Hi, my name is Brooke, and I used to run the HR department in a factory. I filed a lot of injury reports and helped a tragic number of people make claims for workers' compensation or WorkCover. In many cases, the accidents involved convener belts. By seeing what not to do, I really learned what should be done in terms of conveyor safety. I love writing and wanted to convey some good will to the world through a blog – I also love puns. In this space, I plan to post on conveyor belt safety as well as other posts related to a range of industrial equipment. I hope these posts help to protect you and your workers.
Any occupants of buildings who have been appointed as wardens in a designated emergency control organisation, or ECO, have a number of responsibilities that they need to consider. Before becoming a fully fledged warden certain training is required. Often, this includes fire safety training that will be conducted on the site.
First aiders and designated emergency communication officers will often also receive this sort of fire training which focusses on what to do when an ECO needs to be evacuated. On completion of such a course, wardens should understand how to operate as part of an ECO and have a red helmet they can put on when needed. Read on to take a closer look at what else wardens need to be responsible for.
AS 3745 – The Standard Now In Use
Updated in 2010, Australian Standard 3745 covers emergency procedures in the country for ECOs. Wardens need to be familiar with it. Although an extensive legal knowledge of the standard is not a requirement, various elements of it must be understood and complied with. In tall buildings, for example, emergency chair evacuation procedures need to be known about for wheelchair users when the lifts may not be in operation. However, these clauses are not essential knowledge for wardens in single storey buildings. Common sense should prevail when it comes to which parts of it are relevant to a particular warden's building.
Bear in mind that AS 3745 outlines the minimum requirements for a building but it does not necessarily stop there. Further safety measures can be put in place, when appropriate. The standard demands that an emergency plan is shared with the emergency services to ensure the safety of all occupants should an emergency evacuation become necessary.
Places Where AS 3745 Does Not Apply
Wardens who are in charge of class 1a buildings are exempt from AS 3745. However, this exemption does not apply if that building is also used as a workplace. In brief, buildings classified as 1a are single dwellings, such as detached homes and semi-detached dwellings which are separated by a fire-resistant party wall. This category could also include certain terraced houses and villas.
Other Responsibilities
As well as complying with the relevant standard, wardens of ECOs must ensure that all co-workers and residents are accounted for following an evacuation. They should undertake regular risk assessments to ensure the probability of emergencies from fires and other hazardous incidents is diminished. Another key responsibility a warden will take on is to run fire drills and to ensure that all emergency exits are kept clear and free from clutter.
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