Emergency Action Plan

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Introduction

The purpose of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is to create an organized procedure for employees and employers to follow in response to a workplace emergency or disaster. A well-developed plan, along with proper training, will prepare employees with the ability to evacuate an area quickly and safely, resulting in fewer and less severe injuries. OSHA requires a written emergency evacuation plan for every company, and it must be kept available in the workplace for employees to review. It is important to learn the emergency evacuation procedure for your
immediate work area as well as other areas in the workplace that you may be in if an
emergency occurs

Workplace emergencies

A workplace emergency is an unforeseen event or situation that threatens the safety of a
company’s employees, customers, or the public. A workplace emergency may cause physical or
environmental damage and may disrupt business. Emergencies may be natural disasters,
criminal based, or accidental by nature.
They may include:
• Floods
• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes
• Earthquakes
• Fires
• Toxic gas releases
• Chemical spills
• Explosions
• Bomb threats
• Civil disturbances or violence on the job that results in physical harm or trauma.

Required elements

An emergency action plan must include at a minimum:
• Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency.
• Procedures for emergency evacuation, including exit route assignments.
• Procedures to be followed by employees who remain behind to perform critical plant actions
• before they evacuate, such as operating fire extinguishers, and shutting off gas and/or
electrical systems.
• Procedures to account for all employees after an emergency evacuation is completed.
• Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue and medical duties.
• Names or job titles of employees who can be contacted for further information about the
plan or an explanation of duties and expectations.
In addition:
• An employee alarm system must be maintained.
• Employees must be trained to assist in a safe and orderly evacuation

CONCLUSION

Emergencies and disasters can strike at anytime. You are responsible for your own safety. The
best way to protect yourself is to become familiar with your workplace emergency action plan
and to be prepared for any emergency before it takes place.
Remember:
• Know your escape route.
• Know your emergency assignment, if you have been given one.
• Know your meeting place, and who to report to for check-in.
• Know how to report emergencies.
• Know the name of the employee or supervisor you can contact for further explanation of the
plan if you have any questions.