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717 Emergency Action Plans
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Alerting Employees

Make sure alarms are distinctive and recognized by all employees as a signal to evacuate the work area or perform other actions identified in your plan.

Red wall mounted Fire Alarm with blinking light
Ideally alarms will be able to be heard, seen, or otherwise preceived by everyone in the workplace.

Sequences of horn blows or different types of alarms (bells, horns, etc.) can be used to signal different responses or actions from employees.

Consider making available an emergency communications system, such as a public address system, for broadcasting emergency information to employees. Ideally alarms will be able to be heard, seen, or otherwise perceived by everyone in the workplace including those that may be blind or deaf. Otherwise floor wardens or others must be tasked with ensuring all employees are notified. You may want to consider providing an auxiliary power supply in the event of an electrical failure.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-5. What is the immediate plan if your workplace does not have adequate emergency alarms?