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Prepare an evacuation pack

PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES

There is an Australian Standard that provides procedures for the safety of people in buildings, structures and workplaces during emergencies.

This is Australian Standard: Emergency control organisation and procedures for buildings, structures and workplaces.

The Standard is applicable to all types of occupiable buildings, structures and workplaces.

For further infomation about this Standard please visit the Standards Australia website.

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 states an employer must have arrangements in place in the event of emergencies. It specifies that these arrangements should include:

  • The safe and rapid evacuation of people from the place of work
  • Emergency communications
  • Arrangements for shutting down and evacuating the place of work in the event of an emergency.

For more information about the Regulation visit the NSW Legislation website or contact WorkCover.

Newcastle Local Disaster Plan

The arrangements in place at a local level to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies with the Newcastle Local Government Area are detailed in the Newcastle Local Disaster Plan (DISPLAN) (588kb pdf).

The DISPLAN sets out the responsibilities of combat agencies including the NSW Police, Newcastle City Council. Ambulance Service, SES, Fire Brigade and others.

Under the DISPLAN the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) has the responsibility for activating the Local Emergency Operations Centre and making any decision to evacuate.

For more information about the DISPLAN contact the Local Emergency Management Officer on 02 4974 2411.