Evacuation Plans and Procedures Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Evacuation Plans and Procedures

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA eTool

This PowerPoint summarizes information in the Evacuation eTool. For more information see the eTool and Safety and Health Topic page at www.osha.gov.

* This will help you implement an emergency action plan (EAP) and comply with OSHA’s emergency standards.

• What is an EAP?

• Do I need an EAP?

• How do I evaluate my workplace?

Introduction

* This Evacuation Plan and Procedures presentation gives a basic understanding of evacuation. For more information, refer to the Evacuation eTool.

An EAP describes actions employees should take if an emergency situation occurs, such as:

• Procedures for reporting

emergencies

• Description of the alarm system

• Escape route(s)

What is an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?

A disorganized evacuation can result in:

• confusion

• injury, and

• and property damage.

When developing your emergency action plan, it is important to determine the following:

Essential Evacuation Elements

• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits

• A means of accounting for employees after an evacuation

• A clear chain of command to order an evacuation or shutdown

• Special equipment for employees

Essential Evacuation Elements(continued)

Have members of the fire department conduct a walk-through so they are familiar with the layout and potential hazards.

Make arrangements with nearby medical clinics to handle emergency cases.

Arranging Fire, Rescue, and Medical Services

Establish a relationship with a local ambulance service so transportation is readily available for emergencies.

If an infirmary, clinic, or hospital is not close to your workplace, ensure that onsite person(s) have adequate first-aid training.

Arranging Fire, Rescue, and Medical Services (continued)

• To alert fire departments dial “911”

• To alert employees make coded announcements over the intercom by using internal number

•Notify employees by using an alarm system (if you have more than 10 employees)

Options for Reporting an Emergency

You are required to have an EAP if:

• fire extinguishers are requiredor provided in your workplace, and

• if anyone will be evacuating during a fire or other emergency.

Do I need an EAP?

The best way to protect yourself and others is to prepare for an emergency before it happens by doing a thorough assessment of the workplace.

Evaluation

Does your workplace have proper:

• Exit routes

• Fire Detection Systems

• Employee Alarms

• Fixed Extinguishing Systems

• Portable Fire Extinguishers

Evaluation(continued)

• Must be permanent

• Must have fire resistant doors

• Must be unlocked

Exit Routes

Fire detection systems can significantly reduce property damage, personal injuries, and the loss of life from fire in the workplace.

Fire Detection Systems

Does the “Fire Detection Systems” standard apply to

me?You are required to follow the Fire Detection Systems standard if an OSHA standard states that you must install a Fire Protection System.

Fire Detector Categories

Fire detectors work by sensing one or more products by fire. The three most common detectors are:

• Smoke detectors

• Heat detectors

• Flame detectors

Installation Requirements and Considerations

Fire detectors should be selected based on the burning characteristics of the materials and the location they will be used to protect.

• Put at least one detector in each room.

• Place the detector as close to the center of the ceiling as possible.

Maintenance and Testing

• Operate and maintain your system in a working condition.

• Test and adjust fire detectors often to ensure that they operate correctly and maintain reliability.

• Have fire detectors cleaned on a regular basis to assure their proper operation.

Specific Applications or Uses of Alarms

• Must be designed to respond

in time to control or extinguish the potential fire.

• Must be designed and installed to provide a warning for emergency actions.

Employee Alarms

This section will help you understand alarm requirements.

• Types of Alarm Devices

• Emergency Response Plan

• Installation and Restoration

• Maintenance and Testing

• Employee Training

Types of Alarm Devices

• Bells

• Sirens

• Horns

• Workplace Announcement

• Lights

Emergency Response Plan

The alarm must inform “all affected employees” that an emergency exists and what their immediate response should be. This plan should include:

• How and what warning(s) will be provided through the alarm.

• Procedures for sounding alarms in the workplace.

Installation and Restoration

• Test the reliability and adequacy of non supervised alarm systems every two months.

• The servicing, maintenance, and testing of alarms must be done by properly trained persons.

• Do a visual check to ensure that alarm devices are not obstructed.

Fixed Extinguishing Systems

Fixed Extinguishing Systems extinguish a fire and alert occupants before extensive damage occurs by filling the protected area with an extinguishing agent.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

The EAP may allow several employees to fight fires. The EAP may allow several employees to fight fires.

The employees must be trained in the use and limitations of a fire extinguisher.

Portable Fire Extinguishing Risks

Fires can increase in intensity in seconds. In addition, the fire extinguishers contain a limited amount of extinguishing agent and can be discharged in seconds. Therefore, individuals should attempt to fight only very small fires.

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