Situations requiring evacuation may include fire, release of hazardous materials, bomb threats, and disruption of utility services (hydro, water, natural gas).

In the case of fire, the fire alarms will sound. In other situations requiring evacuation, Evacuation Wardens will be deployed to alert the College community.

If evacuation is necessary:

• Shut down equipment and secure hazardous material.
• Quickly and calmly proceed to nearest exit – in case of fire, check doors for heat before opening.
• Follow instructions from Evacuation Wardens.
• Do not use elevators.
• Walk – don’t rush or crowd. Use handrails in stairways.
• Move away from the building – watch for falling glass or other hazards.
• Do not re-enter the building until one of the following have occurred:
• Alarm bells have been silenced and the all clear has been given by Emergency Personnel.
• Evacuation Wardens have advised that it is safe to do so.

Evacuating disabled persons and others requiring special assistance

Some individuals may require assistance during an evacuation; for example, those with mobility, hearing, or vision impairments.

Where special evacuation assistance is required:

• Assist or direct individuals requiring special evacuation assistance to the nearest designated (blue) evacuation point located adjacent to an emergency telephone.
• Call 7911 and advise a member of the Security staff or the Evacuation Wardens of the exact location of the individuals who require special assistance to vacate the building.

In some emergency situations, such as ones involving firearms, evacuation may not be a safe response alternative. In these cases, sheltering in place or “lockdown” may be the preferred option for preserving life. The Evacuation Wardens or Security personnel may advise you to “lockdown” and to take shelter.

If lockdown becomes necessary:

• If you are in a classroom, office, or other enclosed space remain there.
• If you are in a corridor, quickly get to a classroom or office that is not already secured.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Wait for an all-clear signal from police/emergency personnel.
• Follow instructions of police/emergency personnel only.
• Stay low and quiet.
• Close blinds and doors. Lock doors, if possible.
• Open the door once It has been secured until you are officially advised to do so by the police/emergency personnel.

Do not:

• Travel down long corridors.
• Assemble in large open areas (e.g. cafeteria).
• Call 7911 for information.

If you are outside:

• The outdoor siren will sound, alerting the building is in lockdown; do not enter the building
• Survey your surroundings for danger
• Seek a safe place to take cover

Following lockdown:

• Cooperate with police/emergency personnel
• Evacuate quickly and calmly or proceed to a designated assembly area if advised to do so by police/emergency personnel.

Bomb threats can be received by telephone, in writing, via a recording device, or through email. While persons who want to create an atmosphere of general anxiety and panic make most bomb threats, all such threats must be taken seriously and handled as though an explosive is in the building. If you receive a bomb threat, contact the Cambrian College Switchboard at extension 0 or Security at extension 7911.

Telephone call: bomb threat

If you receive a bomb threat by telephone:

• Stay calm. Do not upset the caller. Permit the caller to say as much as possible.
• Try to determine:
• The exact location of the bomb.
• When the bomb is set to explode.
• What kind of bomb it is.
• What the bomb looks like.
• Take notes. Record as much as possible
  • Exact wording of the bomb threat
  • Background noises/observations
  • Sex of caller
  • Accent
  • Age
  • Date of call
  • Time of call
  • Number at which call was received
• Contact Security. Immediately contact Security at extension 7911. If possible, get a co-worker to do this while you continue talking to the caller. (The purpose of keeping the person talking is to assist in identifying the caller. Tracing is not always possible.)
• Keep the threat confidential.

Letter or card: bomb threat

If you receive a bomb threat through written communication:

• If a suspicious package or object is found, DO NOT TOUCH IT.
• Evacuate the area.
• Call Security at extension 7911 and report what you have seen.

If you discover a fire:

• Vacate fire area.
• Alert and move others away from the fire area as you vacate and close doors behind you.
• Activate nearest wall-mounted fire alarm.
• Vacate the building by the most direct route.
• Do not use the elevator.
• Take up a position at least 30 feet from any entrance.
• Do not re-enter the building until one of the following have occurred:
• Alarm bells have been silenced and the all-clear horns have sounded.
• Evacuation Wardens have advised that it is safe to do so.

When you hear the fire alarm:

• Quickly and calmly vacate the building by the most direct route.
• Alert and move others away from the fire area as you vacate and close doors behind you.
• Do not use the elevator.
• Take up a position at least 30 feet from any entrance.
• Do not re-enter the building until one of the following have occurred:
• Alarm bells have been silenced and the all-clear horns have sounded.
• Evacuation Wardens have advised that it is safe to do so.

If you are trapped in a room by fire:

• Block smoke from entering the room by placing a damp cloth/material around/under door.
• Retreat, closing as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
• Signal your location – phone 7911 and give the Security department your exact location. If this is not possible, be prepared to signal from a window. Do not open the window or break glass unless absolutely necessary – outside smoke may be drawn in.

If you are caught in smoke:

• Drop to your knees and crawl
• Breathe shallowly through your nose, holding your breath as long as possible. Use a damp cloth over your mouth and nose to filter out smoke.
• Stay calm.

If clothing catches on fire:

• Yours:
  • STOP where you are
  • DROP to the floor
  • ROLL around on the floor
• Someone else’s:
  • Grab a blanket, rug, or coat and wrap them in it to smother the flames.

Fire Extinguishers

Use a fire extinguisher only if you can do so safely. Leave a serious fire to the firefighters.

Fire extinguishers are specific to certain types of fires. Using the wrong extinguisher can cause a fire to spread. The extinguisher class is located on the label on the side of the canister.

Class	Type of Fire
A	Ordinary Combustibles
B	Flammable Liquids
C	Electrically charged Equipment
D	Combustible Metals

How to use a fire extinguisher

PASS:

• P PULL safety pin from handle
• A AIM at base of flame
• S SQUEEZE the trigger handle
• S SWEEP from side to side

Know in advance exactly how many doors you will have to pass along your evacuation route before you reach the nearest exit. In heavy smoke you can crawl or crouch low with your head 30 inches – 36 inches from the floor (watching the base of the wall) and count out the number of doors you pass – you will then know when you have reached the exit door (even if you can’t see that it is the exit).

In the event of an injury where an ambulance must be contacted, immediately contact Security at extension 7911 and advise of the circumstances, location, and the need for immediate assistance.</

In the event of an injury to a student, employee, contractor, or visitor:

• Stay calm.
• Safeguard the scene.
• Get help. Send a bystander or, if alone, go to the nearest telephone and call Security at extension 7911.
• Give first aid/care to the injured to the best of your ability.
• Never place yourself in danger.
• Do not move the victim except in life-threatening situations.
• Do not leave the victim unattended – if you must leave to call for help, place the person in the recovery position.
• Universal precautions (e.g., wearing latex or other waterproof gloves) should be followed whenever contact with blood or body fluids is likely to occur. Latex gloves and artificial respiration mask should be kept in your local first aid kit.
• Provide any required assistance as may be requested by attending Security/first aid attendant.

Report all injuries to your supervisor, to the Health and Wellness Clinic, or to Security personnel and complete the appropriate documentation.

Critical Injury

The Occupational Health and Safety Act defines “critical injury” as an injury of a serious nature that:

• Places life in jeopardy.
• Produces unconsciousness.
• Results in substantial loss of blood.
• Involves a fracture of a leg or arm.
• Involves the amputation of a leg, arm, hand, or foot.
• Consists of burns to a major portion of the body.
• Causes the loss of sight to an eye(s).

In the event of a critical injury:

• Contact Security at the Emergency Response line (7911). If possible, get a co-worker to do this while you tend to the injured person.
• Do not move the injured person unless it is essential for his/her safety.
• Try to make the injured person comfortable.
• Provide first aid if you are trained to do so.
• With the resources available to you, secure the scene of the accident.
• Direct witnesses to remain nearby and to provide witness statements to Security.

Choking

If someone is choking:

• Contact Security at extension 7911. If possible, get a co-worker to do this while you assist the victim.

Assisting someone who is choking

• Ask, “Can you speak?”
  • If victim can speak or cry out, the airway is probably open enough to force out the obstructing object.
• If victim can speak or cough:
  • Reassure and encourage coughing.
  • Do not hit on the back.
• If victim cannot speak or cough, but is still conscious:
  • From behind, wrap your arms around victim’s waist.
  • Make a fist with one hand and grasp it with your other hand; place hands just above victim’s navel, avoiding lower tip of the breastbone.
  • Give one quick upwards thrust.
  • Repeat upwards thrusts until airway is clear or victim becomes unconscious.
• If victim becomes unconscious:
  • If you are qualified to do so, apply the ABC’s of Resuscitation.
• For infants and small children:
  1. Place head lower than trunk and give four back blows.
  2. Supporting the head, turn the infant face up. Place two or three fingers on the breastbone between the nipples. Give four chest thrusts.
  3. Check mouth for obstruction and remove, if visible.
  4. Attempt to ventilate.
  5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 until successful.

Seizure

Seizures may result from a variety of causes, including:

• Epilepsy, diabetes, hypoglycemia, or stroke.
• Drug overdose or drug combination interactions.
• Alcohol intoxication or withdrawal.
• Smoke inhalation or inhalation of poisonous gases.
• Head injury, low oxygen levels, or heart out of rhythm.
• Excess heat, high fevers, or brain infection (e.g. meningitis).

In the case of a seizure:

• Contact Security at extension 7911. If possible, get a co-worker to do this while you assist the victim.
• Do not attempt to stop the seizure – you can’t. A seizure may last from 20 seconds to two minutes.
• Remove hazards in the vicinity – clear objects out of the way so that the victim does not injure himself/herself.
• Do not put anything in the victim’s mouth.
• When the seizure is over, turn the victim on his/her side, provide a pillow for his/her head, and allow him/her to rest.

Heart attack

The warning signals of a heart attack may include:

• A feeling of heavy pressure or squeezing pain in chest, arms, or jaw.
• Shortness of breath, pale skin, sweating, and weakness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal discomfort, with indigestion and belching.
• Apprehension or fright.
• Denial of impending heart attack.

When you suspect a heart attack:

• Contact Security at extension 7911. If possible, get a co-worker to do this while you assist the victim.
• Help victim to rest by having him/her sit or lay in a comfortable position.
• Reassure victim.
• Assist victim to take the dose of medication prescribed for the condition (if applicable).
• Loosen collars, belts, and other tight clothing.
• Keep victim quiet, but avoid physical restraint.

Unconsciousness

If someone appears to be in an unconscious state:

• Contact Security at extension 7911.
• If possible, get a co-worker to do this while you assist the victim.

Check for unconsciousness:

• Shout at victim.
• Tap or gently shake shoulders.
• Contact Security at extension 7911. If possible, get a co-worker to do this while you assist the individual.

If no response, check for breathing:

• Look for chest movement.
• Listen for breathing.
• Feel for breath on your cheek.

If victim is unconscious but breathing:

• If you have proper training, apply first aid procedures.
• If you do not have first-aid training, wait for Security personnel to arrive.

If victim is not breathing:

• If you are qualified to do so, apply the ABC’s of Resuscitation.

If breathing is easy and injuries are suspected:

• Do not move victim. Wait for the ambulance.

Cambrian College, like most other postsecondary institutions, is a gathering place for a diverse group of people on varied schedules. Although Cambrian has a low incident rate, it is not immune to violent events. As individuals, we must become aware of and be responsible for our own actions regarding personal safety.

Acts of violence can happen in public and in private places. Violent actions, particularly those against women, happen more frequently than we like to admit. A safe campus is our collective responsibility. Each one of us can take precautions to reduce the likelihood of personal harm or violence. Each one of us can be an active participant in maintaining and improving safety on campus.

Personal safety in the workplace

• Know the location of the nearest phone, alarm, and exits.
• Have emergency numbers posted by the phone.

Work Alone Program

• When possible, do not work alone.
• If you must work alone and have concerns about your personal safety, call Campus Security at extension 7298. Inform them of your location and hours, and they will periodically do a location check.

Safety Escorts – Security and Campus Watch

• Security escorts are available on Campus through Security at extension 7298 or Campus Watch at extension 7230. Escorts will wait with you at the bus stop, or walk with you to your car, to the perimeter of the campus, or to your on-campus residence.

Safety on the Go

• Walk with someone known to you whenever possible.
• Stay in busy, well-lit areas. Do not take shortcuts through low-traffic areas such as alleys or parks.
• If you suspect you are being followed, be suspicious. Keep checking behind you so the person knows you cannot be surprised. Change directions, cross the street, and/or go to a busy, well-lit area. Report the incident to the Police immediately.
• Be alert as you return to your vehicle. Check your backseat before getting into your vehicle. Lock your door and keep your windows rolled up.
• Park your vehicle or bicycle in a busy, well-lit area. If this is not possible, or if you are returning to your vehicle late at night, call Security or have someone accompany you.
• Use caution when stopping to give strangers information or directions, especially at night.

If you feel threatened:

• Trust your feelings.
• Put distance between yourself and the other person.
• Use assertive verbal language and strong body language.
• Get the attention of others – YELL!
• Use emergency phones located in the parking lots.

If you witness a crime:

• Call campus Security at extension 7911.
• Do not place yourself in danger by attempting to apprehend or interfere with a suspect.
• Get a good description of the suspect. Note physical characteristics, clothing, direction, and mode of travel.
• Note the license plate number as well as the make and colour of any vehicle that may be involved.

Explosion or fire

• Vacate immediate area.
• Alert and move others away from the area as you vacate and close doors behind you.
• Activate nearest wall-mounted fire alarm.
• If you have the knowledge to do so, control fire with the appropriate extinguisher, but do not place yourself or others in danger.
• Vacate the building by the most direct route.
• Do not use the elevator.
• Do not attempt to rescue injured persons if doing so places you in danger.
• Wait for emergency personnel at least 30 feet from any entrance. Provide information on hazardous materials involved (e.g., MSDS) to emergency personnel.
• Do not re-enter the building until one of the following have occurred:
• Alarm bells have been silenced and the all-clear horns have sounded.
• Evacuation Wardens have advised that it is safe to do so.

Chemical, biohazard, or radiation spills

Any uncontrolled release of hazardous materials is considered a spill and the following procedures must be followed:

• Shut down equipment.
• Evacuate immediate area.
• Call campus Security at extension 7911 and follow “7911 Procedures.”
• Provide the following information about the spilled material to the Security operator.
• Location/Room number
• Injuries
• Chemical Name
• Quantity
• Hazards

• Do not hang up until the Security operator releases you.
• Wait for emergency personnel at least 30 feet from any entrance.
• Provide information on hazardous materials involved (e.g., MSDS) to emergency personnel.
• Inform your supervisor or department head.

Gas leak

Do not pull fire alarm – this could cause an explosion.

At location of a gas leak:

• Shut down equipment.
• Call Security at extension 7911 from a phone in an adjacent area.
• Vacate building, closing doors as you leave.

Upon notification of a gas leak, Security personnel will activate evacuation procedures.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

• Must be readily available at the worksite.
• Always refer to MSDS prior to handling any hazardous material.
• Hazardous products must be properly labelled. 

Utility disruption (power outage, etc.)

• Call 7911 immediately if there is a potential danger to occupants.
• Notify Facilities Management of the situation (during regular operating hours).
• After hours notify Security at 7911
• Move cautiously out of harm into safe area
• Wait for further instruction from supervisor/administration.

Get Out: If safe to do so, escape the area and evacuate the area. If you hear sounds of gunshots, don’t wait: get out.

Hide: If the location of the gunshots is unclear, or it is too late to escape safely, hide. Get behind a lockable door if possible, barricade the door. Use any object you can to prevent someone from entering.

Fight: This is your last resort. Only confront an active shooter if you are trapped in a space with no escape. Find an object you can use to strike the shooter with; trip them with a chair; be as aggressive as you can; do anything you can to survive. You will need to decide if you can do this. Remember, it is your decision.

• Do not confront, stop, or apprehend the person.
• Note the person’s description, suspicious activity, and direction of travel.
• Call 7911 and provide details to Security staff.

• Call Security at 7911 if there is a potential danger to occupants.
• During business hours notify Facilities Management at 7384.
• After business hours notify Security at 7911.
• Move cautiously to lighted area.
• Turn off and unplug computers and other voltage-sensitive equipment.
• Wait for further instruction from supervisor or College Administration.