Emergency Response Team (ERT)

The Emergency Response Team (ERT) is a group of designated senior staff of the University who will be activated if necessary to provide University executive level management during an emergency incident. Although the initial composition of the Group is specified in the University's Emergency Plan, other staff with particular expertise relevant to the actual emergency incident can be co opted to the Group as necessary.

RESPONSE ARRANGEMENTS

An emergency incident will be reported to the University Warden at the earliest opportunity. The University Warden will contact the Vice President – Resources to make a decision, based on the significance/scale of the incident and the level of response required, to activate the Emergency Response Group. When an emergency is declared and the ERG is activated, the Emergency Controller and Deputy Emergency Controller have the authority to over-ride the normal chain of command of the University.

EMERGENCY RECOVERY TEAM MEMBERS

TRAINING

All staff with roles designated under this policy will be trained appropriately to meet the requirements of their role.
All delegates will be trained to the level of the position for which they are the delegate.
Staff will ensure that their actions are in line with their training and designated level of authority.
Practice sessions will be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that skills are maintained to the required competency level. These will be incorporated into other scheduled exercises (such as evacuation drills for wardens), and will include sessions to improve skills and knowledge.

Communication

All managers are responsible to ensure that the emergency procedures are explained to new staff and are prominently displayed in all offices and public areas at each workplace/campus.

The University Warden is responsible for maintaining emergency guidelines for staff on the Swinburne website at www.swin.edu.au/emergency , and will notify external agencies of all emergency procedures and contact details at each campus.

Evacuation Exercises / Scenario Planning will be conducted at least once annually by the University Warden. All staff and visitors in a building at the time of an evacuation must participate and co-operate.

The Vice President, Resources will convene the Critical Incident Recovery Team at least twice a year, for scenario planning and discussion. This may involve members of the external emergency services relevant to the region or municipality.

Annual Review The University is required to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its emergency policy and procedures. An annual review of emergencies occurring on campus will be conducted by the University Warden and others as required.