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CONCO-WEST, INC. – EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN10     Reporting Emergencies and Alerting Employees in an Emergency   Does the plan identify a preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies? Dialing 911 is a common method for reporting emergencies if external responders are utilized. Internal numbers may be used. Internal numbers are sometimes connected to intercom systems so that coded announcements may be made. In some cases employees are requested to activate manual pull stations or other alarm systems.       Does the plan describe the method to be used to alert employees, including disabled workers, to evacuate or take other action? 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. 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 might want to consider providing an auxiliary power supply in the event of an electrical failure.  Employee Training and Drills               Does the plan identify how and when employees will be trained so that they understand the types of emergencies that may occur, their responsibilities, and actions as outlined in the plan? Training should be offered to employees when you develop your initial plan and when new employees are hired. Employees should be retrained when your plan changes due to a change in the layout or design of the facility, when new equipment, hazardous materials, or processes are introduced that affect evacuation routes, or when new types of hazards are introduced that require special actions. General training for your employees should address the following: • individual roles and responsibilities; • threats, hazards, and protective actions; • notification, warning, and communications procedures; • emergency response procedures; • evacuation, shelter, and accountability procedures; • location and use of common emergency equipment; and • emergency shutdown procedures. You may also need to provide additional training to your employees (i.e. first aid procedures, portable fire extinguisher use, etc.) depending on the responsibilities allocated employees in your plan.  Does the plan address how and when retraining will be conducted? If training is not reinforced it will be forgotten. Consider retraining employees annually.    Does the plan address if and how often drills will be conducted? Once you have reviewed your emergency action plan with your employees and everyone has had the proper training, it is a good idea to hold practice drills as often as necessary to keep employees prepared. Include outside resources such as fire and police departments when possible. After each drill, gather management and employees to evaluate the effectiveness of the drill. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your plan and work to improve it.