The role of the ERO in an evacuation

1. Starting the evacuation

Start an evacuation:

  1. The ERO responds first as a staff member and secures his own workstation according to the internal procedure
  2. He then makes himself recognisable as an ERO, by putting on an ERO vest

The way in which the ERT starts an evacuation varies from one organisation to another. In some cases, the ERO starts by evacuating his own department, in others, he goes to the reception or ERT assemble point. 

When checking the building, the tasks are divided between several EROs, if possible. Each one will check, for example, a department or wing. The aim of developing the ERT is to make sure that no one is left in the building and that everyone leaves the premises safely. 

The staff should be instructed how to find their own way to a safe place. After hearing the evacuation signal the staff leave the building themselves, taking their personal belongings with them and going to an assembly point. 

People should leave the building at a normal pace. 

It is the task of the EROs to check whether everyone has left the building as instructed and to encourage people to help each other to do so. 

2. Checking and giving instructions by the ERT

The ERO checks the rooms. If necessary he switches off machines, including copiers, coffee machines and ventilators. In larger or more complex buildings he can also put a sticker on the door to indicate that the room has been checked. 

When checking the rooms, EROs have to take into account:

  • Make sure there is nobody in toilets, offices, cupboards, technical spaces or lifts
  • If people refuse to leave the building, the ERO should remind them of the evacuation instructions. Some people have the tendency to carry on with what they are doing. The ERO should convince them that they have to leave in the interests of their own safety. 

In large and complex buildings the evacuation may be coordinated by a team leader or evacuation leader. In that case after having checked their department, the EROs wait for further instructions. 

3. Assisting staff members at the assembly point

Keep members of the public at a distance, if necessary, in cooperation with the police. However it should not be forgotten that some bystanders come because they want to help. If they can do something useful, under the supervision of the ERT, seize the opportunity to allow them to assist. 

Assist staff members at the assembly point:

  • Register staff members and visitors
  • If people are missing, ask if anyone knows where they are
  • Keep staff members at the assembly point until there are further instructions
  • If necessary, because of danger or bad weather, help people to move to a different location

4. Assisting the external emergency services

How to assist the external emergency services:

  • Wait for the external emergency services at the access road to the organisation
  • Explain what has happened and show them the way to the scene of the incident
  • In large or complex buildings, act as a guide for the emergency services
  • Answer any possible questions from the external emergency service, they may ask:
    • Who reported the incident and are they available?
    • What happened and where?
    • Has any action been taken and, if so, what?
    • Are there victims and, if so, how many?
    • Are there people in danger and, if so, how many?
    • Are there dangers that may present problems for the emergency services?
    • Is there an expert on the organisation present or on his way? 

5. Completing the evacuation

How to complete the evacuation:

  • Once it is safe to return to the building, assist the staff in going back inside
  • Pass on information from the emergency services to the team leader or the management