Emergency Preparedness & Risk Management Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of a commercial building's 'Emergency Action Plan' (EAP) under OSHA?

Answer: To define procedures for safely evacuating occupants during fire, natural disaster, or other emergencies

OSHA requires Emergency Action Plans to establish procedures for safely evacuating employees and occupants during fires, natural disasters, or other life-safety emergencies.

What does 'business continuity planning' (BCP) address in the context of commercial building management?

Answer: Strategies to maintain critical business functions during and after a disruptive event

Business continuity planning develops strategies and procedures to ensure critical operations can continue or quickly resume after disruptions like natural disasters, fires, or system failures.

In commercial real estate risk management, what is a 'Phase I Environmental Site Assessment'?

Answer: A historical records review and site reconnaissance to identify potential environmental contamination

A Phase I ESA is a non-invasive assessment reviewing historical records, regulatory databases, and conducting a site walk to identify recognized environmental conditions (RECs).

What type of fire suppression system is most commonly required in commercial office buildings under current US building codes?

Answer: Wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system

Wet-pipe automatic sprinkler systems, which contain pressurized water ready to discharge when a sprinkler head activates, are the most common type required in commercial office buildings.

What is the purpose of 'tabletop exercises' in emergency preparedness planning?

Answer: To simulate emergency scenarios in a discussion-based format to identify gaps in plans and procedures

Tabletop exercises are facilitated discussions where building teams walk through emergency scenarios to test their plans, identify weaknesses, and improve coordination without full-scale drills.

What does 'force majeure' mean in the context of commercial leases and building operations?

Answer: An 'act of God' clause excusing performance obligations due to unforeseeable extraordinary events

Force majeure clauses excuse performance obligations (like rent payment or construction completion) when prevented by extraordinary events beyond the parties' control, such as natural disasters or government actions.