Evacuation Plans
Who out there has created evacuation plans for multiple buildings? How often do you run drills? Any recommendations for creating a new plan?
Comments (13)
My experience is annual drills and refresher training along with the following details.
+ Evacuation maps for every building, on each floor, posted at entrances in a clear folder;
+ Signs to show “Evacuated” condition were kept in the clear folder behind the evacuation map;
+ Each building/floor had an evacuation warden and backup;
+ Multiple, numbered evacuation rally points designated on map and included in annual training (need multiple locations to allow for wind direction);
+ Signs at each rally point showing number designation;
+ Designated command center location (this was a large industrial location);
+ Wind sock visible from command center location;
+ Evacuation route and rally points were a part of job/meeting kickoff discussions, and included in the job safety plan if a job had one (e.g. Capital projects and maintenance shutdown events);
We have two locations and have had to modify our emergency maps a few times this year due to addition/subtraction of machines, moving machines, etc. We do a fire drill every year in November when our alarms are tested. With new hires I point out where they should go and have a video of our alarm. May want to meet with insurance to go over your emergency action plans. Whenever I am unsure of something I toss it to the insurance rep for them to take a look.
Your organization’s emergency management plan is a critical tool developed to assist managers, coordinators, and responders. It allows them to effectively manage and mitigate the consequences of an emergency.
This guide will provide you with overall guidance on developing an effective emergency management plan. https://hsseworld.com/what-is-an-emergency-management-plan-and-what-should-be-included-in-it/
As long as there are well defined rally points with in the facilities campus, manned or unmanned the rally point should always be the same regardless. Most fire systems should all be tied in to the same fire alarm panel. If our pH building was on fire it would stop production in the same manner as if the fire were to be in the main building. Just be sure to have an evacuation map showing the closest rally point for those who may not be that familiar with the area, like a contractor.
Drills are required to be performed on an annual basis, keep in mind even if it is a false alarm, it meets the training requirements.
I made some for many buildings on our property. Email me I can send some ideas your way. My email is mholsch@plenco.com. Also It is required once a year however I do one every half year. Due to being a chemical plant.
We do occupied building evacuation drills once per year. I'm not even sure if this is a requirement, but it's spelled out in our EAPs so we do them. OSHA has a bunch of resources on EAPs - it's honestly a pretty simple document. osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/checklists/eap.html