National Preparedness Month

Regulatory & Compliance Guide

Below are some regulations you can reference as you think about your business’ emergency, evacuation and safety procedures and practices.

• Evacuation Plans and Procedures
• Emergency Exit Routes & Alerts
• First Aid & Eyewash
• Traffic Signs

Evacuation Plans and Procedures

An emergency action plan (EAP) is a written document required by particular OSHA standards [29 CFR 1910.38(a)]. The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies.

At a minimum, the plan must include but is not limited to the following elements:

• 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

For more information on Emergency Evacuation plans, take a look at OSHA’s evacuation plans and procedures e-tool.

To read more about these regulations, visit www.osha.gov.

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Emergency Exit Routes & Alerts

OSHA requires that emergency exit lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate to ensure that employees can locate and find a clear path to exits in the facility [1910.37(b)]. Some key elements of the regulation include:

• 1910.37(b)(1) - Each exit route must be adequately lighted so that an employee with normal vision can see along the exit route.
• 1910.37(b)(2) - Each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit."
• 1910.37(b)(5) - Each doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit must be marked "Not an Exit" or similar designation, or be identified by a sign indicating its actual use (e.g., closet).
• OSHA also requires that an employee alarm system is operable in the facility [1910.37(e)]. The regulation states that “employers must install and maintain an operable employee alarm system that has a distinctive signal to warn employees of fire or other emergencies, unless employees can promptly see or smell a fire or other hazard in time to provide adequate warning to them.”

To read more about these regulations, visit www.osha.gov.

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First Aid & Eyewash

In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, OSHA requires that a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. It also requires that adequate first aid supplies are readily available [1910.151].

First aid kits are a great way to ensure that adequate supplies are available in your facility. ANSI provides guidelines as to the minimum fill requirements for first aid kits. Reference ANSI Z308.1-2009, which can be ordered online, for more information.

Additionally, OSHA has requirements about access to eyewash stations and supplies. OSHA regulation 1910.151(c) states that “where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.”

To read more about these regulations, visit www.osha.gov.

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Traffic Signs

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration MUTCD has strict restrictions on what colors a traffic sign should be. Color uniformity creates a universally recognizable icon. It’s something you might not think about, but is very important when buying a new traffic sign.

For more information, view Emedco’s MUTCD Regulatory and Compliance Guide, or visit the FHWA web site.

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