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2.2 Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention
Too often a poor emergency plan causes more casualties and deaths than the emergency itself.
Key terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Exit route | A continuous, unobstructed path of exit travel from any point in a workplace to a place of safety. |
| Exit access | The part of an exit route that leads to an exit. |
| Exit | The part of an exit route that is separated from other areas to give a protected way to the exit discharge. |
| Exit discharge | The part that leads directly outside, or to a street, walkway, refuge or public way. |
| High hazard contents | Materials that burn rapidly or give off explosions or poisonous fumes that make a fire worse. |
Why emergency plans are needed
Fire is the most common reason to evacuate, but other events also need a plan: earthquake, smoke, a bomb threat, a chemical spill, an explosion, a flash flood and toxic vapours. How severe an emergency is depends on the layout of the building, the nature and intensity of the emergency, the quality of the plan and the people who must make it work.
The emergency action plan (EAP)
An EAP must be in writing for a workplace with more than ten employees. A smaller workplace must still have a plan and can communicate it orally. The EAP must include:
- evacuation procedures and exit routes
- first aid and rescue duties
- a way for any employee to report an emergency
- procedures for employees who stay behind
- a way to account for all employees after evacuation, or during a shelter in place emergency
- procedures for shutting down critical operations
- the name of the person in charge and the chain of command
The fire prevention plan (FPP)
A fire prevention plan must be in writing, kept in the workplace and open to review by any employee. It lists:
- all major fire hazards
- how to handle and store hazardous materials and potential ignition sources, and how to control them
- the type of fire protection equipment used and how it is handled and stored
- how to control build up of flammable and combustible waste
- how to maintain the safeguards on heat producing equipment
- the job titles of people responsible for maintaining equipment that prevents or controls fires
- the job titles of people responsible for controlling fuel source hazards
Exit route rules
- Every exit route must be part of the workplace and built of fire resistant materials.
- Keep exit routes free of explosive and highly flammable furnishings and decoration.
- There must be enough exit routes for the number of people who need them.
- Routes must be far enough apart that if one is blocked, another can be used.
- Local fire codes often require more than two exits and may be stricter than OSHA. Follow the stricter rule.
A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.