An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is usually a written document required by OSHA’s emergency standards. The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. The elements of the plan must include:
- 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
- Procedures to account for all employees after an emergency evacuation has been completed
- Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them
OSHA can help you to create a basic EAP that will be adequate for many small and medium-sized businesses. Large organizations or those with more significant hazards will need to consider the special characteristics of their workplaces and develop a plan accordingly. A basic EAP can be supplemented to address situations that require special attention.
Upcoming OSHA #7105 Evacuation and Emergency Planning Classes