Emergency response plan evacuation routes

Most safety guides emphasize hazard identification and accident prevention. When prevention has failed, personnel must be familiar with the laboratory CHP and RPP accident protocols and the emergency plans described in Section 14.5.2. These plans instruct the worker about what to do and whom to notify. This information includes the facility evacuation routes. Qualified personnel must be prepared to use the accident response equipment placed in the laboratory to ameliorate an accident situation or to aid in treating the injured. Examples of this equipment include fire extinguishers, eyewash stations and safety showers. 

While most chemical facilities have an emergency plan, it may not be as detailed as required for the PSM rule and it may not have addressal of the response and recovery stages of an emergency. The plan is required to include types of accidents considered, emergency procedures and responsibilities, escape routes, locations for safe zones (assembly points), types of alarms, actions before evacuation, personnel accounting, rescue and medical responsibilities, reporting, local coordination, and the procedures for handling small releases of hazardous material. 

Evacuation routes and emergency response/action plans... 

Personnel staffing and headcount levels ( distribution of personnel, levels of supervision, etc.) Evacuation routes and emergency response/action plans... 

Evacuation procedures should identify both primary and secondary evacuation routes for all hazardous locations, personnel accounting procedures, assembly areas, internal member responsibilities, requirements recommended by local policy, MSDSs, code directives, and manufacturer standards. In addition to the area overview, a specific plan should be outlined for each hazardous location. This will ensure that response is not hindered by irrelevant information. Not only should there be emergency evacuation routes for the facility, but evacuation routes from the facility to other locations in the community are a must, should the need arise to vacate the area in an orderly and efficient manner. 

---