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SECTION A3: EMERGENCY ACTION
PLANNING
Introduction
Many different types of emergencies could occur in University facilities
including fire, explosion, gas leaks, and chemical spills. Planning
before an emergency happens allows those involved to respond effectively
and in ways that should minimize worker injuries and property damage.
Specific elements must be included in any Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has developed a
model plan to assist departments in the development and implementation
of their EAP.
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Scope and Application
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) requires emergency action planning in all workplaces. Each
department is responsible for the development and implementation of
a written EAP covering the facilities and operations under their control.
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Program Description
Emergency planning requires a written emergency action plan, a knowledge
of building alarm systems, and worker training.
Written Emergency Action Plan
Written programs should consist of several elements including, at
a minimum:
- emergency escape procedures and route assignments
- shut down of critical operations
- procedures for accounting for building occupants
- assignment of duties (e.g., rescue and medical)
- reporting procedures for fires and other emergencies
The written program should include the names (or regular job titles)
of those who can be contacted for an explanation of duties assigned
under the EAP. The plan should be kept in the workplace and shared
with workers annually.
Alarm Systems
Methods should be established for alerting workers in the event of
an emergency. If an audible alarm is used, it must be distinctive
from any other type of alarm used in the building (e.g. computer alarms,
gas alarms, security alarms, etc).
Training
A sufficient number of workers should be trained to assist in a safe
and orderly evacuation in the event of an emergency. All those covered
by the plan should be trained at the following times:
- Initially when the plan is developed
- Whenever the worker’s responsibilities or designated actions
under the plan change
- Whenever the plan is changed
- Initially when first hired or assigned to the Department
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Roles and Responsibilities
Department
- Develop a written Emergency Action Plan which incorporates all
the required elements.
- Assign responsibility for the plan.
- Train workers in the actions required of them under the plan.
Supervisors
- Ensure workers are trained.
- Follow plan in the event of an emergency.
EHS and Public Safety
- Provide assistance in development and implementation of plan.
- Periodically audit the plan.
Individual
- Read and understand elements of plan .
- Follow plan in the event of an emergency.
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For
More Information
- Contact an EHS, Safety Engineer at 258-5294.
- Contact the University Fire Marshal
at 258-6805.
- A model written program is available through EHS.
- The following references are available through EHS:
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