8.5.5  External Threats

External threats are deemed to include bomb threats, gas leaks, industrial incidents or other eventualities where leaving the building is deemed to be unsafe unless directed by emergency services.

The Contractor shall design and test an effective plan for each site to deal with external threats, liaising with internal and external parties (including the police, industry, etc.) as appropriate.  This plan is to account for both the likely demographics of the building population, and also the changes in numbers occupying the building during different times of the day and night.

In particular, the plan needs to focus on the different nature of external threats, including:

a)  Incidents such as bomb scares, where building occupants may be required to move away from any glazed areas of the building; or

b)  Gas leaks or chemical incidents, where external openings to the building may need to be sealed to prevent ingress of such substances.

Once complete, the Contractor is responsible for the promotion of the plan, and for any training and briefing required to care staff to enable them to enact the plan in the event of an emergency. Residents shall also be advised of the plan.

External incident plans should be tested at least once annually to test their effectiveness, with such effectiveness being reported to the Authority.  

Where amendments to the plan are made, these must then be publicised and any re-training/briefing provided.

In addition, the Contractor is to ensure appropriate signage is maintained throughout the building at all times.