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Emergency Procedures and Facility Planning

facility planning emergency

Important Factors for Facility Planning: Emergency Procedures

Having emergency procedures in place for your project is something you should address during the facility planning phase. Whether it’s a recreation center, sports complex or venue, having emergency procedures ready for a potentially dangerous scenario is vital to making sure that you, your employees and your users are safe if disaster strikes.The Sports Facilities Advisory can give you a brief overview of some of the things to plan for.

In Case of Fire

Fire is a major hazard for any location, and having simple procedures to follow can save lives. Having clear signage to fire exits posted throughout the building is essential, and you always need to keep the exits clear at all times. Make all of your staff aware from the outset as to where these exits are located.
Make sure that your facility has functioning fire extinguishers. A little-known consideration for a lot of people is that there are different types of available fire extinguishers suited to different types of fires.

Class A

Class A fire extinguishers can be used on wood, plastic, paper and other solids.

Class B

Class B are for use on flammable liquids.

Class C

Class C fire extinguishers are for flammable gasses.

Class D

Class D extinguishers are for use with metals.

Class E

Class E extinguishers are made for putting out electrical fires.
As with the fire exits, paths to extinguishers must always be kept clear to make sure they are easily accessible.
Equip your location with a good fire alarm system. As well as installing it, a system should be checked and tested every six months to make sure it is working. If you are still in the facility planning stage, think about where you can place detectors and controls for maximum efficiency.

In Case of Injury

To avoid serious issues that can result from injury either to clientele or employees, have a plan in place that includes staff members that are fully trained in first aid. First aid courses and certification are widely available.
You should also have readily available and fully-stocked first aid kits, and make sure your employees know where those kits are located and what they contain. These kits usually come stocked with the basics, such as bandages, rubbing alcohol and antiseptics. If you keep painkillers on site, make sure to keep a variety and be aware of allergies people may have to certain types. Also be sure that you have the ability to cordon off any affected area if there is a risk of contamination.
If there is an issue with bodily fluids due to injury, sickness or for any other reason, have a designated staff member ready to take care of it, and make sure they have access to sufficient supplies to avoid contracting an illness. This includes masks and the proper gloves.

Staying Informed

One of the most important parts of being ready for an emergency in your facility is keeping people informed. Beyond the facility planning stage, be sure that there are plenty of ways the public can find out what your emergency procedures are. Make absolutely sure that your entire staff knows the drill and how to follow it.
Regular tests of emergency systems, fire drills, and even mock injury incidents are all great ways to ensure all staff are prepared should something happen. Make it part of your staff handbook so that it is always available.

Facility Planning and Being Prepared

These are just some things to take into account when you are involved in facility planning. If you need more guidance, contact the Sports Facilities Advisory today.

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