Emergency Action Plan Template

An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a crucial document that outlines the procedures and responsibilities for handling workplace emergencies. This OSHA-compliant template helps organizations prepare for and respond to various emergency situations, ensuring employee safety and business continuity.

What This Template Is For

This Emergency Action Plan template is designed to help organizations create a comprehensive emergency response strategy that meets OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.38. It provides a structured framework for documenting emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and response protocols for various emergency scenarios including fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and workplace violence incidents.

When To Use This Template

Use this template when:

Setting up a new workplace safety program
Updating existing emergency procedures
Following OSHA compliance requirements
Expanding facilities or operations
Training new employees on emergency procedures

How To Customize It

Follow these steps to customize your Emergency Action Plan:

Review OSHA requirements and local regulations
Identify potential emergencies specific to your facility
Map out evacuation routes and assembly points
Designate emergency coordinators and response teams
Document emergency notification procedures
Include facility-specific details and contact information
Review and update emergency equipment locations

Common Use Cases

Organizations commonly use this template for:

Manufacturing facilities
Office buildings
Healthcare facilities
Educational institutions
Retail locations
Warehouses and distribution centers

Best Practices

For an effective Emergency Action Plan:

Keep language clear and actionable
Include detailed evacuation maps
Update contact information regularly
Conduct regular emergency drills
Document all training sessions
Review and update annually

Template Variations

Consider these variations based on your needs:

Small Business EAP (under 10 employees)
Multi-Location Facility Plan
High-Risk Industry Plan
Remote Worker Emergency Procedures

Success Stories

Organizations have successfully used this template to:

Achieve OSHA compliance certification
Reduce emergency response times
Improve employee confidence in emergency situations
Successfully manage actual emergency events

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should an Emergency Action Plan be updated?

Review and update your EAP at least annually or whenever there are significant changes to your facility, operations, or personnel.

Who needs to have access to the Emergency Action Plan?

All employees should have access to the EAP and receive training on its procedures.

What are the minimum requirements for an OSHA-compliant EAP?

The plan must include evacuation procedures, emergency reporting methods, and employee accountability measures.

Do small businesses need a written Emergency Action Plan?

Organizations with 10 or more employees must have a written plan; smaller organizations may communicate the plan orally.

How detailed should evacuation routes be in the EAP?

Evacuation routes should be clearly mapped with primary and secondary exit paths from all areas of the facility.