SAFETY IN THE FIELD

The direct and indirect protection of staff in the field depends on 3 key principles:

• the knowledge of hazards, or risks associated with carrying out a specific activity
• the provision of specific protective equipment to protect against these dangers, as well as the protocols and/or the procedures on using dangerous equipment and products
• the establishment of a culture of prevention and of protection of people and assets involved in missions

GENERAL SAFETY MEASURES

• Make sure that:
• tools and equipment are properly maintained and used only by authorised persons
• users are trained on the risks involved in activities or handling hazardous equipment
• safety instructions are well respected
• first aid kits are available in the workplace and are properly maintained
• Keep a register of accidents/incidents
• Store flammable materials correctly and away from buildings

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

PPE includes "any device or means intended to be worn or held by a person to protect him/herself against one or several risks likely to threaten his/her health and physical integrity.

There is a vast range of PPE. The choice of PPE depends in particular on:

• the protection required in terms of the danger associated with the activity:
• body protection
• respiratory protection
• hearing protection
• eye protection
• the seriousness of the danger
• the frequency of exposure to the danger.

PPE is supplied by MSF and its use is compulsory. Staff must be trained to use PPE.

Caution

• MSF, as employer, must ensure that staff wear or carry suitable individual protective clothing and material other PPE during work
• staff must be responsible for protective equipment issued to them
• if protective equipment deteriorates, it must be exchanged for new equipment
• PPE and other protective equipment should preferably be kept in the workplace: a changing room and lockers should be provided
• work clothing should be washed regularly
• PPE and work clothing have a limited lifetime

FIRE PROTECTION

• heck regularly that all building openings (doors, windows, ventilation etc.) are in working order
• define and post evacuation plans for buildings and their enclosure
• establish every member of staff's responsibilities in case of fire and evacuations from the building
• designate fire assembly points outside buildings in case of fire
• organise regular fire drills
• equip buildings (flash points) and vehicles with fire extinguishers and/or other means of fire fighting materials and train staff to use them
• make sure that fire-fighting equipment is known, easily accessible and well maintained
• instal smoke detectors and alarms