EMERGENCY AND SELF-PROTECTION PLAN

Fire protection organization has two objectives:

  • Minimize the number of fire emergencies
  • Quickly control emergencies so that consequences are minimal.

Temporal aspect

Before reaching the point of intervention, time will be spent on detecting the fire (td), alerting the people who will have to intervene (ta), and having these people prepare themselves and prepare the appropriate means (tp).

Assuming a number N of people to be evacuated in a given situation, no one will evacuate until time has been spent on:

  • Detecting the fire (td).
  • Alerting the people who need to evacuate (ta).
  • Having these people identify the evacuation route through which they must evacuate and head to its access (tp).

Detection, alarm, and evacuation times form steps in a chain. The chain can fail at the weakest link, and in this case, the plan will fail.

An emergency plan must include at least 3 organized functions:

  1. Extinguishing incipient fires, at least at the level of fire extinguishers.
  1. Notifying the fire department and evacuating people who may be affected, in case the incipient fire is not controlled.
  1. Receiving and providing information to the fire department.

We will have at least:

  • A detection-alarm chain for the start of the fire.
  • Fire extinguishers in appropriate number, type, and location, properly maintained, and trained personnel
  • General evacuation alarm.
  • Prior information to the people who need to evacuate on how, when, and where to do so.
  • Signage and clear access to evacuation routes
  • Information provided to firefighters by a person familiar with the facility.

Emergency facilities

The following will be considered Emergency installations:

  • Emergency Lighting and Signage Lighting installations.
  • Ventilation installations for Protected Vestibules

Action methodology

An Emergency and Self-Protection plan must establish an action methodology aimed at providing a solution to two situations:

  • How to act in case of an emergency
  • If evacuation is inevitable, carry it out quickly and safely.

Documentation

The emergency plan consists of 4 basic documents:

  • Document 1: Risk Assessment and valuation of the origin, causes...: Potential risk factors presented by the facilities or buildings, as well as their origin and causes, are listed, analyzed, and assessed.
  • Location of the activity and surroundings.
  • Location of accesses and communication routes (emergency exits..).
  • Location of protection elements (hydrants, wells, rivers...)
  • Construction characteristics (enclosures, facade, interior compartmentalization..)
  • Activities carried out per floor, location, and characteristics (
  • Location and characteristics of facilities (electricity, gas, air conditioning...)
  • Evacuation means (emergency stairs..)
  • Document 2: Protection means: material and human resources available to initially deal with any potential emergency.
  • Alarm systems
  • Extinguishing systems: fire extinguishers...
  • Emergency installations: emergency signage and lighting
  • Medical supplies:
  • Human resources: people available to deal with emergencies
  • Document 3: Emergency plan: the sequence of actions to be carried out in the event of an emergency is described.
  • Classification of emergencies: Emergencies are classified based on their severity, availability of resources, and the affected areas (facilities room, offices...).
  • Description of human resources: The structure will be based on the following organization:
  • Head of security or emergency: Has the mission of deciding at any given moment the actions to be taken.

Will be chosen from among top company management.

Must know the facilities, premises, equipment, personnel.

Always reachable

In case of general evacuation, will leave the center once all personnel have evacuated.

  • Head of intervention: Has the mission of physically tackling the emergency

Will be chosen from among maintenance, security, or technical service staff

Technical knowledge of all facilities and equipment

Comprehensive fire fighting training

Always reachable

Lead operations and coordinate tasks to tackle the emergency

Advise the head of emergency on necessary external assistance

  • Head of zone: Will be the person with the highest position or seniority in the zone.

Will make arrangements to have the correct teams/resources

Coordinates intervention teams

Takes responsibility for the inventory of material and human resources

Gathers suggestions from team members regarding the maintenance and condition of facilities.

In case of alarm, joins in, coordinating teams.

  • Intervention teams: Group of people distributed across sectors of the company with the function of tackling and controlling the emergency.

Know the specific risks of the area

Detect smoke

eliminate the causes of the anomaly

Control the emergency.

  • Document 4: Implementation: An emergency committee for the building is required to study the practical implementation of the Emergency Plan, as well as its feasibility and maintenance.

PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS

The evolution of industrial processes has led to the emergence of new workplace risks. These are based on the factors that determine the workplace environment from an adaptation, social, and psychological point of view. Psychosocial risk factors derive from the relationships established between the organizational environment (company structure) and the individual characteristics of workers (personality, skills, etc.).

In office workplaces, just like in any other location, psychosocial factors can cause changes in people's behavior, resulting in decreased job performance, unsafe behavior, and health problems. These changes are caused by some of the factors described below:

Motivation

This factor is characterized by the level of interest that work generates in the individual, with Participation being the most important motivating factor in the workplace. The level of involvement that workers have in performing their work and in preventive planning—that is, the opportunity to contribute ideas and have them listened to by their superiors—improves individual readiness for work and safe behaviors, as well as relationships between managers and workers. Furthermore, motivation is directly related to work monotony; the more motivation, the less monotonous and routine the work will be.

Communication

In many cases, errors occurring in communication processes can lead to unsafe behaviors. These behaviors can be caused by a lack of information about risks associated with the work, ambiguity in the transmitted information, or information overload, since as people we are not capable of processing everything we receive, but rather the part associated with our needs or expectations. We also know that communication is the most common way people relate to one another, so if communication is ambiguous or confusing, it generates bad relationships among staff, leading to an altered organizational climate and thus workplace conflicts that obviously significantly affect preventive work in the company.

Attitudes

It is a key factor, as an attitude is the predisposition people have toward things, leading them to exhibit a certain type of behavior rather than another. It is clear that for safe behaviors to occur in the workplace, the prerequisite is to have favorable attitudes toward prevention; otherwise, it is logical that prevention will not be considered fundamental to work. We will achieve positive attitudes toward prevention by reinforcing safe behaviors and attempting to eliminate unsafe ones through training and information.

Work

In some cases, the causes of accidents are attributed to human actions, when in reality, if we analyze the event, we find they may be due to poor job design. This poor design occurs because human performance limitations are not taken into account and demands exceed worker capabilities.

Excessive demands can be determined by a series of factors such as: the amount of information to be processed, complexity and time to develop it, stimulation level (avoiding monotony and repetitiveness), and significance level (decision-making capacity and level of responsibility). These factors determine a mental workload volume which, if the capabilities and skills of the person performing the tasks are not taken into account, can trigger states of fatigue that affect work performance and the attention required to avoid unsafe behavior.

Working time

The organization of working time—that is, schedules, breaks, shift length, etc.—also has a significant influence on unsafe behavior. The reason is that poor schedule distribution (excessive number of hours, lack of breaks, predetermined work pace, etc.) significantly increases fatigue levels, which brings a drop in attention levels, an increase in reaction time (the time it takes to react to a stimulus), and therefore a reduced ability to stay alert to workplace hazards. Specifically in office work, introducing breaks during the working day is important for staff working in front of display screens.

You will find the document at this link.

Document summary:

MAIN RISKS IN OFFICES

2.1.1. Computer work

According to Royal Decree 488/1997, on minimum safety and health provisions regarding work with display screen equipment, the criteria for determining the status of a display screen equipment user worker are:

  1. Can be considered display screen equipment user workers: all those who exceed 4 hours per day or 20 hours per week of actual work with said equipment.
  1. Can be excluded from consideration as user workers: all those whose actual work with display screens is less than 2 hours per day or 10 hours per week.
  1. Under certain conditions, can be considered user workers: all those who work between 2 and 4 hours per day (or 10 to 20 hours per week) of actual work with this equipment.

2.1.1.1. The computer screen

Proper placement of the computer can prevent a large portion of postural problems associated with computer tasks. The main problems are associated with the following situations:

  • Computer located to one side, so work is done with trunk torsion and head rotation, causing static strain on the back and the neck and shoulder area.
  • Screen too close to the eyes or too high.
  • Lack of space to rest wrists and forearms while typing or using the mouse.

It is recommended to work with your head facing the computer and avoid turning as much as possible. The maximum angle of head rotation should be less than 35 degrees.

...

Work elements should be distributed so that the most frequent tasks are performed in the most comfortable postures.

  • If the work is primarily computer-based, the computer should occupy a central position, that is, on the desk and directly in front of the person. However, there must be space on the sides for documents or to receive occasional visitors.
  • If the work involves performing multiple tasks (computer, documentation, and visitors), the computer can be placed to one side, provided it can be operated without twisting the trunk or neck.
  • If frequent meetings are held at work, it is advisable to have a desk extension for that purpose.

Proper distance, height, and tilt can reduce eye strain and tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. These aspects are the most significant to consider regarding the screen.

Distance

Most people prefer viewing distances from 60 to 80 cm, but in no case should this distance be less than 40 cm or greater than 90 cm. Therefore, the monitor can be placed in front of the person at a distance such that when extending an arm toward the monitor, it sits at knuckle distance.

Height

With the lower back supported and feet firmly placed on the floor or footrest, position your head straight and look straight at the screen. The top of the monitor should be at eye level or slightly below. That is, the screen should be placed at a height where you can look within the space between the horizontal line of sight and one drawn 60 degrees below the horizontal line (recommended viewing zone).

Tilt

Full screen mobility and the ability to move it across the work surface is particularly important. Furthermore, it is very convenient for the screen to be able to tilt +/- 10 degrees without requiring additional installation.

2.1.1.2. The keyboard

The keyboard is usually the primary data entry device. It must be tiltable, and the requirement for mobility and independence from the rest of the equipment is necessary to reposition it according to the user's posture changes. Correct keyboard height can help keep wrists unbent while typing. This improves comfort in the hands, wrists, and forearms.

Hand position

  • Place your fingers on the home row of the keyboard. Wrists should be straight and relaxed.
  • If they are not, adjust the keyboard height up or down until they are in a straight position.
  • If the keyboard is too low, place an item underneath to raise it. To keep wrists relaxed, using a wrist rest is recommended.

2.1.1.3. The document holder

The use of a document holder is necessary in workplaces where data entry operations are frequent. It allows placing the document at a height and distance similar to that of the screen, thereby reducing visual accommodation efforts and head-turning movements.

Document holders must offer the possibility to:

  • be placed anywhere
  • be adjustable in height, tilt, and distance
  • allow a tilt of 30 degrees to 70 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. A document tilt of about 60 degrees halves light glare on the surface.

2.1.1.4. The chair

The characteristics of the work chair, such as shape, dimensions, adjustability, etc., mainly affect trunk posture and back and leg mobility. Therefore, they are of great ergonomic importance.

Chair height

Correct chair height helps prevent cramps and stiffness in the legs. It also helps prevent neck and shoulder tension.

It is recommended to use mobile five-caster chairs to ensure stability, with height adjustable at least between 42 and 55 cm.

Arm position

Place your fingers on the home row of the keyboard with arms resting comfortably at your sides. Forearms should be parallel to the floor. If not, adjust the chair up or down until they are.

The presence of suitable armrests allows resting the arms during certain tasks, relieving muscle strain in the shoulders. Their usable surface must be at least 5 cm wide and made of a non-rigid material. Armrests should be set back slightly from the edge of the seat to allow comfortable access to the desk.

Foot position

Position your feet forward until your knees are at an angle between 90° and 110°. Feet must rest firmly on the floor while allowing sufficient space between the knees and the desk or keyboard tray.

The backrest

The ability to adjust the chair's backrest reduces pressure on the spine and supports the lower back. The backrest height should reach at least mid-back level (below the shoulder blades). For computer work, it is advisable for the backrest to be taller, reclinable, and height-adjustable.

The backrest should have a mild lumbar support contour and adjustment mechanisms for height and tilt.

2.1.1.5. The desk

The work desk is also a key element in preventing discomfort, especially in the neck and shoulder area. Desk dimensions must be sufficient for the user to arrange documents and accessory equipment, and specifically to position the screen at an adequate distance (at least 40 cm) and the keyboard with enough space in front to rest hands and arms, avoiding trunk-twisting or head-turning postures.

Recommended work desk dimensions are approximately 160 cm wide by 80 cm deep. If large monitors are used, a greater depth is recommended, roughly between 90 and 100 cm, to maintain an adequate viewing distance from the screen.

Height

Recommended desk height is between 68 and 84 cm.

Legroom

Clear space under the desk determines how effectively the desk can be used and promotes mobility. At minimum, recommended legroom is approximately 70 cm wide, with a depth of 60 cm at knee level and 80 cm at foot level. The height of the legroom space necessarily depends on the desk and should not be restricted by drawers or other elements. In general, it is preferable for drawer units not to be fixed to the desk, allowing the worker to place them where convenient to make better use of the work surface.

Desk color

Neutral tones, such as gray, with a relatively low reflectance factor (between 20% and 50%) are most suitable. The work surface should have a matte finish to minimize reflections.

Space behind the desk

It is recommended to have approximately 115 cm of space behind the desk, with a clear area behind of about 2 m² to move the chair freely.

2.1.1.6. The footrest

A footrest becomes necessary when desk height cannot be adjusted and chair height does not allow resting feet on the floor.

The footrest must have the following characteristics:

  • adjustable tilt between 0 degrees and 15 degrees above the horizontal plane
  • minimum width of 45 cm
  • depth of 35 cm
  • non-slip surface

Activities

  1. Do all companies have a "standard fire emergency plan"? Why? No, because each company engages in different activities and an emergency plan cannot be generalized; we start from the fact that the multitude of variables coming together in a fire emergency plan makes designing a standard plan impossible.
  1. In case of a fire emergency, before reaching the point of intervention, time must elapse that will be spent on...?
  1. Detecting the fire (td).
  1. Alerting the people who need to evacuate (ta).
  1. Having these people identify the evacuation route through which they must evacuate and head to its access (tp).
  1. What are the minimum requirements we must have in a "fire emergency plan"? A detection-alarm chain for the start of the fire.
  1. Fire extinguishers in appropriate number, type, and location, properly maintained, and trained personnel.
  1. General evacuation alarm.
  1. Prior information to the people who need to evacuate on how, when, and where to do so.
  1. Information provided to firefighters by a person familiar with the facility.
  1. Signage and clear access to evacuation routes
  1. According to document 3 of the emergency plan, how are emergencies classified? Emergencies are classified based on their severity, availability of resources, and the affected areas (facilities room, offices...).
  1. What are the objectives of fire protection organization? Minimize the number of fire emergencies and quickly control emergencies so that consequences are minimal.
  1. What are considered emergency installations? The following will be considered Emergency installations:
  1. Emergency Lighting and Signage Lighting installations.
  1. Ventilation installations for Protected Vestibules
  1. What two situations must an "Emergency and Self-Protection Plan" provide solutions for? An Emergency and Self-Protection plan must establish an action methodology aimed at providing a solution to two situations.
  1. How to act in case of emergency
  1. If evacuation is inevitable, carry it out quickly and safely.
  1. What do the "intervention teams" do?: They are a group of people distributed across sectors of the company with the function of tackling and controlling the emergency.
  1. Know the specific risks of the area
  1. Detect smoke
  1. Eliminate the causes of the anomaly
  1. Control the emergency.

Which risk factors are analyzed in document 1 of the Emergency Plan? (give three examples)

  1. Potential risk factors presented by the facilities or buildings, as well as their origin and causes, are listed, analyzed, and assessed.
  1. Location of the activity and surroundings.
  1. Location of accesses and communication routes (emergency exits..).
  1. Location of protection elements (hydrants, wells, rivers...)

What organized functions must an emergency plan include?

  1. Extinguishing incipient fires, at least at the level of fire extinguishers
  1. Notifying the fire department and evacuating people who may be affected, in case the incipient fire is not controlled.
  1. Receiving and providing information to the fire department.

What are the material and human protection resources that must be available initially in any potential emergency, and in which document are they included? Document 2: Protection means: material and human resources available to initially deal with any potential emergency.

  • Alarm systems
  • Extinguishing systems: fire extinguishers...
  • Emergency installations: emergency signage and lighting
  • Medical supplies.
  • Human resources: people available to deal with emergencies

What is the mission of:

  1. Head of security or emergency: Has the mission of deciding at any given moment the actions to be taken.
  1. Head of intervention: Has the mission of physically tackling the emergency.