Posted On: April 26, 2024

Important Egress: Plan & Prep for Emergencies

Introduction

Unexpected incidents can happen at any moment. Whether it's a fire, a natural disaster, or any other unforeseen event, it is imperative to have a strong plan in place to protect employees. This is where Egress and Emergency Action Plans come in. Egress and Emergency Action Plans are key elements of any company's safety protocol. These plans not only keep incidents from happening but also keep employees safe during emergencies.

Egress refers to the action of exiting a place, especially in the time of an emergency. An egress plan outlines the routes and exits individuals should take to evacuate a building safely. On the other hand, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a written document required by particular OSHA standards. Its purpose? To facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. A well-prepared EAP helps in providing a quick and effective response to different emergencies, such as fires, natural disasters, or hazardous material spills. EAPs include information on evacuation procedures, emergency contacts, assembly points, and more, all contributing to minimizing harm to workers, the environment, and the facility.

Components of an Egress

• Exit Access: This refers to the portion of a building or structure that leads to an exit. It includes corridors, aisles, hallways, and other pathways that occupants use to reach the exits. Exit access must be clear of obstructions for a quick evacuation during emergencies.
• Exit: Exits are the designated spots where occupants leave the building or structure. It can be doors, windows, stairways, ramps, or any marked paths leading to safety. Exits should be easily reachable, well-lit, and have enough space for the number of people who might use them.
• Exit Discharge: Exit discharge is the final part of the exit pathway that leads from the exit to a public way or a safe outdoor area. Exit discharge helps occupants safely and effectively evacuate the building and reach a location where they are no longer at risk. This may involve pathways, sidewalks, or other outdoor areas away from the building.

General Recommendations for Egress

• Know Your Exits: Know all the exits in a building, from the main ones to the emergency exits.
• Stay Calm: In emergencies, it's important to stay calm. Panic can affect your judgment and make it difficult to find and move towards exits safely.
• Follow Signs and Instructions: Pay attention to exit signs and any instructions given during emergencies. They are designed to guide you to safety.
• Unobstructed Pathways: Keep exit routes clear of clutter or obstructions.
• Communicate Clearly: During an evacuation, communicate your actions and intentions clearly to others around you. This can help coordinate efforts and prevent confusion or misunderstandings.

• Accounting of All Employees: After evacuations, it is necessary to verify that everyone has left the building safely and no one is left behind. This part of the plan involves confirming the safety of all employees by counting them or using other methods. By confirming everyone has evacuated, emergency responders can focus on finding anyone who may be missing and providing help if needed.

Conclusion

Workplace safety depends on having solid egress and emergency action plans. These plans, when well-established and put into action not only protect lives and minimize property damage but also show a company's commitment to employees’ well-being. As a business, making an effort to create and implement these plans can increase safety and fulfill regulatory requirements.

Written by: Muntaha Islam