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Health and Safety - Emergency Preparedness

  • Updated

Each question below includes its SLCP/FSLM key and the related recommendation. In some cases, the same guidance applies to multiple IDs.

Table of Contents

Does the facility have a fire detection and alarm system in place, although there are no applicable legal requirements?

Hs-19--3

Does the facility have an emergency alarm system (for all types of emergencies other than fire) in line with legal requirements?

hs-eme-2

Does the facility have an emergency alarm system (for all types of emergencies other than fire), although there are no applicable legal requirements?

hs-eme-8

Recommendations

  • Even if not legally required, facilities should install fire and emergency alarm systems to ensure quick alerts and timely evacuation.
  • Monthly system tests should be conducted to ensure alarm functionality and worker awareness.
  • Keep records of alarm testing, maintenance logs, and corrective actions.
  • Conduct quarterly emergency evacuation drills for fire, gas leaks, earthquakes, or chemical spills.
  • Ensure all workers understand alarm signals and know how to respond.
  • Connect alarms to automated emergency response systems (e.g., gas detectors, heat sensors, emergency power backup).
  • Obtain fire safety certifications and ensure compliance with international workplace safety programs (ILO, ISO 45001).
  • Fire detection and emergency alarm system is a proactive investment in worker safety, business continuity, and legal compliance.
  • High Risk is applied because the absence of emergency alarms significantly increases the likelihood of severe workplace injuries and fatalities.

 

Does the facility regularly test and service fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment in line with legal requirements?

hs-20--3-4x

Recommendations

  • Ensure all fire extinguishers are fully charged and in working condition.
  •  Inspect hoses, sprinkler systems, and hydrants for leaks, blockages, or pressure issues.
  • Work with licensed fire safety professionals to service and certify fire extinguishers, sprinklers, and hydrants annually.
  • Ensure hydrostatic testing of extinguishers and hoses as per legal requirements.
  • Maintain detailed records of all inspections, tests, and servicing of firefighting equipment.
  • Ensure that expired fire extinguishers are replaced immediately.
  • Conduct mandatory fire drills to familiarize workers with fire response protocols and proper use of firefighting equipment.
  • Train fire marshals within the facility to monitor fire safety compliance.
  • Ensure compliance with ILO fire safety standards, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) codes, and ISO 45001 for workplace safety.
  • Obtain fire safety certification and necessary permits from local authorities.

 

Does the facility have legally required firefighting equipment?

Hs-20--4

Has the facility trained workers to use fire-fighting equipment in line with legal requirements?

hs-20--6

Recommendations

  • Conduct a comprehensive safety audit to identify missing or non-functional firefighting equipment.
  • Install fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, hydrants, and fire hoses in all high-risk areas.
  • Establish a monthly maintenance schedule for all fire safety equipment.
  • Ensure fire extinguishers are fully charged, hoses are operational, and sprinklers are in working order.
  • Conduct mandatory fire safety training for all workers on how to use extinguishers and respond to fires.
  • Organize quarterly fire drills to assess emergency preparedness.
  • Ensure compliance with ILO standards, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) codes, and ISO 45001 for workplace safety.
  • Obtain necessary fire safety certifications and permits from local authorities.

 

Does the facility have legally required posted evacuation plans, markings (or plot plans), pathways and emergency lighting?

hs-21

Recommendations

  • Post clear, legally required evacuation plans at all key locations (entrances, workstations, dormitories).
  • Ensure all emergency exit routes and pathways are clearly marked with illuminated signs.
  • Install and regularly maintain emergency lighting systems in hallways, stairwells, and exits.
  • Conduct monthly safety inspections and fire drills to test evacuation plans and ensure compliance.
  • The risk is categorized as Medium because while the absence of evacuation plans and emergency lighting does not directly cause incidents, it significantly increases the danger during an emergency.
  • Compliance with legal requirements is essential to prevent workplace disasters and ensure worker safety.

 

Are there sufficient emergency exits from all work stations and rest areas, and on every floor?

hs-22-1x

Recommendations

  • Ensure a minimum of two remote exits per floor and work area, in compliance with ILO and Better Work standards.
  • Regularly conduct fire drills and emergency evacuation training for all workers.
  • Install illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting to ensure visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Ensure emergency exits remain unlocked, accessible, and free from obstruction at all times.
  • Comply with national legal regulations and international labor standards for workplace safety.
  • The Zero Tolerance risk level is based on ILO and Better Work’s strict requirements for emergency preparedness.
  • Non-compliance can result in severe legal, financial, and reputational consequences, including fines, factory shutdowns, and exclusion from global supply chains.
  • Ensuring safe exits is not only a legal obligation but a fundamental ethical responsibility to protect workers’ lives.

 

Are all emergency exits clearly marked?

hs-22-2x

Recommendations

  • Ensure all emergency exits are properly marked with illuminated exit signs visible from all work areas.
  • Install photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) signs to guide workers during power failures or smoke-filled conditions.
  • Regularly inspect exit signs for visibility, proper placement, and maintenance.
  • Train workers to identify emergency exits and evacuation routes through regular fire drills.
  • Ensure compliance with national legal regulations and international labor standards.
  • The High Risk classification reflects the severe dangers of unmarked or unclear emergency exits, which can delay evacuations, cause panic, and lead to mass casualties during emergencies.
  • Non-compliance with ILO and Better Work standards can result in severe legal, financial, and reputational damage, including factory closures and supply chain exclusions.
  • Ensuring clearly marked emergency exits is a fundamental duty to protect workers' lives and uphold ethical labor practices.

 

Are all emergency exits accessible, unobstructed and unlocked during working hours (including overtime) and lead to a place of safety?

hs-22-4x

Recommendations

  • Ensure ALL emergency exits are unlocked, clearly marked, and accessible at all times.
  • Conduct daily inspections to ensure exit routes remain unobstructed.
  • Train workers and security personnel on emergency procedures, emphasizing that exit doors must never be locked.
  • Install panic bars or push-door mechanisms to allow quick and easy egress.
  • Enforce strict compliance with fire safety and evacuation laws, following national and international regulations.
  • The Zero Tolerance classification is justified because blocking, locking, or restricting access to emergency exits directly endangers workers' lives.
  • Non-compliance not only violates ILO and Better Work standards but has historically resulted in some of the worst industrial disasters worldwide.
  • Facilities failing to keep emergency exits accessible face severe legal and reputational consequences, including factory closures, international trade bans, and potential criminal liability.

 

Does the facility conduct regular emergency drills for all workers and are they in line with legal requirements?

hs-23

Recommendations

  • Mandatory emergency drills for ALL workers, including night shift and temporary workers, every six months at a minimum.
  • Train workers on proper emergency responses, including fire evacuation, earthquake response, and chemical spill management.
  • Conduct unannounced drills to assess real-time worker preparedness.
  • Ensure clear communication of emergency procedures in multiple languages if needed.
  • Regularly review and improve emergency preparedness based on drill evaluations.
  • The Zero Tolerance classification is warranted because not conducting regular emergency drills directly endangers lives.
  • Without drills, workers are unprepared, unaware of escape routes, and more likely to panic in real emergencies, leading to avoidable injuries and fatalities.
  • Facilities must ensure full compliance with emergency drill requirements, as failure to do so is a serious violation of ILO and Better Work safety standards.
  • Immediate corrective actions must be taken to protect workers’ lives and prevent catastrophic incidents.

 

Are emergency exits in line with other legal requirements?

Hs-23--2

No illumination and/ or no visibility of emergency exits when it is dark or there is smoke

Hs-eme-27x

Emergency exit doors do not open outwards or are not securely kept open during working hours

Hs-eme-28x

No marking of "Not an Exit" for doors that are not exits

Hs-eme-29x

No back-up battery providing continuous lighting within a timeframe for emergency exit lighting

hs-eme-30x

Recommendations

  • Ensure ALL emergency exits are properly marked and illuminated, including battery backup for emergency lighting.
  • Clearly label non-exit doors as "Not an Exit" to prevent confusion.
  • Ensure all emergency exit doors open outward and remain unlocked and accessible during working hours.
  • Conduct routine safety inspections and emergency drills to reinforce evacuation procedures.
  • Install fire-rated doors and maintain a clear egress pathway at all times.
  • The High Risk classification is justified because lack of proper emergency exit safety measures directly endangers workers' lives.
  • Inadequate illumination, poor signage, and improperly designed exit doors significantly increase the risk of fatal incidents in emergency situations.
  • Global labor laws and safety standards demand strict compliance with emergency preparedness measures, and failure to adhere can lead to factory shutdowns, reputational damage, and legal consequences.
  • Facilities must prioritize proper emergency exit safety measures to prevent unnecessary injuries and fatalities.
  • Failure to do so is a direct violation of ILO and Better Work safety standards and poses an unacceptable risk to worker safety.

 

Are emergency evacuation procedures in line with legal requirements?

hs-23--5

Recommendations

  • Develop an all-hazards emergency response plan covering chemical spills, gas leaks, floods, earthquakes, and electrical hazards.
  • Conduct multi-scenario emergency drills (fire, chemical spills, natural disasters, food poisoning incidents).
  • Maintain an updated list of emergency contacts for rapid external response.
  • Ensure evacuation procedures are documented and communicated to all workers in languages they understand.
  • Implement real-time emergency alerts (visual and audible) for effective crisis communication.
  • While classified as Medium Risk, lack of proper emergency preparedness can rapidly escalate into high-risk situations during an actual emergency.
  • To comply with ILO Conventions and Better Work Standards, factories must develop, test, and regularly update their emergency response plans to ensure a safe working environment.
  • Ignoring these requirements could result in severe consequences, including worker casualties, legal penalties, and reputational damage.

 

Does the facility have a fire detection and alarm system in line with legal requirements?

hs-eme-1

Recommendations

  • Install fire detection and alarm systems across all facility areas in accordance with local laws and international standards.
  • Conduct monthly fire alarm tests and annual third-party inspections to verify compliance.
  • Document inspection records and maintenance logs for audits.
  • Conduct fire drills at least twice a year to train workers on evacuation procedures.
  • Ensure that workers can recognize and respond to fire alarms promptly.
  • Ensure fire alarms are connected to sprinkler systems and emergency exits to facilitate safe evacuation.
  • Obtain certification from fire safety authorities to verify full compliance and adhere to supplier safety requirements.
  • A functioning fire detection and alarm system is not optional—it is a life-saving necessity.
  • Zero Tolerance is applied because one failure can result in mass casualties, making fire safety compliance an absolute priority in any workplace.

 

Does the facility have a legally required Fire Brigade/Emergency Response Team of designated workers with special responsibilities for fire safety?

hs-eme-11

Recommendations

  • Ensure ERT members receive specialized fire safety training and are equipped with firefighting tools.
  • Conduct fire response drills to ensure the team is prepared for real emergencies.
  • Assign fire marshals on each floor or work section to oversee fire prevention measures.
  • Equip emergency responders with personal protective equipment (PPE) and communication tools for crisis management.
  • While classified as Medium Risk, the absence of a Fire Brigade/Emergency Response Team can lead to severe consequences during a fire-related incident.
  • To comply with ILO Conventions and Better Work Standards, factories must establish, train, and maintain a dedicated emergency response team to prevent worker casualties and legal liabilities.
  • Neglecting this requirement could lead to devastating fire accidents, legal non-compliance, and severe reputational damage for the facility.

 

Not fully functioning emergency alarm system

Hs-eme-13x

No regular maintenance, inspection and/or testing of emergency alarm system

hs-eme-14x

Emergency alarm system cannot be heard and seen across all facility areas

Hs-eme-15x

Emergency alarm system buttons/switches/pull stations are not easily identified and accessible

Hs-eme-16x

Emergency alarm system is not fitted with a back-up power source (e.g., battery back-up)

hs-eme-17x

No automatic and centralized emergency alarm system

Hs-eme-18x

Emergency alarm is not distinct from other alarms/signals and could be used for other purposes

Hs-eme-19x

None of the above - the facility is meeting all measures listed above regarding the emergency alarm system

hs-eme-20x

Recommendations

  • Conduct an urgent technical audit to identify and fix alarm system deficiencies.
  • Ensure all alarms are fully operational, with audible and visible signals throughout the facility.
  • Implement monthly inspections and functional tests of all emergency alarm systems.
  • Maintain detailed records of alarm maintenance, testing schedules, and corrective actions.
  • Install uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or battery backups to ensure alarm functionality during power outages.
  • Conduct quarterly emergency drills to ensure workers recognize alarm signals and know evacuation procedures.
  • Train floor supervisors on emergency response coordination.
  • Upgrade to a centralized and automated emergency alarm system that can trigger responses remotely (e.g., automatic door unlocking, ventilation activation).
  • Ensure alignment with ILO, NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and ISO 45001 for workplace safety.

 

Firefighting equipment is not clearly marked and not equipped with instructions on how to operate

Hs-eme-22x

No certified fire-resistant doors and no fire-resistant walls are in use in production units

hs-eme-23x

Firefighting equipment is not accessible

Hs-eme-24x

None of the above - the facility is meeting all measures listed above regarding firefighting equipment

Hs-eme-25x

None of the above - the facility is meeting all measures listed above regarding emergency exits

hs-eme-31x

Recommendations

  • Clearly mark all firefighting equipment and include bilingual, glow-in-the-dark signage.
  • Install and maintain certified fire-resistant doors and walls in production areas.
  • Ensure all fire extinguishers, hoses, and hydrants are unobstructed and within easy reach.
  • Conduct monthly fire safety inspections and worker training drills.
  • This is classified as High Risk because the lack of properly marked, accessible, and functional firefighting equipment significantly increases the risk of severe injury or death in a fire.
  • Immediate corrective action is necessary to ensure compliance and worker safety.

 

Initial and refresher trainings on responsibilities of members of the Fire Brigade/Emergency Response Team are not in place

hs-eme-47x

Recommendations

  • Establish a comprehensive training schedule for new and existing Fire Brigade/ERT members.
  • Ensure all members receive initial training upon assignment and refresher training at least twice a year.
  • Conduct certified fire safety and emergency response training in compliance with ILO Convention No. 155 (Occupational Safety and Health) and Better Work standards.
  • Include hands-on drills on using firefighting equipment (fire extinguishers, hydrants, sprinklers, and breathing apparatus).
  • Train members on fire hazard identification, evacuation protocols, and emergency communication.
  • Maintain records of all training sessions (attendance, training content, and evaluation reports).
  • Conduct annual competency assessments to verify that all Fire Brigade members are fully trained.

 

No appropriate equipment to fight fires (including the correct PPE, e.g., breathing apparatus) available for members of the Fire Brigade/Emergency Response Team

Hs-eme-48x

None of the above - the facility is meeting all measures listed above regarding the Fire Brigade/Emergency Response Team

hs-eme-49x

Recommendations

  • Equip the Fire Brigade/Emergency Response Team with necessary firefighting gear, including:
    • Fire-resistant uniforms
    • Fire extinguishers (appropriate for different fire classes)
    • Breathing apparatus (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus - SCBA)
    • Fireproof gloves, helmets, and boots
    • Thermal imaging cameras for search-and-rescue
  • Conduct regular inspections to ensure all firefighting equipment is functional and accessible.
  • Train fire brigade members in the proper use of firefighting equipment and conduct live fire drills at least twice a year.
  • Ensure compliance with ILO Convention No. 155 (Occupational Safety and Health) & Better Work standards on emergency preparedness and response.
  • Maintain regular safety audits to ensure continued compliance.
  • Document and review emergency response protocols every six months.
  • Ensure all new employees and fire brigade members receive proper training on fire safety procedures.
  • Establish a clear communication system between workers and emergency response teams in case of fire incidents.

 

Is the facility accessible to fire response and emergency response vehicles in line with legal requirements?

hs-eme-50

Recommendations

  • Ensure clear and unobstructed access for fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles at all times.
  • Designate fire lanes and emergency access routes with visible markings and signage.
  • Implement strict parking regulations to prevent blockage of emergency access points.
  • Conduct emergency response drills with local fire departments to test accessibility and response time.
  • If the facility is non-compliant, engage with local authorities to improve road infrastructure leading to the facility.
  • Compliance with ILO Convention No. 155 & Better Work Fire Safety Guidelines must be ensured to avoid legal risks.

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