Emergency Action Plans

 Overview
There is always the potential for emergencies to occur at your facility. To reduce your exposure to potential emergencies, your employer has developed an emergency action plan.

Emergency actions plans are developed to provide guidelines on what actions to take if an emergency should occur at your facility.

What is an emergency action plan?
In 29 CFR 1910.38(c), OSHA lists the minimum elements which should be included in an emergency action plan. These elements include:

1. Evacuation procedures and exit route assignments. Your employer will also point out the location of internal shelter areas, and exterior safe areas for evacuation.

2. Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate. Some critical plant operations include gas, electrical, power, and water. Chemical manufacturing processes could also be included.

3. Headcount procedures to account for you and your coworkers after emergency evacuation has been completed.

4. Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them.

5. Procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies.

6. Names or regular job titles of persons or departments who can be contacted for further information or an explanation of duties under the plan.

Additional information
Your employer will also explain:

• How to report fires, hazardous chemical spills, and other emergencies.

• Procedures for sounding emergency alarms on-site.

• Who to notify in the event of an emergency.

• What phones to use and numbers to call.

• Location and use of emergency fire alarms.

• Critical plant operations and those responsible for their operation/shut down.

• Accounting for all employees after emergency evacuation.

• Personnel designated to perform rescue and medical duties.

• Alarm system.

• Recognition of different alarms, such as audio and visual.

• Who is to be contacted for more information on the emergency action plan.

• Where a written copy of the plan can be obtained.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Ergonomics

 What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the process of fitting the job to the worker. It is the design of machinery, tools and the way work is done in order to reduce stress on the body. It emphasizes how people do their work and what body movements they make and positions they hold while working. It also emphasizes what tools and equipment workers use and what effect all of these have on their comfort and health.


What are some ways to identify ergonomic problems?
There are six basic risk factors associated with ergonomic problems:

1. REPETITION: When a job requires repeated activity using the same part of the body.

2. EXCESSIVE FORCE: When a worker has to continually use a lot of force when lifting, pushing or pulling.

3. AWKWARD POSTURE: When a job task forces a worker to maintain an uncomfortable position.

4. MECHANICAL STRESS: When a worker must constantly hit or push a hard part of a machine or a tool.

5. VIBRATING TOOLS: When a worker must hold vibrating equipment, OR MACHINES: especially when the   temperature in the workplace is cold.

6. TEMPERATURE: When a worker has to work under very cold or very hot conditions.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Recognzing Medical Conditions

 Medical emergencies are a workplace reality. Not every supervisor needs to know first aid and CPR, but supervisors should know who in the building is trained to handle emergencies and what they can do in the meantime. Here are some common medical emergencies and some helpful responses:

Choking
First, ask if the person needs help. If he says no, you may only make matters worse if you interfere. If he nods yes—or motions for help— use the Heimlich maneuver. Call for help if the situation doesn’t clear immediately.

Allergy Attacks
Allergy attacks are more likely to happen when a person is around paint, chemical vapors or insects (bees). Symptoms include itching, hives, swelling of the eyes or mouth and difficulty breathing. Have the person sit down in an area with clear air. If he or she is having trouble breathing or goes into shock, call for help immediately.

Heart Attacks
Symptoms include chest pain, shoulder pain, nausea, fatigue and/or sweating. Call for emergency help immediately. Have someone start CPR if necessary.

Diabetic Complications
Symptoms include extreme thirst, lethargy, weakness, mental confusion or coma. Call for help immediately. If the person is conscious, give him or her fruit juice or hard candy.

Seizure Disorders
During minor seizures (petit mal) the person loses awareness, stares and twitches. Once the episode is over, encourage the person to go to the hospital or see a doctor. During a severe seizure (grand mal) the person may lose consciousness, become very stiff and then twitch and jerk. Do not try to hold the person down or keep him still. Clear the immediate area to help prevent injury. Call for help immediately.
 
This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

Required Signage

 

Overview
All buildings must have a way of allowing occupants fast exit to the outside or a safe place of refuge in case of an emergency.

All exits, and the designated paths of exit, must be clearly marked with exit signs. Paths leading to an exit must be marked with an exit sign and an arrow indicating direction of travel.

Exit signs must be illuminated so that the sign can be seen in the dark or in cases of reduced lighting.

What must my employer do?

Your employer is responsible for providing safe means of exiting from the workplace, and for marking those exits.

Your employer will explain how to locate exits in your facility, and what you should do if you are required to exit the building in an emergency.

What must I do?

You must become aware of the appearance of the exit signs in your building, so that there is no confusion if an emergency evacuation is required.

You have the duty to alert your employer if exit signs are damaged, removed, or not illuminated properly, so that repairs can be made.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com