Emergency Action Plan

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Emergency Action Plan

An emergency action plan is a document outlining a company’s emergency procedures, contact lists, and safety equipment locations. It relays what employees should do in emergency situations such as natural disasters, health emergencies, and workplace threats. OSHA requires certain job sites to maintain this document in an accessible location and to explain its contents to employees.

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Last updated October 9th, 2025

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An emergency action plan is a document outlining a company’s emergency procedures, contact lists, and safety equipment locations. It relays what employees should do in emergency situations such as natural disasters, health emergencies, and workplace threats. OSHA requires certain job sites to maintain this document in an accessible location and to explain its contents to employees.

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OSHA Requirements

OSHA requires nearly all workplaces to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that is on-site, accessible, and explained to employees.[1]​ Employers with fewer than 10 employees can communicate the plan orally instead. The following hazards require additional safety materials:

View OSHA Requirements
Hazard Requirement
Powered platforms
  • EAP must include rescue/evacuation procedures for platforms.[2]​
Hazardous chemicals (PSM)
  • EAP must include procedures for small chemical releases.[4]​
  • Applies to chemicals, hydrocarbon fuels, and flammable gasses/liquids requiring Process Safety Management (PSM).[3]​
Hazardous waste
  • Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) plan required.[5]​
  • EAP may be used instead of HAZWOPER if all employees evacuate during a hazardous waste emergency (releases, leaks, etc.).[6]​
Hazardous substances
  • Applies to substances listed under Subpart Z of OSHA, such as EtO, MDA, and vinyl chloride.[7]​
  • OSHA requirements vary per substance. A substance-specific emergency plan, EAP, or other safety material may be necessary.

A Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) is required if all employees must evacuate during a fire.[8]​ An EAP is not required if all employees must respond to a fire.[9]​

What’s Included in an EAP

The EAP must list at least the following[10]:​
  • Procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies.
  • The evacuation and exit routes.
  • Procedures for employees responsible for rescue, medical duties.
  • Procedures for employees who must carry out critical plant operations (if applicable).
  • How employees will be accounted for following evacuation.
  • The name and title of each staff member who employees can contact for more EAP information.

Sample

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SEVERE WEATHER AND NATURAL DISASTERS
Hurricane
Once a hurricane watch has been issued:

  • Stay calm and await instructions from the Emergency Coordinator or the Designated Official.
  • Moor any boats securely, or move to a safe place if time allows.
  • Continue to monitor local TV and radio stations for instructions.
  • Move early out of low-lying areas or from the coast, at the request of officials.
  • If you are on high ground, away from the coast and plan to stay, secure the building, moving all loose items indoors and boarding up windows and openings.
  • Collect drinking water in appropriate containers.

Once a hurricane warning has been issued:

  • Be ready to evacuate as directed by the Emergency Coordinator and/or the Designated Official.
  • Leave areas that may be affected by storm tide or stream flooding.

During a hurricane:

  • Remain indoors in the following shelters:
    • Small interior rooms on the lowest floor and without windows
    • Hallways on the lowest floor away from doors and windows
    • Rooms constructed with reinforced concrete, brick, or block with no windows

Tornado

  • When a warning is issued by sirens or other means, seek the following shelters:
    • Small rooms on the lowest floor and without windows
    • Hallways on the lowest floor away from doors and windows
    • Rooms constructed with reinforced concrete, brick, or block with no windows
  • Stay away from outside walls and windows.
  • Use arms to protect head and neck.
  • Remain sheltered until the tornado threat is announced to be over.

Earthquake

  • Stay calm and await instructions from the Emergency Coordinator or the Designated Official.
  • Keep away from overhead fixtures, windows, filing cabinets, and electrical power.
  • Assist people with disabilities in finding a safe place.
  • Evacuate as instructed by the Emergency Coordinator and/or the Designated Official.

Sources

  1. 29 CFR § 1910.38(b) & (f)
  2. 29 CFR § 1910.66(e)(9)
  3. 29 CFR § 1910.119(a)(1)
  4. 29 CFR § 1910.119(n)
  5. 29 CFR § 1910.120(l)(1)(i)
  6. 29 CFR § 1910.120(l)(1)(ii)
  7. 29 CFR §§ 1910.1047(h)(1)(i), 1910.1050(d)(1)(i), 1910.1017(i)
  8. 29 CFR § 1910.157(a) & (b)(1)
  9. OSHA – Do I Need an EAP?
  10. 29 CFR § 1910.38(c), EAP Minimum Requirements