, or a combination of both. Early detection is critical for effective fire response.
• Provide portable fire extinguishers at strategic locations throughout the site. The types of extinguishers should be appropriate for the potential fire risks present, e.g. water, foam, CO2.

---

First Aid

Specific first aid requirements may vary depending on the size and nature of the construction project. Undertake a thorough risk assessment to determine the appropriate first aid provisions for your construction site, and consult with the health and safety team if needed.

The site establishment team must consider:

• An assessment must be undertaken to determine the hazard profile of the location e.g. low hazard or high hazard to ensure that the provision of first aiders is sufficient and available to enable first aid to be administered immediately.

• Provide one or more first aid boxes that are easily accessible and well-marked. The contents of the first aid box should be suitable for the number of workers on the construction site and the nature of the work. When working in specific high risk hazardous circumstances, special consideration must be given to the contents of the first aid kit.

• Depending on the size and hazards of the construction site, a designated first aid room equipped with additional facilities (Refer to site accommodation: quiet spaces section). This could include a sink, eye wash station, and a space to administer first aid.
• Ensure that designated first aiders receive appropriate and up-to-date first aid training. The level of training required depends on the assessed risk and the number of workers on site.
• Display clear first aid signage indicating the location of first aid facilities, first aid boxes, and the first aid room.
• If there is a risk of exposure to hazardous substances, provide eye wash stations and emergency showers in areas where such substances are used or stored.
• Ensure that resuscitation equipment, such as an automated external defibrillator (AED), is available on site, with long linear projects taking extra precautions. Make sure that designated first aiders are trained in the use of this equipment.
• Maintain records of first aid incidents and the treatment provided. This includes details such as the date, time, nature of the injury or illness, and the first aid measures taken.
• Establish a clear communication system for reporting accidents or injuries. Ensure that all colleagues are aware of the location of first aid facilities and know how to summon first aid assistance.
• Provide appropriate PPE to first aiders, such as disposable gloves, to protect both the first aider and the casualty.
• Regularly review and update your first aid provisions based on changes in the construction site layout, the number of workers, and the nature of the work being carried out.

---

Environmental

Environmental emergencies on a construction site can range from chemical spills and hazardous material releases to accidental damage to the natural environment. Proper planning and swift response are essential to minimise environmental impact, protect works, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Activities that have a negative environmental impact can include: air emissions, discharge to water, use and storage of hazardous materials, waste management, traffic and statutory nuisance and ecological or archaeological protection.

The site establishment team must consider:

• Where site-specific environmental risks have been identified and assessed, adherence to those controls is expected.
• Emergency Response Plan
  • Develop a comprehensive emergency response plan that specifically addresses environmental incidents. This plan should be part of the overall construction health and safety plan and include roles, responsibilities, and communication procedures.
• Communication
  • Ensure that there are clear communication protocols for reporting environmental incidents. Ensure that all workers know how to report an incident and that there is a designated point of contact for emergency situations.
• Emergency contacts
  • Compile a list of emergency contacts, including local environmental agencies, emergency services, and any relevant regulatory bodies. Ensure this list is readily accessible to all personnel on the construction site.
• Spill Response Kits
  • Keep spill response kits readily available in strategic locations on the site. These kits should include materials for containing and cleaning up spills, such as absorbents, booms, and personal protective equipment
• Training and Drills
  • Conduct regular training sessions and emergency drills to ensure that all personnel are familiar with emergency response procedures. This includes proper use of emergency equipment and communication devices. An environmental emergency drill should be completed within the first three months of a project and repeated at least annually thereafter. There is an e-learning module available on The Academy.
• Identification of hazardous materials
  • Clearly label and identify hazardous materials on the construction site. Ensure that all personnel are aware of the locations and risks associated with these materials.
• Containment and mitigation
  • In the event of a spill or release, take immediate action to contain and mitigate the environmental impact. This may involve deploying containment booms, using absorbents, or erecting barriers to prevent the spread of containments.

---

---