06 Aug Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness

Workplace emergencies can occur with little or no warning. Fires, explosions, severe weather, earthquakes, chemical releases, medical emergencies, utility failures, and workplace violence can place employees at immediate risk. While emergencies cannot always be prevented, effective planning, training, and preparation can significantly reduce injuries, confusion, and property damage.

Employees should understand the company’s Emergency Action Plan and know what actions to take before an emergency occurs.

General Emergency Preparedness

Employees should be able to answer the following questions:

• How do I report a fire, medical emergency, chemical release, or other emergency?
• What alarm or notification systems are used, and what does each signal mean?
• Who is responsible for coordinating the emergency response?
• Where are the emergency exits and evacuation routes?
• Where is my designated assembly or rally point?
• How will employees be accounted for following an evacuation?
• When should I evacuate and when should I shelter in place?
• Where are emergency supplies and equipment located?
• What should I do if a coworker or visitor is missing?
• When is it safe to re-enter the workplace?

During an evacuation, employees should proceed directly to their designated assembly area and remain there until accounted for. Never re-enter an evacuated area until authorized to do so.

Medical Emergencies

Employees should know how to summon emergency medical assistance and understand their responsibilities during a medical emergency.

Consider the following:

• Are appropriate first-aid supplies readily available?
• Are trained first-aid and CPR personnel available when required?
• Do employees know how to contact emergency medical services?
• Are emergency telephone numbers and the worksite address or location readily available?
• Are emergency eyewash stations and safety showers provided where required?
• Are automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available, and if so, do employees know their locations?
• Do employees understand that rescue and medical treatment should be performed only within the limits of their training?

Fire Emergencies

Employees should know the company’s procedures for reporting and responding to fires.

• Know the location of fire alarms, exits, and evacuation routes.
• Keep exits, exit routes, and fire protection equipment unobstructed.
• Know whether company policy requires employees to evacuate immediately or permits designated employees to use portable fire extinguishers.
• Employees expected or authorized to use portable fire extinguishers must receive the required training.
• Fire extinguishers should be appropriate for the anticipated hazards, readily accessible, properly mounted, and maintained.
• Portable extinguishers should receive required monthly visual inspections and annual maintenance checks.
• Never attempt to fight a fire that is spreading, producing significant smoke, blocking your escape route, or beyond your training and capabilities.

Chemical Spills and Releases

Employees should understand the procedures for responding to chemical spills and releases before handling hazardous materials.

• Know how to report a spill or release.
• Review applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• Know where spill-control materials and emergency equipment are located.
• Use only spill-control materials appropriate for the chemical involved.
• Wear required personal protective equipment.
• Do not attempt to clean up an unknown chemical or a spill beyond your training, equipment, or assigned responsibilities.
• Evacuate or isolate the area when required.
• Prevent untrained personnel from entering the affected area.
• Follow established procedures for disposal of contaminated cleanup materials.

Severe Weather and Other Emergencies

Employees should also know the procedures for emergencies such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, extreme temperatures, power failures, bomb threats, and workplace violence when these hazards are applicable to the worksite.

Some emergencies require evacuation, while others may require employees to shelter in place. Employees should know the difference and follow the instructions of designated emergency personnel.

Training and Drills

Emergency procedures should be communicated when employees are initially assigned to a job and whenever the Emergency Action Plan or their responsibilities change.

Periodic drills and reviews help employees become familiar with:

• Alarm and notification systems.
• Emergency reporting procedures.
• Evacuation routes and emergency exits.
• Assembly or rally points.
• Employee accountability procedures.
• Shelter-in-place locations.
• Emergency equipment and supplies.
• Assigned emergency responsibilities.

Employees should take drills seriously. An emergency is not the time to learn where to go or what to do.

Remember

Preparation reduces confusion. Know how to report an emergency, recognize alarms, locate emergency exits and equipment, evacuate or shelter as directed, and report to your designated assembly point. A quick, organized response can prevent an emergency from becoming a tragedy.