Standard Operating Procedure for Earthquake Response Plans in Manufacturing Facilities

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a systematic plan to ensure the safety of personnel, minimize damage to equipment and property, and facilitate efficient recovery in the event of an earthquake.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors at the manufacturing facility and covers pre-earthquake preparedness, response actions during the earthquake, and post-earthquake recovery processes.

3) Responsibilities

• Emergency Response Team (ERT): Coordinate response activities, ensure personnel safety, and manage recovery efforts.
• Supervisors: Ensure employees are trained on earthquake procedures and assist in executing evacuation plans.
• Facility Manager: Maintain earthquake-resistant infrastructure and emergency supplies.
• Safety Officers: Oversee compliance with safety protocols and review incident reports.

4) Procedure

4.1 Earthquake Preparedness

1. Structural Safety:
   • Ensure the facility is compliant with seismic safety standards.
   • Conduct regular inspections of the building structure to identify vulnerabilities.

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2. Securing Equipment:
   • Anchor heavy equipment, shelves, and storage units to prevent tipping or falling.
   • Ensure hazardous materials are stored securely in earthquake-resistant containment systems.
3. Emergency Supplies:
   • Stock emergency kits containing first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, portable radios, and drinking water.
   • Maintain a list of critical contact numbers for emergency services and utilities.
4. Employee Training:
   • Conduct regular training sessions on earthquake safety procedures, including drop-cover-hold techniques and evacuation routes.
5. Emergency Drills:
   • Organize earthquake response drills twice a year to familiarize employees with procedures and identify gaps in preparedness.

4.2 Response During an Earthquake

1. Stay Calm:
   • Encourage all personnel to remain calm and follow safety protocols.

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2. Drop, Cover, and Hold:
   • Instruct personnel to drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops.
   • If cover is unavailable, move to an interior wall away from windows, heavy objects, or overhead hazards.
3. Avoid Hazardous Areas:
   • Stay away from chemicals, machinery, and flammable materials during the earthquake.
4. Evacuate Only If Safe:
   • Evacuate the building only if the shaking has stopped and it is safe to do so.

4.3 Immediate Actions After an Earthquake

1. Assess Personnel Safety:
   • Conduct headcounts at designated assembly points to ensure all personnel are accounted for.
   • Provide first aid to injured personnel and call for medical assistance if needed.

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2. Inspect for Hazards:
   • Inspect the facility for fire hazards, gas leaks, chemical spills, and structural damage.
   • Shut off utilities, such as gas, electricity, and water, if damage is detected.
3. Secure the Facility:
   • Restrict access to damaged areas to prevent injuries.
   • Deploy barricades or signage to warn personnel of unsafe zones.

4.4 Recovery and Incident Management

1. Damage Assessment:
   • Conduct a thorough inspection of the facility to assess structural integrity and equipment condition.
   • Document findings in the Earthquake Damage Report (Annexure 1).

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2. Repair and Restoration:
   • Coordinate with maintenance teams and contractors to repair damaged infrastructure and restore operations.
3. Incident Reporting:
   • Prepare an incident report detailing the earthquake’s impact, response actions, and recovery efforts.
   • Submit the report to regulatory authorities, if required.
4. Review and Update Protocols:
   • Review the response and recovery process to identify gaps and update this SOP accordingly.

5) Abbreviations, if any

• ERT: Emergency Response Team
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

6) Documents, if any

• Flood Risk Assessment Log
• Earthquake Damage Report
• Emergency Drill Log

7) Reference, if any

• OSHA Emergency Preparedness Guidelines
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Earthquake Guidelines
• ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Earthquake Damage Report

 
 
 
Date
 
Location
 
Damage Description
 
Action Taken
 
Reported By
 
 
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Manufacturing Unit A
 
Cracks in walls and ceiling
 
Evacuated area, initiated repairs
 
Jane Doe
 
 
 

Template 2: Emergency Drill Log

 
 
 
Date
 
Drill Type
 
Duration
 
Observations
 
Corrective Actions
 
 
 
DD/MM/YYYY
 
Earthquake Drill
 
20 Minutes
 
Slow evacuation from Zone B
 
Updated evacuation maps