Emergency preparedness and response procedures are mandatory components of many Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules. All employers must comply with OSHA’s emergency preparedness and response requirements for exit routes and emergency action plans. Fire prevention plans must be developed whenever a workplace activity or process covered by a specific OSHA standard requires such plans. Employers must also comply with OSHA rules that support and enhance emergency response efforts, such as medical services and first aid, personal protective equipment (PPE), and employee alarm systems. Emergency preparation is required for specific operations such as where employees work with hazardous substances (e.g., HAZWOPER and asbestos) and for confined spaces. Emergency response training for employees is required in many of OSHA’s emergency preparedness rules.
Emergency preparedness for general workplace operations. The general industry rules for emergency preparedness that apply to a wide variety of workplaces cover:
Note on exit routes: Employers that prefer to follow the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard 101, Life Safety Code, 2000 Edition (NFPA 101-2000), will be in compliance with OSHA requirements for the design, construction, and operational features of the exit routes standard (29 CFR 1910.34, 29 CFR 1910.36, and 29 CFR 1910.37).
Requirements for the health and ...
State Requirements
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | National | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |Emergency Preparedness Resources
Type | Title |
---|---|
Checklists | Fire Detection and Employee Alarm Systems Regulatory Compliance Audit Checklist |
Forms | Model Telecommuting/Remote Work Agreement |
Handouts | Weather Emergencies (PDF) |
Policies | Pandemic Provision for Telecommuting |
Posters | When an Emergency Happens |
PowerPoints | Preparing for Weather Emergencies |
White Papers | Tips for conserving energy in a disaster |