Emergency Evacuation Procedure

Click here to view a video that explains the emergency exit and evacuation safety.

A disorganized evacuation can result in confusion, injury, and property damage. When developing your emergency action plan, it is important to determine the following:

• Conditions under which an evacuation would be necessary.
• Conditions under which it may be better to shelter in place.
• A clear chain of command and designation of the person in your business authorized to order an evacuation or shutdown.
• Specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits.
• Specific evacuation procedures for high-rise buildings.
  • For employers
  • For employees
• Procedures for assisting visitors and employees to evacuate, particularly those with disabilities or who do not speak English.
• Designation of what, if any, employees will remain after the evacuation alarm to shut down critical operations or perform other duties before evacuating.
• A means of accounting for employees after an evacuation.
• Special equipment for employees.

Conditions Under Which an Evacuation Would Be Necessary

A wide variety of emergencies both man-made and natural may require a workplace to be evacuated. These emergencies include explosions, toxic material releases, and radiological and biological accidents.

Employers will want their employees to respond differently to these different threats. Your plan should identify when and how employees are to respond to different types of emergencies.

The type of building you work in may be a factor in your decision. Most buildings are vulnerable to the effects of disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods or explosions. The extent of the damage depends on the type of emergency and the building’s construction.

Shelter-in-Place

Chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants may be released into the environment in such quantity and/or proximity to a place of business that it is safer to remain indoors rather than to evacuate employees. Such releases may be either accidental or intentional.

"Shelter-in-place" means selecting an interior room or rooms within your facility, or ones with no or few windows, and taking refuge there. In many cases, local authorities will issue advice to shelter-in-place via TV or radio.

Implementation of the EAP (Chain of Command)

Drafting an EAP is not enough to ensure the safety of your employees. When an evacuation is necessary, you will need responsible, trained individuals who can supervise and coordinate activities to ensure a safe and successful evacuation.

An EAP will be useful only if its content is up-to-date and employees are sufficiently educated and trained before an actual evacuation. The following sections will help you successfully implement your plan.

Authority

It is common practice to select a responsible individual to lead and coordinate your emergency plan and evacuation. It is critical that employees know who the coordinator is and understand that this person has the authority to make decisions during emergencies. The coordinator should be responsible for assessing the situation to determine whether an emergency exists requiring activation of the emergency procedures, overseeing emergency procedures, notifying and coordinating with outside emergency services, and directing the shutdown of utilities or plant operations if necessary.

In other instances, local emergency officials, such as the local fire department, may order you to evacuate your premises. If you have access to radio or television, listen to newscasts to keep informed and follow whatever official orders you receive.

When emergency officials, such as the local fire department, respond to an emergency at your workplace, they will assume responsibility for the safety of building occupants and have the authority to make decisions regarding evacuation and whatever other actions are necessary to protect life and property. The highest-ranking responder will assume the incident command role and will work with the onsite emergency coordinator but will be responsible for directing all response activities.