This topic covers the Emergency Action Plan (EAP), which is a written plan designed to facilitate and organize employee actions, including evacuation, during a workplace emergency.

OSHA strongly recommends that all businesses have an EAP. An employer must have an EAP for its facilities whenever a specific OSHA standard requires one—for example, in any facility with fixed extinguishing systems and fire detection systems. Examples of emergencies covered under the EAP rule include fires, spills, natural disasters, toxic gas releases, radiological accidents, explosions, and workplace violence. Employers should perform a hazard assessment to identify potential dangers that warrant an EAP.

For related resources and training materials, refer to the following topics:

• Emergency Preparedness for information on OSHA’s emergency preparedness and response rules
• Exit Routes for information on OSHA requirements for exit routes
• Fire Prevention for information on Fire Prevention Plans (FPPs) and other fire safety measures
• ADA for information on provisions for persons with disabilities during emergencies and evacuations

Also see BLR’s Disaster Planning and Response resource center for a collection of documents and resources to help you keep your business and employees safe during emergencies.