Fire, accidents and incidents
Unsafe situations and near accidents should be reported in the interest of everybody’s safety. That helps to prevent real accidents. Make sure you are up to date with the alarm system, the evacuation plans and the emergency escape routes.
How can I be prepared for a fire?
In the building where you work fire instruction cards are hung at various highly visible locations. Read those instructions today because in the event of an emergency you wont have time to read!
How can a fire be prevented?
- Everyone is required to perform their work (including experiments) in such a way that the hazard is kept to a minimum.
- When working with flammable substances, welding or using a burner, you must always have appropriate fire-extinguishing equipment close at hand.
- Do not store combustible packaging material (e.g. tempex or cardboard) in rooms, laboratories or corridors.
Fire, what must I do?
In the unexpected event of a fire remain calm and report the calamity IMMEDIATELY. How? That differs per institute or laboratory. Make sure you know the local reporting procedure.
An evacuation signal. What must I do?
In the event of a slow-whoop-signal you must leave the building in a quick but orderly manner. Something is definitely happening: a serious fire, gas leak or bomb alert. Always follow the instructions of the company emergency response team (BHV) and go to the appointed meeting place. Escape routes can mostly be found on the plans in the corridors. Obstructing escape routes and exits can be fatal.
May I extinguish the fire myself?
If a fire breaks out in your immediate vicinity then activate the alarm immediately. Always put your own safety first and leave the BHV to extinguish the fire.
What must I do in the event of an accident?
Never do anything alone, alert others (shout) and put your own safety first.
- Report an accident IMMEDIATELY. How? That differs per institute or laboratory. Make sure you know the local reporting procedure.
- Your supervisor and/or the health & safety coordinator will, based on your experience, draw up measures in consultation with you to remove the cause or to reduce the risk so that a repeat incident can be prevented.
- Serious accidents (hospital admission, permanent physical or mental disability) are reported immediately to the Labour Inspectorate by phone or by fax. The health & safety coordinator, supervisor or his deputy are responsible for this.
- If you are employed at one of the universities through NWO-I report your involvement in accidents to the central occupational health and safety coordinator.
What must I do in the event of an incident or a near accident?
Together with your supervisor remove the cause or reduce the risk.
- Report every incident or near accident to your supervisor and/or the health & safety coordinator.
- Your supervisor and/or the health & safety coordinator will, based on your experience, draw up measures in consultation with you to remove the cause or to reduce the risk so that a repeat incident can be prevented.