Employee training | Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)

Revision 4/03 OSHA requires that employers train designated employees to assist in the safe and orderly evacuation of other employees. Educate all employees about the types of emergencies that may occur and train them in the proper course of action. The size of the workplace and workforce, processes used, materials handled, and the availability of onsite or outside resources will determine training requirements. Be sure all employees understand the function and elements of the emergency action plan, including types of potential emergencies, reporting procedures, alarm systems, evacuation plans, and shutdown procedures. Discuss any special onsite hazards such as flammable materials, toxic chemicals, radioactive sources, or water-reactive substances. Clearly communicate who will be in charge during an emergency to minimize confusion.

General employee training should address:

• Individual roles and responsibilities;
• Threats, hazards, and protective actions;
• Notification, warning, and communications procedures;
• Means for locating family members in an emergency;
• Emergency response procedures;
• Evacuation, shelter, and accountability procedures;
• Location and use of common emergency equipment; and
• Emergency shutdown procedures.

You also may wish to train your employees in first aid procedures, including protection against bloodborne pathogens; respiratory protection, including use of an escape-only respirator; and methods for preventing unauthorized access to the site.

Once you have reviewed the emergency action plan with employees and everyone has had the proper training, it is a good idea to hold practice drills as often as necessary to keep employees prepared. Include outside resources such as fire and police departments when possible. After each drill, gather management and employees to evaluate the effectiveness of the drill. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the plan and work to improve it.

Employee refresher training

Revision 4/03 Review the plan with all employees and consider implementing annual training in the plan (annual refresher training, however, is not required by OSHA). Also offer training when you:

• Develop the initial plan;
• Hire new employees;
• Introduce new equipment, materials, or processes into the workplace that affect evacuation routes;
• Change the layout or design of the facility; and
• Revise or update your emergency procedures.