Safety Manual 2023
Safety Manual 2023
SAFETY MANUAL
2023
TABLE OF CONTENT
S. No Content
1 INTRODUCTION
2 PURPOSE
3 SCOPE
4 EMERGENCY CODES
4.1 CODE BLUE
4.2 CODE YELLOW
4.2.1 Disaster management
4.2.2 Purpose of Protocol
4.2.3 Aims of Protocol
4.2.4 What is a disaster
4.2.5 Functions of the members
4.2.6 Situations and Assumptions
4.2.7 Instruction to Personnel on duty
4.2.8 Instruction to Personnel who are called back
4.2.9 The Process
4.2.10 Communications Protocol
4.2.11 Standard Sections of a triage tag
4.2.12 Specific Responsibilities
4.3 CODE PINK
4.4 CODE ORANGE
4.4.1 Spill management
4.5 CODE GREY
4.5.1 Civil disturbance
4.5.2 Earthquake / structural collapse
4.5.3 Stray Animals
4.6 CODE VIOLET
4.7 CODE BLACK
4.7.1 Bomb threat Procedure
4.7.2 Terrorist Attack
4.8 FIRE PROTECTION / CODE RED
4.8.1 Fire Prevention
4.8.2 Fire Safety Plan
4.8.3 Introduction
4.8.4 Purpose
4.8.5 Objectives
4.8.6 Scope
4.8.7 Fire safety plan
4.8.8 Responsibilities
4.8.9 RACE: Rescue, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish
4.8.10 Emergency Evacuation Guide
4.8.11 How to operate the fire extinguishing equipment
4.8.12 PATIENT EVACUATION PLAN
4.8.13 Purpose
4.8.14 System for aiding Evacuation
4.8.15 Process overview
4.8.16 Designated area & procedure
4.8.17 Evacuation protocol & procedure
5 HOSPITAL SAFETY COMMITTEE
5.1 Mission and Objectives
5.2 Patient and Employee Safety
5.3 Radiation Safety
5.4 Lab Safety
5.5 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
5.6 Environmental Safety
5.7 Membership
5.8 General
6 POLICY: HEALTH AND SAFETY
6.1 Purpose
6.2 objectives
6.3 Health benefits to employees
6.4 Procedure in case of riots
6.5 Procedure in case of workplace riots
7 PATIENT SAFETY
7.1 Outcome
7.2 policy
7.3 Specific Information
7.4 General Precautions
7.5 Identification Bands
7.6 Side rails
7.7 Oxygen use
7.8 Patient’s role in promoting safe health care
7.9 Hazard recognition
7.10 Electrical Safety
7.11 Biological Hazard
7.12 Biomedical Waste Management
AUTHORISED BY ISSUE NO. /VERSION ISSUED BY
NO.
th
MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT AHL/NABH/5 EDITION/ MANAGER QUALITY
SAFETY/Ver. No.11
NAME OF ORGANISATION DOCUMENT CODE DATE OF ISSUE
NABH/MANUAL/02 MAY, 2023
8 MOCK DRILL
9 SAFETY INSPECTION & RECORDS
10 POLICY ON INCIDENCE REPORTING & RISK MANAGEMENT
1 INTRODUCTION
Safety of the hospital is the most important aspect of hospital management. The hospital should have a
disaster management plan to combat any external or internal disaster.
2 PURPOSE
This Safety Management Plan serves to describe the policies and processes to minimize the damage or
potential damage to staff, patient, relatives and environment through a correction, corrective action,
preventive action and risk management process.
3 SCOPE
The Safety Management Plan defines the mechanisms for controlling hazards, promoting and implementing
safety measures for the patients, staff in particular and the hospital in general.
4 EMERGENCY CODES
• In every Indicated “CODE BLUE” situation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will be initiated
by any trained personnel in the vicinity.
• The staff on site for an area shall call “150” to alert the “CODE BLUE” team Message will be e.g.:
“Code Blue 3rd floor Room no 301” will be announced thrice by the call centre on Public Address
system.
Disaster is an event or series of events, which gives rise to casualties and damage or loss of properties,
infrastructures, environment, essential services or means of livelihood on such a scale which is beyond the
normal capacity of the affected community to cope with. In mass casualty situations, triage is used to decide
who is most urgently in need of transportation to a hospital for care.
Disaster is an event or series of events, which gives rise to casualties and damage or loss of properties,
infrastructures, environment, essential services or means of livelihood on such a scale which is beyond the
normal capacity of the affected community to cope with.
Disaster is also described as a “catastrophic situation in which the normal pattern of life or eco-system has
been disrupted and extra-ordinary emergency interventions are required to save and preserve lives and or
the environment”.
The Disaster Management Act, 2005 defines disaster as “a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence
in any area, arising from natural or manmade causes, or by accident or negligence which results in substantial
loss of life or human suffering or damage to, and destruction of, property, or damage to, or degradation of,
environment, and is of such a nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity of the community of
the affected area”.
The United Nations defines disaster as “the occurrence of sudden or major misfortune which disrupts the
basic fabric and normal functioning of the society or community”. (Ref. National Disaster Management, India
website)
a. To provide policy for response to external disaster situations that may affect hospital staff, patients,
visitors and the community.
b. Identify responsibilities of individuals and departments in the event of a disaster situation.
c. Identify Standard Operating Guidelines (SOP’s) for emergency activities and responses.
a. To effectively treat the greatest no. of people through efficient and systematic triage.
b. Efficient integration and use of available staff and equipment..:
c. To control the large number of patients and the resulting problems as efficiently as possible by
enhancing the capacities of admission and treatment,
d. To treat patients based on the rules of individual medicine despite a greater number of patients
e. To ensure ongoing proper treatment for all patients who are already there
f. To smoothly handle all additional tasks caused by such an event.
a. Disaster threats affecting the community (large fires, flooding, explosions, Air field incidents etc.).
TEAM MEMBERS:
4.2.8 INSTRUCTION TO PERSONNEL WHO ARE CALLED BACK AND SPECIALISTS / MEDICAL OFFICERS
PROCESS:
A. Emergency Consultant / EMO in Emergency will inform MS about the details of information received
about any event which leads to increased number of patients being brought to Alchemist Hospital.
OR
Whoever gets the information of any such event will inform MS about the event on priority basis.
EMO after briefing the MS, CODE YELLOW is announced through call centre only after approval
from MS.
Until members of command centre arrive, the Emergency Consultant / RMO in Emergency will
assume the responsibilities of the command centre. Triage will be carried out by Emergency
Consultant / RMO’s on duty; Nursing Supervisor will assume the role of Deputy Nursing
Superintendent and carry out her responsibilities.
B. Call Centre will announce the “Code” and inform the following
Head of the Departments: NS/DNS, EMO, CSO, Facility Head, Biomedical, Engineering and Materials
Doctors: Full and part-time consultants, intensivists, resident doctors
Nursing & Paramedical - Nursing supervisors and Sr. Technicians of laboratories, radiology, blood
bank, operation theatre and CSSD.
HR & Admin, Medical Record Officer, IT, Marketing, Finance and Quality department.
If head of the department is not available then next in line is to be informed. Head of the
departments to notify the departmental personnel.
C. Disaster patients to be received in Triage of the hospital. The first qualified, medically trained person
available will immediately begin initial triage.
TRIAGE TEAMS - Soon after the announcement the disaster teams will arrive in the assigned areas:
Two triage teams shall report to triage area. Each team shall consist of
Helpers/ attendants and security personnel for transportation of patients from ambulance or
vehicles to triage and from triage to red, yellow and green areas.
Main emergency entrance outside area to be cleared for triage by security personnel and
housekeeping staff.
Floor area of front office to be cleared of surrounding benches for easy movement of patients and
hospital personnel.
Coordinator will do the patient registration and put the colour wrist band with the registration
number: Triage bands and patient identification number shall be given/ done alongside.
Coordinators to report to red, yellow, green and black area for getting further patient details and care
of valuables if any. After compiling the data, to report to Medical Record Officer who then reports to
MS. Head Front office after approval of MS will further share and display the information for public
and media.
Four trolleys and six wheel chairs will be kept on standby by housekeeping.
TRIAGING:
I. Red area –Priority 1 patients will be transported to the Emergency. Emergency Consultants
/ Intensivists and anaesthetists particularly to be guided towards designated red area
II. Yellow Area - Priority 2 to the IP areas viz. Wards / critical areas
III. Green Area - Priority 3 patients would be shifted to the OPD consultation rooms. OPD
rooms to be evacuated and used
IV. Black Area - Brought dead patients would be shifted to the mortuary.
During a disaster all communications between members of the disaster team will be through the use
of personal cell phones.
No personal calls will be made.
Calls regarding information about next of kin will be diverted to call centre.
Information centre will be set up at the Triage Counter.
The four colours of triage and they come in the form of:
o Black (Deceased) which entails no care needed
o Red (Immediate) which entails life threatening injuries
o Yellow (Delayed) which entails non-life threatening injuries
o Green: (Minor) which entails minor injuries
A section on the patient’s demographics i.e., gender and name and disaster number
Traffic control: Security staff will bear the role of directing excess traffic away from the hospital
until traffic police assume this responsibility. The aim is to reduce congestion as far as possible
to facilitate victims’ access to the entrance of the hospital. To secure the driveways for
ambulances. Only vehicles carrying patients and vehicles of doctors to be allowed inside the
hospital. To ensure areas near entry and exit gates free of vehicles and public for free movement
of patients and doctors.
Crowd control: Patients’ relatives/ attendants to be directed towards park near the hospital
Security personnel to be stationed. Drinking water arrangements to be provided by
housekeeping. .
Transportation of patients: Along with other departments, the first response of security will be
to clear the traffic near Triage
Mortuary: Security personnel to be stationed. Patients who are brought in dead will be held in
and near to mortuary under the supervision of security incharge. Police will be intimated &
bodies will be handed over.
To protect personnel and patients.
E. Operations: To ensure coordination for patient care. Broadly divided to two areas: one includes
triage, emergency and OPD and second wards, critical areas and operation theatres.
F. Biomedical engineering: to provide support for smooth functioning of all equipment’s especially
critical equipment’s.
G. Store and pharmacy: to arrange for materials and drugs as required
H. Engineering and IT: to provide support as per functions of the department
I. Quality department: - to fill up the code yellow running sheet and for further improvements in
disaster management.
J. Marketing and finance to provide support as required.
REFERRAL HOSPITALS:
I. Government Medical College & Hospital, Sector 32 Chandigarh. Phone nos.0172- 2665545 - 49,
2665253 – 60, 2662201-04, 2669180, 2669182, 2669569, 2663301
II. OJas Hospital, Phone no. 0172-5234700 / 8909844444
III. PGIMER, Sector 12 Chandigarh. Phone nos.0172-2746018, 2756565, 2747585
IV. General Hospital Sector 6, Panchkula. Phone nos. 0172 - 2587162, 9417894162
V. General Hospital Sector 16 Chandigarh. Phone nos. 0172 - 2549523 – 29
1. MS
Check with local authorities to verify the disaster and obtain additional information.
Ask for help from referral hospitals, local police and volunteer organizations as deemed necessary.
Is responsible for notifying all doctors.
Be responsible to see that families of victims are notified as soon as possible.
2. NS/DNS
To coordinate for adequate numbers of nursing personnel and nursing services.
Assign nursing staffs to designated areas to prepare for incoming patients.
Nursing staffs available for immediate use and in 30 minutes.
8. Materials Management
Be prepared to supply all departments with needed supplies.
Manager Materials will designate staff to supply runners or volunteers to deliver supplies.
Have an up-to-date list of suppliers who can quickly supply extra materials / drugs
To ensure smooth distribution of materials / pharmaceuticals.
Maintain proper recording of materials/ drugs used during the disaster.
To arrange for linen supply to the departments due to increase in demand, if required.
To send housekeepers to ward to clear rooms as soon as possible, if necessary.
To assist security in clearing pathways.
Each departmental head/ incharge to fill Code Yellow Running Sheet and submit to quality
coordinator.
DEBRIEFING
To reduce the risk of patient missing and abduction / harm to the new born baby in the hospital
premise.-
PROCESS:
TEAM MEMBERS
CODE PINK
INFANT/CHILD ABDUCTION/PATIENT MISSING
DAY NIGHT
S NO NAME S NO NAME
1 MS 1 Operations team
2 CSO 2 Security team
3 Security team 3 On duty Nursing supervisor
4 On duty Nursing supervisor 4 On duty Security supervisor
5 Quality Manager
6 NS/DNS
Spill Management
4. Ensure that the PPE available for handling the spill is adequate. Housekeeping
Supervisor
5. Ensure that proper precautions are taken for handling the incident. Housekeeping
Supervisor
6. External help shall be called for if necessary. HAZMAT team
7. It shall be ensured that the clean-up is done in an efficient manner using HAZMAT team
information available in MSDS.
8. An incident report and investigation process shall be initiated and report to ICN
be submitted to the safety committee for further action.
Accidental exposure to blood/body fluid has to be treated the same way as a needle sticks injury is
treated.
HAZMAT
It stands for Hazard Management. The team would be activated in case of any kind of major spill. The team
would comprise of:
The Nursing in charge / shift in charge / area in charge would call 150 for CODE ORANGE.
The Nursing in charge / shift in charge / area in charge would call the ICN
The Nursing in charge / shift in charge / area in charge would call the Nursing Supervisor on duty
The HK Supervisor would call the HK staff available in the area
HK staff would come with the spill kit (Depending upon the type of spill)
Spill management would be done under the supervision of the HK Supervisor & ICN.
6. Reason for breakdown is identified and work is started for repair Maintenance Head/
maintenance personnel
7. If the estimated breakdown time is more than 15 mins alternate sources of Maintenance Head/
Electricity, medical gas (additional cylinders) are arranged maintenance personnel &
BMED
8. Only the supply of affected area is cut, rest of the supply is continued. Maintenance Head/
Immediate repair is done maintenance personnel
9. Help of the biomedical to supply UPS backups for critical area is taken Biomedical Engg.
10. Code Grey Over announcement is made in PAS Console staff
11. Root cause of the incident is done and report is generated within 7 days Maintenance Head/
maintenance personnel
4.5.1Civil Disturbance
Purpose
To minimize panic and loss to life & property
On receiving the information from security officer about the civil disturbance in the vicinity of hospital from
the security officer the MS will designate somebody who would act as a decision maker and command centre.
He would advice on:-
Advise for closing of OPD waiting lounge and lobby; and divert the customers and patrons to other
more secured outlets.
Coordinate with local Police and Fire Authorities. Maintain contact and take steps to ensure they
are available in the event of an emergency, bearing in mind that there will be many demands on
their limited capacity.
Coordinate and maintain daily contact with the intelligence community.
Maintain communication lines with counterparts in other hospitals and share information.
Add additional security staff as needed (entrances, perimeters, car park and other sensitive areas)
as agreed with the MS.
Reduce number of entrances where possible for both staff and customers.
Double up duties at all entry points lock all secondary entrances. However, if main lobby is
threatened divert customer traffic to other entrance
Instruct Security Staff to closely screen people entering the main entrance or other designated
entrances to ensure that only legitimate customers/patrons are allowed ingress.
Position member of permanent security force on the roof of the hospital to provide early warning
by radio or phone of incidents in vicinity of hospital.
Purpose
To minimize the damage to Life and property by avoiding panic
Introduction
An earthquake is a natural disaster, which can strike without warning and is capable of creating major
destructive or disruptive damage to a hospital property.
The actual movement of the ground in an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of injury or death. Most
casualties result from falling objects and debris because the shocks can shake, damage, or demolish building
and other structures.
Training and increased preparedness are essential to survival both during and following the earthquake.
In every case the ultimate concern should be for the safety of our customers and employees, for that crisis
management and emergency response team can handle the situation effectively.
Following the cessation of the initial shock waves, make the safety of guest and employees our
first concern. Be aware that there may be possible after shocks.
Injuries
Injuries as the result of an earthquake are commonly caused by:
Partial building collapse, such as toppling of chimneys, falling bricks, falling roof parapets, falling
walls, falling light fixtures and falling paintings etc.
Flying glass from broken windows.
Overturned iron shelves, fixtures and other furniture and appliances.
Fire from broken gas lines.
Fallen power lines etc.
After the Earthquake
On receipt of message from MS the Call Centre would announce “code yellow” and the disaster
response would be set.(Refer above for code yellow)
General Points
Do not touch downed power lines or objects touched by the wires.
Immediately clean up the spilt chemicals and other potentially harmful materials
Do not eat or drink anything from open containers.
Do not use matches, lights or open flame appliance utensils. You are sure that no gas leak exists.
Do not operate electrical switch or appliance if gas leaks are suspected as they create spark that can
ignite gas from broken gas lines.
Security staff should keep road adjacent to the hospital clear for passage of emergency vehicles.
Be prepared for additional earthquake shocks. May most of these are smaller than the main shocks;
some may be large enough to cause additional damage.
Purpose
To provide safety to patients, visitors and employees maintain the hygiene.
Preventive measures
1. Seal the Boundary/ Parameter wall.
2. All the gates should be manned around the clock.
3. Use pest control for rats & other animals.
4. Conduct training for the staff for being vigilant while patrolling in different areas
5. Report any observation on Stray animals’ movement inside the premises.
Active measures
1. Close and man building entry/exit points to prevent stray animal’s inward movement.
2. Try to push stray animals outside the hospital, whenever any such movement is observed inside the
premises.
3. Take help of MCD as per requirements.
4. Use pest control for rats & other animals.
Purpose:
To protect employees, patients, visitors, and hospital premises from any situation or person posing a threat to
the safety of any individual(s) within the hospital premises.
PROCESS:
•The area staff identifies situations where extra security may be needed
Recognize
TEAM MEMBERS:
1 Upon receiving a call/information about Bomb Threat note down all Staff Receiving Call
the information and inform the higher authorities including MS or
HOD
2 In case it’s a telephonic call try to elongate the conversation and Front Office Staff/ Staff
note down accent, background sounds and other details, inform all
receiving the call
this to Administrator/MS. Try to Pacify the Caller for not attempting
any such actions in a hospital.
7 If Bomb located do not touch it, inform MS and evacuate the Housekeeping /Maintenance/
patients and staff form surrounding Areas swiftly to Assembling Security/Nursing /Clinicians
Area (in front of Emergency)
8 If bomb is not located, wait for Police to arrive and help in Head Operations/
searching. Administrator to brief police about the incident on
Administrator/MS
arrival.
9 Evacuation to be ordered if guided by police MS
10 When the Police either finds and destroys the bomb or declares the MS
building safe otherwise CODE BLACK OVER to be communicated to
Front Office
RECEIPT OF WARNING
MS
Search Procedure
1. After the basic details are provided by the person receiving the call, the MS or his designee should
make all the necessary decisions, issue orders, and prepare for the arrival of assistance. The handling
of bombs and bombing investigations is solely an official police function. At no time should the
healthcare facility security staff try to touch a bomb or suspected bomb. The role of the facility
security staff is to help the police find the bomb, and to evacuate patients, visitors and facility
personnel, Police should be put in complete authority upon arrival. Cooperation with the police and
others involved is most important. Hospital personnel with master keys should be available.
2. The Management must depend upon his key personnel and the equipment immediately available.
Local authorities may not be as familiar with the floor plan as hospital personnel, nor will they have
sufficient manpower to conduct an adequate search within a reasonable period of time.
3. Watch for and isolate suspicious objects such as packages and boxes.
4. Elevators should be kept available for local authorities.
5. If what appears to be a bomb is found, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Clear the area and obtain professional
assistance. Also, try to isolate the object as much as possible by closing doors.
6. Generally, personnel should remain calm and alert. Personnel should be properly trained so that
patients will not become alarmed.
o Notify the MS of significant developments, and do not divulge to the patients that a bomb
threat has been received.
o In the event the patients do learn what is taking place, they should be reassured that all is
well.
EVACUATION
If a bomb is found, the police will notify the proper authorities to come and disarm it. WE WILL NOT
EVACUATE UNLESS A BOMB IS FOUND. If evacuation becomes necessary, this will be a decision of the Head
Admin/MS of the Hospital and the police. The evacuation of the premises is the sole responsibility of floor
security
Purpose
To minimize the panic and loss of property
Process
1. Upon receiving the Intimation/ observation about the Terrorist Strike the Security Personnel
will immediately note down the details as under-
Name & Department of the staff/ Name of the Person Informing
Exact Location of the Terrorist Attack
No. of Terrorists.
The time of Intimation
2. The confirmation about the same will be done through security personnel deployed in/around
the area.
3. The Front Desk will be informed immediately by security Personnel manning Security Room to
inform Management & HOD’s & patient floor coordinators about the same.
4. Police Control Room will be informed by Security Officer after confirmation Security Supervisor
giving the details:
Area affected
Approximate No. of Terrorists
Weapon details if possible
No. of Casualties if any
No. of Hostages if any
The safe route for the Police Personnel
5. Call centre will be advised to make Public announcement through the PA system about the
emergency situation and advice to avoid the area affected.
6. Instruction will be given to all security personnel to isolate the area of incident by locking all doors
leading to the affected area.
7. The Patient floor staff will be evacuated, if possible form the area in guidance of the security staff.
8. The nursing & medical staff on all floors will be instructed to communicate to the patient to lock
them inside the room in case they can’t be evacuated and are vulnerable to the attack.
9. Important strategic areas like Security Room, Engineering Room will be locked from inside.
10. On arrival of the Police the Security personnel if possible will guide them through the safest route to
the area of incident.
11. Once the situation has been under control the following needs to be done by
Assess the number of casualties and injured – Medical Administration
Shifting the injured to the Emergency for Treatment- Nursing Staff
AUTHORISED BY ISSUE NO. /VERSION ISSUED BY
NO.
th
MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT AHL/NABH/5 EDITION/ MANAGER QUALITY
SAFETY/Ver. No.11
NAME OF ORGANISATION DOCUMENT CODE DATE OF ISSUE
NABH/MANUAL/02 MAY, 2023
The Code Red has been divided into two categories: - Code Red (Analysis and Minor fire management) and
Code Red –Major (Evacuation).
The Code Red Protocol is implemented to protect staff, patients, visitors, property and assets of Hospital. The
Code Red Protocol serves as a guide for establishing and maintaining fire safety conditions at the hospital.
It is the responsibility of every employee to observe report and check any condition or act that may be a
potential cause of fire. The main points to be observed in fire prevention are as under:
Old and frayed electric cables damaged switch boards, loose fixtures and sparking appliances, will be
reported to the Maintenance Department by the concerned department, managers and supervisors
for immediate repair/replacement. Follow up action will be taken until work is complete.
Cleaning of hands/feet with petrol/thinner/diesel will not be permitted. The concerned department
may ensure this.
Chemicals and oil stored in material store will be divided into small stocks with adequate spacing in
between.
The Supervisor of the Food & Beverages Department will be personally responsible for operation and
safety of Liquid Petroleum Gas installation in the canteen kitchen. He will ensure that all valves on
the main feed pipeline and regulators on the gas stoves are shut, when not in use.
Excessive paper, plastic, cardboards and wooden scrap will not be allowed to accumulate in office.
Supervisor Housekeeping will ensure that prompt action is taken on complaint by concerned
department.
Fireworks are not permitted inside the hospital on Diwali and other festival days.
Private electric appliances like heaters, immersion rods are not allowed inside the hospital.
Fire fighting equipment will not be removed or misused for industrial/administrative purposes.
AUTHORISED BY ISSUE NO. /VERSION ISSUED BY
NO.
th
MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT AHL/NABH/5 EDITION/ MANAGER QUALITY
SAFETY/Ver. No.11
NAME OF ORGANISATION DOCUMENT CODE DATE OF ISSUE
NABH/MANUAL/02 MAY, 2023
Tapping of hydrant lines for industrial/administrative use is a serious violation of the safety policies.
Maintenance Department will ensure that existing underground and surface tapings are
disconnected immediately.
Introduction
This Fire Safety Plan has been framed to ensure that in case of a fire in Hospital premises, safe evacuation of
its occupants may present serious problems unless a plan for orderly and systematic evacuation is prepared
in advance and all occupants are well drilled in the operation of such plan. These guidelines are intended to
assist them in this task. The term "Emergency Evacuation" has different meanings according to the
vulnerability of the building in question. When a building such as the Hospital affords protection because of
its construction and fire suppression systems, "evacuation" will mean removal of patients, personnel, and
visitors to areas deemed fire-safe for as long as it may be necessary to decide further action. The plan of
action for the Hospital is for vertical evacuation to a fire-safe area until fire department officials and safety
officers deem the area safe.
Purpose
1. To establish method of systematic, safe and orderly evacuation of the hospital premises by and of its
occupants in case of fire or other emergency, in the least possible time, to a safe area by the nearest safe
means of egress; (way out) also the use of such available fire appliances as may have been provided for
controlling or extinguishing fire and safeguarding of human life.
R-RESCUE : Patients or person if in immediate danger
A-ALARM : Raise alarm or alarm switches
C-CONFINE : Close doors and windows to keep the fire contained
E-EXTINGUISH
/EVACUATION : Use fire-fighting equipment if trained in its use.
2. To define and fix up the responsibilities of various key personnel for generating desired actions during an
emergency situation such as evacuation plan and firefighting arrangements.
3. Give clear instructions regarding what is to be done during an emergency by the occupants and other staff.
Objective
To provide proper education as a part of continuing employee training in principle and through continuing
written programmes for all occupants to ensure prompt reporting of fire, the response of fire alarms as
designated, and the immediate initiation of fire safety procedures to safeguard life and contain fire until the
arrival of the Fire Brigade.
Scope
The following Fire Protection System has been provided to detect and control an early outbreak of fire.
a) Public address system
b) Portable fire extinguisher
c) Fire hose boxes and hose reels
d) Water storage available for fire fighting
e) Fire Hydrant Pumps
f) Water Sprinkler
a) The overall responsibility regarding fire prevention and fire fighting will be of CSO & FSO while the Security
Department staff will assist them. CSO/FSO will be responsible for proper working of fire fighting
equipment’s, fixed fire fighting installations, fire fighting evacuation and mock drills etc.
b) Each floor of building shall have a Floor Security In charge, who will be in charge of evacuation of respective
floors. He is responsible for evacuation of his designated floor. In our hospital the assembly area for all the
floors is the parking area inside the hospital. The CSO along with HR post evacuation will head count the
people.
Remember
• All fires begin small but grow fast
• Use only stairs (fire exit)
• Do not take refuge in toilets or in closed doors - Go out
• Smoke is dangerous. Get out of smoke filled area quickly and keep close to the ground. In case of
thick smoke, cover your face with a wet cloth and crawl
• Move to a safe place but do not leave the Hospital premises till instructed
• Fire fighting is everyone's responsibility
• Do not use elevators. Whenever possible use staircase
• When in a safe area, check that all patients and personnel are present
Note
a) Till the CSO/Fire Safety Officer arrives, use the available extinguishing media to extinguish the fire.
b) The CSO/Fire Safety Officer arrives will note the actual location and type of fire and accordingly
collect the equipment to rush to the scene of fire. He will instruct the concerned people to cut off
power and air supply to the affected area.
c) Arrange to start the pump to build up adequate pressure in fire hydrants, if required.
Responsibilities
Each floor of a building shall be under the direction of a designated Security In charge for the evacuation of
occupants in the event of fire.
Each Security In charge shall be familiar with the Fire Safety Plan, the location of exits and the location and
operation of any available fire alarm system
In the event of fire, or fire alarm the CSO/FSO shall ascertain the location of the fire, and direct evacuation of
the floor in accordance with directions received and the following guidelines:
a. The most critical areas for immediate evacuation are the fire floor and floors immediately
above. Evacuation from the other floors shall be instituted when conditions indicate such
actions. Evacuation shall be via fire exit. The Fire Warden shall try to avoid stairs/ramps
being used by the fire department. If this is not possible, he shall try to attract the attention
of the Fire Department personnel before such personnel open the door to the fire floor.
b. Evacuation to two or more levels below the fire floor is generally adequate.
c. CSO/FSO shall see that all occupants are notified of fire, and that they proceed immediately
to execute the Fire Safety Plan.
d. Have an available updated listing of all personnel with physical disabilities who cannot use
stairs unaided. Make arrangements to have these occupants assisted in moving down the
stairs to two or more levels below the fire floor.
This easy to remember acronym is our Hospital procedure in the case of a fire. Particularly in the hospital,
every staff member is trained to recognize and respond appropriately in the case of a fire using this term.
PRINCIPLE OF R.A.C.E.
When faced by a Fire Situation, always remember the principle of R.A.C.E. while taking any action in the matter:
S. No. Action
1 R-escue – Remove everyone from the area. If a fire has occurred in a patient room the staff shall
immediately remove the patient from the area.
2 A-larm – Activate the Fire Alarm by breaking glass of the nearest Manual Call Point. Manual Call
Points (MCP) are located throughout the building, several on each floor. By activating the Fire Alarm
a fire action plan is set into motion where Security receives the signal and initiates the emergency
response. The Engineering department is also alerted to act immediately to cut off AHUs and
Electrical Power wherever necessary to retard the spread of fire.
3 C-onfine – Once the room or area has been cleared of patients the door shall be closed thus
confining the fire, which enables the fire response team the time needed to arrive.
4 E-xtinguish or Evacuate – When practical and only when an employee has been properly trained
in the safe and proper use of a fire extinguisher, extinguishing shall be attempted using one fire
extinguisher. Evacuate if you are not comfortable using a fire extinguisher or if more than one
extinguisher is needed.
In the event of a fire or other emergency, seconds count. The safe, orderly and prompt evacuation of building
occupants depends on having the physical safety features of a building in operating condition as well as
having an emergency evacuation plan. The cooperation and participation of every building occupant is
essential. Every person that lives and works in a building on campus has an individual responsibility to know
how to evacuate in an emergency and to accomplish the evacuation when the fire alarm device sounds or
when directed by an authority. This guide will help you to prepare for emergency situations that might arise
in the facility.
Before opening a door, you shall make sure there is no fire on the other side by using the back of your hand to
touch the door, door knob, or door frame. If any of these feel hot, do not open it, there is probably fire on the
other side. If cool, open the door slowly, leave the area and close the door behind you.
Employees and patients who are ground shall be evacuated through the fire exit stairs on each floor
depending on involvement in the catastrophe. At the time of disaster evacuation should be vertical and never
use a lift in case of fire
The Fire safety officer (Security Supervisor at night) would assess the fire and if the fire is intense
(i.e. when the fire has the possibility to cause damage to patients, men or materials) the safety officer
or the security supervisor would inform the call centre & the front desk at night by dialling 100 / 150
and simultaneously fight the fire.
After code red would be announced on the PA system by the call centre, and immediately all the
teams would be activated.
Following are the teams for Code Red (The teams have been formed for all the 3 shifts & during night
time the role of the safety officer would be taken over by the Security Supervisor till the Safety Officer
arrives)
2. Fire Fighting Team: Comprises of maintenance staff & security who would
extinguish the fire by reaching the fire floor with the extinguishers & by
starting the jockey pump
3. First Aid Team: ICU / CCU Consultant, EMO, NS/DNS on duty
4. Attendance Team: Comprises of the CSO & HR who would take a head
count post evacuation in the assembly area
The evacuation team would start evacuating their respective floors.
The first aid team would be waiting at the assembly areas for giving medical assistance to the
casualties. Ambulances would be ready for transporting patients to the nearby hospitals. The CSO
would finally conduct a head count post evacuation. (The security supervisor has an updated list
of the total number of staff on duty that they get from the time office on a daily basis)
The critical, bed ridden patients would be given second priority, walking patients would be given
first priority.
Only the MS has the right to call off code red after analysing the whole situation
Watch for re flash. Move in close. Pull apart the burned area to get at hot spots. Discharge
the contents of the extinguisher.
NOTE: Foam, CO2, water or other types of extinguishers may require slightly different actions.
Summary
Know how to operate the extinguishers. A small fire can easily become a big fire if an extinguisher is
used incorrectly.
Fight only small fires and preferably not alone!
Make sure you have access to a safe exit.
If you have the slightest doubt about whether to fight or not to fight the fire. DO NOT!
4.8.13 PURPOSE
The Hospital Evacuation Planning Guide is meant to provide planning assistance and assist a hospital in
refining and augmenting its efforts to prepare for the possible evacuation of part or all of the facility.
The Code Red has been divided into two categories: - Code Red (Analysis and Minor fire management) and
Code Red –Major (Evacuation).
Calls will be made to all the members of the Basic Code Red Team:-
The Basic team for CODE RED will reach the concerned area and analyse the situation.
The security personnel (total 5 personnel) will be responsible for fire fighting to the affected area:-
CODE RED –Major: - If fire is big, apparently dangerous, may be spreading, uncontrollable, damaging life and
property.
After the announcement of CODE RED, the Basic team will reach the location and analyse the situation.
After analysing the situation and approval of all the members, Code Red –Major will be announced at
Emergency dialling no. 150.
The orders will be generated by the team leaders of the Maintenance team and biomedical team for
disconnecting electrical supplies, lifts, medical gas supplies and arrangement of the alternate source of
supply.
The evacuation can be planned in two ways:-
Horizontal Evacuation: - It is mainly done for the Critical patients/ patients with restricted movements/
post op patients/ on lines & supports
Vertical Evacuation: - It is mainly done for relatively stable patients/ Patient attendants using stairs
In case of serious patients, alternate complex lift can be cured.
The Nursing team leader along with the assigned Medical officer will be responsible for analysing the medical
condition of the patient. All lines shall be closed and detached (if possible) and kept on the patient body
before transferring the patient.
The GDA staff will be responsible for getting wheel chairs and stretchers (scoop stretchers) to the affected
area.
The security and GDA staff will be responsible for evacuation (basic evacuation techniques) along with the
nursing staff.
The Common Assembly area in case of Vertical evacuation is in front of Emergency (outside near Exit gate).
The HR team will be responsible for Head count of employees.
The Nursing Supervisor and MRD are responsible for patient count according to Census
The following areas have been designated for making the Alchemist Hospital Emergency Evacuation Plan
effective:
Each floor in Alchemist Hospital has a long corridor which covers the entire length of the building. There are
access points for each floor along the entire length of the building.
3. The ambulatory patients can be evacuated vertically to the ground floor. CSO
4. The critical patients and the patients who cannot walk shall be moved on their CSO
beds only.
5. The evacuation shall be effected by the first rescue team reaching the site and CSO
the Nursing Staff and GDAs present in the area.
6. In case of requirement for Vertical Evacuation of the patients, the patients shall CSO
be shifted to the Ground Floor. The IPD and OPD waiting areas shall be utilized
for keeping the patients.
7. The lifts in the part not affected by fire shall remain operational, if possible. HOD Maintenance
8. Lifts in the effected part of the building shall not be used and shall be Security Guard
immediately brought to the Ground Floor.
9. Any critical patient that needs to be evacuated vertically can be evacuated by CSO
lifts in the area not affected by fire.
10. The Nursing Staff shall escort patients who can walk. Nursing Staff
11. Patients, who cannot walk and are not critical, shall be carried as per
procedures in Annexure I.
12. All people who can walk shall be guided to follow the escape routes to outside Security Guard
the building in case of fire in any part of the building.
13. In case of need for Full Evacuation, a list of Hospitals near Alchemist Hospital MS
along with their contact numbers shall be available with the MS and the Head Front office team
Security.
14. The MS shall contact and make arrangements for accommodation of the MS
patients in these hospitals and pass on the information to the Head Security
and Front office team for further co-ordination.
15. The Head Security and Front office team in consult with the MS shall make Head Security
arrangements for Transport by requisitioning vehicles through the designated Head Front office
agencies. Operations team
16. The MS shall ensure that the Medical Coordinators keep a complete record of MS
the patients being evacuated outside the Hospital.
ASSEMBLY POINT:
Parking area outside Triage
S.No Activity
1. The Nursing Head is responsible for ensuring patient care during evacuation / relocation events.
2. All patient evacuation / transfers to be appropriately documented per required transfer sheet
process.
3. 24-hour supply of medications necessary for continuity of care for each resident will be placed in a
plastic bag.
4. The transfer information sheet will be stapled to his/her medication bag and transported along with
him / her to the evacuation site.
5. Medications sent will be documented.
6. The Nursing Head or designee will notify the attending physician of the patient transfers.
7. The following detailed evacuation process to be used in time of emergency is as follows:
a. 1. Staff will immediately remove any person(s) that might be in a room wherein there is a
hazard. The door or doors and windows to this area will then be closed. The adjoining
rooms will then be evacuated.
2. Evacuees will be moved away from the danger area in the direction of the nearest safe
exit, on the same floor. Evacuees must be beyond the nearest smoke barrier.
3. Persons that may be in the hall or corridors will also be moved in the direction of the
nearest safe exit away from the danger area.
4. If conditions warrant, evacuees are to be taken out of the building to a pre-designated
safety zone where the Medical Person in charge will take a census.
5. Total evacuation to another facility is in keeping with Government of India, Zonal
Disaster Management protocols, to other facilities that are detailed as Nodal Hospitals,
with adequate capacities & capabilities.
8. In case of ‘Partial Evacuation’, another facility can also be identified depending upon the spectrum of
facilities that can adequately support such partial evacuation or even a short term total evacuation.
Due to the expected shorter term of use, these facilities need not offer the full range of services
required for total and / or longer duration evacuations, but safety and quality of care will not be
compromised.
Two rescuers position themselves on either side of the handicapped person, in order to grasp each other's
upper arms or shoulders (Fig. 2). The person being assisted places his arms firmly around both rescuers'
necks (Fig 3).
The two rescuers then lean forward placing their free arms under the individual's legs, firmly grasping each
other's wrists (Fig 4 and 5). Lifting at the same time, with backs erect, using the strength of their legs, the
rescuers slowly rise to a standing position and then proceed carefully forward.
3. EXTRA CARRY BY TWO RESCUERS
Two rescuers place the person being assisted on the stairwell
landing. One rescuer at the legs, places their arms under the
person's shoulders with fingers locked across the chest. Lifting at
the same time, with backs erect using the strength of their legs, the
rescuers slowly rise to a standing position and then proceed
carefully forward (Fig. 6)
There are various aspects to the safety committee. The gamut of safety related monitoring in the hospital will
include the following:
i) Patient safety
ii) Employee safety
iii) Radiation safety
iv) Laboratory safety
v) Facility safety.
vi) Environment Safety
The Committee will see to all the above mentioned aspects as:
Devise a framework for adverse event, sentinel events and near miss monitoring, management
and prevention.
Devise a systematic course of action for analysis of all reported incidents within a specified time
frame and formulate recommendations for implementation.
Ensure education and training to support safety and quality improvement.
Conduct safety audits, assessments and present reports so that recommendations for corrective
action. .
Monitor effective implementation of corrective actions.
To encourage the non-punitive environment for the reporting of the above mentioned events.
To prepare, train, monitor and perform mock drills for the emergency and disaster management
plan.
To prepare, train, monitor and perform mock drills for the community emergencies,
To prepare train monitor and perform mock drills for Fire and Non-fire Emergency
preparedness plan.
To monitor the corrective and preventive actions on the results of mock drills.
S. No Designation
1 MS Chairperson
2 CSO Member
6 NS/DNS Member
5.8 General
The committee shall meet every month or earlier in case the need may be felt by chairperson or any issue
brought by any member.
6.1 Purpose
The policy is intended to protect staff from job-related injuries and illnesses; preventing accidents and fires;
planning for emergencies; identifying and controlling physical, chemical, and biological hazards in the
workplace; communicating potential hazards to employees; and maintaining sanitary environment.
6.2 Objective
a. Provide safe and healthy conditions and reduce injuries and illnesses to the lowest possible level.
b. Assure compliance with local regulations providing for environmental and occupational safety and health.
c. Provide information, training, and safety measures to staff regarding health and safety hazards.
d. Install and maintain facilities and equipment in accordance with recognized and accepted standards
essential to reduce or prevent exposure to hazards.
e. Provide appropriate personal protective equipment to concerned employees.
Assigning responsibilities
a.MS: has the ultimate responsibility for establishing and maintaining health and safety programs and
initiatives.
b. Head of Departments: are responsible for:
i) Formulating, reviewing health and safety policies applicable to the department/hospital.
ii) Providing necessary facilities and equipment required for a safe work environment in the department
and hospital.
iii) Providing training materials, assistance, and programs in safe and healthy work practices.
iv) Ensuring areas under their management are in compliance with the health and safety policies, practices
and programs.
v) Establishing procedures for implementation of safety policies.
vi) Establishing a system for assessing safety performance.
c. Staff: All staff is responsible for:
i) Participating in mandatory training programs provided by the Hospital.
ii) Safety instructions and rules are to be obeyed. Safety devices installed and safety equipment
provided are to be used. Defective tools and other equipment without proper guarding are not to be
used.
iii) Unsafe conditions or practices are to be reported to the immediate supervisor.
iv) All injuries occurring on the job and any illness associated with the job are to be reported
promptly and in writing to the supervisor. Questions concerning medical treatment of these injuries/illnesses
should also be addressed to the supervisor.
v) All employees entering a designated hazardous, caution, or restricted area are required to use
personal protective equipment and adhere to environment, health and safety procedures immediately upon
access to the area.
vi) All fires, accidental damage to property, hazardous material spills and other emergency
occurrences no matter how slight must be reported as per the protocols.
vii) All hazardous materials are to be disposed of according to prescribed procedures, incompliance
with the regulations.
viii) Working under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is specifically forbidden.
ix) Failure to comply with or enforce environment, health and safety rules and regulations may result
in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Policy:
All new employees have to go through pre-employment check-ups which includes medical history,
occupational history, and immunization history, Radiological exam, pathological tests and cardiac
tests if required
The employee’s occupational medical records will be kept confidential and shall not be disclosed
without the written consent from the employee.
The employee’s medical record will be kept in the personal file with the HR
Specific instruction
Pre-Employment Check up
All the employees have to undergo a medical check-up before joining the organization. The
examination includes:
1. Hb/TLC/DLC/ESR
2. Urine R/E
3. RBS
4. ECG
5. Chest X-ray
6. Blood Group
7. ENT
8. Consultation with the Gynaecologist for females and with the Surgeon for males
The cost of all the investigations and the consultation will be borne by the organization. The
basic registration fees is paid by the employee
The reports of all the investigation and the examination will be kept in the personal file
The initial and annual check up report of all the outsourced staff members is obtained from the
HR.
Hospital will function during riots or communal disturbances. It is the responsibility of the management to
ensure the safety of staff. During such communal disturbances the following procedures will be followed:
1. The hospital will function with the emergency department staff.
2. It is department heads responsibility to ensure minimum staffing in the department.
3. The department head will refer to the location list of its team members.
4. All staff staying in and around the facility will be assigned duty.
5. The department head will use his/her discretion if additional staffs that are at distant places are required
for manning the department.
6. The staff that is unable to attend duty will either applies for casual leave or compensate by working an
additional day.
7. The ambulance may be used for transporting staff, should a need arise
8. In almost all situations the outpatient and Inpatient department will function with the emergency staff.
9. The Head Admin has the authority to declare Out Patient department closed during riot situations, should a
need arise.
In case of workplace accidents the employee has to fill the adverse event form.
Refer to the Policy on Adverse Events
7 PATIENT SAFETY
7.1 Outcome
7.2Policy:
All Patient Care Services staff shall use every reasonable precaution to provide a safe environment. With the
exception of restraints, safety precautions and devices do not require a physician's order for implementation.
The precautions listed here in should not be considered to be all inclusive, as safe practice requires sound
judgment in individual situations and constant awareness of the environment.
1. All patients shall be oriented to the clinical area(s). Orientation may include the
following :
a. room number and unit layout;
b. call bell and how to request assistance;
c. bed operation;
d. room/bathroom layout;
e. Visiting hours, as applicable.
2. All staff shall wear photo I.D. badges when on duty.
3. The patient care area and corridor are clean, well-lighted, and free from clutter.
4. The floor shall be clean and dry. Appropriate signage is in place when floor is wet.
5. Furniture is in good condition.
6. Patient room night lights are functional.
7. Patient beds shall be kept at the lowest possible height
8. Staff shall accompany all patients while ambulation especially during initial
ambulation posts surgery, after prolong bed rest, after procedures requiring
sedation.
9. Transportation:
10. Supplies, machines, and equipment are stored in designated areas. Promptly return
equipment not in use.
11. Patient care equipment is inspected and labelled by the Biomedical Engineering
Department prior to initial use and according to Preventive Maintenance Schedules.
12. Do not use equipment if biomedical calibration sticker is out-of-date.
13. Broken or malfunctioning equipment
a. Remove from clinical area
b. Report immediately to the Biomedical Engineering Department
14. All spills are cleaned immediately according to applicable guidelines for the type of
spill.(Spillage policy)
15. Each staff member continuously assess for unsafe conditions and takes appropriate
corrective action.
16. "Near misses", accidents, and occurrences (patients, visitors, and staff) are
immediately reported to Safety Officer and are documented.
a. Patient and visitor's occurrences are documented on the Adverse Event
Report Form
b. Staff occurrences are to be documented.
Compressed Gas Storage: Rooms in which compressed gas or oxygen cylinders are stored shall be identified
with a "Compressed Gas Storage" or "Oxygen Storage" sign.
Patients are encouraged to become an active, involved, and informed member of their health care team.
Listed below are ways that the patients may be encouraged to promote their own safety.
Patients are instructed to ask if they have questions about their health or safety.
If the patient is having an operation, the patient is asked to verify prior to the
procedure, the site/side of the body that will be operated on.
The patient is taught to know what medications they take and why they take them.
The patient is reminded to look for an identification badge to be worn by all health
care providers.
Patients are instructed to adhere to AHL’s No Smoking policy.
Hazard identification is the process used to identify all possible situations in the hospital where people
(patient, staff, visitors etc) may be exposed to injury, infections or disease. The Safety Officer undertakes
periodic evaluation of safety precautions to be followed by each department.
For hazard recognition the following steps will be undertaken:
Both Clinical and Non-clinical audits are carried out on a periodical basis to identify the measures
taken to prevent/reduce the impact of the potential hazards.
All the staff of the hospital will be encouraged to routinely assess all activities to identify potential
hazards.
Departmental Heads and Managers will identify hazards within their specific area of control. The
same should be notified to the appropriate hospital authorities for immediate corrective actions.
7. Discontinue use of equipment that has any wire or power cord that shows fraying, extreme wear,
cut in insulation or evidence of burning. Report the same to Maintenance Department.
8. Preventing overload
a. When adding a receptacle:
i. Ascertain what is to be used on the circuit and check to see how many amps the item will be using.
ii. Find out what is already on the circuit and if you may tap into the circuit.
iii. Add the new circuit only if the amperage is available.
b. When using extension cords:
i. Using only one duplex receptacle to one extension cord. This restriction prevents the plugging of
too many types of equipment into the same circuit.
ii. Report any suspected overloaded systems to the facility executive immediately.
Routine Inspection of the power outlets throughout the hospital by the electrician.
MCBs are located in different parts of the hospital to prevent short circuits.
Periodic inspection of wires to ensures that they are in appropriate conditions.
Before any electrical appliance is brought into Hospital, it is checked from safety point of view by the safety
officer.
Areas around electrical switchboards must be kept clear for a distance of at least 1 meter.
Power Loss:
The Hospital may experience temporary power losses due to
Storms
Power company disruptions, or damage to the service lines entering the hospital.
Immediate Action:
In the event of power loss, every effort should be made to immediately turn off all electrical
equipment (if required) within an employee’s work area before power is restored to protect the
equipment.
Maintenance staff will investigate the scope and condition of power loss and proceed to correct the
matter accordingly.
The Infection Control Manual can be referred for instruction guidelines regarding management of hazardous
waste.
9. MOCK DRILLS
Code Red mock drills are held twice yearly. The drills are conducted to verify:
a. If staff follow correct protocols to announce Code Red.
b. If staff are using the correct exit routes.
c. Correct assembly of staff and patients at designated areas.
d. Evacuation times.
The hospital undertakes periodic inspection of the safety precautions undertaken. The reports of the safety
inspections are reviewed by the hospital’s safety committee and the same is submitted to management. The
safety Inspection records are maintained by the secretary of safety committee.
The Safety Management Committee may require periodic assessment of the following inventory:
Each inspection report will record pertinent safety management violations, noncompliance items,
and observe deficiencies. Employees directly involved in the use or operation of the facilities or
function being inspected is to participate in the inspection process.
Policy Statement
The Hospital recognizes and attaches greatest importance to, and concern for, the safety of all its patients,
Hospital staff and the users of the premises under its control. Consequently the Hospital strives to ensure that
accidents, incidents and near misses are identified, reported and action taken to help ensure the safety and
security.
The Hospital is committed to the elimination and or control of all risks. Risk management is seen as integral
part of:
Delivering the highest standard of patient care
Continuous quality improvement
Protecting the Hospitals resources ensuring that these remain available for patient services
Maintaining the statutory obligation to maintain safe systems of work