An emergency action plan (EAP) is usually a written document required by particular OSHA standards. For smaller organizations, the plan does not need to be written and may be communicated orally if there are 10 or fewer employees [29 CFR 1910.38(b)]. The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies.
The elements of the plan must include, but are not limited to:
- Means of reporting fires and other emergencies
- Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments
- Procedures to be followed by 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
- Names or job titles of persons who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan
We recommend that you use OSHA's Online eTool to help assist you if you would like to write your own plan. This OSHA Expert only provides information based on Federal OSHA Emergency Action Plan requirements. If you are covered by a state OSHA plan you may need to contact your local state OSHA office.
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