Product Overview

This Emergency Fire Response and Extinguisher Use SWMS is a comprehensive safety document designed to manage fire-related risks and ensure safe, coordinated response in the workplace. It provides detailed procedures and controls for multiple aspects of emergency fire response, supporting WHS compliance and effective fire risk management across a range of work environments.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Assessing fire escape routes, egress issues, and potential obstructions during planning and in an active emergency
• Coordinating the workplace fire safety plan, including roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols
• Responding safely to fire outbreaks or suspected gas leaks, including isolation, evacuation, and notification procedures
• Managing low visibility due to smoke, including safe movement, buddy systems, and use of emergency lighting
• Dealing with warehouse fires, including separation of stock, plant and vehicles, and interaction with emergency services
• Extinguishing fires using appropriate methods based on fire class, fuel source, and environmental conditions
• Operating fire alarm systems, manual call points, and emergency warning and intercommunication systems
• Organising and maintaining firefighting facilities, including fire points, hose reels, hydrants, and access ways
• Training workers in the correct selection and use of fire extinguishing equipment and firefighting aids
• Using portable fire extinguishers safely in the event of machinery or plant fires
• Using fixed fire-fighting systems such as sprinklers, deluge, and gas suppression systems in line with site procedures
• Selection and inspection of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and associated emergency equipment
• Emergency evacuation drills, assembly area management, and head counts during and after an incident
• Communication with emergency services, site management, and neighbouring properties during fire incidents

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for facilities managers, warehouse and logistics operators, manufacturing plants, construction sites, site supervisors, and any PCBU responsible for emergency fire response and extinguisher use on Australian workplaces.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on safe access, egress, and emergency arrangements
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for handling flammable and combustible substances and gas leak emergencies
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Considerations where fire response or evacuation involves stairways, platforms, or elevated areas
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and controlling fire and emergency risks
• Safe Work Australia – Emergency Plans Fact Sheet/Guidance: Principles for developing and implementing workplace emergency plans
• AS 3745 – Planning for emergencies in facilities: Guidance for emergency planning, evacuation diagrams, and emergency control organisations
• AS 1851 – Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment: Inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers, hose reels, hydrants, and fixed systems
• AS 2444 – Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets – Selection and location: Requirements for correct selection, placement, and identification of extinguishers
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017