A tiny spark sets off a fire near a pile of cardboard boxes in a highly active manufacturing plant in industrial areas such as Gujarat or Tamil Nadu. Soon after, thick smoke starts filling the atmosphere.
The main alarm for the fire sounded loudly, causing much chaos. Workers start running toward the closest exit point but find that the way out is locked or blocked by pallets. People start shouting at each other as everyone wonders who should raise the alarm and which fire extinguisher to get hold of.
Such scenarios can occur in industrial workplaces if emergency arrangements and controls are inadequate. Effective emergency response depends not only on equipment but also on how people respond during the initial stages of an incident.
This is where Emergency Response Team (ERT) training plays an important role. A structured ERT programme helps organisations establish clear responsibilities, strengthen emergency preparedness and practise coordinated response through drills.
With this complete guide to establishing an internal response team, assigning important positions, complying with the law, and conducting effective drills, you will be able to learn everything you need to know.
What Is an Emergency Response Team (ERT)?
An Emergency Response Team (ERT) comprises selected employees who are trained to perform designated roles during workplace emergencies.
In cases where there may be an electrical fire, a chemical spill, a medical emergency, or even a natural disaster, the team may support initial emergency actions, such as raising the alarm, supporting evacuation and providing first aid, while coordinating with external emergency services where required.
The Difference Between an ERP and an ERT
Understanding the difference between an ERP and an ERT helps organisations clearly define emergency responsibilities.
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP): This is the plan that is documented, stating the processes to be undertaken in case of any emergency situation.
- Emergency Response Team (ERT): This is the team that puts into action the plan mentioned above whenever there is an emergency.
Why Every Workplace Needs a Dedicated ERT?
An effective emergency response arrangement should establish clear internal responsibilities while ensuring timely communication with external emergency services when required.
a. Supporting Calm and Coordinated Response
Clear leadership and communication can help employees respond calmly and follow established evacuation procedures during an emergency.
b. Emergency Preparedness and Regulatory Requirements
Emergency preparedness requirements can arise from applicable occupational safety legislation, state-specific factory rules, fire-safety requirements, building regulations, and relevant standards. The specific requirements depend on the facility, location, activities, and hazards involved:
- Factories Act, 1948 (Section 38): Section 38 of the Factories Act, 1948 addresses precautions against fire, including measures for safe escape and suitable means of extinguishing fire, with specific requirements depending on the applicable rules and workplace conditions.
- National Building Code (NBC), India: The National Building Code of India includes provisions relating to fire prevention, life safety, fire protection, and emergency planning, with applicability depending on the building and occupancy.
Core Roles and Responsibilities in an ERT
Putting together an effective team involves assigning proper roles. With assigned emergency roles, there won’t be any ambiguity among the employees. Depending on the size, hazards, and emergency scenarios of the facility, an ERT may include the following roles:
1. Incident Commander (IC)
This person coordinates all response activities during an emergency.
- Triggers the Emergency Response Plan.
- Directs ERT personnel and makes the decision to escalate the situation or evacuate the area.
- Acts as the main point of contact for incoming fire crews, police, and medical personnel.
2. Fire Warden / Evacuation Leader
Evacuation from all floors is managed by fire wardens.
- Check assigned areas in accordance with site evacuation procedures and, where safe to do so, help direct occupants towards designated exits.
- Guide employees through safe exit routes to their muster stations.
- Perform head counts at assembly areas and inform the Incident Commander about missing people.
3. First Aid Responder
First aid attendants respond to medical emergencies before the arrival of professional medical teams.
- Provide first aid and other emergency assistance within the limits of their training and certification until professional medical help arrives.
- Assist with casualty assessment and prioritisation within the limits of their training and site emergency procedures.
- Facilitate casualty handover to incoming ambulance teams.
4. Search and Rescue Team
This particular team works in dangerous areas where workers may be missing.
- Support search and rescue activities only within the limits of their training, equipment and site procedures, and avoid entering unsafe areas beyond their authorised response capability.
- Support the rescue of affected persons only where the activity is within their authorised training, equipment and site response procedures.
- Communicate directly with the Incident Commander about hazardous entry situations.
5. Communication Officer
The communication officer ensures proper communication within and outside the company.
- Provides emergency notification via internal PA systems.
- Communicates with external emergency agencies (fire, police, hospitals) about location information.
- Updates senior management about the status of the incident.
6. Safety Observer
The safety observers analyze the drills and actual response process simultaneously.
- Record total evacuation time and note important response events.
- Identify any procedure delays, blocked evacuation paths, or communication problems.
- Make notes of these observations for the debriefing process afterwards.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build Your ERT
Step 1: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Before you assemble your team, evaluate the risks in your facilities. Determine the possible ignition sources, chemicals that might be stored, structural risks, and occupancy levels. A plant containing flammable solvents will require a different response plan compared to an IT building.
Step 2: Select the Right Team Members
Select employees who exhibit calmness while making decisions amid stressful situations.
- Shift-Based Staffing: Arrange for ERT members to be available on all shifts – both day shifts and night shifts.
- Level-Based Staffing: Assign fire wardens to every level and department within the organisation.
- Voluntary Selection: Choose people who have shown an interest in ensuring workplace safety.
Step 3: Invest in Professional ERT Training
A generic safety briefing is not enough for handling emergencies. Your team needs to undergo practical training that is specific to their roles.
Some of the most important elements include:
- PASS Technique: Practical familiarisation with fire extinguisher use, where applicable to the ERT member’s role, training, and site procedures.
- Fixed System Activation: Familiarisation with relevant firefighting systems and equipment, including hydrants and hose reels, where applicable to their role and training.
- Evacuation Routes: Effective handling of unobstructed escape routes and assembly points.
- Victim Handling: Appropriate casualty assistance, first aid and safe handling techniques within the limits of the responder’s training.
Step 4: Conduct Regular Drills
Emergency readiness is built by regular training. Carry out training exercises to determine how various aspects of your plan work:
- Fire drill: This exercise helps employees practise alarm activation, evacuation procedures and other response actions relevant to the site emergency plan.
- Evacuation drill: This helps assess evacuation procedures, occupant movement, assembly arrangements and any response gaps that need to be addressed.
- Full mock drill: A simulation exercise that replicates a real scenario (such as chemical spillage or fire outbreak).
Step 5: Debrief and Continuously Improve
Debriefing must be done at the end of each exercise. This entails examining the observations made by the safety observer, looking for any response delays, and revising your plan accordingly.
Overcoming Common ERT Setup Challenges
Forming an efficient emergency team will also involve some practical challenges. This is how they can be overcome:
Challenge 1: Employee Indifference and High Staff Turnover
Solution: Establish a culture of safety in your work environment. Reward active ERT members, offer completion certificates, and conduct refresher courses for new recruits.
Challenge 2: Drills Becoming Just Another Disruption to Daily Routine
Solution: Do not rely on routine drills. Where appropriate and safely planned, drills can introduce controlled scenarios or variables to assess how effectively employees respond to changing conditions.
Challenge 3: Lack of Coordination in Emergency Measures
Solution: Create an effective mode of communication. Provide suitable communication equipment, such as radios or megaphones, where required by the site emergency plan and risk assessment.
Summary Checklist for Building Your ERT
Use the following checklist to create your team:
- □ Perform a thorough hazard analysis on all work areas.
- □ Write your ERP.
- □ Assign your team members for each shift. They can be the Incident Commander, Fire Wardens, and First Aid Responders.
- □ Arrange practical training sessions through a reliable professional agency.
- □ Perform fire drills, evacuation drills, and complete mock-up exercises.
- □ Analyze the results of drills, fix any loopholes, and revise safety procedures annually.
ERT & Mock Drill Training Support from NIST Global
NIST Global provides customised ERT and mock drill training based on workplace hazards, emergency scenarios, and organisational requirements:
- Customized Scenarios: Scenario-based drills based on the nature of your industry and facility.
- Role-Based Learning: Practical training for Incident Commanders, Fire Wardens, and responders.
- Firefighting Equipment Training: Practical familiarisation with relevant firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers and hose reels, based on the participants’ roles and training requirements.
- Gap Analysis Report: Post-training evaluation to enhance the existing emergency response plan.
A well-prepared work environment is one that acts continuously and systematically. Do not wait for an emergency situation to discover deficiencies in your emergency preparedness strategy. Establishing an Emergency Response Team helps organisations prepare designated personnel to respond to emergencies in a coordinated manner.
NIST Global provides specialised ERT and mock drill training designed around your facility’s emergency scenarios and requirements. Get in touch with NIST Global’s ERT & Mock Drill Training services right away.
Key Takeaways
ERT stands for an Emergency Response Team. It is a team of trained internal personnel who take care of fires, evacuations, and medical emergencies till external help arrives.
- Core Roles: Some core roles include Incident Commander, Fire Warden, First Aid Responder, Search and Rescue Team, Communication Officer, and Safety Observer.
- Regulatory Needs: Emergency preparedness, response arrangements, and drills may be required depending on the applicable legislation, state rules, fire-safety requirements, and the nature of the facility.
- Importance of Drills: Regular drills allow organisations to practise emergency roles, identify response gaps, and improve coordination and evacuation procedures.
- Professional Solution: NIST Global can support organisations with site-specific ERT and mock drill training based on their workplace hazards and emergency response requirements.
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