01
DO THIS NOW
Immediate actions
- 1
Stop work and avoid contact or inhalation.
- 2
Warn others, raise the alarm and notify facilities/security.
- 3
Move away, preferably upwind or crosswind for an external release.
- 4
Call Triple Zero (000) for a significant release, unknown gas, fire or exposure.
- 5
Close access to the area without entering the release.
- 6
Follow warden instructions; use SDS, spill kits or isolation only if trained and authorised.
02
RECOGNISE
Signs and triggers
- Spill, vapour, gas odour, hissing sound or detector alarm
- Unknown substance, damaged container or visible residue
- Eye, skin or breathing irritation, dizziness or collapse
- Release entering drains, HVAC intakes or occupied areas
!
DO NOT
Actions that increase the risk
- Do not touch, inhale, clean or walk through the release.
- Do not enter to identify an unknown substance.
- Do not operate gas/electrical isolation unless trained and safe.
- Do not use a lift through or into an affected area.
- Do not re-enter until trained responders declare it safe.
03
SUPPORTING RESPONSE
Role-based actions
Person discovering the release
- Withdraw, warn others and state the exact room/area.
- If exposed, move to fresh air or emergency decontamination as directed by the SDS/000 without re-entering danger.
Wardens / facilities
- Isolate access and manage evacuation or shelter under the building plan.
- Locate the SDS and building/HVAC information for emergency services.
Trained response
- Use substance-specific PPE, detection, isolation and containment.
- Prevent environmental spread and manage contaminated waste.
04
EMERGENCY-SERVICES HANDOVER
Information to provide
- Exact floor, room and safe approach
- Known substance, container/system and current SDS
- Observed gas, vapour, odour, reaction or fire
- People exposed, symptoms and first aid/decontamination
- HVAC, drains, ignition and adjacent occupancy risks
- Isolation or evacuation actions already taken
05
WHEN THE IMMEDIATE DANGER HAS PASSED
Recovery and reporting
- Keep the area isolated until atmospheric testing and decontamination are complete.
- Arrange medical review for exposure as directed.
- Retain residues and cleanup materials as controlled waste.
- Complete environmental and workplace reporting.
- Review SDS access, detectors, spill controls and response training.
Approved reference sources
This draft must be checked against the site emergency plan, OEM procedures, SDS, local law and emergency-service direction.
Safe Work Australia — Emergency plans and procedures↗Safe Work Australia — Safety data sheets↗Fire and Rescue NSW — Hazardous materials at work↗