OSHA requires that if a disaster program is mandated by a certain standard (generally regarding chemical or hazardous material leaking, explosions, or other emissions), the plan must be written, must be kept in the workplace, must conform to its requirements, and must be available to all employees to review. Employers with ten or fewer employees do not need a written plan but must communicate it orally to employees.

At a minimum the disaster plan must include:

Emergency escape procedures, escape route assignments, and types of evacuations.

Procedures to be followed by those employees who remain behind to operate critical plant functions before they evacuate.

Procedures to account for all employees after emergency evacuation has been completed.

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

Means of reporting fires and other emergencies.

Job titles of people who may be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.

An employee alarm system that is audible and understood.

Training for people who will assist with evacuation.

Training for employees when the plan is developed, when the employee's responsibilities or designated actions change, or when the plan changes.

The OSH Act also requires a fire prevention plan which must include:

A list of major workplace fire hazards with their proper handling and storage procedures, potential ignition sources, control procedures, and the type of fire protection equipment or systems which can control a fire involving them.

The names or job titles of people responsible for the control of fuel source hazards, or equipment maintenance and systems for preventing fires.

Good housekeeping systems and control systems for accumulation of flammable and combustible waste materials.

Continual training for employees to inform them of the fire hazards of the materials and processes to which the employees are exposed.

Parts of the fire prevention plan which employees must know in an emergency.

The OSH Act requirements are exhaustive and intensive. Employers who believe they may have need for a disaster plan under OSHA should review 29 CFR 1910.38 and 29 CFR 1910.120.

HR Manager's Legal Reporter, #335