Code YELLOW – Internal Threat
Chemical hazard / spill / gas leak
- If a gas leak, immediately turn off the gas if safe to do so.
- Ensure the immediate safety of anyone within the immediate vicinity of the incident.
- Contact the Emergency Services by dialling 000 if required.
- The Emergency Services should be contacted if the spill is of a significant size, the substance is unknown or highly flammable/explosive/poisonous or if it has entered any drainage systems or other environment such as waterways.
- Call the College’s Emergency Number 996 (or 9460 6996).
- Evacuate the immediate danger area and ensure that persons assemble in a well-ventilated area, uphill and upwind from the spill.
- Render immediate first aid.
- Referring to the appropriate SDS for emergency treatment details and if necessary seek medical advice. If this is not available, telephone the Poisons Information Centre for first aid information (Tel: 13 11 26)
- Anyone who has been exposed must, if safe to do so, be moved to a safe decontamination area. The treatment of serious injury must take precedence over decontamination and containment.
- Cordon off the area and prevent access to unauthorised personnel.
- Ensure no no open flames, welding, matches or smoking.
- Turn off all ignition sources and electrical equipment (including light switches) in the immediate vicinity.
- Turn off the air conditioning to restrict the spread of gases and vapours.
- Notify any appropriate chemical expert/s as required, who may, if suitably qualified and wearing appropriate PPE:
- Deal with the source of exposure in accordance with guidelines on the SDS.
- Establish scope of emergency and whether safe containment will be speedily Ascertain hazardous substance and chemicals involved. If it is ascertained that safe containment may be achieved retrieve spill kit (if available). Refer to the instructions on the spill kit and follow directions to contain the spill using the required personal protective equipment stated on SDS.
- Do not re-enter the area until it has been decontaminated
All waste must be removed consistent with any regulatory requirements and by personnel trained and equipped specifically in chemical safety. All clean-up activities must be undertaken by a minimum of two people.
The incident must be lodged in Tickit on Demand and reported under applicable statutory regulations.
Asbestos
In the event of an unplanned release of asbestos fibres or where it is suspected that an individual has been exposed to asbestos fibres, the following actions should be taken.
- Evacuate the affected area.
- Close windows and doors if this is possible without causing further disturbance to the material.
- Prevent others from entering the area by using signage, closing doorways or posting guards at an appropriate distance.
DO NOT enter the contaminated area.
- Do not disturb the material or stay any longer in the affected area than is absolutely essential.
- Inform the Head of Facilities (or his delegate).
All waste must be removed consistent with any regulatory requirements and by an appropriately qualified asbestos removal licence holder.
The incident must be lodged in Tickit on Demand and reported under applicable statutory regulations.