Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
12
Reactive monitoring -
reporting, recording
and investigation
The investigation of fi res and other adverse events is a
critical part of a safety management system. This sec-
tion describes the purpose and process of investigat-
ing fi res and other adverse events. It also covers the
legal and organisational requirements for recording and
reporting such events. Reactive systems include report-
ing, recording, investigation and taking some form of
corrective action. The most effective managers are likely
to have internal systems that identify, report and inves-
tigate all adverse (unplanned, unwanted) events, for
example: fi res, both accidental and deliberate; injuries
and work-related ill health; near misses, false alarms in
relation to fi re (malicious, good intent, electrical); prop-
erty damage and other consequential losses; fi re and
general safety hazards.
12.1
Fires and other adverse events
One of the most signifi cant consequences of failure to
adequately report and investigate a near miss safety
incident may be that key learning opportunities are lost.
It is often the case that a company will have little diffi -
culty gathering data on signifi cant incidents, particularly
those that require it to notify the enforcing authority.
However, near misses, false alarms and minor injury
accidents and other losses often slip through the net
of formal reporting and recording, serving to limit the
opportunities to address safety systems failures before
substantial losses accrue.
This chapter discusses the following key
elements:
➤
Fires and other adverse events
➤
The statutory requirements for reporting
fi res and other adverse events
➤
Civil claims
➤
Investigating fi re-related events
➤
Basic fi re investigation procedures
➤
Dealing with the aftermath.
Figure 12.1
The consequences of failing to monitor
events can lead to serious accidents
