- APSAD rules
CHAP 3.3.3. Evacuation:
"Evacuation, bringing occupants to safety (evacuation, confinement, etc.) is the priority objective in terms of fire safety.
The establishment must therefore:
- Ensure that it has the technical means to evacuate the premises.
- Set up an organization to guarantee its effectiveness.
As a guideline, it is recommended to designate one evacuation guide and one line-keeper per group of 25.
people to evacuate."
CHAP 3.3.5.1. First Response Teams (F.R.T.):
" First Response Teams are selected according to work sequences and premises configuration. They are grouped by geographical area and work sequence, in teams designated on the instruction panels and the safety register".
"The workforce is defined so as to simultaneously meet the following two criteria:
- Their geographical distribution is such that it is possible to assemble a minimum of 2 people at any point in a zone in less than a minute,
- At least one in 10 employees per sector".
"In consultation with the insurer and depending on the risk, the number of employees can be increased, particularly for small businesses.
However, it is advisable to train as many staff members as possible."
CHAP 3.3.5.2. Emergency Response Teams (E.S.I.):
" First Response Teams are chosen according to the nature of the risks, the work sequences and the configuration of the premises. They are grouped into teams and designated on the instructions and safety register.
The basic workforce is made up of 5 team members (two pairs of responders and a controller) and one response team leader per work sequence, in order to be able to implement the minimum rescue resources stipulated in § 3.4. The Response Team Strength appendix details the missions of these team members.
The maximum time between the alarm and their intervention is fifteen minutes, broken down as follows:
- five minutes for the time between the alarm and the E.S.I. equipment, including doubt detection, call and E.S.I. equipment.
- ten minutes to ensure safety and activate response equipment, from the moment the equipped second response team is assembled.
The establishment must be able to justify (notably to its insurer) that these two periods have been respected.
The present rule is not intended to lead to the prescription of I.S.E. intervention under self-contained breathing apparatus for rescue or intervention missions. If this organizational model is adopted by the company, under its responsibility and/or in compliance with a regulatory obligation, Appendix 7 provides important information on the use of such equipment."
CHAP 3.3.5.3. Technical Response Teams (E.I.T.):
Technical Response Teams (E.I.T.) are responsible for shutting down and/or ensuring the safety of energy and fluids (electricity, gas, heating, ventilation, hydraulic networks, machine shutdowns, etc.). If necessary, T.I.E.s must have the necessary authorizations and/or clearances.
They work under the responsibility of the intervention team leader. Unless specifically provided for by the company, these people are not intended to carry out extinguishing operations.
If the site is equipped with a sprinkler system, one person must be appointed to supervise the installation (his duties are described in § 3.3.5.4).
The tasks of the Technical Response Teams are defined within the framework of the company's intervention instructions, and are the subject of one or more special written instructions.
CHAP 3.3.6.6. Refresher training for response team members:
"Refresher training concerns E.P.I., E.S.I., E.I.T. and response team leaders. Refresher training consists in organizing practical training sessions in real-life situations (with exercises on real-fuel fires for E.P.I. and E.S.I.), at least once a year. The educational aim is to develop experience and reduce apprehension about intervention."
