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Employers' Guide to Including People with Disabilities in Emergency Evacuation Plans


By Linda Carter Batiste, J.D. and Beth Loy, Ph.D.


Preface

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I. PLAN DEVELOPMENT.

A. Identify Accommodation Needs

  • Ask employees to self-identify accommodation needs for emergency evacuation and assure employees that this is voluntary and confidential.
  • Complete a hazard analysis to help identify workplace hazards that may impede emergency evacuation.
  • Perform sample drills to help employees identify limitations that may affect their ability to evacuate in an emergency.
  • Develop a method to identify visitors with special needs.

B. Investigate Accommodation Options

  • Ask employees with disabilities for their accommodation ideas.
  • Consult with local fire, police, and HazMat departments.
  • Explore various accommodation options for emergency evacuation.

C. Finalize the Plan

  • Identify and include key personnel who will be involved in emergency evacuation.
  • Conduct mock drills with key personnel.
  • Commit the plan to writing.
  • Make necessary modifications to the evacuation plan.

II. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION.

  • Distribute a copy of the evacuation plan to all employees. (Provide alternative format.)
  • Conduct practice evacuation drills.
  • Integrate the evacuation plan into the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

III. PLAN MAINTENANCE.

  • Develop a system for reporting new hazards and safety concerns.
  • Create a procedure to identify the accommodation needs of new employees.
  • Review and modify the evacuation plan after scheduled and unscheduled practice drills.
  • Facilitate relationships with fire, police, and HazMat departments.
  • Inspect and maintain emergency evacuation equipment.