The Ministry of Interior has issued safety guidelines for employees at workplaces, outlining a set of instructions and procedures to be followed when responding to precautionary security alerts. This initiative is part of the Ministry's commitment to enhancing public safety and raising awareness of preventive measures within the workplace.
The ministry clarified that employees must take national alerts or warnings issued through official channels seriously and immediately comply with their instructions. They should also follow updates only through official sources and refrain from spreading rumours or republishing unreliable information.
The ministry emphasised the necessity of adhering to the directives of the relevant authorities and security and safety teams at the workplace, avoiding any individual interpretations.
Regarding safe conduct within buildings, the ministry urged employees to remain inside the building upon the issuance of any precautionary alert, maintain calm, and avoid causing alarm. Employees should also avoid going outside or to open areas and stay away from windows, glass facades, and open surfaces.
The ministry stressed the importance of staying away from energy sources and flammable materials, and minimising unnecessary movement between floors or buildings.
Regarding evacuation of facilities, the ministry recommended familiarising oneself with emergency exits, evacuation routes, and designated assembly points within the workplace. It also advised against using elevators when an evacuation alert or instruction is given, recommending instead the use of stairs and emergency exits.
The ministry emphasised the need to avoid pushing or crowding while moving to safe areas within the building and to keep corridors and emergency exits clear of obstructions to ensure rapid evacuation when necessary.
The guidelines also included instructions to follow in the event of an explosion or sudden incident. The ministry explained that if a person is outside the building when an explosion occurs, they should immediately go to the nearest safe area within the building and remain there after hearing the explosion or alert until instructions are issued by the relevant authorities that the danger has passed.
Regarding the handling of suspicious objects and hazards, the Ministry emphasised the necessity of immediately reporting any suspicious object or unusual observation through the designated channels within the organisation or by contacting the relevant authorities. It stressed the prohibition of touching or approaching any metallic object, shrapnel fragments, or unidentified objects.
The ministry also emphasised the importance of organisational discipline within the workplace, stressing the need to refrain from photographing incidents, sites, or security procedures and posting them on social media. Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of knowing emergency numbers and how to contact designated security and safety supervisors within the organisation, as well as the necessity of fully cooperating with security and safety officials and adhering to their instructions under all circumstances.
The ministry indicated that the security and safety departments in governmental, semi-governmental, and private entities are responsible for disseminating these guidelines to employees and monitoring their implementation. They are also tasked with ensuring the readiness of emergency exits, evacuation routes, assembly points, and response mechanisms for precautionary alerts.
The ministry confirmed that it will take the necessary legal measures against anyone who violates these guidelines, in accordance with applicable regulations. It also encouraged the public to contact them with any inquiries or comments regarding safety guidelines via the numbers: 2355585 and 2355633.
