An Emergency Action Plan, or EAP, is a documented plan that establishes the procedures for a workplace in the event of an emergency. Its purpose is to organize and guide the actions of both employers and employees during a crisis. A properly developed EAP, which is required by regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), helps to minimize confusion and prevent injuries during events ranging from fires to chemical spills.
The Core Group Requiring Training
At a minimum, every employee within an organization must receive training on the Emergency Action Plan. This comprehensive approach is necessary because a successful response depends on universal understanding and cooperation. When each person is aware of evacuation routes, shelter-in-place protocols, and how to report an emergency, it reduces the likelihood of panic and disorganized behavior that can lead to injury.
This training ensures all personnel have a baseline knowledge of safety procedures. Regulatory standards mandate that all employees are trained to create a consistent and coordinated reaction during a high-stress event. This requirement applies whether a company has a handful of employees or thousands, and for businesses with 10 or fewer employees, the plan can be communicated verbally.
Individuals with Specific EAP Roles
Beyond the general training provided to all staff, certain individuals assigned specific responsibilities within the EAP require more detailed instruction. These employees are designated to perform particular tasks during an emergency and their training must be tailored to those duties. Their advanced knowledge is meant to help them lead and execute functions when a crisis occurs.
Examples of these roles include evacuation wardens, who guide colleagues to safety, and employees trained to use fire extinguishers. Others may be part of a first aid team responsible for providing medical assistance or tasked with shutting down operations before evacuating. Each of these roles demands specialized training that goes beyond general awareness of evacuation paths.
The EAP coordinator, who is often responsible for the overall management of the plan, also requires in-depth training on all its components. This ensures they can answer questions and direct the response effectively. The focused training for these key personnel helps to create a structured and efficient command system during an emergency, complementing the general preparedness of the entire workforce.
When Training Should Occur
The timing of EAP training is structured to ensure that knowledge is current and readily accessible when needed. The first instance of training occurs when an employee is initially hired and onboarded. This initial session provides new staff with a foundational understanding of the emergency procedures before they begin their job responsibilities.
Training must also be conducted whenever the EAP is significantly changed or updated. A change in facility layout, emergency contacts, or response procedures would trigger the need for retraining. Similarly, if an employee’s specific responsibilities under the plan are altered, they must be trained on their new duties to avoid confusion during an actual event.
Finally, periodic refresher training is necessary to keep the information from becoming stale. Many organizations, particularly those in regulated industries like healthcare, conduct this training annually to ensure the procedures remain familiar to all employees. This regular reinforcement helps to account for any minor changes in the workplace and solidifies the knowledge required for a calm and effective response.