OSHA Emergency Action and Fire Plans 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An alarm system used in an EAP must comply with which OSHA standard?
- 1910.165 (Correct answer)
- 1910.38 only
- 1910.1200
- 1910.95
Correct answer: 1910.165
The employee alarm system must meet the requirements of 1910.165.
Question 2: In a facility with multiple emergency signals, the alarm system must be able to do what?
- Be distinctive and recognizable as a signal to evacuate or take action (Correct answer)
- Only sound during business hours
- Be silent to avoid panic
- Use the same tone as the lunch bell
Correct answer: Be distinctive and recognizable as a signal to evacuate or take action
The alarm must use a distinctive signal for each purpose so employees recognize the required response.
Question 3: What is the primary goal of an Emergency Action Plan?
- To facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies (Correct answer)
- To reduce insurance premiums
- To document overtime
- To advertise safety products
Correct answer: To facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies
An EAP's purpose is to organize employer and worker actions during emergencies to protect life.
Question 4: A well-developed EAP should identify how many types of evacuation routes for each area?
- At least two separate escape routes where possible (Correct answer)
- Exactly one
- No routes are needed
- Ten routes minimum
Correct answer: At least two separate escape routes where possible
Best practice is to provide at least two separate escape routes in case one is blocked.
Question 5: Which employees may be permitted to remain and operate critical operations before they evacuate?
- Those specifically assigned and trained to perform critical shutdown duties (Correct answer)
- Anyone who volunteers
- New hires on their first day
- All office staff
Correct answer: Those specifically assigned and trained to perform critical shutdown duties
Only employees assigned to critical operations, who are trained to do so, may delay evacuation.
Question 6: Emergency evacuation floor plans posted in a workplace should clearly show what?
- Exit routes, assembly areas, and location of fire equipment (Correct answer)
- Employee performance ratings
- The company org chart only
- Parking assignments
Correct answer: Exit routes, assembly areas, and location of fire equipment
Posted plans should show exit routes, assembly points, and where fire extinguishers or alarms are located.
Question 7: How should an EAP address employees with disabilities?
- Include specific procedures to assist their evacuation (Correct answer)
- Ignore them since they are rare
- Require them to leave the building permanently
- Only address them after an incident
Correct answer: Include specific procedures to assist their evacuation
Effective EAPs include specific procedures and assistance plans for employees who need help evacuating.
An alarm system used in an EAP must comply with which OSHA standard?