The business owners of Los Angeles frequently pose questions as to whether security guards are legally obliged to be present during earthquakes. Nevertheless, lots of companies in LA decide to have guards on call. This guide will clarify the actual regulations of security guards during the emergency response in case of earthquakes. It also discusses the reasons as to why most businesses still opt to have guards in their premises. At the end, you will know the law and best practices.
Is There a Law Requiring Security Guards During Earthquakes
There is no statewide law of earthquake guards in California. There is no code of the state that compels any business to man security when there is a quake. Rather, state regulations are more concerned with the overall workplace safety and emergency planning. This plan should include the evacuation procedures, communication process and safety of the employees. Nonetheless, the scheme does not necessarily have to identify a particular security guard position. Therefore, most businesses are free to be flexible in staffing earthquake response.
What California Law Actually Requires
California law does not directly name security guards but concentrates on emergency planning. The companies should also have evacuation routes and emergency procedures that are displayed within their premises. The employers should also educate employees on what they should do in case of an earthquake. These rules include some that involve trained personnel to assist in case of an emergency. The fact that personnel need not necessarily be a licensed security guard all the time. Nevertheless, numerous buildings prefer trained guards to occupy this very position.
Why Businesses Still Choose Security Guards During Earthquakes
Many businesses would still desire guards even in the absence of a strict legal requirement. An armed guard will respond more quickly than a hysterical crowd of workers. During the response to earthquake emergencies, security guards can use their time to direct people to safety exits. This would help minimise the number of injuries in the confusion that ensues after a major quake. Guards also aid in deterring theft or break ins after a building is empty. Unoccupied stores and offices are easy targets immediately after a disaster. Other companies may even enjoy reduced rates on security cover after installing trained cover.
The Role Security Guards Play During an Earthquake
Order, safety, and communication are the areas of concern of security guards required for earthquake response in California. They aid in guiding the employees and customers to identify emergency exits. They also inspect the hazards, such as the shelf-falls or the blocked corridors around. Basic first aid can be provided by trained guards until paramedics get to the scene. They also report to the emergency services in case the condition becomes more critical.
Are Security Guards Considered First Responders
A lot of individuals believe that security guards are among the official first responders in case of disaster. This is not necessarily the case in California, according to the law. In law, guards are not first responders or peace officers. They are not as powerful as police or fire crews. Nonetheless, guards usually happen to be the first trained individuals on the scene. The response of the public in case of an emergency can be several minutes even in normal circumstances. Even a guard, who is already on-site, will be able to act during these first critical minutes. This distance between the quake and the external assistance is significant.
What Cal-OSHA Says About Emergency Preparedness
Cal-OSHA obliges the majority of workplaces to be ready in case of natural disasters such as earthquakes. This involves earthquake related measures in a wider emergency response plan. Employers have to educate employees on drop, cover and hold methods. They should also determine locations outside the building where everybody can gather without risking their lives. Although Cal-OSHA does not insist on a security guard, per se, there are nevertheless several businesses that have one.
Industries That Often Choose Guards for Earthquake Readiness
Certain industries are more dependent on security guards to respond to the earthquake emergencies. Retail shops frequently have guards around to control the crowd and eliminate theft. Guards are employed in office buildings to assist staff to move out of large, multi-floor areas safely. Safety personnel are often in place within hospitals and healthcare buildings already trained. All these environments have the advantage of having a qualified, relaxed presence in the event of a crisis. The heavy equipment also exposes warehouses to additional risk due to falling inventory.
What to Look for in an Earthquake-Ready Security Guard
All guards are not trained to respond to earthquakes in a special manner. Inquire of your provider whether guards undergo natural disaster response training directly. Guards are to be familiar with the evacuation routes, assembly points, and simple first aid procedures. They too should be aware in how to express themselves in case of a stressful situation. A good provider will not hesitate to explain his or her emergency training program. Training on a regular basis makes the guards alert and prepared in case of a real emergency. Inquire whether or not you have the guards conducting earthquake drills with your regular employees as well.
Cost of Adding Earthquake-Trained Security to Your Plan
Training guards are not necessary to add to an earthquake plan, and they do not have to break budgets. Security is already a budgeted expense in many businesses and thus this is a minor add-on. Providers can impose a higher fee in case of guards that are provided that have disaster-specific training. Nonetheless, the increased safety and property coverage in most cases makes it worth the price.
Building a Business Earthquake Response Plan With Security in Mind
Security staff should have a definite role in a good earthquake plan. Begin by mapping exits, hazards and safe gathering spots around your building. Ensure that guards are as familiar with the plan as any other employee. Conduct practice drills to ensure that the guards and staff feel ready together. Go through your plan annually as layouts and staff may change frequently. Experienced guards are capable of leading others because they are aware of the plan.
Common Misunderstandings About Guards and Earthquake Law
Other business owners would think that there is a legal need of any large space being guarded. Other people think that guards can exercise police powers when an emergency actually occurs. Both of these common beliefs are neither true according to the California law. Guards are not professional emergency responders but assistants who are trained to help. Nevertheless, in a quake, their presence and swift reaction are really valuable.
FAQs
Is Cal-OSHA to have a security guard during an earthquake?
Cal-OSHA does not specify a particular guard position but mandates an emergency action plan. Guards are still used to assist in executing that plan by many businesses.
Is it possible that a security guard can do first aid in case of an earthquake?
Yes, there are lots of trained guards that may give first aid until paramedics come. This is not automatic training and therefore the business should ensure that it is guaranteed with their provider.
Why do businesses hire guards for earthquakes if it’s not required?
Guards assist in the safe exits and guard against injuries in the fray. They also guard vacant premises against theft after a disaster has swept the vicinity.
What would you want a security company to say about earthquake training?
Inquire about whether guards are provided with certain training on natural disasters and evacuation on a regular basis. Also inquire on how that training is refreshed among the existing guard personnel.
Conclusion
The California law does not compel all businesses to staff security in times of earthquakes. Nevertheless, guards do have a role to play in an actual quake. During earthquake emergency response, security guards assist in directing people and avoiding additional damage. They also guard property after a building has cleared out during a recovery. Companies that foresee tend to deal with emergencies much more effectively in general.
Eagle Eye Pro trains their guards about emergency response and evacuation measures. The customers in the San Fernando Valley are confident to get quality, trained coverage. Eagle Eye Pro provides actual experience to businesses that develop a more efficient earthquake response plan.
