Emergency Evacuation

OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan standard requires a company to develop emergency action plans for employee evacuation, chemical release response, tornado response, and other foreseeable emergencies. OSHA’s Fire Prevention Plan requires the employer to minimize fire hazards through housekeeping, employee training, maintenance of fuel source hazards, and maintenance of fire suppression equipment. The Fire Prevention Plan should also contain the company’s plans for responding to a fire. All employers must have Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plans. If the employer has more than 10 employees, the employer must have written Emergency Action and Fire Prevention Plans, and an evacuation alarm system. The written plans (for facilities with 10 or more employees) shall be kept at the workplace and made available for employee review. Employers with fewer than 10 employees can utilize oral plans communicated to employees in lieu of a written plan. Contact SGIA's Government and Business Information Department for assistance in developing your written programs.