Fire Safety

 Fire Safety Policy

Document Number: SHE-F1-F2.10-01
Approval Date: Jan 2025
Next Review Date: Jan 2026
Approved By:

Signature:

Name: ___________________________
Position: ________________________
Date: 12 Jan 2025

Fire Safety Policy

Purpose:
This policy establishes a comprehensive approach to fire safety management to protect employees, contractors, visitors, and property. It is designed to prevent fires, ensure effective emergency responses, and minimise potential harm and damage in compliance with ISO 45001, the OHS Act of South Africa, and international best practices.

Scope:
This policy applies to all Noble Aerospace System sites, including work areas, workshops, and offices, and extends to all employees, contractors, and visitors.

Policy Statement:

1. Fire Prevention:
   • Identify and assess fire hazards in all areas of operations through regular risk assessments.
   • Implement control measures to eliminate or minimise fire risks, such as properly storing flammable materials and maintaining electrical systems.
   • Prohibit open flames or smoking in high-risk areas.

1. Fire Protection Systems:
   • Equip all facilities with appropriate fire protection systems, including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems, to meet legal and regulatory requirements.
   • Conduct regular inspections, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.

1. Emergency Preparedness:
   • Develop site-specific fire evacuation plans that include marked escape routes and assembly points.
   • Ensure fire drills are conducted biennially to assess and improve emergency response readiness.
   • Maintain communication systems to alert employees to fire incidents promptly.

1. Roles and Responsibilities:
   • SHERQ Manager: Oversee fire safety compliance, risk assessments, and emergency planning.
   • Supervisors: Ensure fire safety measures are implemented and communicate evacuation plans to employees.
   • Employees and Contractors: Follow fire safety procedures, participate in drills, and report potential fire hazards.

1. Training and Awareness:
   • Provide mandatory fire safety training to all employees and contractors, covering fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures.
   • Update training annually or when significant changes to the fire safety system occur.
   • Display fire safety signage, including evacuation routes and fire extinguisher locations, at strategic points.

1. Fire Incident Response:
   • Activate alarms and notify emergency services immediately during a fire.
   • Evacuate all personnel to designated assembly points following evacuation procedures.
   • The first responder team should assess the fire to see if it is safe and attempt to extinguish it using appropriate fire extinguishers.
   • Do not re-enter the building until the “All Clear” is given by the emergency controller or fire authorities.

1. Post-Incident Review:
   • Conduct a thorough investigation of all fire incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
   • Document and report fire incidents using Noble Aerospace System procedures and legal requirements.

1. Contractor and Visitor Safety:
   • Ensure contractors comply with Noble Aerospace Systems' fire safety policies and procedures.
   • Communicate evacuation plans and fire safety measures to visitors upon arrival.

1. Compliance and Continuous Improvement:
   • Regularly review fire safety policies, procedures, and practices to ensure alignment with regulatory and operational requirements.
   • Incorporate feedback from fire drills, audits, and incidents into fire safety management plans.

      

Emergency Evacuation Procedure 

Document Title: Emergency Evacuation Procedure
Company:
Department: General Administration and Management
Effective Date: Jan 2025
Revision Date: Jan 2027
Prepared By: Andreas B Burger (MBA, MPhil, DBA)
Approved By: (Director/Owner/Founder)

1. Objective

This Emergency Evacuation Procedure provides a clear, concise plan to ensure the safe and timely evacuation of all employees, contractors, and visitors from Noble Aerospace System premises during an emergency. The procedure aims to protect lives, minimise injury, and ensure compliance with South African health and safety regulations and international best practices.

2. Scope

This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors on Noble Aerospace System's premises, including work sites, offices, and project locations. It covers the evacuation process for a wide range of emergencies, including fires, chemical spills, natural disasters, and other life-threatening situations.

3. Definitions

• Emergency: Any event that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment.
• Evacuation Assembly Point: A      designated safe location outside the building where individuals should gather after an evacuation.
• Evacuation Warden: A      designated person responsible for ensuring the orderly evacuation of personnel from a specific area or floor.

4. References

• South African Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
• ISO 45001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
• Local fire department regulations and safety guidelines.

5. Responsibilities

• Management:
  • Ensure that evacuation procedures are communicated to all employees and are regularly updated.
  • Conduct evacuation drills at least twice a year to familiarise employees with the process.
• Health and Safety Officer:
  • Oversee the implementation of evacuation procedures.
  • Maintain and update evacuation plans and maps.
  • Conduct post-evacuation reviews to identify areas for improvement.
• Evacuation Wardens:
  • Ensure that all personnel in their designated area are evacuated safely and accounted for at the assembly point.
  • Report any missing individuals to emergency services and the       Health and Safety Officer.
• Employees and Contractors:
  • Familiarise themselves with evacuation routes and procedures.
  • Follow the instructions of Evacuation Wardens during an emergency.
• Visitors:
  • Must be escorted by their host to the evacuation assembly point in an emergency.

6. Procedure

6.1 Overview

This procedure ensures that all personnel are evacuated promptly and efficiently in an emergency, following pre-established routes to the designated assembly point.

6.2 Equipment and Materials

• Fire alarms
• Emergency exit signs
• Evacuation maps (posted on each floor and work area)
• Emergency lights (for low-visibility situations)
• First aid kits
• Fire extinguishers (where applicable)

6.3 Safety Precautions

• Do not use elevators during an evacuation.
• Keep calm and proceed in an orderly manner to the nearest exit.
• Assist individuals with disabilities or those requiring additional help.
• Avoid re-entering the building until the authorities or the Health and Safety Officer approve.

6.4 Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Triggering the Alarm:
       In an emergency, any employee or contractor should trigger the nearest fire alarm or notify the Health and Safety Officer, who will sound the alarm.
2. Evacuation Notification:
       Upon hearing the alarm, all employees and contractors must immediately stop work, leave their equipment or workspace, and proceed to the nearest emergency exit.
3. Evacuation Route:
       Follow the marked evacuation routes to the designated assembly points.      Evacuation maps are posted in prominent areas throughout the building or site.
4. Role of Evacuation Wardens:
       Evacuation Wardens will guide personnel along evacuation routes and ensure no one is left behind. They will conduct a sweep of their designated area before leaving the premises.
5. Proceed to Assembly Point:
       Once outside, everyone should proceed to the designated evacuation assembly point. Do not congregate near entrances or emergency service access areas.
6. Headcount and Reporting:
       Evacuation Wardens will conduct a headcount at the assembly point and report any missing individuals to the emergency services and the Health and Safety Officer.
7. Clearance to Return:
       Do not return to the building or site until emergency services or the      Health and Safety Officer give clearance.

6.5 Quality Control

• Conduct regular evacuation drills to ensure readiness.
• Inspect emergency equipment quarterly, such as alarms, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits.
• Review evacuation routes and procedures annually or as needed.

6.6 Troubleshooting

• Issue: Blocked evacuation route.
  • Solution: Identify alternate exits; Evacuation Wardens should guide personnel to secondary routes.
• Issue: Panic or disorderly behaviour.
  • Solution: Evacuation Wardens should remain calm and provide clear instructions to maintain order.

6.7 Documentation

• Evacuation reports, including drill outcomes, should be documented and stored by the Health and Safety Officer.
• Maintain records of personnel participation in evacuation drills.

7. Revision History

• August 2024: Initial implementation.

8. Attachments

• Evacuation Map:      (Attached in the final document)
• Emergency Contacts: List of emergency services and internal response team contact details.

9. Approval

Prepared By:
Andreas B Burger
Approved By:
CEO

10. Distribution

Distributed to all employees, contractors, and relevant stakeholders.

11. Review Frequency

This procedure will be reviewed annually or as required, based on regulations or changes in operational needs.

12. Acknowledgement of Receipt

All employees must acknowledge that they have read and understand the Emergency Evacuation Procedure.

Approved by: System Management Team
Date: Jan 2026
Review Date: Jan 2027

Rev 1.