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Australian Legal Requirements for Businesses

Emergency Planning Requirements

In Australia, every facility is mandated to have a comprehensive Emergency Plan in place. This obligation falls on the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), who must develop, document, and regularly review a plan that addresses potential incidents, accidents, and emergencies. Workers must be adequately informed and trained in these procedures.

The Emergency Plan should be grounded in a thorough assessment of workplace-specific hazards and the potential consequences of emergencies arising from those hazards. Additionally, facilities are required to maintain up-to-date emergency evacuation diagrams, which must be prominently displayed.

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Key Requirements as per AS 3745-2010 Planning for Emergencies in a Facility

Emergency Planning Committee (EPC)

  • Comprises building owners, agents, occupiers, tenants, and other responsible parties.

  • Must hold at least annual meetings.

  • Benefits from the expertise of external consultants like ACTWELL for specialised advice.

  • Members should receive foundational training to understand their roles and responsibilities.

Evacuation Diagrams

  • Must be installed and meet AS 3745-2010 standards.

Emergency Plan

  • Must be developed and maintained for each facility.

  • Should include response procedures for various potential emergencies.

  • Training for building occupants and regular emergency and evacuation exercises must be addressed.

  • Requires annual review and is valid for up to 5 years.

Emergency Response Exercises

  • Must be conducted regularly, including at least one full evacuation per year.

Emergency Control Organisation (ECO)

  • Must be relevant and adequate for the facility.

  • Typically includes a Chief Warden, Deputy Chief Warden, Area Wardens, General Wardens, and First Aiders.

  • Members must have appropriate identification, such as hats, caps, or vests.

Training

  • All ECO members must undergo training and 6-monthly skills retention activities.

  • Additional staff expected to respond to fire emergencies must be trained in Basic Emergency procedures upon appointment and annually thereafter.

  • All building occupants must be trained upon appointment and annually thereafter.