The Challenge: Safety Compliance for a New Transport Facility
At FERST, we understand that safety is paramount in every workplace and facility. That’s why we recently worked alongside Transport Canberra to build their emergency response readiness and ensure they hit the ground running with the opening of the brand-new Woden Bus Depot. Ensuring people safety and full compliance with safety regulations.
Discover how FERST helped Transport Canberra’s Woden Bus Depot achieve full AS3745 compliance with tailored emergency response planning, ECO training, and evacuation diagrams.
Background: Transport Canberra engaged FERST to develop a comprehensive emergency response framework for its newly constructed Woden Bus Depot — a state-of-the-art facility supporting Canberra’s shift to a sustainable public transport network, including the integration of electric bus technology.
The facility introduced unique operational challenges, including new high-voltage charging systems and battery storage areas that required specialised emergency procedures. In addition, the site had no established Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) or compliant evacuation diagrams in place. As part of the site commissioning process, Transport Canberra sought FERST’s expertise to establish emergency preparedness systems from the ground up.
Our Tailored Emergency Response Solution: FERST conducted a detailed risk assessment and site inspection in collaboration with operational and safety personnel from Transport Canberra. From this, we designed and implemented a tailored emergency response solution that included:
- Site Specific Emergency Management Plan and Procedures Manual: A site-specific emergency plan was designed incorporating new risks associated with lithium-ion battery charging and response procedures, energy isolation, and after-hours maintenance.
- Evacuation Diagrams: Development of fully compliant AS3745 evacuation diagrams, integrating clear procedures for responding to electric bus incidents, including isolation zones and emergency shut-off locations.
- Establishment of ECO Structure: Guidance in selecting and formalising the Emergency Control Organisation roles, in line with AS3745-2010 recommendations.
- Comprehensive ECO Training: Chief Warden and Warden training. Site-specific building evacuation procedures. Fire awareness and fire extinguisher practical training. Emergency communication protocols and debriefing processes. Fire and Emergency Response Safety training Canberra & Sydney.
All training was delivered onsite with practical simulations to enhance engagement and retention.
The Results: Compliance, Confidence, and Readiness: With our help, the project achieved full compliance with AS3745-2010, ensuring the facility was prepared to safely manage emergencies involving both conventional and electric bus technologies. Transport Canberra now operates with a trained ECO team, clearly documented emergency procedures, and highly visible, accessible evacuation diagrams.
Staff demonstrated confidence and leadership during post-training simulations, and internal safety audits reported significant improvements in awareness and readiness. FERST will continue to support the Woden Depot through annual refresher training and updates as technologies evolve.
Client Testimonial: “FERST brought the knowledge, structure, and professionalism we needed to commission the Woden Bus Depot with safety and compliance at the forefront. Their ability to adapt emergency planning to include emerging technology like electric bus charging systems was outstanding. The ECO training was thorough, engaging, and tailored to our team. We now have the confidence that our staff and systems are ready to respond when needed.”
FAQs
1. What is an Emergency Control Organisation (ECO)?
An Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) is a team of trained staff responsible for managing workplace emergencies. Their duties include raising alarms, coordinating evacuations, assisting people to safety, and liaising with emergency services. At the Woden Bus Depot, FERST supported Transport Canberra in establishing an ECO structure and provided tailored training to ensure readiness.
2. Why is AS3745 compliance important for workplaces?
AS3745 is the Australian Standard that outlines how facilities should prepare for and respond to emergencies. Compliance ensures workplaces have clear evacuation diagrams, trained wardens, and documented emergency procedures. Meeting this standard not only fulfils legal obligations but also provides peace of mind that staff can respond confidently in high-risk situations.
3. How does emergency planning adapt to electric bus technology?
Electric bus depots introduce unique risks, such as high-voltage charging systems and lithium-ion battery storage. Emergency planning must account for isolation procedures, specialised evacuation zones, and fire risks linked to battery systems.
4. What training does FERST provide to improve workplace safety?
FERST delivers a range of safety training services, including:
- Chief Warden and Warden training
- Building evacuation training
- Site-specific evacuation procedures
- Fire awareness and fire extinguisher training
- General Occupant/Staff training
- Emergency communication and debriefing protocols
All training is practical, engaging, and tailored to the specific workplace environment.
5. How can workplaces prepare staff for emergencies?
The best way to prepare staff is through a combination of:
- A tailored Emergency Management Plan
- Clearly displayed evacuation diagrams
- A trained ECO team with defined roles
- Ongoing refresher training and simulations
This approach ensures both compliance and confidence in real-life emergency situations.
6. Does FERST offer ongoing support after implementation?
Yes. FERST provides annual refresher training, updates to emergency procedures, and reviews of evacuation diagrams as technologies and workplace layouts evolve. This ensures that organisations remain compliant and staff stay confident in their response capabilities.
Contact us for training, to design evacuation diagrams or produce an emergency response plan and procedures manual.