CHAPTER 3 : EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

A separate English-Chinese bilingual pamphlet titled HKUST Emergency Procedures was published by HSEO. The content of that pamphlet is based on information contained in this revised Chapter.

Priority

Adhere to the following priorities when encountering an emergency:

  1. Personal Safety - yours and others
  2. Protect University Property
  3. Preserve Academic Programs

Important Phone Numbers

Reporting ALL Campus Emergency, Security Control Center 8999 or 6565
Enquiry of security matters, Security Control Center 6565
Enquiry of general safety matters, HSEO 6512

When calling for help, always give:

  • Location of the accident/incident
  • The nature and severity of the accident/incident, e.g. how many persons are injured, how serious is the injury, emergency situations such as gas leakage, extent of property damage, etc.
  • Your name and location

 

Emergency Preparedness

PREVENTION is crucial in avoiding incidents and accidents. Prevention is also the essence of safety training. However, despite our best effort, incidents or accidents can still happen. Major incidents may lead to emergencies which threaten human lives and university property. The goal of EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS is to ensure that everyone is equipped to respond effectively to such situations, thereby Minimizing personal injury and property damage

It Is Everyone’s responsibility

Supervisors are responsible for establishing safe procedures and providing protective equipment, on-the-job safety training and information needed in hazardous works. They must instruct their staff and students about the hazards, the safety precautions, and the actions to take in case of an accident, which may include general procedures as published below and specific ones tailored for special work places or operations. Drills should also be organized by supervisors to familiarize concerned students and employees with execution of such emergency procedures.

Employees and students are required to learn and understand the hazards they work with and to follow all necessary precautions. They should also report any unsafe or hazardous conditions to the supervisor and/or Health, Safety and Environment Office (HSEO). In case of an accident, the individual should act to protect themselves and others in the area.

Be Prepared for Fire

  • Do not tamper with any fire detection or fire fighting devices.
  • Do not block fire escape route.
  • Keep all fire doors closed.
  • Know the escape routes in your environment.
  • Know the locations of break-glass fire alarm buttons and fire fighting equipment, and make sure they are easily accessible.
  • Know the designated assembly points.
  • Learn to use firefighting equipment.
  • For laboratories or special work areas, develop emergency shut down procedures for processes which may create hazards when unattended.

For more information on Fire Safety, see Chapter 6 of the HKUST Safety and Environmental Protection Manual.

Be Prepared for Injury

  • Learn first aid.
  • Ensure first aid kits, including specific antidotes if applicable, are well stocked at all time.
  • Learn how to use the antidotes if hydrofluoric acid or cyanide is used.
  • Laboratory users should know the location of emergency shower and eyewash, and make sure they are easily accessible.

 

Be Prepared for Laboratory Emergency

  • Know the chemicals you use by referring to Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) which provide information on the physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of a chemical and procedures for handling spill, fire, and disposal. SDSs are available from the Library and the Internet. If SDSs are not available or if the manufacturer’s SDS lacks information needed for safe use of the material, request assistance from HSEO.
  • Plan your operation or experiment carefully, taking into consideration the hazardous properties of materials involved. Also consider what to do if something goes wrong in the process. Stock appropriate spill control materials, personal protection equipment, first aid materials, and antidotes.
  • Get proper training. The procedures below make reference to “significant amounts of hazardous materials”, and performing certain actions “if it is safe to do so” or not doing something “if it is unsafe to do so.” These are judgment calls. A large quantity of low toxicity material may be safe to handle, while a small amount of highly toxic substance may be significantly hazardous. In order to make the correct “call”, you must
    • Understand the potential hazards of the materials and operations;
    • Know the proper control measures;
    • Have participated in hands-on safety training and emergency drills;
    • Be confident enough in that knowledge and training to make the judgment.
  • Know the locations of the Emergency Ventilation button for your laboratory, the fire alarm button, firefighting equipment, spill control materials, personal protective equipment, and first aid kit.
  • Be CONSERVATIVE if you have doubts or reservations about whether it is safe or unsafe to act. Always take the conservative approach (e.g. sound the alarm, exit the lab and leave clean-up or other response action to the emergency response team).

 

SECTION ONE - FIRE

A. Responsibilities

  1. The Heads of Units should ensure that the requirements stipulated in this Section are fully met.
  2. The following persons have specific responsibilities regarding fire emergencies:
    1. Departmental Safety Officers (DSO) and their assistants.
    2. Managers of canteens, banks and shops.
    3. Duty Security Controller (DSC).
    4. Teaching staff who are conducting classes.
    5. Fire Fighting Squad (Security).
  3. Departmental Safety Officers (DSO) and their assistants (see Appendix 3A)
    1. The DSO shall be responsible for the evacuation of all employees, students, contractors and visitors within his/her department in accordance with the General Fire Emergency Procedure (Appendix 3B) or any specific emergency procedures as established in individual departments/units.
    2. For departments/units having more than one operating locations (e.g. office area and laboratory areas, workshops, etc.), someone in those other locations should be appointed as their “assistants” or "fire wardens" to take up the evacuation responsibilities in those locations.
    3. The DSO should ensure that the assistants so appointed understand their responsibilities.
  4. Teaching Staff 
    Academic staff who are teaching classes during a fire emergency shall be responsible for the evacuation of the students in accordance with the general and specific Fire Emergency Procedures.
  5. Managers of Canteens, Banks and Shops
    The persons in charge of these facilities at the time of fire emergency shall be responsible for the evacuation of the persons at these locations in accordance with the general and specific Fire Emergency Procedures.
  6. Duty Security Controller (DSC)/Security Control Centre (SCC)
    1. The DSC shall make the appropriate announcement via the public address system in case of a real fire.
    2. The DSC shall assume the role of an incident commander of a fire emergency situation before the arrival of the Fire Services, and shall act as the Chief Liaison Officer with the Fire Services after their arrival.
    3. The SCC shall maintain records of all fire emergencies.
  7. Fire Fighting Squad (FFS)
    The FFS is formed among the security personnel to assist the DSC in attending the fire scene and to assist evacuation and carry out first aid fire fighting, if appropriate.

B. Reporting of Fire

HKUST is equipped with advanced fire protection systems which enable the detection of a fire at an early stage. However, prompt reporting of a fire is instrumental in minimizing delay in firefighting and evacuation. The fire reporting procedures are detailed in the General Fire Emergency Procedures in Appendix 3B.

C. Fire Emergency Procedures

Individual departments/units may need to establish specific procedures with reference to the General Fire Emergency Procedures (Appendix 3B) to suit their specific situations. A copy of the specific procedure should be forwarded to HSEO for review and endorsement.

D. FireFighting at the Incipient Stage by HKUST Personnel

  • When safe to do so, firefighting at the incipient stage may be attempted on small fires by using the appropriate fire extinguishers, fire blankets or hose reel nearby.
  • Firefighting by HKUST personnel must be discontinued when the fire is out of control.
  • All employees shall acquaint themselves with the use of the firefighting equipment in the proximity of their work areas so that such equipment can be utilized effectively in case of fire.
  • The SCC shall be informed of any usage of firefighting equipment so that reinstatement of the same can be arranged.

E. Assembly Points

The assembly points in the event of fire evacuation are shown in Appendix 3C.

SECTION TWO - TYPHOON AND RAINSTORM

A. Campus-Wide Typhoon and Rainstorm Management

  1. As a general rule, University offices will be closed and classes will be cancelled when the Hong Kong Observatory advises that a Tropical Cyclone Signal No.8 or above is expected to be issued soon, or when a Black Rainstorm Warning is in effect.
  2. Upon notification of a Tropical Cyclone Signal No.8, all staff and students who do not have specific duties shall be advised to return home as soon as possible. In the event of a black rainstorm warning, staff and students should stay on campus until it is safe for them to leave.
  3. During a working day, staff should report for duty and classes and examinations will resume within a reasonable time period after the Tropical Cyclone Signal No.8/ Black Rainstorm Warning is cancelled.
  4. More detailed tropical cyclone and rainstorm arrangements for staff and for classes/examinations are written in separate circulars/notices issued by the Campus Management Office (CMO) and Academic Registry Office (ARO) respectively.

B. Responsibilities

  1. The Security Control Centre (SCC) shall monitor the weather condition for typhoon and rainstorm.
  2. The Health, Safety and Environment Office (HSEO) will issue reminders on precautionary measures when Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 3 is hoisted.
  3. An Emergency Response Team (ERT) is formed among CMO personnel to coordinate necessary resources for attending Campus emergencies. Members of the ERT should keep their unit heads promptly informed of tropical cyclone progress and ensure all necessary precautionary measures are executed in a timely manner. ERT members should stay alert and remain on or near campus whenever a tropical cyclone signal is hoisted.
  4. SCC should be in close liaison with the ERT in case assistance is needed for handling tropical cyclone and rainstorm emergencies.
  5. When the Hong Kong Observatory has announced a Tropical Cyclone Signal No.8 is to be issued, the SCC shall make a public announcement via the PA system and post notices.
  6. Departmental management is responsible for assuring that employees are kept informed of updated information and management decisions regarding rainstorm and tropical cyclone issues.
  7. The Campus Services Office (CSO) is responsible for arrangement of special staff bus service and catering services, and for informing staff of such arrangements.
  8. Student Housing and Residential Life Office (SHRLO) is responsible for alerting student hall residents to take precautionary measures.
  9. Public Affairs Office (PAO) shall be responsible for making official announcements to the public of specific arrangements as necessary through the news media.

 

SECTION THREE - INJURIES AND ILLNESSES

A. When someone is injured or ill...

  • Call Security Control Centre (SCC) by dialing 8999.
  • Call for Community Emergency Service directly by dialing (9)999 if the situation is urgent or serious and inform SCC subsequently as soon as practicable.
  • DO NOT conduct rescue operation unless you know for sure how to perform a proper rescue or you know the situation is safe for you to do so.
  • Careless rescue operation may endanger the rescuers when, for example, the victim is inside a room filled with toxic gas, or is still in contact with live electricity.
  • DO NOT move an injured person, especially when there are signs of spinal injury or bone fracture, unless it is absolutely necessary to do so for safety reason.
  • Keep the injured or ill person comfortable, warm, and lying down.First aid treatment should be given, preferably by trained persons.
    1. Acid and alkali burns—flush with running water; use emergency shower if necessary. Do not attempt to neutralize.
    2. Heat or cold burns—flush with cold water.
    3. Chemical in eyes—flush eyes with emergency eyewash.
    4. Major bleeding—apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth.
    5. Toxic gas inhalation—expose to fresh air.
    6. Hydrofluoric acid exposure—use antidote immediately
    7. Cyanide exposure—use antidote immediately

 

B. Reporting of Injuries and Illnesses

  1. Any staff member of the HKUST who is injured or becomes ill as a result of a job-related accident shall notify his/her supervisor as soon as practicable.
  2. The supervisor of the person suffering from work-related injury or illness shall complete an appropriate Accident/Incident Report Form (see Appendix 2C of Chapter 2). The completed form shall be forwarded to the Health, Safety and Environment Office (HSEO) for assessment, and follow-up actions where needed.
  3. Investigations shall be conducted accordingly (refer to Chapter 2, Section 2: Accident Investigation).

 

SECTION FOUR - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILL

A. Hazardous Material Spill Response Principles

  • GET AWAY
  • ALERT OTHERS
  • GET HELP
  • SEAL OFF THE AREA

B. Responsibilities

Person involved with/ discovering the spill Get away
Alert others
Contact Security (8999)
CMO/Security Office control of crowd.
initiate contact with members of the emergency response team & person in charge of the affected laboratory to start emergency operation.
provide general assistance as needed.
CMO/Building Services adjust building services equipment to aid in spill control.
HSEO evaluate hazard(s) at the scene.
advise on clean up procedure, personal protective clothing and emergency response equipment.
investigate accident, suggest preventive measures.

The person in charge of a laboratory where a chemical spill has occurred, or the person who initiated contact with Security, should be present at the scene (but at a safe distance) to provide information about hazardous materials, and situations that may be encountered in the affected laboratory.

C. Hazardous Chemical Spill in a Research Laboratory

  • Alert co-workers.
  • If safe to do so,
    • Confine the spill with appropriate materials.
    • Turn off from a remote location all heat/ignition sources if flammable vapour is involved.
  • Request assistance if needed.
  • Press the Emergency Ventilation button (do not activate this button in case of fire).
  • Inform the Security Control Centre by dialing 2358 8999 from a safe location.
  • Evacuate everyone from the affected area. Leave contaminated clothing or articles behind and close the door.
  • Erect chemical spill warning sign outside the entrance to prevent others from entering the room.
  • If possible, pose yourself at a safe distance from the laboratory while keeping the entrance or access routes in sight and prevent entry.
  • If conditions allow, stay to assist the emergency response team.

D. Hazardous Chemical Spill in a Teaching Laboratory

Students or technicians upon discovering a chemical spill should:

  • Alert all persons in the vicinity.
  • Inform the person-in-charge in the laboratory.

Upon notification of a chemical spill, the person-in-charge should:

  • If safe to do so,
    • Confine the spill with appropriate materials.
    • Instruct the students to turn off from a remote location all heat/ignition sources if flammable vapour is involved.
  • Press the Emergency Ventilation button (do not activate this button in case of fire).
  • Evacuate everyone in the laboratory. Leave contaminated clothing or articles behind and close the door(s).
  • Inform the Security Control Centre by dialing 2358 8999 from a safe location.
  • Erect a chemical spill warning sign outside the entrance to prevent others from entering the area.
  • If possible, post yourself at a safe distance from the laboratory whilekeeping the entrance or access routes in sight to prevent entry.
  • If conditions allow, stay to assist the emergency response team.

 

E. Hazardous Chemical Spill during Delivery within Campus

  • Alert people in the vicinity.
  • Confine the spill if safe to do so.
  • Inform the Security Control Centre by dialing 2358 8999 or by other means. At least one staff should remain at the scene.
  • Erect chemical spill warning sign on access route.
  • If possible, post yourself at a safe distance from the spill while keeping the spill in sightto prevent unauthorized access.
  • Assist the emergency response team upon its arrival.

 

G. Radioactive Material Spill

  • Alert co-workers.
  • If safe to do so, confine the spill with appropriate materials.
  • DO NOT activate Emergency Ventilation UNLESS radioactive gas or vapour (e.g. Iodine-125) is involved.
  • Inform the Security Control Centre by dialing 2358 8999.
  • Evacuate everyone in the room. Leave contaminated clothing or articles behind and close the door.
  • Erect a warning sign outside the entrance to prevent others from entering the room.
  • If possible, post yourself at a safe distance from the laboratory while keeping the entrance or access routes in sight to prevent entry.
  • If conditions allow, stay to assist the emergency response team.

 

Decontamination Procedures

Persons contaminated by radioactive material should go through decontamination as soon as they arrive at a safe location.

  • Treat any injury first. First-aiders should protect themselves against contamination with radioactive material and the injured person’s blood or bodily fluids.
  • Remove any other suspected contaminated clothing or articles, seal them in a plastic bag and label if possible.
  • Wash contaminated skin area with water and detergent. Avoid aerosol generation (e.g. scrubbing with brush).
  • If eyes have been contaminated, flush with water.
  • Seek medical attention immediately.

For other personnel and area decontamination details, see Chapter 10, Section O.

H. Biohazardous Material Spill

  • Alert co-workers.
  • If safe to do so, contain the spill with appropriate material.
  • If the spill occurred in a biosafety cabinet, leave the unit on.
  • Evacuate everyone in the affected area. Leave contaminated clothing or articles behind and close the door.
  • Inform the Security Control Centre by dialing 2358 8999 from a safe location.
  • Erect a warning sign outside the entrance to prevent others from entering the room.
  • If possible, post yourself at a safe distance from the laboratory while keeping the entrance or access routes in sight to prevent entry.
  • If conditions allow, stay to assist the emergency response team.

Decontamination Procedures

Any person contaminated by the biohazardous material spill should undergo decontamination as soon as they arrive at a safe location.

  • Treat any injury first. First-aiders should protect themselves against contamination with biohazardous material and the injured person’s blood or bodily fluids.
  • Remove any other suspected contaminated clothing or articles, seal in a plastic bag and label if possible.
  • Wash contaminated skin area with water, appropriate disinfectants and soap.
  • If eyes have been contaminated, flush with water.
  • Seek medical attention immediately.

For other personnel and area decontamination details, see Chapter 9, Section F.

SECTION FIVE - LIFT ENTRAPMENT

All lifts on the campus are monitored by close-circuit televisions (CCTV) and equipped with intercom systems which are connected to the Security Control Centre (SCC). In the case of a lift entrapment emergency, the SCC will respond promptly to assist in resolving the problem. Remember not to use the lift when there is a fire.

A. If you are trapped in a lift...

  • Remain calm.
  • Press the alarm button in the lift.
  • Communicate through the intercom unit which connects directly to Security Control Centre.
  • Never try to force open the lift door or get out through the manhole at the ceiling of the lift car. Such attempts may result in fatal accidents.
  • Be patient and wait for help.

 

B. Action by Security Staff

  1. The Security Duty Controller (SDC) should immediately send some security staff to the scene to acquire more information about the situation.
  2. The SDC should, at the same time, call the lift company to send appropriate personnel to open the door of the lift in which people are entrapped. The Building Services Section should also be informed for necessary assistance.
  3. The SDC should also get as much information as possible from the entrapped person(s) via the intercom unit, and try to calm down the entrapped person(s) by assuring them that the situation is under control and informing them the status of the rescue operation.
  4. The SDC should call the ambulance if he knows that somebody entrapped is injured or sick.
  5. If the lift company personnel do not arrive within 20 minutes, or if the SDC considers it necessary, he should call the Fire Services for assistance.
  6. The security personnel should never try to force open the lift door, unless it is absolutely necessary to do so to prevent further injuries or to save life, e.g. when somebody is clamped by the lift door.

Appendices

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