An emergency action plan (EAP) is a written document required by particular OSHA standards. The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. Well developed emergency plans and proper employee training (such that employees understand their roles and responsibilities within the plan) will result in fewer and less severe employee injuries and less structural damage to the facility during emergencies. A poorly prepared plan, likely will lead to a disorganized evacuation or emergency response, resulting in confusion, injury, and property damage.
Putting together a comprehensive emergency action plan that deals with those issues specific to your worksite is not difficult. It involves taking what was learned from your workplace evaluation and describing how employees will respond to different types of emergencies, taking into account your specific worksite layout, structural features, and emergency systems. Most organizations find it beneficial to include a diverse group of representatives (management and employees) in this planning process and to meet frequently to review progress and allocate development tasks. The commitment and support of all employees is critical to the plan's success in the event of an emergency; ask for their help in establishing and implementing your emergency action plan. For smaller organizations, the plan does not need to be written and may be communicated orally if there are 10 or fewer employees.
At a minimum, the plan must include but is not limited to the following elements:
" Means of reporting fires and other emergencies;
" Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments;
" Procedures to be followed by employees who remain to operate critical plant operations before they evacuate;
" Procedures to account for all employees after an emergency evacuation has been completed;
" Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are to perform them; and
" Names or job titles of persons who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.
New Jersey Emergency Action Plan Checklist — EAP: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparedness Keywords: New Jersey, Emergency Action Plan Checklist, EAP, preparedness, comprehensive guide Description: The New Jersey Emergency Action Plan Checklist (EAP) is a vital tool developed by the State of New Jersey to ensure the readiness and preparedness of individuals, organizations, and communities in the event of emergencies and disasters. This comprehensive guide serves as a step-by-step checklist, providing invaluable guidance for creating and implementing effective emergency action plans. The New Jersey EAP Checklist covers a wide range of emergency scenarios, enabling users to tailor their preparedness strategies based on their specific needs. It emphasizes the importance of understanding local risks and hazards, as well as highlighting essential components such as communication plans, evacuation procedures, sheltering options, and resource management. Types of New Jersey Emergency Action Plan Checklists: 1. General EAP Checklist: This checklist serves as a baseline for all individuals, organizations, and communities within New Jersey. It outlines the essential steps and considerations necessary for developing a robust emergency action plan that is applicable to a variety of emergencies such as natural disasters, severe weather events, and public health crises. 2. Sector-Specific EAP Checklists: The New Jersey EAP also provides sector-specific checklists that cater to the unique needs and requirements of various industries and sectors. These may include educational institutions, healthcare facilities, transportation networks, critical infrastructure, first responders, and more. These checklists consider specific vulnerabilities and regulations that are pertinent to each sector, ensuring a tailored and effective emergency response plan. 3. Regional EAP Checklists: Implemented at a regional level, these checklists are designed to address specific geographical or jurisdictional emergency response concerns. Regional planning agencies use these checklists to collaborate with local communities and organizations, enhancing coordination between nearby entities and enabling a more unified approach to emergency preparedness and response. By utilizing the New Jersey EAP Checklist, individuals, organizations, and communities can proactively plan and mitigate the impacts of emergencies. It aids in establishing communication channels, identifying resources, conducting drills, and testing response capabilities, all of which are crucial for efficiently managing and recovering from emergency situations. The New Jersey EAP Checklist empowers stakeholders to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure while nurturing resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
