Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan

Purpose. This plan sets out how Torque staff respond to fire, high-voltage battery incidents, chemical spills, medical emergencies and other emergencies at each site, and who is responsible for what.

1.Scope

This plan applies to the Dandenong South, Geelong and Truganina sites. It covers workers, apprentices, contractors, customers and visitors. Site maps showing exits, assembly areas, fire equipment, spill kits and isolation switches are displayed at every entrance.

2.Emergency control organisation

Each site has a chief warden, a deputy and area wardens for the workshop, parts and sales areas. Wardens wear identification and are listed on the noticeboard. The chief warden decides whether to evacuate and is the only person who gives the all clear.

• Chief warden: Service Manager at Dandenong South
• Deputy chief warden: Customer Care Manager
• Workshop warden: workshop controller on shift
• Parts warden: Parts Interpreter on shift
• First aid officers: listed on the noticeboard

3.Fire

Raise the alarm, alert the warden and call emergency services. Attack a small fire only if trained and if the exit is behind you. Vehicle fires in the workshop are not to be fought beyond the first extinguisher. Evacuate to the assembly area in the front car park and remain there until the chief warden gives the all clear.

4.High-voltage battery incident

A hybrid or electric vehicle battery that is smoking, hissing, swelling or hot must be treated as a fire. Evacuate the bay, isolate the workshop power, do not use water on an energised system, and tell emergency services that a lithium battery is involved. The Hazardous Substances and High Voltage Isolation Procedure applies to moving the vehicle only if it is safe to do so.

5.Chemical spill

Contain the spill with the nearest spill kit, stop it entering drains, ventilate the area and report it. A spill of fuel or solvent larger than 20 litres requires evacuation of the immediate area and a call to emergency services.

6.Medical emergency

Call for the first aid officer and, for any serious injury, call emergency services. Do not move a person with a suspected spinal injury. For electric shock, isolate the source before touching the person. Record the event in the Incident and Hazard Register.

7.Drills and review

Evacuation drills are held twice a year at each site. The plan is reviewed annually and after every drill or real emergency.