MODULE 7 – EMERGENCY RESPONSE PREPARATION

7.2 – FIRE SAFETY

Security Guards may encounter emergency situations at a worksite. They will

need to accurately identify the risk factors associated with fire threats, bomb
threats, weapon emergencies, suspicious packages, and explosive devices and
learn how to respond appropriately.

Security Guards will often be the first to detect a fire or arrive on the scene of a
fire at the site they are guarding. As the individual who first responds to the
emergency, it is important that a Security Guard understand the chemistry of fire,
what classes or types of fires there are, and basic fire control and extinguishing
methods.

Prevention and detection of fires

Whether on patrol or operating a fixed point, a Security Guard should be

constantly on the lookout for fire hazards.

Watching for the common things that are likely to generate a fire, for example,
electrical equipment that produces heat or sparks when it shouldn’t;
combustibles placed near sources of heat; or routinely scanning for evidence that
a fire has already started, alarms that have been activated or smoke and heat in
places where they shouldn’t be found, will assist the Security Guard in the
performance of his or her duties.

Security personnel should take notice of, and react appropriately to, the presence
of ignition sources, flammables, and combustibles.
Some basic things to watch for:

 Explosives or flammables should not be stored near potential sources of

ignition.
 Corridors, particularly those that are likely to be used in an emergency
evacuation, should always remain free of obstructions or impediments,
and combustible or flammable materials should not be stored there.
 Exit doors, including the floor area on both sides of the exit door, should
be kept clear and accessible at all times.
 Damage or deterioration of fire suppressors should be reported.
 Fire alarm systems should appear to be operative.

As a Security Guard, you are not responsible for storing and looking after
materials and equipment. However, you are responsible for reporting fire and
safety hazards.

Some additional things to look out for include:

1) Poor Housekeeping
2) Poor maintenance
3) Improper use
4) Arson
5) Spontaneous Combustion
6) The chemistry of fire
7) Fuel
8) Oxygen
9) Heat

Poor Housekeeping

a) Flammable materials, such as gasoline, that are not stored in

approved airtight containers.
b) Combustibles, such as cardboard boxes and paper stored too
closely to heat sources, such as furnaces, motors, stoves, space
heaters or boilers.
 c) Oily rags or greasy uniforms that are left near motors.
d) Litter and dust around machinery.
e) Blocked garbage or laundry chutes.
f) Vapours escaping from flammable materials such as alcohol,
gas, acetone, naphtha, ether, paint

Poor Maintenance

 Chimneys and flues that are blocked or poorly constructed.

 Electrical wiring that has worn.
 Wires installed for temporary use which are below standard.
 Fuses or circuit breakers that are not properly maintained.
 Oil stoves, heaters, furnaces, or boilers with defective burners and / or
improper fuel adjustments.
 Damaged electrical equipment.
 Heating ducts and / or pipes that are in contact with combustible
material.

Improper use

Things are used carelessly or not according to the manufacturer’s

guidelines. Look for:
 Smoking materials not properly thrown away.
 Overloaded electrical outlets or power bars.
 Electrical, heating or cooking equipment left on after working hours.
Some examples are coffee makers, hot plates, irons, fans, soldering
guns, holiday lights.
Before turning off any equipment make sure you are allowed to do so.
 Holiday decorations or displays in an unsafe location.
 Sparks from equipment such as welding torches falling on burnable
material.
 Overheated equipment, wiring, electrical outlets, fuse boxes, motors –
this could also be a result of poor maintenance.
 Light bulbs that are too powerful.
 Breakers taped to on position.
 Circuit breakers that are blocked or tied so that they don’t work.
 Overuse of extension cords.

Arson
Arson happens when someone starts a fire on purpose. It is important for Security
Guards to be on the lookout for this. Prevention is the key to dealing with arson.
Think about what you would look for if you wanted to burn the building down,
and then try to make sure these conditions do not exist. Do thorough patrols to
make sure that there are no obvious ways for someone to break into your site
and start a fire. If a fire has started and you suspect arson, take special care that
nothing is touched, so that all evidence is preserved.

Spontaneous Combustion
If a guard discovers the presence of an unplanned fire, he or she should normally
activate any alarm system present (if one is available and operative) and should
either contact the fire department directly or have someone else at the site do it.  
In times of crisis like this, it is imperative to stay alert and to know the premises in
which you are guarding.
The chemistry of the fire

The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines combustion  as:

1. Burning.
2. Chem. the development of light and heat from the chemical
combination of a substance with oxygen.

Oxygen and fuel can exist in the same environment without spontaneous
combustion occurring. 
 

For a fire to exist, fuel, oxygen, and a catalyst – heat – must be present, and
continue to be available. Without the presence of all these essential elements, a
fire cannot start, or once begun, cannot continue to burn. The efforts of fire
suppression devices are oriented at the reduction or elimination of one or more
of these elements.

Fuel
Disregarding what form the fuel is in, it is a necessary element to start a fire. Fuels
that are solids or liquids at normal room temperatures are essentially converted
to a gaseous state, immediately prior to combustion, from the heat released from
a catalyst, the “activation” source described above. For example, at room
temperature a candle is in a solid state. 

The ignition point of a substance is commonly referred to as a flash point.

The Macmillan  Encyclopedia of Chemistry  states:

“The flash point is that temperature at which enough vapour is generated to form
an ignitable mixture with air.”
Oxygen
Regardless of the other elements needed to start a fire, if there is no oxygen then
a fire cannot start, or if already started cannot continue to burn.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers attempt to interrupt the chemical reaction of
fire by introducing this inert gas to the environment preventing atmospheric
oxygen from coming into contact with the fuel.

Dry chemical extinguishers attempt to do the same thing by placing a non-reactive

powder between the fuel and the oxygen effectively smothering the fire.

Heat
The source of ignition of a fire is some source of heat, which acts as a catalyst and
initiates the chemical reaction between oxygen and some secondary substance
(fuel). Heat is the transfer of energy from a substance to the surrounding atoms
causing them to vibrate and to move faster. 
Heat Reduction - slowing down the molecules and atoms below the point of
ignition – is one method of suppressing a fire. 

Categories of Fire
There are four categories of Fire:
1. Class A
- ordinary solid combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, plastic, charcoal, and
so on.
2. Class B
- Flammable liquids and gases, such as gasoline, propane, diesel fuel, tar,
cooking oil, and similar substances.
3. Class C
-  Electrical equipment such as appliances, wiring, breaker panels and so on.
These categories of fires become Class A, B, and D fires when the electrical
equipment that initiated the fire is no longer receiving electricity.
4. Class D
- Combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium. These fires burn
at extremely high temperatures and require special suppression agents.
There are 6 types of Fire Extinguishers:
1) Water
2) Carbon Dioxide
3) Halon Gas
4) Aqueous Film Forming Foam
5) Dry Chemicals
6) Metal Five Suppressors
Deterioration of Fire extinguishers:
A security guard should place close attention to:
 Are the extinguishers available appropriate for the job site? For
example, if the site is used to manufacture magnesium-based roadside
flares, the appropriate metal fire suppressor should be available.
 Is the extinguisher container corroded, cut, or damaged?
 Is the nameplate or instruction guide plate firmly attached?
 Is the hose and/or nozzle damaged, plugged, or broken? The rubber
hose itself is also prone to cracking and dry rot and may break when the
time comes to use the extinguisher.
 Is the pressure head assembly in operating condition? The gauge should
show proper pressure, the safety pin should be in place, and any tamper
seal should not be broken.
 Inspection and test dates should not have expired.

Delivery systems

There are 3 basic hand-operated systems for delivering the suppressant:

1) Hand pump
2) Pressurized storage container
3) Gas Cartridge

When to use a fire extinguisher

Firefighting is normally the responsibility of the local fire department.  However,

individuals may wish to attempt to extinguish or contain small fires where there is
no risk to life, health, or personal safety.

General process of fighting fire is to use the PASS word:

P – PULL safety pin
A – Aim extinguisher at the base of flames
S – Squeeze the trigger
S – Sweep the base of fire from side to side until it appears to be out
Some points to consider:
 Only attempt to use a fire extinguisher that can be reached without
going between the fire and your (potential) escape route.
 Always assume that you will be unable to extinguish a fire. Do what you
can, and if the situation turns dangerous, flee.
 Always make sure that you use the correct fire extinguisher for the type
of fire you are facing.
 Always limit your efforts to smaller, contained fires. The average fire
extinguisher lasts for seconds, not minutes. If the fire cannot be
extinguished within ten seconds or less, it should probably be left for
the fire department.
 Always make sure that your back is to an unobstructed exit that is not in
danger of catching fire before you can escape through it. If there is a
wind, position yourself with your back to it, if possible, so that if the fire
spreads you are not in danger of being cut off from the exit.
 Always make sure that the room is not filled with smoke when you
attempt to extinguish the fire. You do not have the benefit of the
protective equipment firefighters possess to protect them from toxic
smoke. Smoke is also hard to see through and may make it difficult to
locate your escape route.
 Always remember that the content of fire extinguishers is under
pressure. Adjust for the size and location of the fire.

Rank structure of Fire Departments:

7.3 – Medical EMERGENCIES

First Aid

First-Aid is emergency help given to an injured or suddenly ill person using readily
available materials. It can be simple, like removing a sliver from a child’s finger
and putting on a bandage. Or, it can be complicated, like giving care to many
casualties in a motor vehicle collision and handing them over to medical help. But
no matter what the situation, the objectives of First Aid are always the same.
First-Aid tries to:

 Preserve life.
 Prevent the injury or illness from becoming worse.
 Promote recovery
 

Who is a First Aider?

A First Aider is simply someone who takes charge of an emergency scene and
gives First-Aid. 

What can a First Aider do?

A First Aider gives First-Aid, but she can also do much more. In an emergency,
where there is confusion and fear, the actions of a calm and effective First-Aider
reassure everyone and can make the whole experience less traumatic. Besides
giving First Aid, he or she can:

 Protect the casualties’ belongings.

 Keep unnecessary people away.
 Reassure family or friends of the casualty.
 Clean up the emergency scene and work to correct any unsafe
conditions that may have caused the injuries in the first place.
First aid and the law
Fear of being sued is one of the main reasons why people don’t help when help is
most needed. As a First Aider, there are two “legal” situations in which you might
give First Aid. First, you might give First Aid as part of your job, for instance, as a
lifeguard or Security Guard. Second, you might simply be a passerby who sees an
emergency and wish to help the injured or ill person.

Giving first aid at your job

In Canada (except Quebec) and most of the United States, you do not have a legal
duty to help a person in need – if you do not help an injured person, you are not
at fault. But our governments want to encourage people to help others, so they
recognize the Good Samaritan principles. These principles protect you if you
choose to help someone in need.

Principles of a Good Samaritan:

 You identify yourself as a First Aider and get permission to help the
injured or ill person before you touch them. This is called consent.
 You use reasonable skill and care in accordance with the level of
knowledge and skill that you have.
 You are not negligent in what you do.
 You do not abandon the person.

Safety and First Aid

The number one rule in giving First Aid is to “give First-Aid safely.”  Emergency
scenes can be dangerous, and you have to make sure your actions don’t put you
or anyone else in danger. Take the time to look for hazards and assess the risks of
any actions you take. You don’t want to become a casualty as well.

There are three basic risks to be aware of:

 The energy source that caused the original injury – is the energy still
active and could anyone be injured by it? For example, where a machine
caused the injury, is the machine still running?
 The hazards from secondary or external factors – are other conditions
present that could be a hazard? For example, at the scene of a car crash,
 could there be an explosion or perhaps injuries caused by passing
vehicles?
 The hazards of the rescue or First-Aid procedures – is there risk of
someone being injured by the rescue and First-Aid actions? For
example, if the casualty is much larger than you are, and you move the
person, can you do so without injuring yourself?

Child abuse
When giving first aid to a child be alert for any sign of child abuse. Child abuse is
any form of physical harm, emotional deprivation, neglect or sexual
maltreatment, which can result in injury or psychological damage to a child. To
detect possible child abuse, look for signs such as:

 Injuries inconsistent with what a child could do.

 Unusually shaped bruises or burns.
 The child’s apparent fear of the parent or caregiver.

If you suspect child abuse, do not accuse anyone. Insist that the child receive
medical help for the injuries; this will permit a full medical assessment. If you
don’t think the child will be taken to a doctor, call an ambulance and the police to
the scene; this will ensure a doctor sees a child.

Medical Help

In first aid medical care is called medical help.

In dealing with safety, a Security Guard may be called upon to play a major role.
The Security Guard must know:

 Why an accident has happened.

 What injuries have resulted from the accident
 How similar accidents and injuries can be prevented.
In order for a Security Guard to develop safety-oriented skills for prevention of
accidents, he/she will need to:

 Make a personal commitment to safety.

 Follow safety rules as outlined in the Site Orders.
 Adopt safety practices.
 Use protective clothing and equipment.
 Learn the safe operation of machinery and equipment
 Recognize and heed the symbols on hazardous products; and
 Take precautions recommended on the label of hazardous products.

7.4 – BOMB THREATS

Bomb threats are uncommon and most of them are pranks.

What kind of person makes a bomb threat?

Different kinds of people make bomb threats, certain examples include:

1) Co-worker/family member
2) Unhappy customer
3) Angry employee
4) Protestor
5) Prankster

Why do people make bomb threats?

The main reason behind most threats is that making the call gives the person a
sense of power.

An explosive device is: “Anything that is used, intended to use, or the guard
believes is being used as part of a threat or actual attempt to cause an explosion”.
Quick thinking and good judgment applied to the situation at hand could prevent
a major disaster. The protection of life rather than the protection of mere
property should be given foremost consideration.
NEVER IGNORE A THREAT!!!

Bomb threats by phone

When a bomb threat is made by phone, there are 7 key points that a security
guard must abide by:

1) Remain Calm

2) Get a second person involved

3) Listen carefully

4) Take Notes

5) Ask questions

6) Call the Police

7) Follow up with company protocol

Written bomb threats

Threats may also be sent through the mail system. Where a written threat has
been made, save all materials including any envelopes, folders or containers that
the message came in. Place these objects in a fresh plastic bag and handle the
items no more than absolutely necessary.

Every effort should be made to retain evidence such as fingerprints, explosive

residue, handwriting, typing, and postal marks. These items will be essential to
the police in order to trace and evaluate the threat.
What if the authorities decide to evacuate the site immediately?

It is your responsibility to:

- control entry into the building.

- search public areas including entrances, stairways, elevators, washrooms,
hallways, loading docks, parkades, and assembly areas outside the building.
- keep exits and evacuation routes clear.
- keep people moving quickly and calmly.
- make sure no one is left behind
- assist in a re-entry search before people are allowed back inside.
- communicate closely with the people in charge.

What if the authorities decide to do a search before evacuation?

The person named in the emergency plan should head the search. They will tell employees
about the threat and have them search their own work areas.

You may assist with this job, but your main responsibility is to make sure all public areas are
clear. Do the following:

 Search the outside of the building and evacuation areas;

 Try to have only searched areas between you and the exit. Start on the main floor
and work your way up to the higher floors or down to the lower floors.
 Try not to have an unsearched area between you and the exit;
 Search public areas of the building first as they are the easiest areas for a bomber to
have access to;
 If you must search a room, listen for any unusual sounds such as clicking, buzzing,
ticking or beeping. Your hearing is stronger if you close your eyes;
 Look for objects that are out of place, that don’t belong where they are. This may
include such things as a stack of boxes that is much higher than usual;
 Scan with your eyes: first from floor to waist level, then waist to head level, and
finally from head level to ceiling;
 Pay attention to any place where a device may be hidden, such as rugs, furniture,
drapes, pictures, false ceilings and lighting fixtures, heating and air conditioning
vents;
 Do not disturb anything that could cause an explosive device to blow up;
 Use a note, tape or chalk to show that the area has been searched;
 Communicate closely with those in charge.
What if I see a suspicious object?

In the event that a suspicious item has been found by anyone, there are 7 things
that guard has to do:

1) Do not touch it

2) Do not change the environment

3) Do not use your radio or telephone

4) Clear and secure the area

5) Report

6) Remain on alert

7) Do not make statements to the media

What does a bomb look like?

Bombs come in various sizes and shapes. They range from High tech, to simple
homemade devices.

Letter and package bombs

Some bombs may arrive through the mail. BE AWARE of these warning rules:

1) Balance and feel

2) Writing

3) Place of origin

4) Special instructions

5) Name of receiver

6) Smell

7) Protruding objects

8) Packaging

9) Sound

Decisions

Probably the most serious of all decisions facing management after receipt of a
bomb threat is whether to evacuate the premises. 

There are 3 alternatives upon receipt of a bomb threat:

1) Do nothing
2) Evacuate Immediately
3) Search, then evacuate if required
Conducting a search of the premises
There are 5 main aspects to consider when conducting a search of the premises:
1) Maintain Responsibility
2) Make sure there is Coordination of the search
3) Know who should conduct a search
4) Know the tactics in conducting a search
5) Spot any suspicious items

7.5 – ALARM SYSTEMS

An alarm monitoring system is a series of devices which serves to warn occupants
and other individuals that an event outside of the “norm” is taking place.  Alarm
systems are physically attached within buildings and can monitor for events such
as fire or entry by an intruder.

Types of Alarm Systems:

1) Fire
2) Intruders
3)Temperature
4) Humidity
5) Toxic Substances
6) Water pressure, water leaks
7) Pressure
8) Equipment operation

you will need to monitor for alarms on a regular basis and contact the appropriate
person(s) at the first indication of a problem.

How alarms work

An Alarm system is made up of 3 primary components
1) Sensor – senses changes in environment
2) Transmitter – sends the message from the sensor to the control panel.
3) Control Panel – receives the information sent by the transmitter and initiates a
response sequence.
Types of sensors:

As a security guard the types of sensors you need to familiarize with are:
1) Photo sensors
2) Ultrasonic sensors
3) Magnetic Sensors
4) Shock sensors
5) Fire alarms
6) Gauges
7) Mechanical

Transmitters:
The main purpose of a transmitter is to relay the information being provided by a
sensor to the control panel.

Control Panels
With respect to an alarm system, a control panel is not necessarily a physical
object on which information about the alarm is displayed. 
Alarm Response
If alarms are in place at your work site, make it your business to find out which alarms you are
responsible and the required response for each. You will need to know the location of alarms,
the subject of each alarm (e.g., what does it monitor?) and the location of control panels. If you
are responsible for monitoring building systems, you should confirm the acceptable thresholds
(levels) and record them in your notebook for reference.
When an alarm is triggered
 Respond to ALL alarms; often it is the case where a false alarm is triggered. It is your
responsibility to check all alarm indicators, but always start with the assumption the
alarm is genuine
 Contact your supervisor to advise you are leaving your post and to advise about the
alarm
 Determine the source of the alarm and the appropriate response:
o False alarm – follow the protocol provided in your post orders; report
back to your supervisor
o Emergency – follow the protocols provided in your post orders
 Manage the scene and persons at the scene in a manner appropriate to the situation
o Fires and other emergencies – facilitate orderly evacuation of persons
o Robbery or child abduction – seal off exit doors
o Building systems failure – remain calm, advise persons to remain patient
while the issue is resolved
7.6 – EVACUATION

On occasion, partial or total evacuation of a site may be required. Evacuation

from a site may be necessary as the result of fire, explosion, chemical leak,
structural fault, or equipment failure.

There are 2 main categories of evacuations:

The first type takes place where the site is (primarily) a “closed” site. Although
special tours and similar events take place at these sites from time to time, for the
most part the Security Guard will not be dealing with individuals that have not
been exposed to evacuation training or some evacuation plan.

Examples of a closed site: Office tower

The second category of evacuation site is the kind where many people gather to
attend a specific event, such as a concert, public gathering, trade show or similar
activity. This category involves occupants who are not regularly on the premises
and may not know where exits and evacuation routes are located.

Regardless of the category of the site, all security personnel should be aware of
the emergency evacuation procedures at the location where they are working.
Security should also make themselves familiar with the location of all fire exits,
fire alarm activation devices, fire extinguishers, emergency equipment, and
assembly areas available at the site.

General Recommendations
There are a few general recommendations while evacuating the premises
1) Remain Calm
- Others will be looking for leadership and assistance in a time of crisis. Effectively
leading others requires a calm and confident demeanor.

2) If an emergency alarm sounds

3) Call 911
- If the security company or site owner/operator has specified protocols for
emergency response, such as telephoning the building manager, a supervisor or
similar individual, this plan should be followed as well:

 Shut down all hazardous operations.

 Assist disabled persons to evacuate.
 Close all doors and windows to the room where the fire or hazard
originated.
 Leave the building through the nearest, safest exit.
 In making this determination, review the placement of hazardous and or
flammable materials, restrictions to passage, and blocked or non-
functioning exit routes.
 Do not use the elevator. Use the stairwell.
 Unless there are people following behind, do not leave any doors open
behind you as you evacuate. Unlock and close all doors if possible.
 Feel the surface of a closed door before you open it. Never open any
doors that feel hot to the touch, instead, select an alternative exit.
 Never attempt to travel through smoke-filled rooms or hazardous areas
unless there is no alternative route available.
 After evacuation, have everyone move away from the building or site to
a safe location.
 Have employees go to pre-selected assembly areas for head counts and
other tests to ensure that everyone has evacuated the premises safely.
Advise police and fire officials of anyone that has not left the premises.
 Do not allow evacuees or bystanders to block fire lanes, exits, walkways,
streets, or doorways. They should remain in the assembly area until
advised by police, fire, or security otherwise.
Evacuation for persons with disabilities

People with: Hearing impairments, Visual Impairments, or Mobility impairments,

will face lots of trouble evacuating the site.

1) Mobility impairments
- Persons with less than complete mobility may be able to negotiate stairs and
other hazardous areas by themselves or with the assistance of others.

2) Hearing Impairments
- Some sites will be equipped with both flashing strobe lights and alarm sirens.
The strobe lights will advise hearing impaired persons of the existence of the
danger the alarm signals.

3) Visual Impairments
- The sound of the emergency alarm should alert persons with visual impairments
of the need to evacuate the premises.

Evacuation Considerations:
There are 3 things to consider when evacuating:
1) Horizontal Evacuation
2) Vertical Evacuation
3) Stay in a place of refuge.

7.7 – DUTY OF CARE

Security Guards need to be familiar with the concept of duty of care (what a
reasonable person should do in a particular situation) and be capable of securing
and protecting a crime scene until the appropriate personnel arrive. It is not
necessary for examination that you can recall the legal details, just the main
ideas.
Duty of care
In English tort law, an individual may be owed a duty of care by another, to ensure that they do
not suffer any unreasonable harm or loss. If such a duty is found to be breached, a legal liability
is imposed upon the duty-ower, to compensate the victim for any losses they incur.

Generally, a duty of care arises where one individual or group undertakes an

activity which could reasonably harm another, either physically, mentally, or
economically.

The first element of negligence is the legal duty of care. This concerns the
relationship between the defendant and the plaintiff, which must be such that
there is an obligation upon the defendant to take proper care to avoid causing
injury to the plaintiff in all the circumstances of the case. There are two ways in
which a duty of care may be established:

♦ the defendant and claimant are within one of the ‘special relationship’; or

♦ outside of these relationships, according to the principles developed by case

law.

There are a number of situations in which the courts recognize the existence of a
duty of care. These usually arise as a result of some sort of special relationship
between the parties. Examples include

♦ one road-user to another

♦ employer to employee

♦ manufacturer to consumer

♦ doctor to patient

♦ solicitor to client
Status of claimant
The status of the claimant in an act of negligence can result in a duty of care
arising where it would not normally – as is the case with rescuers – or prevent a
duty of care existing altogether.