Emergency Preparedness: It's the Planning, Not the Plan
Part 1: Emergency Planning: Conduct a Business Impact Analysis
Part 2: Emergency Planning: Define Roles and Responsibilities
Part 3: Emergency Planning: Develop Materials and Equipment Inventory
Part 4: Emergency Planning: OSHA Offers Training Materials
Emergency Planning: OSHA Offers Training Materials
By David A. Casavant - January 2011 - Emergency Preparedness
Since technicians often take a lead role in a recovery, managers must address the training issues an emergency event creates. Specific training in fire safety, evacuations, confined space, lockout/tagout, and respiratory protection is essential.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers free training materials on the hazards of emergencies. OSHA's Emergency Preparedness and Response page includes links to manuals, plans, and presentations.
Too often, a manager's good intentions simply collect dust, which is evidence that the importance of a written plan is overstated. The process, not the plan, ensures success when preparing for an emergency, so embrace the process.
David A. Casavant, CFM — david@wpsac.org — is executive director of the Workplace Safety Awareness Council.
