Here You Will Learn the Following About Emergency Response

Setting Up Your Plan

Here you will learn the following about emergency response:

• Purpose

• Emergency Response Strategy and Chain of Command

• Community Emergency Response Principles

Purpose

This section will assist the Emergency Planner in explaining to employees why the facility needs to have an emergency response plan and an established chain of command.

Establishing emergency procedures for the protection of facility employees is an important component of the facility’s safety program. This Guide consolidates and standardizes the various procedures written for this facility. This document has been developed by:______, _who is the facility’s designated Emergency Planner.

[Add name of your Emergency Planner above.]

The objective of this section is to familiarize you with the requirements of OSHA standards. The following key terms are used by OSHA:

Emergency Action Plan (EAP): the purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. (An EAP is the same as an emergency response plan.) An EAP is a written document that is required by a particular OSHA standard. The elements of the plan shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

• escape 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 emergency evacuation has been completed

• rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them

• means of reporting fires and other emergencies

• names or job titles of persons who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan

OSHA standards that require emergency action plans include the following:

• Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals—1910.119

• Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General—1910.160

• Fire Detection Systems, 1910.164

• Grain Handling—1910.272

• Ethylene Oxide—1910.1047

• Methylenedianiline—1910.1050

• 1,3-Butadiene—1910.1051

NOTE: The above standards require an EAP or an FPP. The 1910.38 requirements apply only when mandated by another OSHA standard. See Appendix A and B.

Fire Prevention Plan (FPP): An FPP is a hazard prevention plan intended to assure advanced planning for evacuations in fire and other emergencies. An FPP is a written document that is required by a particular OSHA standard. The elements of the plan shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

• a list of major workplace fire hazards and their proper handling and storage procedures, potential ignition sources, their control procedures, and the type of fire protection equipment of systems that can control a fire

• names or job titles of those persons responsible for maintenance of equipment and systems installed to prevent or control ignition of fires

• names or job titles of those persons responsible for control of fuel source hazards

Incipient Stage Fire: A fire that is in the initial stage or beginning stage and that can be controlled or extinguished by portable fire extinguishers, Class II standpipe, or small hose systems without the need for protective clothing or breathing apparatus.

Relevant OSHA standards include the following:

• Subpart E—Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans

Subpart E deals with requirements for maintaining clear exit paths from buildings and the need for emergency plans.

1910.34—Coverage and Definitions

1910.35—Compliance with NFPA 101-2000, Life Safety Code

1910.36—Design and Construction Requirements for Exit Routes

1910.37—Maintenance, Safeguards, and Operational Features for Exit Routes

1910.38—Emergency Action Plans

1910.39—Fire Prevention Plans

•Subpart H—Hazardous Materials

Subpart H includes emergency planning requirements that must be in place for responding to chemical spills and other releases.

1910.119—Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals

1910.120—Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (Hazwoper)

•Subpart I—Personal Protective Equipment

Subpart I describes requirements associated with personal protective equipment. Section 134 is the most commonly used section in emergency planning as it deals with requirements surrounding self-_contained breathing apparatus. The other sections may be applicable in emergency planning if your hazard assessment indicates that PPE would be useful in assisting personnel in an emergency.

1910.132—General Requirements—Personnel Protection

1910.133—Eye and Face Protection

1910.134—Respiratory Protection

1910.135—Head Protection

1910.136—Foot Protection

1910.137—Electrical Protective Equipment

1910.138—Hand Protection

•Subpart J—General Environmental Controls

Subpart J may impact emergency planning in a few areas. This subpart describes appropriate hazard warning signs, hazards associated with confined spaces, and control of electrical hazards.

1910.145—Accident Prevention Signs and Tags

1910.146—Permit Required Confined Spaces

1910.147—Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/Tagout)

•Subpart K—Medical Supplies and First Aid

Subpart K establishes the requirements that appropriate First Aid and Medical Supplies are available in the event of an emergency.

1910.151—Medical Services and First Aid

•Subpart L—Fire Protection

Subpart L details fire protection requirements, including the use of fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and emergency alarms.

1910.155-156—Fire Protection and Fire Brigades

1910.157-159, 161-163—Fire Suppression Equipment

1910.160—Fixed Extinguishing Systems, General

1910.164—Fire Detection Systems

1910.165—Employee Alarm Systems

Appendix A-E of Subpart L

• Subpart R—Special Industries

1910.272—Grain Handling

•Subpart Z—Toxic and Hazardous Substances

Subpart Z requirements may impact emergency planning as it specifies rules concerning exposure to blood and body fluids as well as hazard communication information for chemicals.

1910.1030—Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

1910.1047—Ethylene Oxide

1910.1050—Methylenedianiline

1910.1051—1,3-Butadiene

1910.1200—Hazard Communication (Hazcom)

When OSHA standards apply, they require a planned response for every facility, including the following:

•Facilities must have an Emergency Response Plan that addresses the actions employees must take to assure their collective safety during an emergency.

•The Emergency Response Plan must include information on applicable emergency procedures for general evacuation, fire reporting, medical emergencies, bomb threats, tornado safety, notification procedure for deaths, hazardous material releases, earthquakes or structural failure, armed robbery, and media-related events.

•All employees (including employees who are new to a facility) must be trained to respond to various emergencies that may occur. Employees must be notified whenever there are major changes to the procedures.

•Each Emergency Coordinator is responsible for training staff on actions to take when the emergency response plan is activated. Notify the Emergency Planner of changes in personnel filling roles specified in the emergency response plan.

[To the Emergency Planner: Add other emergency procedures and standards that may apply to your operation, such as other federal, state, and local regulations and standards with which your facility must comply. Please check with your area OSHA and EPA offices for this information ( and Also check the FEMA Internet home page at and the Department of Transportation Internet home page at

Emergency Response Strategy

and Chain of Command

The following text gives an overview of an emergency response strategy and covers the typical chain of command in emergency management. The five-point emergency response strategy is:

•initial notification

•assessment

•command and coordination

•protective action

•parallel action

The general purpose of developing on-site emergency response procedures is to anticipate emergencies and lessen the potential for loss of life and property. Instituting appropriate response procedures will minimize the impact of an emergency. All employees must understand their responsibilities and those of their co-workers in the event of an emergency.

The Emergency Response Strategy and Chain of Command Overview outlines the response strategy and command chain for dealing with emergencies.

Emergency Response Strategy and _Chain of Command Overview

[To the Emergency Planner: Add your facility emergency number(s) to call.]

1. Initial Notification is received by the EmergencyCommandCenter at:______.

2. Director of Crisis Management is notified.

3. Director of Crisis Management assesses the situation.

4. The action plan is decided—protecting life first, then property—with command and coordination.

5. Protective action plan is activated to protect life and property.

6. Parallel action: A call is placed to outside agencies and parties for assistance. Parallel action involves concerned parties, agencies, and other resources.

7. Facility employee responsibilities and response roles are implemented during the emergency.

Chain of Command

The Chain of Command in an emergency should be as follows:

[To the Emergency Planner: Customize these positions and titles for your facility.]

• The Director of Crisis Management is the highest-ranking emergency official and directs the EmergencyOperationsCenter. The EmergencyOperationsCenter is the location where all emergencies are first reported during normal working hours. It is located preferably where there is an employee dedicated to receiving calls during normal hours of operation. In some facilities, security guards are the first to receive notification that an emergency has occurred. In other facilities, a constantly manned station, such as a boiler room, receives the initial emergency notification. In some facilities, the facility receptionist, or assistant/secretary to the chief operating officer, often maintains the EmergencyOperationsCenter at the facility. No matter who receives the initial call, it is critical that the person be trained to immediately notify the director of crisis management. This individual must also thoroughly understand what actions to take if the initial attempt to reach the director fails.

• At least one alternate Director of Crisis Management should be designated in the event the primary Director of Crisis Management is unavailable. Training of alternate director(s) must be identical to the training given the individual designated as the primary Director of Crisis Management.

•An Emergency Coordinator needs to be designated for each department or business unit at the facility.

•An Alternate or Assistant Emergency Coordinator also is designated for each department or business unit at the facility. The Alternate or Assistant Emergency Coordinator assists the Emergency Coordinator.

•The Stairwell Monitors should be those employees closest to fire doors.

•The Searchers are employees who are assigned by each department or business unit at the facility.

The Special Response Team Members are employees who have received specific training to respond to reasonably anticipated specific emergencies such as a chemical spill or medical emergency.

Emergency Response Strategy

The emergency response strategy is a five-point strategy outlining the essential points of any response plan. The five points are initial notification, assessment, command and coordination, protective action, and parallel action. Complete the information for your facility in the spaces provided below.

Initial Notification

It is the responsibility of all employees to report immediately all incidents or conditions that pose a threat to life or property.

Call the EmergencyOperationsCenter at ext. _____during working hours.

During off-hour emergencies, call ______.

[To the Emergency Planner: Provide all appropriate contact numbers for the EmergencyOperationsCenter at your facility.]

The person receiving the initial call will make necessary notifications regarding the reported emergency.

[To the Emergency Planner: Insert the title of the person who will assume each of the duties listed in the following sections. There may be several alternates for each position depending on the size of your facility and hours of operation. It is vital that the employee receiving the initial emergency call has immediate access to someone qualified to act as the Director of Crisis Management. Similarly, depending on the number of departments and your facility layout, there may be a number of Emergency Coordinators. Your plan should specify who they are and name at least one alternate for each Emergency Coordinator. You must see that each employee is assigned to an Emergency Coordinator.]

Director of Crisis Management:______.

Phone ext. (Include all ext. numbers.):______.

Assistant Director of Crisis Management:______.

Phone ext. (Include all ext. numbers.):______.

Alternate Assistant Director of Crisis Management:______.

Phone ext. (Include all ext. numbers.):______.

Emergency Coordinator:______.

Phone ext.:______.

Assistant Emergency Coordinator:______.

Phone ext.:______.

Emergency Coordinator:______.

Phone ext.:______.

Assistant Emergency Coordinator:______.

Phone ext.:______.

Emergency Coordinator: ______.

Phone ext.:______.

Assistant Emergency Coordinator:______.

Phone ext.:______.

Emergency Coordinator:______.

Phone ext.:______.

Assistant Emergency Coordinator:______.

Phone ext.:______.

Assessment

The Director of Crisis Management is responsible for assessing the level of an emergency.

Command and Coordination

The Director of Crisis Management is responsible for activating and coordinating the appropriate protective action plan.

The director also interfaces directly with outside emergency agencies. During an emergency or disaster, the Director of Crisis Management may direct emergency operations from the EmergencyOperationsCenter.

The EmergencyOperationsCenter is______.

[To the Emergency Planner: Add the locations of your facility Emergency Operations Center and its Backup Operations Center, which should be a secure, windowless, basement or first-floor room.]

The BackupOperationsCenter, which will be used when the primary EOC cannot be used, is located at .

Phone ext.: ______.

Paging systems are available at ext.: ______.

[To the Emergency Planner: Add phone extensions.]

In the event that an emergency, such as fire or chemical release, could impact the EmergencyOperationsCenter, the Director of Crisis Management will designate an IncidentSiteCommandCenter that is outside the danger zone.

Protective Action

Protective actions are those functions that mitigate the situation to assure the safety of personnel and property, with a planned response for an uncontrolled event.

Parallel Action

Parallel action facilitates the duties of an Emergency Coordinator during an emergency response and involves on-site personnel and/or outside emergency agencies. Parallel action also refers to information and other resources that aid affected parties.

Community Emergency

Response Principles

This section describes the concept of the emergency management system, and the way your facility Director of Crisis Management will interact with outside agencies.

Types of Disasters and Concerns

aboutToxic Releases

Disasters can be caused by natural or manmade events. Natural disasters include floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Manmade disasters include chemical releases and vehicle crashes.

Regardless of the type of disaster or where it occurs, employees must be aware that exposures to hazardous or toxic substances can occur through inhalation and skin contact. Employees should protect themselves to avoid exposure. Check with on-site authorities to avoid exposures to toxic substances if hazards are present.

Emergency Management System

Many communities have already adopted Emergency Management Systems. As such, several community emergency agencies may respond to an emergency or a disaster on your facility grounds. Responding agencies can include medical, police and HAZMAT teams, and fire fighters. This composition of these professionals is known as the Emergency Management System.

The activities of all responding outside agencies are coordinated through a central chain of command headed by one person—usually the highest ranking fire fighter at the scene. This person is known as the Incident Site Commander. The Incident Site Commander is positioned at the IncidentSiteCommandCenter, which is set up outside the area of danger. Communications are also usually headquartered at this CommandCenter. This system is also called the Incident Command System.

Emergency Management System Duties _of

Director of Crisis Management

The Director of Crisis Management commands all facility employees during on-site disasters. He or she is the official representative of the facility with outside emergency agencies.

The Director of Crisis Management will:

•Be located at the IncidentSiteCommandCenter.

•Identify himself or herself to the Incident Site Commander.

•Report roll call results gathered by the Emergency Coordinators to the Incident Site Commander.

•Provide information to company management.

•Note that all news releases will be given by the ______.

[To the Emergency Planner: Add the title/name and contact information of your facility public information officer.]

Below are the key points for employees involved in an emergency or disaster away from your facility. Add to the Off-Site Emergency/ Disaster Notification List the names of the people to be notified in the event of an off-site emergency or disaster.

Off-Site Disaster Duties

Employees at the scene of an emergency or disaster outside of work must understand the Emergency Management System. Remember that the nationwide Emergency Management System has been organized so that many agencies from neighboring communities and different geographic locations may respond to an emergency or disaster. Knowing how the system works is especially important if more than one emergency agency does respond and is on the scene of an emergency or disaster.

Off-Site Disaster Field Response

The person in charge usually has the title of Incident Site Commander. (See the previous description of the Emergency Management System.) Every disaster response is handled on a case-by-case basis. If you are at the site of an emergency before responding emergency agencies arrive, remember the following guidelines:

•Report the emergency (per the instructions given in Sections II and III).

•Survey the scene. First, determine if it is safe to enter. If gases or chemical clouds are present or if power lines are down, do not enter.

•If you choose to volunteer and are able, administer first aid to the injured according to your training level.

•Protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens exposures. Follow your Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure plan.

•Report findings to Incident Site Commander or first agency to respond.

Off-Site Emergency/Disaster Notification List

Supervisor:______

At:______

Alternate Contact: ______

At: ______

[To the Emergency Planner: Add additional information as needed for your facility.]

Department Emergency

Information Form*

Department Information

Location:______

Phone:______Ext:______

Street Address:______

District: ___ Number of Employees Assigned:______

For Businesses That Lease or Rent:

Landlord:______

Address:______

On-site Address:______

Daytime Phone:______