Emergency Service Issues Safety Guidelines for Businesses
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS) has developed comprehensive guidelines aimed at helping businesses establish secure areas within their facilities. These instructions are designed to assist companies in determining which indoor spaces can protect employees during air raid alerts and outline protocols for different threat levels.
Understanding What Constitutes a Safe Space
A safe space is defined as an indoor area within a building that is separated from the outside by at least two walls. Viktor Vitovetsky emphasizes that
“a safe space is typically a room inside a building shielded from the street by a minimum of two walls”. However, the protective effectiveness of such spaces must be evaluated considering the building’s structure and potential hazards. It is important to note that a safe space is not a substitute for a fully equipped shelter.
If a business lacks its own shelter, it may arrange access to the nearest protective facility. This agreement should take into account:
- the shelter's capacity,
- the number of people already assigned to use it,
- the need to notify the shelter’s managing entity about the number of employees and visitors, and obtain approval for their accommodation.
The guidelines also specify different danger levels. Under a yellow alert, operations may continue provided adequate protection for personnel is ensured. In contrast, a red alert—which signals a ballistic strike or intense shelling—requires all staff to move immediately to shelters. These official DSNS recommendations are available on the Service’s website in the regulatory documents section.
Introducing these guidelines is especially critical amid escalating security threats in Ukraine. They give businesses clear instructions to safeguard their workforce, a crucial factor during emergencies. Utilizing designated safe spaces and shelters can significantly reduce risks to life and health during crisis situations.