Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention

OSHA requires all general industry employers to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) under 29 CFR 1910.38. An EAP describes how employees and the employer will respond to emergencies — including fires, chemical releases, severe weather, active threats, and medical emergencies. Employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the EAP orally; employers with 11 or more employees must have a written plan available to all employees. The EAP must address: procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies, evacuation routes and procedures, accounting for all employees after evacuation (head count/assembly), procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical processes, rescue and medical duties, and the name or title of persons who can provide more information about the plan.

Evacuation planning requires designating primary and alternate evacuation routes, posting evacuation maps, clearly marking exits, testing alarm systems regularly, and conducting evacuation drills. Exit routes must be at least 28 inches wide, adequately illuminated, unobstructed, and free from locked or inaccessible exits during working hours. Exit signs must be clearly visible and illuminated. Workers must be trained on their specific evacuation routes and assembly areas before an emergency occurs — post-emergency is too late. A designated person must account for all employees at the assembly point using a headcount or roster.

Fire prevention under OSHA 1910.39 requires employers with 10 or more employees to have a written fire prevention plan covering: a list of major fire hazards, proper handling and storage of hazardous materials, potential ignition sources and their controls, and fire protection equipment. Portable fire extinguisher requirements (1910.157): extinguishers must be mounted, located, and identified; inspected monthly; maintained annually; accessible within 75 feet of Class A hazards (50 feet for Class B); and workers must be trained if they are expected to use extinguishers. Sprinkler systems must be maintained and tested per NFPA 25.