Step 3: Train All Staff

Workers and management need training on what to do in case of an emergency. This includes being familiar with the emergency action plan and knowing where it is kept. Workers should be trained when they are hired and also receive appropriate refresher training based on responsibilities. At a minimum, the training should include:

• an overview of the emergency action plan 
  
  
• review of the evacuation procedures and routes for each section of the workplace 
  
  
• practice drills of emergency evacuation and 
  
  
• basic first aid.

Personnel with special responsibilities or who are expected to perform emergency response functions must have additional training. If the employer requires the use of respirators, a res-piratory protection program must be in place. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that there is enough equipment and trained personnel on each shift to carry out the emergency action plan.

Drills

It is important to conduct drills on a regular basis so that staff will learn and remember what they are supposed to do. Drills will lessen confusion and panic should an emergency situation take place. The drills should reflect the actions taken for different types of emergencies (e.g., fire, tornado, earthquake, depending on the vulnerability analysis). Alarms should go off properly. Evacuation should be orderly and quick. Personnel should know where to go to be accounted for. Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) are required to practice annually. After each drill, the committee should review what went right with the drills and what areas need improvement. Any deficiencies found must be corrected quickly.