Emergency Action Plan
An employer must have an Emergency Action Plan whenever an OSHA standard requires one (29 CFR 1910.38(a)) — for example when employees evacuate in a fire instead of using portable extinguishers (1910.157(b)(1)). With 10 or fewer employees the plan may be communicated orally; otherwise it must be written, kept in the workplace and available to employees.
Industry presets
- Dental officeIncludes shutting off nitrous oxide and oxygen.
- Salon / spaSmall retail service floor.
- Outpatient clinicPatients and visitors may need help evacuating.
- Warehouse / light industrialEquipment shutdown and larger floor.
- OfficeGeneral office space.
- Other / start blankNo prefilled answers.
What the plan covers
Each element is tied to the provision that requires it.
| Element | Citation |
|---|---|
| Application: the OSHA standard(s) that require this plan | 29 CFR 1910.38(a) |
| Written, kept in the workplace and available to employees for review | 29 CFR 1910.38(b) |
| Employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally | 29 CFR 1910.38(b) |
| Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency | 29 CFR 1910.38(c)(1) |
| Emergency evacuation procedures, type of evacuation and exit route assignments | 29 CFR 1910.38(c)(2) |
| Procedures for employees who remain to operate critical operations before they evacuate | 29 CFR 1910.38(c)(3) |
| Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation | 29 CFR 1910.38(c)(4) |
| Procedures for employees performing rescue or medical duties | 29 CFR 1910.38(c)(5) |
| Name or job title of every person to contact for more information | 29 CFR 1910.38(c)(6) |
| Employee alarm system with a distinctive signal for each purpose | 29 CFR 1910.38(d); 29 CFR 1910.165 |
| Designated and trained evacuation assistants | 29 CFR 1910.38(e) |
| Review of the plan with each covered employee | 29 CFR 1910.38(f)(1)-(3) |
Official sources: 29 CFR 1910.38 on osha.gov · OSHA Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool
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