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

Checklist

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.