Earthquake Guidelines

The University Emergency Control Policy and Procedures is currently being reviewed. The document will include procedures for emergency response staff to follow in the event of an earthquake.

The Faculty of Social Sciences has compiled the following earthquake procedures.

EARTHQUAKES

The following guidelines are provided to assist staff and students in the event of an earthquake. The major threat of injury during an earthquake is from falling objects and debris, and many injuries are sustained while entering or leaving buildings. Therefore, it is important to remain inside the building and quickly move away from windows, glass and free standing partitions and shelves. Take cover under a sturdy desk or table, or against an inside wall until the shaking stops.

If you are inside the building:

Get under desk or table or other sturdy furniture with your back to windows.
If this is not possible, sit in a corner or with your back against a wall and away from any windows.
Adopt crouching position and protect face, eyes and ears. Cover with clothing (if available).
Stay away from windows, bookcases or other heavy objects and maintain this position until shaking stops.

When the danger inside the building has passed proceed to the designated evacuation assembly point as quickly as possible. If any persons are unable to exit the building, please report this to any of the following personnel, the emergency control officer (chief or deputy chief warden) wardens or security staff.

DO NOT USE LIFTS

If you are outside the building:

Assume crouching position in open space and maintain this position until shaking stops.
Move away from buildings, trees, overhead wires/poles.
DO NOT ENTER the building until it is determined to be safe by the emergency personnel (police, firemen), the emergency control officer (chief or deputy chief warden) or security staff.

After the shaking subsides, provide first aid assistance or support to any injured persons. DO NOT MOVE injured persons unless they are in immediate danger. For a serious injury, contact security in the first instance.

If possible proceed to the designated evacuation assembly area (adjacent to the lake) and away from the buildings. There may be aftershocks or tremors following the earthquake. Protect yourself by crouching down and covering face, eyes and ears using clothing if available.

If a fire occurs, activate the nearest fire alarm "break glass" point as the system may still be functional.

Wardens should if possible assume their designated roles of evacuating building occupants ONLY if it is safe to do so. If you are unable to re-enter the building, please provide any assistance necessary in directing personnel to the assembly area or make yourself available to provide first aid assistance if qualified to do so.
The University Emergency Control Officer will be overseeing the situation and may have allocated security staff to designated areas to instruct staff/students in relation to further processes to be undertaken.

Compiled by Matthew Tilling, Vickie Armstrong from the Social Sciences OHS Cost Centre Committee, July 2006