WHO NEEDS THIS LETTER?

This letter is required for a person who has been appointed as an Emergency Evacuation Officer in the workplace. They will be responsible for assisting in the efficient evacuation of persons from the building in emergency situations arising in the workplace.

WHAT IS THIS LETTER FOR?

This letter shows that an Emergency Evacuation Officer has been appointed to assist in evacuating persons from the workplace, according to the requirements of the OHS Act. The letter allows these persons to act under the authority of the 16(2) in order to attend to fire emergencies in the workplace.

WHY IS THIS LETTER IMPORTANT?

This letter shows that a person has been appointed to assist in workplace evacuation when an emergency arises.  This provides evidence to an inspector that a basic structure is in place to deal with evacuation emergencies which might arise in the workplace. This letter is relevant under section 9(2) of the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces of the OHS Act, where these conditions apply and its availability shows that the employer is taking steps to comply with these Regulations in respects of ensuring that emergency measures are in place to deal with any evacuation emergencies which arise within the workplace. 

VALIDITY

This letter needs to be signed by the 16(2) (as the appointer) and by the appointee, dated and kept on record where it can be accessible to an inspector. A time period must be included for the appointment. Each appointee must undergo accredited emergency evacuation training in order to be competent to perform these duties.

HOW DOES THIS WORK AS A CONTROL MEASURE?

In the hierarchy of controls this letter forms part of the administrative control measures which should be in place to ensure that emergency measures are in place in the event of an emergency arising. This letter ensures that a responsible person is appointed to assist in workplace evacuation when an emergency arises in the workplace.