Putting together a comprehensive emergency action plan that deals with those issues specific to your work-site is not difficult. It involves taking what was learned from your workplace evaluation and describing how employees will respond to different types of emergencies, taking into account your specific work-site layout, structural features, and emergency systems. Most organizations find it beneficial to include a diverse group of representatives (management and employees) in this planning process and to meet frequently to review progress and allocate development tasks. The commitment and support of all employees is critical to the plan's success in the event of an emergency; ask for their help in establishing and implementing your emergency action plan. For smaller organizations, the plan does not need to be written and may be communicated orally if there are 10 or fewer employees. [29 CFR 1910.38(b)]
At a minimum, the plan must include but is not limited to the following elements [29 CFR 1910.38(c)]:
Means of reporting fires and other emergencies
Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments
Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate
Accounting for all employees after an emergency evacuation has been completed
Rescue and Medical Duties for Employees Performing Them
Names or job titles of persons who can be contacted
Although they are not specifically required by OSHA, you may find it helpful to include the following in your plan:
A description of the alarm system to be used to notify employees (including disabled employees) to evacuate and/or take other actions. The alarms used for different actions should be distinctive and might include horn blasts, sirens, or even public address systems.
The site of an alternative communications center to be used in the event of a fire or explosion.
A secure on- or offsite location to store originals or duplicate copies of accounting records, legal documents, your employees' emergency contact lists, and other essential records.
Now that you have read through the basic overview of an emergency action plan, find out how to implement your plan.