WAC 296-56-60010
Emergency action plans. (1) Scope and
application. This section requires all employers to develop
and implement an emergency action plan. The emergency action
plan shall be in writing (except as provided in subsection
(5)(d) of this section) and shall cover those designated
actions employers and employees must take to ensure employee
safety from fire and other emergencies.
Note:
When an employer directs his or her employees to respond to an emergency that is beyond the scope of the
emergency action plan developed in accordance with this section, then chapter 296-824 WAC shall apply.
(2) Elements. The following elements, at a minimum,
shall be included in the plan:
(a) Emergency escape procedures and emergency escape
route assignments;
(b) Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to
operate critical plant operations before they evacuate;
(c) Procedures to account for all employees after
emergency evacuation has been completed;
(d) Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are
to perform them;
(e) The preferred means of reporting fires and other
emergencies; and
(f) Names or regular job titles of persons or departments
that can be contacted for further information or explanation
of duties under the plan.
(3) Alarm system. The employer shall establish an
employee alarm system that provides warning for necessary
emergency action and for reaction time for safe escape of
employees from the workplace or the immediate work area.
(4) Evacuation. The employer shall establish the types
of evacuation to be used in emergency circumstances.
(5) Training.
(a) Before implementing the emergency action plan, the
employer shall designate and train a sufficient number of
persons to assist in the safe and orderly emergency evacuation
of employees.
(b) The employer shall review the plan with each employee
covered by the plan at the following times:
(i) Initially when the plan is developed;
(ii) Whenever the employee's responsibilities or
designated actions under the plan change; and
(iii) Whenever the plan is changed.
(c) The employer shall review with each employee upon
initial assignment those parts of the plan that the employee
must know to protect the employee in the event of an
emergency. The written plan shall be kept at the workplace
and be made available for employee review.
(d) Employers with ten or fewer employees may communicate
the plan orally to employees and need not maintain a written
plan.