Emergency Action Plan Template & Samples for Workplace Safety
Most workplaces face risks from fires, chemical leaks, severe weather, and security threats. A clear plan can help keep people safe, and an emergency action plan template guides the preparation for these events. An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a written plan that outlines how a company will respond to emergencies. Having an EAP is vital. It helps protect employees and property. It also allows the company to follow OSHA safety rules. Without a clear plan, emergencies can become chaotic and dangerous. Workers may panic and make mistakes. Property damage or fines can result if the response is disorganized.
Emergency Action Plan Template [Downloadable]
We provide a free, customizable emergency action plan template to facilitate your initial steps. It can be edited for any industry. Use these links as placeholders to imagine downloading the template:
The template has sections for your company name, contact details, and building layout. It includes space to map evacuation routes and list emergency contacts and procedures. You can fill in details like assembly points and who is responsible for what. The layout covers all the OSHA-required elements clearly and thoroughly. Please keep copies of the completed plan on-site and ensure employees can access it readily, especially when necessary.
Sample Emergency Action Plan (Manufacturing Facility)
The following is a simplified example of an emergency action plan for a manufacturing plant. Use it as a guide and adapt the details to your needs.
- Purpose: Protect employees and equipment by outlining actions for emergencies (fire, spill, etc.)
- Scope: Applies to all staff at Acme Manufacturing, Plant #1.
- Responsibilities:
- EAP Coordinator: John Smith (Safety Manager) oversees plan updates, training, and drills.
- Floor Wardens: Supervisors lead evacuations, check work areas, and help employees reach exits on each shift.
- Reporting Emergencies: Immediately call 911 and pull the nearest alarm. Once you are safe, notify the EAP coordinator.
- Alarm Signal: A continuous horn indicates evacuation. A distinct alarm (three short beeps) means shelter-in-place (stay inside).
- Evacuation Procedures: Stop work and leave by the nearest exit on alarm. Follow the posted evacuation map. Go directly to the assembly area in the north parking lot. Do not use elevators.
- Critical Shutdown: If there is time, maintenance team members (Mike and Jane) will safely shut down hazardous equipment before leaving.
- Assembly Area & Accountability: The meeting point is the north parking lot near Gate 1. Supervisors will check their teams against the roll-call list. Report any missing persons immediately.
- Rescue/Medical Duties: The First Aid Team (Alice, Bob, and Carla) will bring supplies to the assembly area and attend to injured people. An AED is located at the reception desk.
- Communication: The operator (Susan) will call the fire department and emergency medical services, giving details about the incident and location. The EAP Coordinator (John) will coordinate with responders.
- Training: New employees receive EAP training during orientation. All staff participate in annual drills covering fire and evacuation procedures.
- Review & Updates: The plan is reviewed quarterly or after any layout, process, or staff change. Updates are communicated to all employees.
This sample emergency action plan shows how to organize a practical EAP from start to finish. Tailor it with your organization’s specific names, contacts, and building details.
OSHA Emergency Action Plan Requirements (29 CFR 1910.38)
OSHA’s standard 29 CFR 1910.38 lays out key OSHA EAP requirements. Here’s a summary:
- Written Plan: The EAP must be in writing and available to employees (unless you have 10 or fewer workers, in which case an oral plan is allowed).
- team member Alarm System: You must maintain an alarm system with a distinctive emergency signal.
- Training: Employers must designate and train employees to assist in safe evacuations.
- Minimum Elements: The plan must include reporting procedures, evacuation routes, accounting for staff, rescue duties, and contacts for more information.
- Review: The employer must review the plan with employees when they are first trained, when their roles change, and when the plan changes.
Read More: How does an emergency action plan benefit your workplace?
In-Depth OSHA Compliance Tips & Case Studies
Post Evacuation Maps Prominently
OSHA inspections often note missing or unclear exit route signage. Display evacuation maps in break rooms, near clocks, and by stairwells to ensure visibility.
Keep Contact Lists Updated
Outdated phone numbers for emergency contacts are a common violation. Assign a staff member to verify and update this list quarterly.
Case Study: A medium-sized plastics factory in Ohio received a citation after a chemical leak triggered an evacuation. Investigators found that the EAP did not specify who would coordinate with hazmat teams, causing delays. The factory updated its plan to include a dedicated incident commander and improved training on chemical hazards.
Document Drills and Training
OSHA requires records of team member training and drills. Maintain logs with dates, attendance, and lessons learned to demonstrate due diligence.
Case Study: Auditors noted incomplete drill documentation during an OSHA audit at a Georgia warehouse. The company now uses a digital EHS platform to log every drill automatically, improving compliance and readiness.
EAP Examples by Industry
Each industry has unique needs. Below are additional examples for the hospitality and transportation sectors.
Hospitality (Hotels & Resorts)
- Scope: Covers guests and staff at all properties, including high-rise buildings.
- Evacuation Procedures: Use stairwells; designate staff to assist guests with disabilities. Provide multilingual signage.
- Shelter-In-Place: Plans for extreme weather (hurricanes, tornadoes) include safe zones.
- Guest Communication: Use in-room alerts, SMS, and public address announcements.
- Sample Roles:
- Guest Services Manager: Alerts guests and coordinates lobby evacuation.
- Housekeeping Leads: responsible for sweeping floors, checking rooms, and ensuring no guests remain behind.
Transportation (Airports & Terminals)
- Scope: Includes passengers, crew, ground staff, and security personnel.
- Reporting Emergencies: Alert the control tower, the airport operations centre, and local first responders.
- Evacuation Routes: Marked paths to tarmac exits or secure holding areas.
- Security Threats: Lockdown procedures for terror threats, including perimeter sealing and passenger screening.
- Sample Roles:
- Operations Supervisor: Coordinates with TSA and local law enforcement.
- Gate Agents: Guide passengers to safe zones and distribute masks if needed.
Emergency Plan Template Variations
Your main EAP can have annexes for specific situations. Examples of emergency action plan template variations include
- Fire Emergencies: A fire drill and evacuation procedures template that lists exit routes, muster points, and fire warden duties. Conduct drills at least annually.
- Severe Weather/Natural Disaster: A template for storms, earthquakes, or floods. Identify shelter areas and communication methods if phones or power are down.
- Lockdown/Active Shooter: Clear lockdown protocols: lock doors, silence phones, and notify law enforcement.
- Chemical or Hazard Spills: Steps for containment, evacuation, or sheltering in place, plus decontamination procedures.
- Pandemic or Health Emergencies: Covers sanitation, social distancing procedures, and remote work setups.
Implementing and Testing Your EAP
- EHS Management Software: Use digital platforms (e.g., WorkAware, SafetyCulture) to create, store, and distribute EAPs. These tools offer automated reminders for reviews, digital signature capabilities for training acknowledgement, and mobile access for employees on the go.
- Mobile Apps: Deploy emergency notification apps (e.g., AlertMedia, Rave Mobile Safety) to send one-click alerts to staff, track responses, and share real-time updates during an incident.
- Visual Aids: Post QR codes in strategic locations that link to the EAP on your intranet or in an app. This ensures quick access without carrying paper copies.
- Drill Analytics: Use QR codes or geofencing to track drill participation and evacuation times. Analytics dashboards can highlight bottlenecks and help you optimize routes and procedures.
Training & Drills
- Onboarding Training: Include an overview of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in the orientation for new hires. Include short videos and hands-on practice with equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers).
- Refresher Courses: Offer brief annual online quizzes to reinforce key procedures and gauge retention.
- Full-Scale Drills: Coordinate with local fire departments or emergency services to run realistic simulations, such as a chemical spill mock response or an active shooter scenario.
- Post-Drill Reviews: Conduct after-action meetings within 48 hours of a drill. Document what went well and what needs improvement, then update the plan and retrain staff on changes.
Continuous Improvement
- Feedback Surveys: After drills or real incidents, gather anonymous feedback from staff on clarity, ease of following procedures, and communication effectiveness.
- Plan Audits: Engage a third-party safety auditor annually to review your EAP and suggest enhancements based on industry best practices.
- Change Management: Assign a cross-functional team to review any operational changes (new equipment, processes) and assess their impact on the EAP. Update maps and procedures as needed.
Conclusion
Emergency action plans are essential to protect life and property. An apparent, practised EAP can save lives and prevent chaos during a crisis. Please stay safe and prepared by making your plan a living document and keeping it up-to-date.
Ready to strengthen workplace safety? Download our free EAP template above and customize it today. For a robust solution, consider using EHS management software to automate your plans, training, and drill scheduling in one place. These tools can save you time by tracking drills and sending reminders for updates. Don’t wait for an emergency—take action now to protect your team and comply with OSHA standards.
Consider using WorkAware’s EHS software to automate your plans, training, and drill schedules in one place.
