Explanation
BHV members are colleagues who step in first during an emergency: giving first aid, putting out a small fire, evacuating the building and receiving the emergency services. They are the first line, the emergency services come after.
In the Netherlands an employer has to organise company emergency response. How many BHV members you need and which training fits depends on the size and risks of your organisation and building, and follows among other things from the risk assessment. Check the Dutch Arboportaal and the fire brigade for the current requirements.
BHV members keep their knowledge up to date with training, refreshers and drills. An evacuation plan, evacuation drills and knowledge of the residual risks are part of it. Monitor the validity of certificates so there are always enough BHV members present, also during illness and holidays.
Example from practice
When the alarm goes off in the warehouse, one BHV member puts out a small fire, a second guides colleagues to the assembly point and a third waits for the fire brigade at the entrance.
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