THE eminent dangers to workers during an earthquake results from injuries from structural components or furnishings, inadequately secured stored materials, and burns from fires resulting from gas leaks or electrical short-circuits.
Many of the hazards to workers both during and following an earthquake are predictable and may be reduced through hazard identification, and careful planning.
These were the areas of consideration and evaluation for the annual Earthquake/Fire Simulation and Drill jointly conducted by Grand Regal Hotel and Casino-Filipino Davao. At 2:46 on a busy afternoon of October 20th, the general alarm sounded all-throughout the 14-storey tower of Grand Regal Hotel Davao, to alert all in-room guests, inside functions rooms and employees that the Earthquake Simulation begins.
The “Drop. Cover. Hold On” rule was applied to start the drill. Everyone stayed in position for 60 seconds, then started to walk quickly to the nearest exits, with hands on top of their heads to cover should there be little debris falling. The drill included evacuation of 3 injured personnel with sustained head injuries, dislocated shoulder, and with deep-cut wound. Persons with Disabilities, a blind guest and a wheelchair-bound elderly was secured to a safe ground.
During the exercises, first responders rehearse their emergency response plans. The hotel also has an earthquake emergency kit including medical equipment such as stretchers, neckbraces& wheelchairs, and have developed a communication plan in the event of a quake.
At 2:51 PM, Code 2 sounded for the second alarm for the fire simulation. As briefed, the Bureau of Fire stationed in Lanang was alerted at 2:53 PM and the fire truck quickly arrived by 3:02 PM. The BFP responders declared fire out by 3:13 PM. Fire is the most common earthquake-related hazard, due to broken gas lines, damaged electrical lines or equipment, and previously contained fires or sparks being released.
Assigned staff were briefed to vacate their areas on the areas floor using the stairs and avoid the elevators. Earthquakes can cause fire alarms and fire sprinklers to go off. People will not be able to rule out whether there is a real threat of fire, and the elevators may have been compromised. Following the second alarm was the drill to extinguish fire with assigned personnel wearing the firesuits.
The evaluation team was headed by Senior Fire Officer Ulysis Cervantes of the Bureau of Fire Protection, Lanang Unit, assisted by the GRHD Asst. Chief Security Officer Ernesto Macasaet Jr. and Casino Filipino Chief Security Officer Ben Pulido, and joined by key personnel from the hotel and Casino-Filipino. A total of 75 employees from Casino-Filipino and 85 employees from Grand Regal Hotel were listed participants of the exercise.
The simulation and drill exercise recreated a hypothetical disaster scenario where participants are required to provide realistic responses based on existing safety procedures. This exercise aims to evaluate different reactions to particular circumstances as well as the effectiveness of coordination mechanisms, that has been previously discussed with all concerned departments and personnel. Results of the evaluation were included as lessons learned that can improve preparedness plans.
We've seen the devastating effects of earthquakes and fires that may result afterwards. Concerns have also been raised in Davao City over structures still in need of seismic upgrades.
Though built in 1998, Grand Regal Hotel would be less vulnerable to seismic movements as earthquake rollers were installed in the foundation for stable support of the 14-storey tower. But then again, preparedness always will serve as key to manage catastrophic situations should they come in the most unexpected moment.