What is EIP? What role does it play?

An EIP (Emergency Information Panel) Panel for Safety: Enhancing Workplace Safety

Safety is a paramount concern in any workplace, and having quick access to vital information during emergencies can make all the difference. This is where the Emergency Information Panel (EIP) comes into play as a valuable tool for enhancing safety.

What is an EIP Panel?

An Emergency Information Panel, or EIP Panel, is a dedicated display that provides critical information and instructions during emergency situations. It serves as a central point for accessing essential safety data and procedures, ensuring that everyone in the workplace can respond effectively when needed.

Key Features of an EIP Panel:

1. Emergency Contact Information: The EIP Panel prominently displays contact details for emergency services, including fire, police, medical assistance, and on-site safety personnel. This information is crucial for rapid response in critical situations.
2. Evacuation Plans: Clear and concise evacuation routes and assembly points are typically included on the EIP Panel. This information guides employees and visitors to safety during fire drills or actual emergencies.
3. Emergency Shutdown Procedures: For workplaces with potentially hazardous machinery or processes, the EIP Panel may contain instructions for safely shutting down equipment during emergencies. This can prevent accidents and mitigate risks.
4. First Aid Guidance: Basic first aid instructions, including the location of first aid kits and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), may be provided on the EIP Panel. This aids in immediate response to injuries.
5. Hazardous Materials Information: In environments dealing with hazardous materials, the EIP Panel may offer guidance on how to handle spills, leaks, or exposure incidents safely.

The Advantages of EIP Panels:

• Improved Emergency Response: EIP Panels offer easy access to crucial information, reducing confusion and enabling faster, more effective responses during emergencies.
• Enhanced Safety Awareness: Having safety information visibly displayed serves as a constant reminder to employees and visitors, fostering a culture of safety in the workplace.
• Compliance: EIP Panels help organizations meet regulatory requirements for workplace safety and emergency preparedness.
• Customization: EIP Panels can be tailored to the specific needs and risks of a workplace, ensuring that the displayed information is relevant and actionable.

What are the format requirements of Emergency Information Panels?

If spillage happens, Emergency Information Panels inform those at the scene of the proper response in which to safely handle the dangerous goods.

EIPs should comply with the Australian Dangerous Goods Code that includes safety in storing, transporting, and delivering chemicals and other hazardous substances.

EIPs should be visible on the front, back, and side of any transport vehicle. They must follow formatting guidelines, including:

• Technical name of the hazardous goods should not be less than 50mm
• The class label should not be less than 250mm
• The UN class number should not be less than 100mm
• Numerals and letters of the name and contact numbers should not be less than 50 mm high.

When should a vehicle display Emergency Information Panels?

When hazardous chemicals are present on cargo transportation, EIPs should be legibly displayed.

Dangerous goods in cargo transport units have flammable, toxic, explosive, or corrosive properties that can put health and safety at risk.

From packaging, loading, transporting, and unloading of these dangerous goods, utmost care should be carefully observed throughout the process. EIPs serve as information placards that classify the dangers of substances and how they should be handled.

What are the three classifications of hazards?

To ensure safety and reduce the risks of illnesses and injuries, most hazards should be assessed and identified correctly.

Such classifications of hazards usually fit into one of the following three categories:

• Physical hazards
• Chemical hazards
• Biological hazards

Physical hazards include hard and sharp objects that might cause cuts, wounds, or other injuries, choking hazards, and can also include things like loud noise or extreme temperature.

Chemical hazards pose a threat to improper use. Certain solutions and substances can cause irritation, poisoning, and breathing problems, especially when not handled and stored properly.

Biological hazards pertain to different microorganisms that produce toxins and can cause diseases such as E. coli and salmonella.

How many UN classification class labels of HAZMAT are there?

EIPs are usually divided into classes and inform the driver and every personnel along the supply chain of the associated substance and as such, help them understand any potential dangers.

HAZMAT labels or classes include:

• Class 1: Explosives
• Class 2: Gases
• Class 3: Flammable liquids
• Class 4: Flammable solids
• Class 5: Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
• Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
• Class 7: Radioactive material
• Class 8: Corrosive substances
• Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles.

In conclusion, the Emergency Information Panel (EIP) Panel is an invaluable asset for promoting safety in the workplace. By providing quick access to essential safety information and procedures, it plays a pivotal role in minimizing risks, protecting lives, and ensuring that everyone can respond effectively when safety is on the line.