Emergency Preparedness & Response Development, Validation, Implementation and Enhancement for a Voluntary Protection Programs Center of Excellence (VPP CX) Capability for the Department of Defense Emergency Preparedness & Response

Objectives After this training you will be able to: Describe the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Emergency Action Plan (EAP) elements Define some basic EAP requirements View the OSHA EAP eTool.

Emergency Action Plan An EAP is a written document required by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.38(a) The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies Well developed plans results in fewer employee injuries and structural damage Poorly developed plans lead to confusion and disorganization.

Workplace Evaluation When conducting a workplace evaluation for an EAP make sure to include: Specific layouts Structural features Emergency systems Diverse representatives Commitment and support of all employees is critical to the EAP success.

Evacuation Plan Evacuation charts for all aspects of facility should be designed and posted for all employees to read Monitors should be selected to assure evacuation safety and accountability.

Critical Employees Ensure critical employees have proper evacuation training Incorporate critical decisions into the EAP to prepare employees for emergencies.

Employee Meeting Place EAP should define emergency meeting place as well as defining who should: Bring attendance sheet Conduct last sweep Conduct roll call Ensure second meeting place is defined in case first one is inadequate.

Rescue Duties for Employees Employees assigned to conduct rescue or other efforts during an emergency should have access to: Appropriate training (CPR, AED, etc.) Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as vests, hard hats, gloves, etc. Local fire departments or hospitals might provide this service to small organizations.

EAP Employee Contacts The EAP must include employee information who may be contacted for additional information The EAP must also be available, exercised and critiqued by all employees.

EAP Requirements

Emergency Announcement System An employer must have and maintain an employee alarm system Emergency announcement systems may include: Loud speakers Alarms Voice Strobe lights.

Exit Routes Exit routes must be: A permanent part of the workplace Separated by fire resistant materials Adequately lighted Clearly visible and marked Free of decorations.

Exit Routes During repairs, alterations or new construction employees must not occupy a workplace unless the exit routes are completed If the direction of travel to the exit is not immediately apparent, signs must be posted Any doorway along the exit route which could be mistaken for an exit must be marked with a “Not an Exit” sign.

Fire Prevention Plans The purpose of the fire prevention plan is to prevent a fire from occurring in a workplace Fire prevention plan must: Be in writing Be kept in the workplace Be available to all employees for review.

Portable Fire Extinguishers Employees authorized to use portable fire extinguishers must be trained in their use The employer must ensure portable fire extinguishers are maintained and tested at the correct intervals.

Fixed Extinguishing Systems Purpose of the fixed extinguishing system is to quickly extinguish a developing fire and alert occupants before extensive damage occurs Employer is responsible for operating, testing, and maintaining fixed extinguishing systems that are installed to OSHA standards.

OSHA EAP eTool http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/expertsystem/question1.htm?allLinks=

Summary In this presentation, you learned about: The OSHA and VPP EAP Some basic EAP requirements The OSHA EAP eTool.

References Workplace evaluation [29 CFR 1910.38(b)] Means of reporting fires and other emergencies [29 CFR 1910.38(c)(1)] Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments [29 CFR 1910.38(c)(2)] Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate [29 CFR 1910.38(c)(3)]

References Design and construction requirements for exit routes [29 CFR 1910.36] Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes [29 CFR 1910.37] Emergency action plans (EAP) [29 CFR 1910.38] Fire prevention plans (FPP) [29 CFR 1910.39] Portable fire extinguishers [29 CFR 1910.157] •

References Fixed extinguishing systems [29 CFR 1910.160] Fire detection systems [29 CFR 1910.164] Employee alarm systems [29 CFR 1910.165]