Emergency Preparedness and Response

Employers must assess workplace hazards and implement controls to reduce the risk of injury, including preparing for potential emergencies.

This involves developing, implementing, and regularly updating an emergency response plan for the clinic, training all staff on it, and conducting annual drills to ensure preparedness.

Employers should also maintain a list of the chemicals and compressed gases used by the clinic. This list is used to help employers identify if certain chemicals may increase the risk or severity of potential emergencies (e.g., fire, explosion, spill).

The clinic staff needs to be prepared in the event of an emergency. This comprehensive emergency response procedures document can be used for your clinic. Please review this in full and share it with staff to ensure everyone’s awareness. The rack card can be displayed in a visible area in the clinic for quick reference.

Employers must train employees for emergencies, including conducting annual emergency drills as required by health and safety regulations. Conducting drills helps ensure awareness and effectiveness of emergency exit routes and procedures. Records of drill evaluations must be kept for documentation.

The BC Fire Code requires buildings with care or treatment areas to designate supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties, including coordinating fire drills. WorkSafeBC recommends assigning an emergency warden in larger workplaces as a best practice to help coordinate evacuations during emergencies. These individuals can also assist by regularly checking fire safety equipment and ensuring that evacuation routes and emergency exits are clearly marked, well-lit, and unobstructed.