Fire Preparation: Do You Need an Emergency Action Plan?

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Do You Need an Emergency Action Plan?

Emergencies are unpredictable by definition which is why every business should have a contingency plan. When it comes to an Emergency Action Plan, you are typically dealing with fire preparations. Now, not every municipality requires a company to have an EAP, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. There are at least four things to consider in determining whether you should craft an EAP or not.

1. Fire Extinguisher Mandate

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, if your building is required to have fire extinguishers on the premises, and if people will be evacuating during the fire, then an evacuation plan is necessary. This is true even if fire extinguishers are merely provided and not required as well.

2. Fight or Flee

The fight or flee principle will also help you understand if a contingency plan is mandated. If you have a company with an in-house fire brigade, meaning that you intend to fight internal fires, then an EAP is not required. However, if anyone in your company is going to flee the premises, then an EAP is needed.

3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Guidelines

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines, specifically [29 CFR 1910.157], dictates the rules surrounding mandatory EAPs. Essentially, as stated above, if a company or anyone for that matter, will be evacuating the premises then an emergency plan is required.

4. Evacuation Policy

Ultimately, most businesses must comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation and define a clear evacuation policy. You can contact a fire remediation specialist in the Biscayne Park, FL, area to help you asses your property and create an emergency plan, or you can contact your local emergency services and discuss your concerns.

While a contingency plan may be a lot of work to develop, a well-crafted plan can potentially save lives. Additionally, an EAP is required federally, unless you want to create your very own fire brigade. While it may be exciting to put on a firefighter’s uniform, it may be more practical to put together an evacuation plan that is clear and effective, keeping everyone safe and sound.