Procedure for an Evacuation

Evacuation procedures are developed to avoid confusion and injury in times of emergency. The key elements of an evacuation include defining the conditions that will begin execution of the procedure, the specific chain-of-command, exit routes and any designated safety areas.

Identification of Emergency Scenarios

Define the conditions that would necessitate an emergency evacuation. Emergency conditions will vary depending on the environment.

Roles and Responsibilities

Assign roles and responsibilities to specific people to ensure that all elements of the plan are executed. Identify a leader to coordinate the plan and to be responsible for determining if the procedure needs to be put into action; the leader will lead each step of the plan if the plan is executed. Other key roles include a person to contact emergency services and someone to account for the number of people evacuated.

Exit Routes and Safety Areas

Identify and communicate specific exit routes and designate safety areas where evacuated individuals can assemble. When you identify exit routes, ensure that they are clearly marked and always remain unobstructed. Supplementing exit signage with floor diagrams is an effective way to communicate the full exit route.

References

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Evacuation Elements
• U.S. Dept. of Labor: Job Accommodation Network: Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employers' Guide to Including Employees with Disabilities in Emergency Evacuation Plans