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American Red Cross

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Fri 29 Feb 2008

Exit Routes and Emergency Action Plans (1910.33)

Posted by Allan under Safety , Compliance , Training , OSHA , Emergency , Fire Safety , Emergency Planning , American Red Cross , Policies & Procedures , Workplace Safety
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Exit Sign.png One of the most common questions I get asked about is Exits Routes (Means of Egress) and Emergency Action Plans.  These two are synergistic with each other.  A good Emergency Action Plan should include all exit routes.  Too often we hear of employees getting injured or dying in an emergency situation.  Proper planning and training can help eliminate many of these incidents. 
 

 Below are some of the highlights of OSHA requirements for Exit Routes and Emergency Action Plans.
Exit Routes (1910.34 - .37) 

OSHA has specific requirements for design and construction of exit routes that include:

  • Exit rout must be permanent
  • Exits must be separated by fire resistant materials
  • Openings must be protected by a self-closing fire door
  • There must be a minimum of two (2) exits in the workplace

Exits MUST discharge to the outside or a space with access to the outside.  The exit should always remain unlocked.  Exit routes should be a minimum of 7 feet 6 inches high and 28 inches wide.  Exit signs should be clearly marked and illuminated, that can be seen by normal vision. 
 Emergency Action Plans (1910.38)
Workplaces with 10 or more employees must have a WRITTEN Emergency Action Plan that is available for employees to review.  The plan must include the following:

  • Procedure for report emergency
  • Procedure for emergency evacuation
  • Procedure for employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate
  • Procedure to account for all employees
  • Procedures for employees performing rescue or medical duties


The workplace MUST have an alarm system that complies with 1910.165.  An employer MUST designate and train employees to assist in a safe and orderly evacuation of other employees.  Every employee MUST be trained on the Emergency Action Plan.
It is recommend that employers practice the Emergency Action Plan at least twice during the year.  Once when employees know in advance and once without prior notification.  The fire department should always be aware of your practice schedule.  Both the fire department and your insurance vendor will assist you in inspecting the workplace to make sure it complies with regulations. 
The Red Cross and others have Emergency Kits available.  They have small inexpensive Safety Tube that includes, a mask, whistle, light stick and water pouch.  This Safety Tube should be given to all employees, to keep at their workstation.  Making sure the Exit Routes are unobstructed and your Emergency Action Plan is practiced can help save lives.    

 


Wed 19 Sep 2007

Emergency Preparedness Be Ready

Posted by Allan under Safety , NFPA , Emergency , non-profits , First Aid/CPR/AED , Fire Safety , Emergency Planning , Emergency Response , American Red Cross
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QUINCY, MA — The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests that now is the perfect time to Get Ready! for a disaster.

September is National Preparedness Month and NFPA is urging the public to take time this month to prepare for a disaster before one strikes.

Get Ready! Preparing Your Community for a Disaster is a comprehensive disaster preparedness guide developed by NFPA to make the daunting task of preparing for the unknown more manageable. The kit was recently sent to 30,000 fire departments across the country as a resource for them to help their community prepare. Materials are also available for download at no charge. Most materials are also available in Spanish.

“Preparing yourself, your family, and your community for the unexpected can be a frightening endeavor, but being caught unprepared in the face of disaster can prove to be deadly,” said Judy Comoletti, assistant vice president of public education for NFPA. “The Get Ready! program is designed to help people develop their emergency plan by putting much needed informational materials at their fingertips.”

Disastrous events in recent years have served as reminders that there is no single preparedness tool more important than a plan. Get Ready!  Preparing Your Community for a Disaster provides a foundation for understanding what to do, where to go, and how to survive in a disaster. Informational sheets provide guidance on what to do before, during, and after an incident on the following topics: home fires, blackouts, hurricanes, landslides, thunderstorms, tornadoes, earthquakes, national security, volcanoes, extreme heat, nuclear incidents, wildfires, floods, older adults, winter storms, hazardous materials, people with disabilities, and pets. The guide also provides a lesson plan and presentation materials, making conducting a workshop easy. A family emergency plan is available for download as well as an emergency supplies kit checklist.

Get Ready! Preparing Your Community for a Disaster was developed by NFPA for fire departments nationwide. The project was funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Domestic Preparedness.

NFPA suggests the following tips to keep in mind when preparing for a disaster. Visit www.nfpa.org/disaster for more detailed information.

How to prepare before a disaster:

  • Be informed
  • Make a plan
  • Get a kit
  • Volunteer to help others

Have an emergency plan that includes:

  • Escape and evacuation routes
  • Family communications
  • Utility shut-off and safety
  • Vital records
  • Specific needs
  • Caring for animals
  • Safety skills

Get an emergency supplies kit that at a minimum includes:

  • Bottled water: A minimum three-day supply of water. A seven-day supply is best, with a three-day supply ready to take with you. One gallon of water per person, per day is recommended.
  • Food: Avoid foods that cause thirst. Include canned foods, dry mixes, and other nonperishable food. Remember to include a hand can opener.
  • A battery-powered radio with extra batteries or a hand-crank radio
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Sanitation and hygiene items
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • A whistle
  • Extra clothing
  • Cooking utensils
  • Photocopies of credit and identification cards
  • Cash
  • Items for infants
  • Specific needs items
  • A personal pack for children
  • Download an emergency supplies kit checklist
 


Tue 17 Jul 2007

Red Cross “Be Ready for Disaster Planning”

Posted by Allan under Safety , Health , Training , Emergency , non-profits , First Aid/CPR/AED , Emergency Planning , Emergency Response , American Red Cross
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The American Red Cross has an online preparedness plan with can be accessed by clicking on this link.  This is perfect for your employees, their families and friends.