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Safety is everyone's responsibility, if you see an unsafe condition ... Report It !

Below are excerpts from OSHA "Workplace Emergencies" which helps explain OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.38(a). Our goal is to pique your interest in learning more about how to keep your employees and visitors safe. Visit www.OSHA.gov for full text and while you are there download OSHA publication 3122, 'Principal Emergency Response and Preparedness Requirements in OSHA Standards and Guidance for Safety and Health Problems".

What is a Workplace Emergency? An unforeseen situation that threatens your employees, customers or public; disrupts or shuts down your operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. Emergencies may be natural or manmade.

Your Emergency Action Plan must include the following:

1. A preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies.

2. An evacuation policy and procedure.

3. Emergency escape procedures and route assignments, such as floor plans,

workplace maps and safe or refuge areas.

4. Names, titles, departments and telephone numbers of individuals both within and

outside your company to contact for additional information or explanation of duties

and responsibilities under the emergency plan.

How do you establish evacuation routes and exits? When preparing your emergency action plan, designate primary and secondary evacuation routes and exits. To the extent possible under the conditions, ensure that evacuation routes and emergency exits meet the following conditions.

1. Clearly marked and well lit

2. Wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuation personnel

3. Unobstructed and clear of debris at all times.

What does your plan need to include about hazardous substances?

No matter what kind of business you run, you could potentially face an emergency involving hazardous materials such as flammable, explosive, toxic ... If you use hazardous substances at your worksite you must compy with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard and have manufacturer-supplied Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) accessible to workers.