01
DO THIS NOW
Immediate actions
- 1
Stop hazardous tasks and remain in a safe, illuminated area.
- 2
Report the affected systems and location to facilities/security.
- 3
Use emergency lighting and follow warden instructions.
- 4
Do not use lifts when power or lift systems are affected.
- 5
Call Triple Zero (000) for trapped, injured or immediately endangered people.
- 6
Shelter or evacuate as directed and report people needing assistance.
02
RECOGNISE
Signs and triggers
- Loss of normal power, lighting, HVAC, water or communications
- Lift, access-control, fire-system or security-system fault
- Water leak, dark stair/room, unusual equipment noise or smell
- Trapped occupant or inability to safely exit/access essential areas
!
DO NOT
Actions that increase the risk
- Do not enter electrical, mechanical or lift plant rooms.
- Do not reset breakers, alarms or building systems unless authorised.
- Do not use candles or improvised flames.
- Do not force lift doors or attempt an untrained rescue.
- Do not resume affected work until systems and the area are released.
03
SUPPORTING RESPONSE
Role-based actions
Occupants
- Stop tasks safely, remain calm and use nominated routes/areas.
- Report hazards and assistance needs without entering dark or restricted spaces.
Wardens / security
- Assess whether safe occupation can continue and direct shelter or evacuation.
- Protect stairways, access points and people with assistance needs.
Facilities / authorised technicians
- Identify affected systems and apply approved isolation/restoration procedures.
- Keep wardens informed; do not return systems until faults and secondary hazards are assessed.
04
EMERGENCY-SERVICES HANDOVER
Information to provide
- Building, floor and affected area
- Systems lost and the time failure began
- Trapped, injured or assistance-dependent occupants
- Smoke, odour, water, electrical or access hazards
- Emergency lighting, alarms and communications status
- Actions taken and authorised technical contacts
05
WHEN THE IMMEDIATE DANGER HAS PASSED
Recovery and reporting
- Confirm fire, life-safety, electrical, lift and access systems are functional before normal occupation.
- Inspect dark or water-affected areas for secondary hazards.
- Record outage times, alarms, assistance actions and restoration steps.
- Notify occupants clearly when normal work may resume.
- Review backup power, emergency lighting, communications and accessibility arrangements.
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↗