Emergency preparedness and response
Plain-language summary
Planning for the emergencies that could realistically happen, and testing that your response actually works.
What the clause is really asking
When a fire, spill, gas leak or medical emergency hits, there is no time to start planning. The clause requires you to identify potential emergencies, plan how to respond, provide training and equipment, and periodically test the plan, including with relevant external parties and accounting for everyone on site. The intent is a response that works under pressure and is kept sharp through drills, not a plan that lives in a drawer.
What auditors look for
Auditors review your emergency plans against the emergencies your risk assessment identifies and check drills are actually run and learned from. They test workers on what they would do, inspect emergency equipment such as extinguishers, alarms and first aid, and check evacuation routes are clear. They look at how visitors, contractors and people with disabilities are accounted for.
Typical evidence
Emergency response plans for identified scenarios; drill records and post-drill reviews; emergency equipment inspection records; trained emergency teams and first aiders; evacuation routes and assembly points; coordination with emergency services.
How to comply — recommendations
List the emergencies that could realistically occur at your site and write a clear response plan for each, including who does what. Train your emergency teams and first aiders and keep equipment inspected and accessible. Run drills periodically, review how they went, and fix the gaps, since auditors check for learning, not just attendance. Make sure your plan covers visitors, contractors and anyone needing assistance to evacuate.
Common nonconformities
Emergency plan does not cover all identified emergency scenarios; drills not conducted or never reviewed for lessons; emergency equipment expired, blocked or not inspected; workers unsure what to do in an emergency; visitors, contractors and people needing assistance not accounted for; evacuation routes obstructed.
Related clauses
ISO 9001 (no direct equivalent); ISO 14001 8.2
Qlause provides interpretive guidance only and is not a substitute for the standard. Refer to your licensed copy of the relevant standard for the authoritative text.