OSHA Emergency Action Requirements

At the very least, a facility is required to develop a plan describing how it will respond to an incident that threatens human health and/or the environment. Generally, the plan includes notification, evacuation, protection of employees, and control of the incident. This emergency response plan usually must be in writing. For example, the OSHA requires a minimum of three plans emergency response, emergency action, and fire prevention. The CAA requires that the state implementation plan have an emergency air pollution episode plan. 

The OSHA standard with respect to emergency response, e.g., requires that the emergency action plan shall include procedures for handling small releases." The auditor will ask to see the emergency action plan, and will ensure that it contains provision for handling small releases. 

The best time is to prepare to respond to an emergency is before it happens. That s where OSHA s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Standard, 29 CFR 1926.35, comes into play. The regulation requires an EAP if your site falls rmder another OSHA standard that requires an EAP. These OSHA standards include ... 

Even thought you may not be required by OSHA to have an emergency action plan for your rig operation, it is a good idea. The plan should prescribe the emergency procedures which are to be followed in the event of a kick, fire, hydrogen sulfide release, or other well emergencies which may be encountered. 

OSHA s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) standard at 1910.38 applies to those companies which are required to have an EAP by one of these standards ... 

There are no OSHA requirements to post evacuation signs. However, OSHA CPL 2-1.037 does say that The use of floor plans or workplace maps which clearly show the emergency escape routes should be included in the emergency action plan. This statement is also in the non-mandatory appendix to Subpart E, Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans. ... 

Describe the basic elements required in an OSHA-mandated emergency action plan. 

Who s covered Employers required by a specific OSHA standard to have an emergency action plan... 

Although an employer only needs to have an emergency action plan when a particrdar OSHA standard requires it, many employers choose to write one because it provides guidelines on what actions employees must take if an emergency should occru-. Specifically, you should look... 

OSHA standards that require emergency action plans include ... 

Q Implement an emergency action plan and maintain exit routes properly. However, OSHA revised the HazCom rule in 2012. In the revised rule, combustible dust hazards must be addressed on labels and SDSs. Label elements are provided for combustible dust in the final HCS and include the signal word warning and the hazard statement May form combustible dust concentrations in the air. For chemicals in a solid form that do not present a combustible dust hazard, but may form combustible dusts while being processed in normal downstream uses, OSHA aUows the chemical manufacturer some fiexibility in labeling requirements. The manufacturer or importer to may transmit the label to the customer at the time of the initial shipment, but the label does not need to be included with subsequent shipments unless it changes. This provides the needed information to the downstream users on the potential hazards in the workplace, while acknowledging that the solid metal or other materials do not present the same hazards that are produced when these materials are processed under normal conditions of use. 

Currently, OSHA does not have a specific standard on combustible dust. However, there are several standards that could apply, for example, 1910.22-Ge/iera/ requirements for housekeeping, % d 0. 9>-Emergency action plans, 1910.39-F ire prevention plans, 1910.94-V nfi/afion ... 

This regulation applies to all companies that fall under a particular OSHA standard that requires an emergency action plan. However, it is wise for all employers to have action plans for any emergency that may be reasonably expected to occur in the workplace. Where required by OSHA, employers must develop a plan (called an emergency action plan or EAP) for emergency situations so that there is a literal plan of action for employees to take in the event of fires, toxic chemical releases, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, floods, and other similar catastrophic events. 

OSHA does not certify alarm systems as to their meeting compliance. The employer is responsible for analyzing the circumstances of the facility and choosing a system that meets the requirements of the law. OSHA will provide guidance and interpretation as to the Emergency Action Plan standard s intent however, it does not endorse any products nor design systems. 

A chemical spill is probably the most common accident in the laboratory, and in most cases can be cleaned up by laboratory personnel with minimal effort or risk. According to the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, laboratory personnel are required to be trained in the risks associated with the chemicals with which they are working and should know when it is safe to clean up a minor spill. Workers should be especially sure to be familiar with the risks and the corrective actions to be taken in an emergency for chemicals labeled on the container DANGER or WARNING. If personal protective equipment is needed, personnel required to wear it must receive appropriate training in how to use and maintain the equipment. 

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