Responding to emergencies at night is more difficult than during the day. Reduced lighting, smaller crew numbers, limited supervision, and delayed emergency service access all complicate the response. A clear, practised night emergency procedure ensures that every worker knows what to do when an incident occurs after dark. This talk covers the night-specific emergency arrangements that must be in place.
Key Hazards
Delayed emergency response due to poor site access and visibility at night
Workers unable to locate emergency equipment or escape routes in the dark
Reduced first aid capability from fewer trained responders on the night shift
Difficulty locating casualties in poorly lit or remote areas of the site at night
Control Measures
Ensure the night shift emergency procedure is briefed to all operatives at the start of every shift.
Confirm the location and accessibility of all fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and spill kits at night.
Provide emergency lighting along all escape routes, at assembly points, and at first aid stations.
Ensure at least one qualified first aider is present on site for every night shift without exception.
Display emergency contact numbers prominently in the site office, gatehouse, and welfare area.
Ensure the site entrance is accessible and clearly marked for emergency services arriving after dark.
Practice the night emergency procedure during a night shift drill at least once per quarter.
Assign a named person to meet and direct emergency services from the site entrance on arrival.
Ensure all workers carry a personal torch or headlamp as backup lighting during night shifts.
Remember
Brief the night emergency procedure to all operatives at the start of every night shift
Emergency lighting must be provided along escape routes, at assembly points, and first aid stations
At least one qualified first aider must be present on site for every night shift on the project
Ensure the site entrance is accessible and clearly marked for emergency services after dark
Assign a named person to meet and direct emergency services from the entrance on their arrival
Practice the night emergency procedure with a drill at least once every quarter on the night shift
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 · Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974