Exercise headcount: what do you do with 800 scientists who cannot return to the building they have just evacuated?

Area of Science:

• Emergency management
• Occupational safety
• Disaster preparedness

Background:

• Annual fire drills ensure evacuation procedure familiarity but are limited in duration.
• Real incidents may restrict building re-entry for extended periods.
• Effective post-evacuation management is crucial for personnel welfare and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the challenges faced by emergency managers during prolonged evacuations.
• To present a case study of a post-evacuation mustering and triage system.
• To provide a practical solution for managing evacuated personnel and prioritizing assistance.

Main Methods:

• Case study approach focusing on 'Exercise Headcount'.
• Development of a post-evacuation mustering and triage system.
• Application of the system at a Pfizer Research & Development site.

Main Results:

• The 'Exercise Headcount' system was developed in response to a real-world incident (Pfizer's 2007 New York steam-pipe explosion).
• The system facilitates the management of evacuated colleagues.
• It aids in providing welfare support and identifying individuals requiring immediate assistance.

Conclusions:

• The developed mustering and triage system offers a viable solution for post-evacuation management.
• This approach enhances emergency preparedness for prolonged incidents.
• It ensures better welfare and safety for evacuated personnel.