Visitors emergency evacuation

Some emergencies, like a fire, explosion, or even toxic cloud, may cut off people from their assembly areas. Therefore, routes of evacuation and alternate routes should be clearly understood by all site personnel and visitors. All persons entering the site should be given a thorough explanation of the routes and alternate means of exit. The alternate and primary route should lead in different directions from each other. 

As with all laboratory work, protection of the worker against the hazard consists of good facility design, operation, and monitoring, as well as good work practices on the part of the worker. The ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) exposure principle is central to both levels of protection. The amount of radiation or radioactive material used should be minimized. Exposures should be minimized by shielding radiation sources and workers and visitors and by use of emergency alarm and evacuation procedures. Physical distance between personnel and radiation sources should be maximized, and whenever possible, robotic or other remote operations should be used to reduce exposure of personnel. 

If continuous alarm sounds, or when advised of an emergency, ensure that all personnel, including visitors, evacuate the building by the nearest means of escape. 

Staff must be instructed in the means of escape from their place of work, including the normal and emergency exits. Evacuation drills should be carried out at least annually and under various conditions chosen to represent real fire situations. Special consideration must be given to disabled persons and to visitors who will be unfamiliar with the layout of the building. In large establishments a number of fire wardens may be appointed from among the staff to assist in the evacuation and the checking of rooms. 

The staff reviewed EPIP 6Q7-202, "Accountability and Evacuations," and noted that while protected area accountability using the key-card reader system appears adequate to obtain 30-minute accountability, the procedure does not address protected area personnel accountability in the event that the crash gates are used or the key-card reader fails. This is an open item. Non-essential personnel, including visitor and temporary personnel, are normally evacuated from the Protected Area at the first declaration of an emergency condition. 

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