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Metal-Free Facility Evacuation Planning

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tsl4327
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Metal-Free Facility Evacuation Planning

Post by tsl4327 »

Hi everyone, my name is Tim. I've been working in EHS in the northern US for about 8 years now and I came across this forum while struggling to find an answer to a question that came up recently.

I work at a manufacturing facility that works with precious metals. The facility is currently in the process of transitioning to a metal-free policy that would not allow employees to have their keys on them throughout their shift.

My main concern is that in the event of an evacuation we would have >600 people in our parking lot, without their personal keys (house and car), in a climate where it's below freezing 5 months of the year. So far upper management has only provided "we don't have that concern at our other facilities that are already metal-free". This might be a stretch but has anyone dealt with a similar policy or have any idea's for measures we could take?

Thanks in advance!
Tim
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Re: Metal-Free Facility Evacuation Planning

Post by Alexis »

tsl4327 wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 10:25 pm Hi everyone, my name is Tim. I've been working in EHS in the northern US for about 8 years now and I came across this forum while struggling to find an answer to a question that came up recently.

I work at a manufacturing facility that works with precious metals. The facility is currently in the process of transitioning to a metal-free policy that would not allow employees to have their keys on them throughout their shift.

My main concern is that in the event of an evacuation we would have >600 people in our parking lot, without their personal keys (house and car), in a climate where it's below freezing 5 months of the year. So far upper management has only provided "we don't have that concern at our other facilities that are already metal-free". This might be a stretch but has anyone dealt with a similar policy or have any idea's for measures we could take?

Thanks in advance!
Tim
Hi there Tim and welcome to our forums. :wave:

I am unable to help with any constructive thoughts sorry Tim, however, I am sure one of our members who have perhaps had experience of this query will be able to assist when they have a moment.

Good to have you aboard. .salut
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Re: Metal-Free Facility Evacuation Planning

Post by Andyblue »

Hi Tim, when the Co says they don’t have the same concerns at other sites, would it be fair to say, the other places don’t have the same weather conditions or is there something we are missing that differentiates the sites.
Perhaps you could explore similar workplaces. I’m thinking of doctors etc in an operating room are (I assume) key free and could be evacuated without going past their locker keys.
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Re: Metal-Free Facility Evacuation Planning

Post by tsl4327 »

Thanks for the response. The other locations have similar weather environments. The other locations have been metal-free since their start. They also are less likely to evacuate. So I think it's just a situation that wasn't thought of for those locations.

Looking into hospital procedures is a great recommendation. I have a few people I can reach out to and see if it's something they might have a solution for. Thanks!
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Re: Metal-Free Facility Evacuation Planning

Post by witsd »

The only potential 'fix' I can see is to have the keys in an accessible location, so can they be stored securely at a low-risk site disconnected from the main building?

If that's not possible, then you are looking at managing a rubbish situation. Options to look into would be whether there are any nearby hotels / workplaces that can offer a space for shelter in the event of an extended evacuation, or any relatively local transport options, such as bus companies that could lay on a few buses (for an agreed fee!) in the event of an extended evacuation?

If neither of these are possible due to your location, then you'd probably have to push for something to be done to create that secure, accessible location, but I doubt your management will want to go down that path, as it's probably the most expensive option.
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Re: Metal-Free Facility Evacuation Planning

Post by Messy »

I will consider what happens to those evacuated in every emergency plan I make without exception.

You do not have to be working in a specialist factory in an artic environment for staff - particularly female staff who may have no pockets - to leave a premises in an emergency with no coat, bag, handbag or keys - and possibly in inclement weather.

For a large office in a town centre during the week (in non covid times), there will be colleagues to can lend cash and coffee shops, pubs and cafes in which to shelter.
However we have fairly remote sites - one 4 miles from the neighbouring buildings - and 24/7 working in major cities, where shelter may not be available.

We (I) see it as untenable to take the view that once staff are away from the building on fire, that is the end of our responsibility - its inhumane and nonsense. In UK law, the employer is responsible for there employees (and others) health and safety in whatever use that takes, including when the employer has ordered them to vacate their place of work. So IMO, it is not enough to expect staff to wander around in freezing temperatures in shirtsleeves.

We have a reciprocal agreement with another 24/7 company for out of hours shelter in an emergency, and have provided emergency weather cover arrangements elsewhere.

I have no idea what the legislation is in the US, but forgive me in thinking that there may be a litigious attitude by many people. So even if there is no specific law to protect workers (sure there must be), the repetitional risk and costs associated with legal action surely must motivate this rather poor employer into action.
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