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The Emergency Response Team

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The Emergency Response TeamAre you ready for an emergency? Before you say “yes,” make sure you can define an emergency. According to the dictionary, an emergency is “a sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action.”

If your emergency response team (ERT) is properly organized and trained, you can be ready to address any emergency at your facility.

A Diligent ERTThe members of an ERT carry out specific responsibilities before, during and after an emergency, and work as a team to minimize potential property loss to a company. Those selected are specially trained to handle an emergency and minimize a loss. The ERT prioritizes and pre-pares for emergencies and disasters that are most likely to occur. While the common understanding is that an ERT handles fire, it also should be

able to act immediately and correctly during a tornado or hurricane alert, a flood warning or an explosion.

Even more important, the ERT should help a company recover from such incidents with a minimum of damage and disruption. After all, your company’s concern is to prevent fire and other emergencies from in-terrupting production or product flow and, therefore, profits.

Your responsibilities are important because jobs could be lost unless you and other members of the ERT react quickly and effectively. For an effec-tive response, you must understand what you are expected to do and how that fits in with what others will be doing. Although only a few employ-ees will be assigned to the ERT, all employees should know where and how to give the alarm in case of fire. Employees who are not involved in

the handling of emergencies should evacuate to a designated location as directed, in as orderly a manner as possible.

Staffing the ERTThe size of an ERT varies according to the size and complexity of your company. The ERT must be custom-fitted to your needs, so enough people are assigned to handle all emergency functions adequately; at the very least, there should be a group of employees who make sure sprinkler valves are open, fire pumps are running and the fire service is notified.

It’s important to have an adequate ERT on duty in each facility during each operating shift. For example, basic ERT functions for a fire emer-gency may include ERT leader, notifier, sprinkler control valve operators, fire pump operator, indus-trial fire brigade (see page 6 for more details), mechanic, electrician and salvage squad. An emergency will not wait to strike until you are fully prepared and most ERT members are present. Rather, it will prob-ably hit the hardest when you least expect it. As Murphy’s Law states, “If anything can go wrong—it will.” Alternates should be trained in case regular ERT members are on vaca-tion or out sick. Sometimes security personnel fill ERT assignments. Hav-ing a smaller, yet more effective ERT is better than having a larger one that only looks good on paper. Businesses with large employee turnover rates should make every effort to train new

* This brochure is made available for informational purposes only in support of the insurance relation-ship between FM Global and its clients. This infor-mation does not change or supplement policy terms or conditions. The liability of FM Global is limited to that contained in its insurance policies.


people in emergency procedures as soon as possible after hiring. In such cases, managers may need to deal directly with the emergency or other damage, while others take over the responsibility for evacuation. In the case of small businesses, there may not be enough employees to fill all the above-mentioned assign-ments. First responders may double as a salvage squad after the fire is extinguished.

In certain cases, some of the du-ties may not be applicable. A very small business might only need one person for the entire task. In a small retail store, a notifier and someone to check the sprinkler control valve(s) may be all that is needed. In a warehouse, ERT procedures will be basically the same. An alarm should be sounded to alert employees, cus-tomers and/or contractors in remote areas of the building.

In a fire emergency, warehouse per-sonnel need to know how to start the fire pump if it fails to start automati-cally for any reason. They should have access to the sprinkler control valve keys and check to see that the valves are open. One person should be stationed by or near the building entrance to direct the public fire service to the fire area.

The final ERT plan should explain, in writing, the responsibilities of all members of the group. The ERT’s basic organizational structure, as well as provisions for periodic training of personnel, should be outlined. The plan should be posted for ready reference by ERT members and other personnel.

ERT MembersThe ERT LeaderThe ERT leader must analyze each department to identify its hazards, outline the probable forms an emer-gency could take, estimate protection

needs, and determine as closely as possible the personnel requirements to answer those needs. Obviously, this individual cannot be an expert on every hazard, but he or she can learn more about potential hazards from department supervisors, engineers, process developers or installers, and FM Global engineers.

The ERT leader should be selected with great care because it is an important responsibility; the suc-cessful organization of the group depends, to a great degree, on this person. This person should:n Develop and maintain a written

plan that designates people by name or title who manage the plan

n Be familiar with all facilities and any inherent special hazards

n Know the care and operation of all protection systems

n Be familiar with salvage methods

n Have sufficient training and ex-perience to direct ERT personnel

n Arrange for a training program for all members of the ERT and see that all positions are filled

Whether the emergency is a fire, flood, windstorm, explosion, earth-quake or other calamity, it is the responsibility of the ERT leader to be prepared. Prompt and vigilant action before, during and after an emergen-cy gives you the best possible chance to minimize the amount of serious damage.


FireThe ERT leader must manage the ERT, as well as work closely with the public fire service. Arrangements should be made for firefighters to conduct regularly scheduled pre-emergency planning sessions with facility personnel. A pre-emergency planning session gives both groups an opportunity to sit down, exchange information and coordinate action in the event of an emergency. Both groups can review the facility’s fire protection features, discuss any spe-cial hazards, decide the quickest and easiest access to all areas, and coor-dinate ERT and public fire service procedures. A joint drill simulating emergency conditions may even be possible. Just remember, you can’t always rely on the local public fire service to help you in an emergency situation, so your ERT always needs to be ready to take action.

When a fire emergency occurs, the ERT leader must direct all emergen-cy actions until the public fire service arrives. When a fire breaks out, the ERT leader must double-check the ERT to see that all members are in place and performing their assigned duties. The ERT leader also must see that they continue to perform well with no lapses. For example:n Has the public fire service

been called? n Has the sprinkler control valve

operator(s) checked the control valve(s) to see that it is open, and is the operator standing by it?

FM Global Losses where Emergency Response Was a Factor (1997-2006)

US$4.7 million

US$1.9 millionEffectiveEmergency Response

IneffectiveEmergency Response

0 1 2 3 4 5

n Has the fire pump operator checked or started the fire pump?

n Has the electrician shut down electrical equipment according to plan and is he or she standing by ready to take action against other electrical problems?

n Has the mechanic turned off flammable gas and liquid sys-tems and other lines according to plan, and is he or she standing by ready to carry out further orders?

n Does the salvage squad leader have the squad ready to cover or move equipment and stock once the damaged area is accessible?

The ERT leader should alert the guard, or station a person at the facil-ity’s entrance to guide the public fire service to the fire area. This person should be briefed on progress in combating the fire, so he or she can relay the information to the public fire service upon its arrival. During the fire, the ERT leader should coor-dinate and provide any ERT assis-

tance or information requested by the public fire service.

Typically, once the public fire service arrives, the chief officer takes over direction of the incident and is re-ferred to as the incident commander. However, the ERT leader must remain at the command post with the incident commander to support the public fire service and feed instruc-tions to the ERT.

After the fire is extinguished, the ERT leader must get fire protection back in service. Although the fire appears to be out, it could start up again at the original location or else-where in the facility. An immediate and thorough examination should be conducted of all spaces surrounding the fire area.

During this time, designated ERT members should remain ready for ac-tion with fire extinguishers or small


hose. After they are relieved, portable equipment should be replaced and recharged as soon as possible. At the orders of the ERT leader—and using FM Global’s Red Tag Permit System—the sprinkler control valve operator should close the valve while any fused sprinkler heads are replaced; the operator should remain by the valve and be ready to reopen it until the job is completed. After this is done, the valve should be sealed or locked in the open position, and checked to make sure it is fully open by conducting a drain test. The fire pump operator should ensure the pump is in good running order with adequate fuel (if diesel operated) and restored to automatic starting mode. While fire protection is being restored, the salvage squad should be busy cleaning up.The ERT leader should make sure that personnel perform their duties: n Facility personnel should replen-

ish fire protection water supplies (suction tanks, gravity tanks, etc.);

n The electrician should clear electrical safety in the area and do whatever is necessary to turn power on again;

n And the mechanic, who is monitoring flammable gas and liquid, steam, drainage and other lines, should restore them to safe operation.

All available personnel should help mop up, uncover stock and equip-ment, wipe, dry, oil, sort, move and generally bring the facility back to order.

All personnel should be informed the fire emergency is over. This is a criti-cal time because everyone is eager to get back to production; however, wait until the automatic sprinkler system is back in service.

WindstormCertain precautions and procedures should be followed by the ERT leader when a storm alert is issued. One group should check windows to replace missing panes, close shutters, nail down or brace loose frames with wooden boards or cleats, or board up certain windows and other openings entirely. Another group should firmly secure any loose objects outside or take them inside because 100-mph (160-km/h) wind can turn garbage cans, tools, furniture and signs into destructive missiles. Drums of dangerous or flammable chemicals should be moved into a sheltered

area, and large cranes must be care-fully secured. Members of the ERT should inspect roof coverings and either secure loose coverings or weigh them down at the edges with sandbags or other heavy objects (be careful not to block drains or over-load roofs). Gutters, downspouts and roof drains should be cleared of all debris.

Someone also should make sure the auxiliary electric lighting system is working, or that a supply of flash-lights and electric lanterns is avail-able. If telephone service could be disrupted, have cell phones, walkie-talkies or citizen-band radios handy. If tornadoes are close by and could touch down soon, time is of the essence; the ERT should see that everyone, ERT members included, takes shelter immediately.

Hurricane, Typhoon and FloodDuring hurricanes, typhoons and flood, efforts should be directed at keeping water out rather than remov-ing water once it comes in, a much more difficult and costly task. Flood

A severe windstorm can turn garbage cans, tools, furniture and signs into destructive missiles.


shields—large metal barriers used to seal off openings in building walls and windows—help keep water out. These shields may be stored in any convenient location and then in-stalled before flood water rises. The shields should be predrilled and numbered, so they can be placed over brackets that are permanently anchored to door or window frames and bolted down quickly. If your facility doesn’t have flood shields, be sure to have sandbags or sheet metal coverings on hand to seal openings. Board up windows that could be broken by floating debris. Keep the boiler houses and pump rooms as dry as possible. Stored goods and equipment, especially those in a basement, may have to be raised off the floor or moved to a higher floor. Machinery and work in progress should be moved or covered with tarpaulins or plastic sheets to protect them from possible water damage. Stationary machinery, which can-not be moved, still can be protected by applying a coating of nonpolar (water-displacing), rust-preventive compound. Storage tanks either within the building or nearby should be filled with their normal content, or with water if not detrimental, if they are not anchored securely enough to keep them from floating. Even the heaviest tanks will float when empty if their volume is large enough, and they can act as battering rams, which can severely damage a building. Build barriers around sprinkler risers and gravity tank risers to protect them from being damaged by float-ing debris.

ERT members should turn off all open flames, shut off the main gas valves and close discharge valves on all tanks that contain flammable liquid such as gasoline, oil or sol-vents. They should raise, or move to upper floors, any chemicals that react with water to produce heat or flammable or noxiousgas. If water does seep past barriers, pumps can control flooding effectively. If your facility does not have a pump, use brooms and squeegees to remove water. However, even pumps can be overwhelmed if water enters through any opening the size of a window. Severe damage can be prevented, or at least minimized, under the direction of an organized ERT. FM Global’s free, online course, Preparing for Hurricanes, teaches you the necessary steps. The course, available to clients only, can be accessed via MyRisk or directly via http://training.fmglobal.com. It takes less than one hour to complete and can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from any com-puter connected to the Internet.

EarthquakeIn earthquake-prone areas, the ERT leader should organize an earthquake response. Because of the possibility of structural weaknesses in a build-ing and the likelihood of aftershocks, don’t assume employees will remain inside (or be able to re-enter) after the initial shock subsides. Conse-quently, the immediate emergency response may be limited to shutting off gas and flammable-liquid lines and electrical service, and checking

Loss LessonSurface Water Enters Basement

During a heavy, prolonged rain, water rushed down a wide 200-yd. (183-m) long grassy slope and built up along the wall of a book distribu-tion warehouse. After a couple of hours, water entered a section of the warehouse through the metal-panel wall and flowed 2-in. (51-mm) deep out the other side of the building. This went on for several hours.

The product was palletized, so there was almost no damage. However, after 12 hours, water overflowed a 6-in. (152-mm) curb and entered the basement of an adjoining office building through an outside entrance. The basement, which contained electrical telephone and air conditioning equipment and boilers, filled with water.

Approximately 9 to 17 in. (229 to 432 mm) of rain fell in 20 hours. Neither exact amounts nor intensity were available. Storm drains near the office building were overtaxed, and a sump pump in the basement could not handle the water. Loss estimate was about US$1.5 million.

What happened? There was no orga-nized ERT. Sand bagging or barricad-ing the openings could have reduced the loss. In all cases, this decision should be made only after checking with the ERT leader.


sprinkler control valves. Re-entry may not be permitted by local build-ing authorities until their inspection and approval.

Snow The accumulation of excessive amounts of snow and water on roofs could result in roof collapse that causes initial damage to the building structure. Broken sprinkler systems dump water in and combine with rain and snow to create further water and freeze damage. This leaves sprinkler systems impaired while broken gas lines and other damaged hazardous systems create major fire risks. The ERT leader is responsible for arrang-ing snow and water removal before a roof becomes dangerously overload-ed. Snow should be removed from roofs in increments. Do not wait until collapse is imminent; at this point, it is unsafe to send personnel onto roofs. Roof drains should be kept clear of ice or debris that could clog them and hinder water drainage.

The NotifierThe notifier should maintain an up-to-date list of ERT personnel and their alternates. He or she should contact ERT personnel in fire, medi-cal, chemical, rescue or other emer-gencies. The notifier also is respon-sible for notifying outside personnel, i.e., fire, medical, rescue, etc.

The Sprinkler Control Valve OperatorOne of the most critical jobs in the ERT is the sprinkler control valve operator. If sprinkler control valves are closed, the facility has lost its main line of fire defense: automatic sprinkler protection. The person assigned to this position must know the location of the valves and be responsible for their operation. In case of fire, the sprinkler control valve operator must go to the valve that controls sprinklers protecting the fire area, make sure the valve is fully open and stand by the valve until it is ordered closed by the ERT leader. After an earthquake, explosion or building collapse, sprinkler control valves should be examined care-fully for damage. Great care should be taken to close only those valves necessary to isolate broken piping. In all cases, this decision should be made only after checking with the ERT leader.

The Fire Pump OperatorWhen the fire alarm sounds, the fire pump operator checks the automatic starting pump, starts it if it hasn’t already started automatically, and keeps it operating until instructed to shut it down. Preferably, the person most familiar with the operation and care of the pumps should be assigned the job of fire pump operator in case it fails to start or is not running prop-erly. If that person is unavailable, the person assigned to the job should be thoroughly trained in starting the pumps manually and should under-stand the pumps’ importance to fire protection.

The Industrial Fire BrigadeThe best way to ensure prompt, intelligent action when fire breaks out is to have trained personnel ready. Larger facilities, i.e., those with enough personnel to fill the positions involved, should only con-sider forming industrial fire brigades after being fully aware, and accept-ing of, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and/or other applicable regulations. The


purpose of the brigade is to fight an incipient fire until the public fire ser-vice arrives or the fire grows beyond the incipient stage.

Members should know the location and operation of fire extinguish-ers and other portable equipment. Depending on the size of the facility, one or several individuals should make sure that automatic fire doors have closed properly. Brigade mem-bers also learn which extinguishers to use on different types of fire and how to operate the various types of extinguishers. They practice how to use antifreeze, dry-chemical, AFFF, pump tank and stored-pressure, water-filled fire extinguishers for wood, paper or rubbish fires. They learn to use the carbon dioxide, dry chemical and foam extinguishers on flammable liquid. The industrial fire

brigade also trains to become effi-cient in handling carbon dioxide and dry-chemical extinguishers on fire involving electrical equipment.

Estimating how many individuals or brigades are needed may be difficult. Every department and every area will have its own special needs, which will determine the size and charac-ter of the brigade. The size of the brigade should be sufficient to put adequate equipment into use quickly to control a fire.

The Mechanic The mechanic should be familiar with piping distribution networks and should be able to shut off the supplies of flammable gas, liquid and other hazardous material in an emergency. The mechanic should know where primary and secondary shutoffs are located and how they operate. He or she should keep drains clear and restore sprinkler protection where necessary. Windstorm damage, explosion, collapse or earthquake can result in broken or ruptured piping that should be isolated, drained and repaired or replaced as necessary. Advance planning and familiariza-tion with equipment controls is es-sential so the mechanic will respond quickly and effectively when an emergency occurs.

The ElectricianThe electrician is another position that only larger facilities may have the personnel to fill. The duties of the electrician include knowing the location of all switches, portable generators, extension cords and emergency power equipment in the assigned area. This person should be thoroughly briefed on the use of electricity during a fire or other emergency and may be accountable for shutting down electrical fans or handling operation of ventilating equipment according to a pre-ar-ranged plan. One reason the

Getting back to normal is the primary objective after an emergency, so salvage should start at once.


electrician would want to shut off HVAC equipment is to eliminate a fresh air supply to the fire and prevent smoke, soot and heat from spreading throughout the property.

The electrician also may need to establish temporary power and/or lighting should regular power be lost. In case of flood, it may be nec-essary to cut off power to basements, ground floors or below-grade areas.

The Salvage SquadGetting back to normal is the prima-ry objective after an emergency, so salvage should start at once. Several key people should be notified: com-pany personnel to begin immediate planning, contractors for repairs and rebuilding, and suppliers of spare parts for damaged equipment. Also inform FM Global as soon as pos-sible, following established procedures. Experienced FM Global adjusters can be immensely helpful in organizing salvage, while FM Global engineers may investi-gate the loss, recommend means of preventing a recurrence, and make sure protection has been restored to the fullest extent possible. Facility personnel are probably best qualified to undertake salvage of company property. The members of the salvage squad must know how to salvage equipment and stock. In some cases, however, facility personnel may not be the most qualified to undertake the salvage of property and case experts may need to be brought in.

Salvage efforts can be initiated before, during or after fire, flood or other emergencies. Don’t hesitate to give personnel overtime, especially in the initial stages of salvage, because their efforts probably will result in an overall savings of time and material.Give priority to any major dam-age to equipment or processes vital to production. Keep spare parts on hand to replace damaged equipment. Establish mutual aid agreements with companies who have similar equip-ment. If replacement parts or equip-

ment are not readily available, order them immediately. Many times, the cost of business interruption will far exceed the cost of property damage.

Security PersonnelIncluding security personnel in the ERT is extremely important because they are often the only ones present at a facility during off-hours. During off-hours, they are responsible for filling all ERT positions and should receive the same training. By studying the facility and learning


all they can about its normal sounds, sights and smells, security personnel will be able to recognize when some-thing is wrong.

Guards should make their rounds carefully. The first shift after a facility closes is particularly important. Fire is more likely to start just after work-ers have left; machines are sometimes left running, heat-producing equip-ment is left on, doors or windows are left open, or smoking material is left smoldering. Any dangerous or undesirable conditions should be reported immediately. If necessary, those conditions should be reported each day until they are corrected. In addition, security personnel should be made aware of several key procedures they can perform before, during and after a fire or other emergency. When a fire emergency occurs during off-hours, security person-nel are responsible for sounding the alarm, notifying the public fire service, checking the sprinkler control valve (and fire pump), directing fire-fighters to the area of fire origin and notifying facility officials.

Security personnel should stay on hand to make sure the fire is out and fire protection is restored until relieved of these responsibilities by other facility personnel. Security personnel should become experts in handling protective equipment by learning where extinguishers are kept and how to use them. They should know how the automatic sprinkler system works, and which sprinkler

control valves cover each area. They also should know where the sprinkler control valve keys are kept, as well as how to follow the FM Global Red Tag Permit System. Among other duties, they should know how to shut off gas, oil, steam or electricity in the event of an emergency.

Training and Updating the ERTERT members should participate in regularly scheduled training drills at carefully selected locations on the property. Simulated emergency drills, possibly in conjunction with the pub-lic fire service, would help in testing the response time and organization of the ERT. The public fire service also can benefit because an efficient ERT can make the firefighter’s task easier. In addition to coordinating with the public fire service, it is important to coordinate with other agencies as well, i.e., the police department, medical services, rescue services and regulatory agencies such as the Envi-ronmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Training is not a one-shot deal. Sessions should be held frequently to remind existing members of their duties, as well as to provide training for new personnel. As employees change jobs or departments, the ERT also should be updated.

Although drills show how to react quickly and efficiently in an emer-gency, periodic classroom sessions offer the opportunity not only to ex-plain how procedures are carried out, but also why. They can help members develop a broader understanding of

the problems involved in protection and emergency handling, as well as increase the interest level within the ERT. Alternating training drills with classroom sessions will develop the group into a well-established and well-trained outfit.

Conducting open discussions about special hazards at your company also may be useful. It provides an opportu-nity to discuss why they are con-sidered hazards, how they are safe-guarded, what problems are likely to arise, and how a potential emergency can best be handled.

All training and emergency response procedures should conform to juris-dictional regulations, such as those issued by the U.S. Department of Labor agency, OSHA. Contact your local regulatory agency for mate-rial on facility hazards and industrial fire brigade organization, as well as industrial fire brigade education and training requirements.

In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 600, Industrial Fire Bri-gades, describes a minimum level of occupational safety and health precautions for industrial fire bri-gade members. NFPA 600 details the development and organization of a fire brigade, including establishing responsibility, training and education, proper equipment and documentation, and what limits to set.

P8116 © 2015 FM Global (Rev. 08/2016) All rights reserved. fmglobal.com

FM Insurance Company Limited1 Windsor Dials, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1RSAuthorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Contact Us: To report an impairment or to find an FM Global office nearest you, visit fmglobal.com/contact.

Report a Loss: Dial (1)877 NEW LOSS (639 5677)* to report a property or cargo loss 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or, to contact your client service team or designated claims office directly, go to fmglobal.com/claims or affiliatedfm.com/claims for location and contact information.

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Product Ordering Information:For additional copies of this publication or other FM Global resources, order online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at fmglobalcatalog.com.

Or, for personal assistance worldwide, contact our U.S.-based customer services team, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET: n Toll-free: (1)877 364 6726

(Canada and the United States) n Phone: +1 (1)401 477 7744 n Fax: +1 (1)401 477 7010 n E-mail: [email protected]

Many Resources Available

FM Global has a variety of resources available to assist you in developing an emergency response team:

Publicationsn Do You Know Which Fire Extinguisher to Use?

(P6821)n Emergency Response Team Checklist (P07043)n Fighting Fire with Portable Fire Extinguishers

(P8411)n Pocket Guide to Emergency Response (P9914)n Pocket Guide to Prefire Planning (P9809)n Ten Qualities of a Well-Protected Property (P8114)n Understanding the Hazard*

● Lack of a Flood Emergency Response Plan (P0305)

● Lack of Emergency Response (P0034)● Lack of Prefire Planning (P0033)

* Available to FM Global clients only. Clients may obtain copies of any Understanding the Hazard brochure from an FM Global engineer or from FM Global’s online Resource Catalog. For copies of these publications or other FM Global resources, order online at www.fmglobalcatalog.com.

TrainingSpecialized training is offered by Emergency Response Consultants, an FM Affiliate located in Rome, Ga., USA. Customized programs are available at its state-of- the-art training center, or at the location of your choice. Visit fmglobalerc.com for more information.

Various online courses are available to help with ERT planning and risk management. Courses are available to clients only at the following website: http://training.fmglobal.com.