Know before you need it

An emergency is the wrong time to figure out where the exits are. Every worker should know the evacuation routes from their work area, the primary and secondary exits, and the assembly point — before an emergency occurs.

Your evacuation route

Walk the primary exit route from your work area mentally right now. Where does it lead? Is there a secondary route if that one is blocked by smoke or fire? Where is the assembly point? Who is the designated assembly area monitor who accounts for all workers?

What to do when the alarm sounds

Stop work immediately. Do not stop to collect personal belongings. Close doors behind you — closed doors slow the spread of fire and smoke. Proceed to the assembly point by the designated route. Do not use elevators. Report to your designated crew leader or monitor for headcount.

Accounting for all workers

After evacuation, someone must confirm every worker is accounted for. This includes contractors, visitors, and anyone who may have been working in a remote area. Do not re-enter the building until the all-clear is given by emergency responders — not by a supervisor.

Workers with mobility limitations

If any workers have mobility limitations that affect their ability to evacuate, they must have a personal emergency evacuation plan — a designated buddy, a refuge area, and a method to communicate their location to emergency responders.

Discussion question

Can everyone here walk me to the nearest exit and tell me where our assembly point is right now?

Documentation Reminder

Record this meeting: date, topic ("Emergency Evacuation Procedures"), names of attendees, and facilitator. A signed attendance sheet filed with your safety records is your training documentation. OSHA treats documented safety meetings as evidence of good faith.

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