The best way to respond to an emergency is:
- Stay calm, and do not panic
- Assess the situation as quickly as you can
- If you are in personal danger, get to safety as quickly as possible – a refuge centre if you are underground
- Activate the fire alarms to summon aid
- Do what you can to bring the situation under control, without endangering your life or the lives of the workers with you
- Put the life of yourself and your fellow workers ahead of saving property.
- Consider what events may follow, in view of the existing situation. If possible, take steps to prevent or limit any further incidents and complications. Do it yourself if it is safe to do so or communicate your ideas to those in charge
- If there is a danger that the area affected by an emergency might grow, take steps to make sure that this threat is recognised and dealt with – warn people in adjacent areas to leave or take appropriate action – warn those in charge, etc.
- If you are told to leave the area, make your area safe by turning off hazardous equipment and then leave promptly. Do not re-enter the area until you have been instructed to do so.
- Help anyone that cannot get out on his/her own
- If you feel that you cannot assist in dealing with the situation, leave the emergency area and stay away. Make sure that those involved in the operations know you have left the area.
- Use the emergency telephones for emergency calls only. During a serious emergency, do not use any telephones for other calls. keep all lines free.
Read Section 23 of the Mine Health and Safety Act. If you feel that your life is in danger, you have the right to leave the workplace. Leave the fire to the experts – the fire fighters and the proto teams.