Indiana Labor Newsletter Outlines EAP Preparation
An article by INSafe Safety Consultant Mark McDaniel notes that the state of Indiana ranks high for the frequency of storm weather resulting in a tornado, adding that tornadoes and other emergencies are identified in the OSHA general industry standards under 29 CFR 1910.38 for Emergency Action Plans.
The latest edition of the Indiana Labor Insider newsletter includes an article about tornado preparedness that outlines the process of developing an Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
The article by INSafe Safety Consultant Mark McDaniel notes that the state of Indiana, in the center of the Great Lakes Region, ranks high for the frequency of storm weather resulting in a tornado, adding that tornadoes and other emergencies are identified in the OSHA general industry standards under 29 CFR 1910.38 for Emergency Action Plans.
It lists these as the six minimum core elements that are required in a written EAP:
1. Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency;
2. Procedures for emergency evacuation, including type of evacuation and exit route assignments;
3. Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate;
4. Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation;
5. Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties; and
6. The name or job title of every employee who may be contacted by employees who need more information about the plan or an explanation of their duties under the plan.
McDaniel advises readers to practice emergency drills in order to eliminate panic; know what to do with critical operations in production areas; make Safety Data Sheets available because they will provide simple first aid procedures after exposure to a chemical; and also train employees in how to report and handle emergencies. He recommends maintaining first aid kits specific to common injuries and illnesses in your workplace and also maintaining emergency equipment and other items, such as blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food items.