What Are The Minimum Elements Of An Emergency Action Plan?

Many of our blog posts consist of benefits, qualities and reliability of the products and services that we offer.  We highlight the companies that we work closely with in order for us to provide you with the outstanding and reputable service that you have come to know if you are a Specified Building Products client.  We take a great amount of pride in our work and being able to offer products that keep clients coming back project after project.

We have written about Fire Curtains, Fire Doors and other safety products, but one of the most important things to have in the event of a fire is not a Fire Curtain or a Fire Door.  It  is an Emergency Action Plan also known as an EAP.  This key documented plan helps your employees know what to do in the event of an emergency from where to meet to what the responsibilities are for key point people  is and even what the proper procedures are that are to be followed in the event of an unexpected evacuation from the building.

According to OSHA, an Emergency Action Plan is a written document required by OSHA standards.  Its’ purpose is to facilitate specific employee actions during workplace emergencies.  A good plan will result in less injuries and possibly less structural damage if you have taken the time to protect yourself and others by preparing for an emergency before it happens.  Some of the key elements in a good emergency action plan are:

• Having a written procedure for reporting an emergency, fire or other.
• Documented procedure for building evacuation which include all exit route assignments which are clearly posted near all exits on each floor.  This document must be made available for all employees to review.  An employer with fewer than 10 employees may communicate the plan verbally.
• Documented procedures for all employees who must remain in the building for critical operations prior to evacuating.
• Documented procedures to account for each employee after the evacuation.
• Documented procedures for any employee who must perform any rescue or medical duties during or after an emergency
• Contact details for all employees in charge of any evacuation so that any employee with questions may reach out and have their questions answered.
• Train designated employees, who will not remain behind for critical operation, about how to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation.

Having an EAP is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.  Create a task force and involve your employees in the process.  It will help to create a sense of team and can inject some motivation into your workforce!

For more information about designing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for your company you can visit this website https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/eap.html