Safety Recommendations During an Earthquake in Office Buildings

An earthquake is a sudden and rapid shaking of the ground that can lead to the destruction and collapse of buildings and bridges, the settling of city gas lines, and disruption of the electricity and telephone networks. An earthquake is possible at any time of the day or night and on any day of the year. We must prepare our lives and environment in such a way that, if this event occurs, we witness the least harm and damage.

∴ Safety recommendations before the occurrence of an earthquake in office buildings

If your office building lacks the necessary resistance against strong earthquakes, with the cooperation of consultants and experts, take action to strengthen these buildings. The fluorescent lamps on the room ceilings should be firmly fastened in place and secured by two wires at both ends; the lights should be very securely attached to the ceiling. To prevent air-ventilation ducts from falling, these parts should be properly secured in place. The loudspeakers installed in various parts of the corridors should be firmly fastened so that their shaking during an earthquake is reduced, because their presence in the building is necessary for transmitting messages. The location of the telecommunication and communication systems should be carefully examined and their safety ensured. Establishing an internal communication system within the building through wireless and portable phones in each section makes the task of gathering information from people and the situation of the location easily possible. Place fire extinguishers, together with their instructions for use, at specified intervals. Identify the vulnerable places inside the building, such as laboratories and workshops, make them safe, and fix objects in place.

• Prepare a list of the names of employees on all floors and in all rooms. Prepare a map of all important places, rooms, corridors, stairways, and the location of storerooms.

• Prepare a list of all the assets and items of the various sections to estimate the possible damage after an earthquake.

• Prepare a list of essential telephone numbers, including the fire department, hospitals, and clinics.

• In the various sections, fasten bulky office equipment such as computers and copying machines with metal clamps or straps, because there is a possibility of them moving during an earthquake and they may block doors and exit routes.

• Properly attach shelves, file cabinets, and bookcases to the wall.

• Do not place heavy objects in the filing shelves, because there is a possibility of them falling.

• Ask employees not to place their work desks next to windows or under lamps and hanging objects.

• Fasten the partitions in place with a metal clamp.

• Make sure that employees lock the file-cabinet doors when not in use.

• Archives and storerooms are points that, due to the presence of flammable objects in them, are prone to fire after a strong earthquake.

• Try to keep flammable materials such as oil and gas away from items such as paper, plastic bags, and cartons, and take precautionary measures against fire in these places, and also install firefighting equipment in them.

• Since the laboratory is a place for storing hazardous and flammable materials, it is necessary to observe safety recommendations, like those for archives and storerooms, in the laboratory as well. Also, be sure to place hazardous and flammable laboratory materials in plastic and unbreakable containers.