4.2 Evacuation Procedures and PASS/RACE Protocols

4.2 Evacuation Procedures and PASS/RACE Protocols

Immediate Response: The RACE Protocol

In a fire emergency, a security guard must act quickly, calmly, and systematically. The internationally recognized RACE protocol provides a clear, step-by-step framework for emergency response. Guards must execute these steps in order to maximize life safety and protect property:

R - Rescue (or Remove)

The absolute priority in any fire situation is the safety of human life. The guard's first action must be to assist anyone in immediate danger, moving them to a safe location away from smoke, heat, and flames.

• Action: Safely enter the area, alert occupants, and guide them toward the nearest fire exit. Do not put yourself in extreme danger, and never enter a heavily smoke-filled room without breathing apparatus.

A - Alarm (or Alert)

Once immediate rescue is initiated or if the fire is too dangerous to approach, activate the building's fire alarm system. This alerts all occupants to evacuate and notifies the central security control room.

• Action: Pull the nearest manual call point (fire alarm pull station). Immediately dial 999 to contact Qatar Civil Defence. Clearly state:
  • Your name and position (Security Guard)
  • The exact location of the fire (building name, street number, zone number in Doha)
  • The nature and size of the fire
  • If anyone is injured or trapped

C - Confine (or Contain)

To prevent the fire and toxic smoke from spreading throughout the facility, take steps to contain the fire within its room or area of origin.

• Action: Close all doors and windows as you evacuate the fire area. Modern Qatari commercial buildings are equipped with fire doors designed to withstand high heat; closing these doors prevents oxygen from feeding the fire and blocks smoke from entering escape stairs.

E - Extinguish (or Evacuate)

If the fire is small (no larger than a wastepaper basket), contained, and you have the correct extinguisher, you may attempt to put it out. If the fire is large, spreading rapidly, or producing heavy smoke, immediately abandon firefighting efforts and evacuate.

• Action: Secure the area and proceed to the designated assembly point.

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Operating Fire Extinguishers: The PASS Protocol

If it is safe to attempt extinguishment, the guard must operate the fire extinguisher using the PASS protocol. This simple acronym ensures proper mechanical execution under high-stress conditions:

1. P - Pull the Pin: Pull the safety pin located at the top of the extinguisher handle. This will break the plastic tamper seal. Test the extinguisher with a quick squeeze of the lever before approaching the fire.
2. A - Aim Low: Approach the fire from a safe distance (2 to 3 meters). Aim the nozzle or horn of the extinguisher at the base of the fire, where the fuel is burning, not at the flames themselves.
3. S - Squeeze the Lever: Squeeze the operating lever to release the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the flow, allowing you to pause if needed.
4. S - Sweep from Side to Side: Sweep the nozzle back and forth across the base of the fire. Keep sweeping until the fire appears completely out. Watch the area carefully, as it may re-ignite if the fuel is still hot.

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Guiding Site Evacuations in Qatar

Guiding a successful evacuation requires clear authority, direction, and organization, especially given Qatar's highly diverse and multicultural population.

Multicultural and Multilingual Communication

Security guards in Doha work in environments with occupants from all over the world. During an evacuation, language barriers can cause confusion and panic.

• Bilingual Announcements: Evacuation orders must be communicated clearly in both Arabic and English.
• Non-Verbal Gestures: Use hand signals, high-visibility batons, and megaphones to direct crowds towards emergency exits.
• Remain Calm: Speak in a firm, authoritative, yet reassuring tone. Fear is contagious; a calm guard prevents stampedes.

Emergency Exit and Assembly Point Management

Security guards are responsible for ensuring that evacuation pathways remain clear and functional at all times.

• Keep Exit Paths Clear: Daily patrols must verify that emergency doors are unlocked, unobstructed, and that emergency exit lights are illuminated.
• Assembly Points: In Qatar, assembly points must be located in safe outdoor areas, far enough from the building to prevent injury from falling debris (typically a distance equal to at least 1.5 times the height of the building).
• Extreme Heat Considerations: During Qatar's intense summer, standing outdoors at an assembly point poses health risks like heatstroke. Guards must ensure that the assembly area is clearly marked, and coordinate with facility management to provide emergency hydration (water bottles) and shade if the evacuation is prolonged.

Duties of a Security Guard During Evacuation

Guards have specific, non-negotiable duties during an emergency evacuation:

• Sweep Designated Areas: Systematically check restrooms, locker rooms, and pantry areas to ensure no one is left behind.
• Do Not Use Lifts/Elevators: Instruct occupants to use the stairs. Lifts can lose power or fill with smoke, trapping occupants.
• Assist Vulnerable Individuals: Identify and assist persons with disabilities, pregnant women, or injured individuals.
• Perform Roll Call Support: Assist fire wardens at the assembly point in verifying occupant counts against visitor and employee logs.

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Coordinating with Qatar Civil Defence

When Qatar Civil Defence Department (QCDD) fire crews arrive at the scene, the security guard's role transitions from primary responder to support personnel. Effective coordination can save critical minutes:

• Clear Access Gates: Ensure that all vehicle entrance gates, bollards, and fire lanes are opened and cleared of vehicles so fire engines can access the building immediately.
• Meet the Commander: Position yourself at the main entrance or gate to meet the incoming Civil Defence commander.
• Provide Critical Information: Immediately deliver a brief, factual update:
  • The exact location of the fire inside the building.
  • Status of the evacuation (e.g., "The building is fully evacuated" or "Two occupants are unaccounted for on the 3rd floor").
  • Location of utilities (gas shut-offs, electrical mains) and fire panel.
  • Provide building keys, access cards, and floor plans.
• Control the Perimeter: Keep evacuees and bystanders behind the assembly lines and prevent anyone from re-entering the building until Civil Defence issues an official "All Clear."