4.2

Norm 2: Service providers must ensure the victims' safety and security in the organisation

4.2.1

Standard: Secured environment in which victims are protected from physical, social and emotional harm or threat of harm

4.2.2

Outcome: Victims are safe and secured in the organisation

PROGRAMME PRACTICES

(a)

Controlled access to facility:

Service provider should ensure that the organisation have Close Circuit Television System (“CCTV”) Cameras and alarm system which are in a good working condition.

(b)

Appointment of competent staff members:

Service provider should ensure that security staff members are orientated in the maintenance of control measures in the organisation.

(c)

Action plan for emergencies:

Service provider should ensure that an emergency action plan with relevant contact details are displayed and regularly updated.

(d)

Service provider should ensure that an emergency plan of when the organisation is attacked is in place

(e)

Service provider should ensure that staff members are provided with panic buttons for the use in emergencies. The safety of the staff members is of utmost importance.

(f)

Service provider should ensure that the organisation has an emergency generator or backup plan (e.g. candles, gas, coals, etc) that is functional and serviced regularly.

(g)

Service provider to ensure that the organisation provides emergency water supply through borehole, reservoir, tanks (e.g. Jojo) or others.

(h)

Evacuation plan:

Service provider should ensure that an evacuation plan is displayed. Staff and victims to be trained on the plan and regular drills are done to familiarise and prepare the staff member and the victims in case of emergency.

(i)

Service provider should ensure that an evacuation chair is available and ready for when there is a need.

(j)

Service provider should ensure that an organisation has an emergency exit

(k)

Fire extinguisher

Service provider should ensure that the fire extinguisher is in place as per the requirements of Occupational Health and Safety act and it is serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions

(l)

Service provider should ensure that windows and doors are adequately protected to ensure the safety of victims

(m)

Service provider should ensure that the structure is safe and weatherproof

(n)

Visitors

Service provider should ensure that all visitors to the organisation (excluding other service providers such as government officials; monitoring and evaluation committee and others), make an appointment prior to the visit and sign the visitors register.

The register must reflect the following: name; identity number; home address; person visited and relationship with that person; phone number; time in and time out as well as the signature.

The visitor should present an identity document for his or her identification.

(o)

Service provider should ensure that all visitors are screened / searched before entering the organisation.

(p)

Service provider should ensure that all victims are screened / searched on their return to the organisation.

(q)

Vehicle logbook and transportation:

Service provider should ensure that the logbook for the vehicle is available and ready to be completed when the service provider wants to use the vehicle.

(r)

Service provider should ensure that victims at risk are transported by SAPS to various service providers in case of risk situations for instance to the Department of Home Affairs; Embassies; courts; hospitals; clinics, etc.).

(s)

General safety:

Service provider should ensure non—slippery and non-shining flooring surfaces. All carpets should be suitably and safely secured.

(t)

Service provider should ensure that all victims and staff members who leave the premises sign a daily register (i.e. time out and time in).

(u)

Service provider should ensure that it is safe outside the organisation free from sharp garden tools or garden equipment and dangerous objects.

(v)

Service provider should ensure that outside and inside premises are maintained to a reasonable standard

(w)

Service providers should ensure that pools are safe and covered, fire exits and extinguishers are clearly marked.

(x)

Refuse disposal services:

Service provider should ensure that all refuse disposal services at premises are disposed according to municipality regulations.

Service providers should ensure that waste disposal methods are:

(x)

Service providers should ensure that there is a pest control service available to the organisation as and when required

(y)

Service providers shall inform the victims about the witness protection measures