Office of the Fire Marshal Emergency Building Measures A Guide to Strengthen Emergency Management of High-Rise and High-Risk Buildings

---

6. Emergencies Due to Human Activity

6.1 Fire/Explosion
6.2 Bomb Threats
6.3 Biological and Chemical Threats
6.4 Suspicious Package/Device
6.5 Physical Threats
6.6 Hazardous Materials Accidents
6.7 Radiological Accidents
6.8 Carbon Monoxide
6.9 Natural Gas Leaks
6.10 Elevator Malfunctions
6.11 Medical Emergencies

---

Emergencies arising from human activity can include situations prompted by intentional criminal acts, human error or situations resulting from large-scale industrial accidents.

Criminal acts such as bomb threats have historically been one of the most common types of threats. However, recent public concern has also focused on threats associated with biological and chemical agents.

Accidents that occur in industrial facilities may place neighbouring property and lives at risk. Of particular concern are accidents that involve facilities that store large quantities of toxic chemicals.

Procedures that should be developed to address a major emergency due to human activity will be covered in this section. The necessary steps that should be taken by those who are directly responsible for building emergency preparedness will be outlined, as well as information that may be useful to building occupants.

The building occupants’ roles and responsibilities should always be included in the Emergency Plan and should be available to them as a reference. Regardless of whether or not they have been delegated any formal responsibilities, occupants play an integral part in effectively executing the Emergency Plan and ensuring their own personal safety. Their role is particularly important in buildings where delegated emergency personnel are not available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Circumstances Requiring Evacuation

Many types of circumstances besides fire may require a building or portions of a building to be evacuated. Some of these circumstances are discussed in the following this guideline.

Other types of circumstances warranting evacuation that are not discussed in detail could include (but are not limited to):

• serious fires in a neighbouring building
• hazardous chemical spill involving the transportation of a dangerous product(s)
• forest fires
• natural gas leak originating outside of the building, etc.

Usually in these types of situations, local authorities will likely be involved in responding to, and/or monitoring the emergency situation. Where applicable, building management should consult with authorities to determine an appropriate course of action. However, in some situations, a decision to evacuate may have to be made by building management on their own without the opportunity for consultation.

When circumstances warrant an evacuation, the building occupants must be notified in an appropriate manner, taking into consideration the serious nature and urgency of the situation.

Back to Top

6.1 Fire / Explosion

Fire is one of the most common risks to buildings, property and life safety. In order to minimize the risk and impact of fire, Section 2.8 of the Ontario Fire Code outlines requirements for owners and managers of certain types of buildings and occupancies to develop and implement a Fire Safety Plan. Many buildings will already have a Fire Safety Plan approved by the local Chief Fire Official.

Buildings are designed and constructed to confine and control a fire to allow building occupants time to evacuate. Buildings are also designed to allow fire department personnel time to access and gain control over the fire. Buildings are designed for the expected fire loads they will encounter during their lifespan. Bombs, terrorist acts or some arsons may exceed these expectations and subject the building to fire loads for which they were not designed. For example, a building designed to maintain its structural stability for three hours, may fail in a much shorter period of time under these adverse conditions.

Equipment and procedures dealing with egress and exit facilities, fire alarm systems, voice communication systems, fire suppression systems and other life safety devices and features will play a major role in enhancing occupant safety in the event of a fire and/or explosion. Property owners and managers must ensure that these life safety features are maintained in operable condition and ready for use at all times.

An approved Fire Safety Plan typically contains:

1. the emergency procedures to be used in case of fire including sounding the fire alarm, notifying the fire department, provisions for access for fire fighting, instructing occupants on procedures to be followed when the fire alarm sounds, evacuating endangered occupants and confining, controlling and extinguishing the fire,
2. the appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties,
3. the instruction of supervisory staff and other occupants so that they are aware of their responsibilities for fire safety,
4. the holding of fire drills including the emergency procedures appropriate to the building,
5. the control of fire hazards in the building,
6. the maintenance of building facilities provided for the safety of occupants,
7. the provision of alternative measures for the safety of occupants during any shutdown of fire protection equipment and systems or part thereof, and
8. instructions, including schematic diagrams, describing the type, location and operation of building fire emergency systems.

Even when the building or property is not required by the Fire Code to have a Fire Safety Plan, property management should, at a minimum, develop and introduce emergency fire procedures for occupants and key property personnel to follow in the event of fire.

For more information see:

Fire Safety Planning for Industrial Occupancies
http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/english/Publications/Guidelines/2000-02.asp

Guidelines for Stairwell Signs in Multi-Storey Buildings
http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/english/publications/guidelines/1998-00.asp

Fire Safety Planning for Recycling Facilities and Waste Processing Operations
http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/english/publications/guidelines/1998-06.asp

Tenant Information – Fire In Your Apartment Building
http://www.firesafetycouncil.com/english/pubsafet/fiyab.htm

Tenant Information – Fire in Your Apartment Building – Stay or Go?
http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/english/Publications/Communiques/1996/96-035.asp

Tenant Information – Plan Ahead – Fire Safety In Apartment Buildings
http://www.firesafetycouncil.com/english/pubsafet/plan.htm

U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA-Fire and Explosion Planning Matrix
http://www.osha.gov/dep/fire-expmatrix/index.html

Back to Top

6.2 Bomb Threats

Bomb threats are usually made by telephone. Few of these threats are real. Bombers that go to the trouble of manufacturing and placing a device typically will not call in a warning.

Bombers usually prefer to place devices in easily accessible locations (e.g., outside of buildings, lobbies, near exits) to minimize risk of capture. Evacuating a building without first checking these common areas may put occupants at increased risk. Bombers have used telephone threats to herd people towards a device.

Good housekeeping simplifies the task of identifying suspicious packages. Security measures make it more difficult to plant a bomb. Locking cabinets, rooms, offices, etc. also limits unauthorized access and reduces the areas that need to be searched.

Building owners and managers should consider the following in establishing procedures for this type of threat:

Who should make the decision regarding whether or not to evacuate?

If sufficient warning has been provided, the building owner, building manager or other senior designated individual should make the decision whether or not to evacuate. It is important that the primary manager and alternates responsible for this decision are recognized by the occupants as having the authority to make these important decisions. Their decision may be made with advice from the police, fire department or other knowledgeable persons. Public safety should always be the foremost consideration.

Should an evacuation occur for every bomb threat?

Although very few bomb threats are real, it cannot be overlooked that bombs have been located in connection with threats. If occupants learn that bomb threats have been received and ignored, it could result in morale problems and have long-term adverse effects. Also, there is the possibility that if the bomb threat caller feels that they are ignored, they may go beyond the threat and actually plant a bomb.

Evacuating immediately on every bomb threat is an alternative that on face value appears to be the preferred approach. However, the negative factors inherent in this approach must be considered. The obvious result of immediate evacuation is the disruptive effect. For example, if the bomb threat caller knows that your policy is to evacuate each time a call is made, they can continually call and disrupt your business. An employee, knowing that the policy is to evacuate immediately, may make a threat in order to get out of work. A student may use a bomb threat to avoid a class or miss a test. A bomber wishing to cause personal injuries could place a bomb near an exit normally used to evacuate and then call in the threat.

What evacuation procedures should be implemented?

There are three options available depending on the situation:

• Complete evacuation of the premises
• Partial evacuation to a safe outside area or another internal area
• No evacuation

When it is decided that an evacuation is necessary, ensure that the evacuation team is in place and ready to assist occupants to safely evacuate the building.

When it is decided that an evacuation is necessary, it should not be initiated until supervisory staff has determined that the evacuation route has been searched and confirmed to be safe.

Flying glass is usually one of the key dangers in a bomb blast. The large sheets of glazing that are common in high-rise buildings today can travel a considerable distance. When it is decided that an evacuation to the outside is necessary, people should move far enough away to ensure they will not be hit by flying glass (for some tall buildings this may mean two or three blocks away) or they need to move to a location that is protected in some way e.g. inside another building or with another building between them and the building that has been evacuated.

Building occupants should not congregate in groups in unsecured outdoor areas. It would be easier to place a device in an outdoor waste receptacle or common area than in an office. A terrorist would then only need to pull a fire alarm to move staff towards the device.

Where it is decided that evacuation to another internal area is necessary, personnel should be relocated to another section or floor of the facility.

When it is decided to “shelter in place” (see Section 6.3), this information and the rationale for this decision should be communicated to the occupants.

What should occupants do if they receive a bomb threat by telephone?

Occupants should follow the bomb threat procedures set out in Appendix A.

What procedures may be established for conducting a bomb search?

Initiating a search after a threat is received and evacuating a building after a suspicious package or device is found is perhaps the most desired approach. It is not as disruptive as an immediate evacuation and will satisfy the requirement to do something when a threat is received. If a device is found, the evacuation can be accomplished expeditiously while at the same time avoiding the potential danger areas of the bomb.

If the decision is made to search the premises, the search must be as speedy and as thorough as possible. The manner in which the search is conducted is very important. It should always be systematic; unorganized searches may leave areas unchecked. Effective and efficient search techniques should be developed and made known to all relevant personnel.

Note: Even if the decision is made to evacuate immediately, the evacuation routes must be searched before evacuation takes place.

Who should carry out the search?

Authorities are in agreement that the most effective and fastest search of a building can be made by the normal occupants of that building. The occupants are in the best position to conduct the search because they are the only ones who will know if a box, briefcase, etc. belongs in that location.

However, under Ontario health and safety legislation, workers cannot be forced to take part in any activity which could be hazardous to their health or safety. Therefore, any employees who engage in bomb searching activities must be volunteers. They should be provided with appropriate training in searching for bombs.

If the facility has a public address system, it can be used to alert occupants and teams designated to search common areas (e.g., exit pathways, lobby).

Where should occupants search?

Each occupant should quickly search his or her own immediate work area.

Designated persons should search the evacuation routes and assembly areas, building entrances and exits, public areas within buildings or other areas that are easily accessible by intruders. Past experience has shown that bombs are usually placed outside buildings or in public areas within buildings. These areas must be checked with special care.

It should be noted that searches can be conducted more efficiently if work areas are kept orderly and as much storage as possible is kept in locked rooms or cabinets.

How should occupants search?

It is vital that a plan is prepared that enables the premises to be searched as quickly and as effectively as possible.

The aim of the search is to identify any object which:

1. should not be there;
2. cannot be accounted for;
3. is out of place; or
4. becomes suspect for any other reason (e.g. suspiciously labelled, similar to that described in the threat).

Explosives can be packaged in a variety of containers. Most likely it will be camouflaged. The container is likely to be a common article such as a shoe or cigar box, a grocery bag, an athletic bag, airline flight bag, suitcase, attaché case, etc. Look for the unusual or something that appears to be out of place. Anything that does not belong, or whose nature and presence cannot be adequately explained is a suspicious object.

Without planning, control and communication, only a cursory search can be conducted. A control centre must be established where the designated facility authorities are able to communicate with individual searchers or search teams. Searched areas can then be recorded as cleared and the control authority will be cognizant of progress, problems and the location of searchers.

General priorities for searches can be established and usually follow a sequence:

• outside areas,
• building entrances,
• public areas within buildings, e.g. hallways, washrooms and reception areas,
• stairways and elevators,
• interior rooms, and
• janitor’s closets, telephone rooms etc, if not secure.

The areas listed above are the areas which are most accessible to the "bomber" and which persons must pass by or through during an evacuation. The initial search of these areas will ensure greater safety during the movement of personnel. Once a systematic search of public areas has been conducted, the search may expand to the remaining areas not generally accessible to the public.

CAUTION: Searching should not be conducted within one half-hour before to one half-hour after a detonation time provided in a specific threat.

Should a suspect device be discovered:

DO NOT TOUCH IT.

DO NOT ASSUME IT IS THE ONLY ONE.

NOTIFY THE CONTROL CENTRE IMMEDIATELY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES.

A rapid two-way communication system is of utmost importance. Normally communication between wardens, search teams and the control center can be accomplished through the existing telephone system, or the building's internal communication system.

CAUTION: Use of radios or cell phones could be dangerous. Their signal could cause premature detonation of an electric initiator (e.g., blasting cap) or premature activation of a remote detonating device.

For more information see:

RCMP-Canadian Bomb Data Centre
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/tops-opst/cbdc-ccdb/info-renseignements-eng.htm

Blast-Resistant Precautions

The design and construction of high-risk buildings to provide life safety in the face of explosions is receiving renewed attention. Steps for reducing the impact of an explosion can include introducing enhancements in structural design coupled with a buffer zone surrounding the building.

For more information see:

Protecting Buildings From Bomb Damage, Transfer of Blast-Effects Mitigation Technologies From Military to Civilian Applications, National Academy Press, National Research Council et. al. 1995.
http://books.nap.edu/books/0309053757/html/R1.html

Protection of Federal Office Buildings Against Terrorism, National Academy Press, Committee on the Protection of Federal Facilities Against Terrorism et. al., 1998.
http://www.nap.edu/books/0309076463/html/.

Back to Top

6.3 Biological and Chemical Threats

Building owners and management should stress to occupants that removal, analysis and decontamination are the responsibilities of hazardous materials emergency response professionals who are trained and equipped to handle these types of situations. Some fire departments may be able to assist with the initial containment and decontamination of an emergency scene. However, it is the responsibility of building owners or managers to arrange with private companies which specialize in hazardous material handling for the complete clean-up and decontamination of the site.

This section sets out some basic information that may be shared with occupants. Occupants should be warned not take any actions beyond the basic steps needed to immediately limit the spread of these agents.

What are the characteristics of a chemical agent?

• Generally in liquid form and often aerosolized (fine mist)
• Has a unique odour and colour. Common odours for chemical agents include bitter almonds, peach kernels, fresh mown hay, mustard, onion, garlic, geraniums or green grass.
• Most result in immediate symptoms or are delayed for a few hours at most.
• Inhalation is the most likely route of attacking your body.
• Attack routes may also be through food/water contamination or skin absorption.
• Many likely agents are heavier than air and tend to stay close to ground.
• Some will break down fairly rapidly when exposed to sun, diluted with water, or dissipated in high winds.

What are the characteristics of a biological agent?

• Generally in liquid or powder form.
• No odour or colour.
• Symptoms may be delayed for days.
• Inhalation most likely and effective attack route.
• Attack routes may also be through food/water contamination or skin absorption.
• Many likely agents are heavier than air and tend to stay close to ground.
• Most will break down fairly rapidly when exposed to sun, diluted with water, or dissipated in high winds.

What are the warning signs of a biological/chemical attack?

• Droplets of oily film on surfaces.
• Unusual dead or dying animals in the area.
• Unusual liquid sprays or vapours.
• Unexplained odours.
• Unusual or unauthorized spraying in the area.
• Multiple victims displaying symptoms of nausea, difficulty breathing, convulsions, disorientation, or patterns of illness inconsistent with natural disease.
• Low-lying clouds or fog unrelated to weather, clouds of dust, suspended or coloured particles.
• People dressed unusually (long-sleeved shirts or overcoats in the summertime) or wearing breathing protection particularly where large numbers of people tend to congregate, such as subways or stadiums).

What measures should be taken where the release has occurred within a building?

• Immediately protect breathing airways (distance yourself from contamination source, cover mouth and nose with handkerchief, clothing, etc.).
• Leave the area of attack immediately and move outside and upwind from the source of attack.
• If evacuation to the outside is not possible, move occupants upwards to an interior room on a higher floor since many agents are heavier than air. Measures for “shelter in place” should be taken (see below).
• Cover bare arms and legs and make sure any cuts or abrasions are covered or bandaged.
• If splashed with an agent, immediately wash it off using warm soapy water.
• Shower with soap and water as soon as possible.
• If water is not available, talcum powder or flour may be used to decontaminate liquid agents. Sprinkle liberally over affected skin area, wait 30 seconds and brush off with a rag. (Note: The powder absorbs the agent, so it must be brushed off thoroughly. Treat this powder as contaminated. If available, wear rubber gloves to do this).
• Report the incident to the police (dial 911) and supervisory staff.
• Notify building security.
• Seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

What measures should be taken to “shelter in place” where outdoor airborne contaminants may be impacting a building?

Building management should establish procedures and provide training to have management and maintenance staff quickly:

Notify occupants of the hazard and reasons to “shelter in place”.

Seal building so contaminants cannot enter.

• Close windows and doors (an inventory of openings should be available and staff designated to close or seal specific openings).
• Seal gaps under doorways, windows, and other building openings (sufficient sealing materials should be kept on hand to perform this task)
• Turn off heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Monitor radio or television stations for further updates and remain in shelter until authorities indicate it is safe to come out.

Move occupants upwards to an interior room on a higher floor since many agents are heavier than air.

For more information see:

Hazardous Materials Management - General information on hazardous materials
http://www.hazmatmag.com/

Health Canada – Infectious Substances:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/msds-ftss/index.html

Health Canada – Anthrax
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/media/releases/2001/anthrax_info.htm

MSDS Resource Library
http://www.reade.com/MSDS_Links.html

Oxford University: The Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory -Chemical and Other Safety Information:
http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR),
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/atsdrhome.html

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab - Advice for Safeguarding Buildings Against Chemical or Biological Attack.
http://securebuildings.lbl.gov/

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health-Guidance for Protecting Building Enviroments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bldvent/2002-139.html#foreward

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health- Guidance for Filtration and Air-Cleaning Systems to Protect Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-136/2003-136.html

Back to Top

6.4 Suspicious Package/Device

Building owners should review mail-handling procedures. Where the risk of receiving contaminated mail is high, they may wish to consider opening mail off site or in locations that may be more easily decontaminated. Use of gloves and respirators or a glove-box will also protect persons opening mail.

Personnel that work in a Mail Room and others who accept and handle deliveries made by courier and others should receive training on how to identify and handle suspicious packages. The extent of this training would correspond to the degree of risk related to the occupancy of the building. (e.g. a commercial building containing foreign consulates would be at higher risk than a residential building.)

The following information should be shared with occupants to assist them in identifying and responding to suspicious envelopes and packages.

What are the characteristics of a suspicious package?

Some characteristics of suspicious packages/letters include the following:

• Excessive, inadequate or missing postage
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
• Incorrect titles or no name
• Misspelling of common words
• Oily stains, discolouration or odour
• No return address
• Excessive weight
• Lopsided or uneven envelope
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil
• Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
• Visual distractions
• Ticking sound
• Restrictive markings such as “Personal”, “Confidential”, or “To Be Opened By”
• Postmark city/province/state does not match the return address
• Foreign mail from politically unstable or hostile countries
• Unprofessional wrapping
• Threatening markings on exterior of package
• Inappropriate air mail or special delivery stickers

What should occupants do if they find a suspicious package/device?

Do not shake or bump it.

Do not open, smell, examine, touch or taste.

Treat it as suspect.

If you suspect that the package/device is a bomb:

• Do not cover it.
• Open doors and windows to minimize blast effects.
• If you suspect that the package/device is contaminated with a chemical or biological agent:
• Gently place in clear plastic bag, if available or cover with other materials.
• Close door.
• Minimize physical contact with other people.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Remove contaminated clothing and place in a sealed container (e.g., plastic bag) to be forwarded to emergency responders. Shower (with soap and warm water) as soon as possible.
• List all people who may have been in contact or close proximity to the suspicious package/device and provide this list to appropriate authorities.
• If necessary, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
• Clear the immediate area where the package was discovered

Notify supervisory staff and provide the following information:

Object location

Object description

Any other useful information

Report incident to the police (dial 911).

Notify your emergency response team (floor wardens, etc.), building management, and other building occupants of the potential emergency.

Attempt to establish ownership of the object.

If necessary, initiate evacuation procedures.

For more information see:

U.S. Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire Arms – Detect Suspicious Packages
http://www.atf.treas.gov/explarson/information/detectsusp.htm

U.S. Department of the Treasury - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire Arms – SuspectLetter and Package Indicators
http://www.atf.treas.gov/explarson/information/indic.htm

Emergency Measures Ontario
http://www.mpss.ontario.ca/english/pub_security/emo/emo.html

Canada Post – Suspicious Mail Alert
http://www.canadapost.ca/business/corporate/about/announcements/hazard-e.asp

United States Postal Service - What constitutes a suspicious letter or parcel? What Should I do if I Receive an Anthrax Threat by Mail?
http://www.usps.com/news/2001/press/pr01_1010tips.htm

Back to Top

6.5 Physical Threats

Criminals or terrorists may use firearms, knives, arson, vehicles and other “low tech” devices to introduce physical threats. Security measures and physical barriers should be considered as means of preventing or minimizing the impact of these threats and occurrences.

There have been numerous examples of serious physical threats to injure that resulted in actual physical injury or death, including the massacre at the École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989 and the Columbine School occurrence in 1999.

Well-planned and prearranged lockdown procedures may be appropriate for application in occupancies such as schools to protect students and staff. The lockdown practices and procedures should never interfere with the occupants’ abilities to evacuate promptly should the circumstances warrant it.

Training in conflict resolution and workplace violence should be supplied to security personnel, receptionists, complaints department personnel or other employees who are in a position where they may have to deal with violent or potentially violent people. Several community colleges offer this type of training.

Arson involves the criminal use of fire to cause damage to property. Arsonists may use various types of accelerants to increase fire growth and fire spread. To minimize risk of capture, arsonists prefer to use readily available accelerants, such as gasoline, that they find near their target. Wastepaper, cardboard, etc. is also a favourite accelerant for arsonists. Therefore, good housekeeping and security are effective at reducing these fire risks.

For more information see:

Workers Health and Safety Centre, Ontario, Training on workplace violence
http://www.whsc.on.ca/home.html

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, general information on workplace violence.
http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/

Training Materials for Workplace Violence, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Training guidelines in PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat.
http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/wpvmemo.html

Back to Top

6.6 Hazardous Materials Accidents

A hazardous materials accident can occur anywhere. Buildings located near chemical manufacturing plants are particularly at risk. However, hazardous materials are transported on our roadways, railways and waterways daily, so any area is considered vulnerable to an accident.

Building management should maintain a current inventory of hazardous materials used on-site including current Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as required by the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS). Appropriate spill control and clean-up materials and equipment should be readily available. Staff should be trained in spill clean-up procedures. Emergency phone numbers for hazardous materials disposal companies should also be available.

If possible, managers should determine what hazardous materials might be present on neighbouring properties. A risk assessment of this exposure should also be carried out.

What should building management do if a hazardous materials accident occurs near a building?

Call 911 or the local fire department to report the nature and location of the accident as soon as possible.

Keep building occupants away from the accident scene.

Do not walk into, touch, smell or taste any of the spilled substance. Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke. If possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.

Try to stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.

Try to stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the accident with clear access to an evacuation route.

What measures should be taken to “shelter in place”?

See subsection 6.3.

Assisting accident victims.

Do not try to care for victims until the substance has been identified and authorities indicate it is safe to treat victims.

For more information see:

Oxford University: The Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory - Chemical and Other Safety Information:
http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/

MSDS Resource Library
http://www.reade.com/MSDS_Links.html

Hazardous Materials Management - General information on hazardous materials
http://www.hazmatmag.com/

Back to Top

6.7 Radiological Accidents

A radiological accident is an event that involves the release of potentially dangerous radioactive materials into the environment. This release will usually be in the form of a particulate cloud or vapour plume and could affect the health and safety of anyone in its path. In Ontario, Emergency Management Ontario is the provincial authority to direct a response during a nuclear emergency.

Where can radiological accidents occur?

Radiological accidents can occur anywhere that radioactive materials are used, manufactured, stored or transported. Nuclear power generating stations, hospitals, universities, research laboratories, industries, major highways, railroads and shipping yards could be the site of a radiological accident.

How can building management minimize radiation exposure to occupants in the event of an accident?

Distance

The more distance between occupants and the source of the radiation, the less radiation will be absorbed. In a radiological accident, officials may evacuate, thereby increasing the distance between occupants and the radiation.

Shielding

Like distance, the more heavy, dense materials between occupants and the source of the radiation, the better. This is why officials could advise building management to “shelter in place” if a radiological accident occurs. In some cases, building walls may provide sufficient shielding to protect occupants.

Time

Limiting the time spent near the source of radiation reduces the amount of radiation you will receive. Some sources of radioactivity may be dispersed by the wind or lose its strength by rapid decay.

Following a radiological accident, authorities will monitor any release of radiation and determine when the threat has passed.

What should building management do if alerted to a radiological emergency?

Tune to your local radio or television station for information and direction from Provincial or community authorities. Information may also be communicated by other electronic means (e.g. Internet)

If advised to evacuate the building, management should:

• Organize a calm evacuation.
• Close and lock windows and doors.
• Turn off air conditioning, vents, fans, and heating equipment.
• Arrange public transportation for those who have not made arrangements.
• If occupants are to remain in the building management should advise them to:

Follow the “shelter in place” procedures set out in Subsection 6.3.

For more information see:

Health Canada – The Federal Nuclear Emergency Plan
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/neprd

Back to Top

6.8 Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a by-product of the incomplete burning of fuels, including wood, heating oil, propane, kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel and natural gas. All fuel-burning equipment and appliances are potential sources for carbon monoxide. Therefore, the key to preventing exposure to this odourless, colourless, tasteless and very toxic gas is adequate maintenance of these appliances. Additional protection will be afforded by locating CO detectors near these appliances. Some municipalities have bylaws that require these detectors to be installed in buildings.

Building owners/managers should be aware that carbon monoxide hazards could result from:

• Deteriorating equipment: fuel fired heating systems and appliances that are not properly maintained.
• Confining or enclosing fuel-fired equipment: An inadequate fresh air supply for the safe burning and venting of exhausts.
• Dirt and blockage (i.e. blocked chimney flue).
• Careless use of equipment (i.e. running a vehicle engine in an attached garage).
• Using equipment that consumes or exhausts air.

Management should be aware of the following danger signs of CO:

• Stale, stuffy air in your building.
• Occupants have symptoms of CO exposure (see below).
• The pilot light on gas-fired equipment keeps going out.
• A sharp odour or the smell of natural gas occurs when equipment turns on.
• The burner flames and pilot light of a natural gas furnace or other equipment are mostly yellow, rather than a clear blue. (Note that some natural gas fireplaces are designed to have yellow flames).
• Chalky, white powder forms on a chimney or exhaust vent pipe or soot builds up around the exhaust vent.
• Excessive moisture on walls or windows in areas where natural gas equipment is on.
• CO detectors alarm.

What are the symptoms of CO exposure?

Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms without a fever, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Burning eyes
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination

Where occupants experience these symptoms inside a building, but feel better when they go outdoors or away from the building, CO or other pollutants may be the cause.

What procedures should be followed if CO exposure is suspected?

“

Evacuate the building immediately and call 911 or your local fire department.

Seek medical attention for those that need help.

For more information see:

Technical Standards and Safety Authority, Carbon Monoxide Exposure:
http://www.tssa.org/about_tssa/carbon_monoxide.asp

Back to Top

6.9 Natural Gas Leaks

Natural gas is colourless, odourless, non-toxic and highly flammable gas. For safety, a smell much like rotten eggs is added to the gas to aid detection. Because it is lighter than air it may quickly spread throughout a building.

In the event of a natural gas leak, building management should:

• Immediately shut off the gas at the main valve and any secondary valves if necessary.
• Evacuate the building

Instruct occupants to not smoke or use any electrical devices, including cell phones.

Call 911 from a phone located well away from the source of the leak.

Call your gas company from a phone located well away from the source of the leak.

Building management should retain a list or drawings that identify the locations of all gas shut-off valves, not just the main shut-off valve locations.

Back to Top

6.10 Elevator Malfunctions

Building management should ensure that elevators are properly maintained. Elevator cars should be readily identifiable with car/shaft number on the inside of the car. A means of communicating (i.e., telephone) should be provided in each elevator.

In the event of occupants trapped in an elevator, building management should:

• Never attempt to evacuate occupants stranded in the elevator.
• Contact the elevator service company. Only qualified personnel should be permitted to correct elevator malfunctions, or remove stranded occupants, as this is highly specialized work.
• Maintain communications with trapped occupants until they are safely evacuated to:
• assure them that they are safe and that help is on the way.
• caution them not to panic.
• remind them not to try and force the elevator doors open.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of the cause immediately after the incident

For more information see:

Technical Standards and Safety Authority, Elevating Devices Branch
http://www.tssa.org/elevators/default.asp

Back to Top

6.11 Medical Emergencies

Every building runs a risk of facing a medical emergency. However, there are certain types of properties where medical emergencies may be more common. Examples include properties that house senior citizens, the disabled, large public gatherings, and industrial activity. Your Emergency Plan should incorporate medical and first aid procedures that include:

• Emergency contact phone numbers.
• Names and phone numbers of occupants with accredited training in lifesaving techniques

In Ontario, the Workers Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) requires first aid stations in workplaces. Specific requirements can be found in RRO 1990, Regulation 1101. This regulation also requires first aid training for workplaces.

Managers of buildings with large occupant loads may wish to consider providing CPR training, automatic external defibrillators and medical oxygen in addition to the basic first aid requirements.

For more information see:

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (Ontario) –First Aid Requirements (Regulation 1101)
http://www.wsib.on.ca