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.
