When OSHA 1910.38 applies, the plan must cover six things: reporting an emergency, evacuation, critical operations, accounting for employees, rescue or medical duties, and who can explain the plan. Fill in each part with your real assignments.
Reviewed October 17, 2026
Write down how the workplace responds
At a minimum, the plan needs procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency, and for evacuation. That includes the type of evacuation and the exit-route assignments. §1910.38(c)(1)–(2)
It must also cover procedures for employees who stay to run critical plant operations before they evacuate. §1910.38(c)(3)
Bring the workplace layout and the approved assignment list to your editing session. Have the responsible reviewer settle any duty that is unclear. This page is a paperwork checklist. It does not tell anyone what to do in a real release, fire or other emergency.
Account for people and duties
Procedures for accounting for all employees after evacuation are required. §1910.38(c)(4)
The plan must include procedures for employees who have rescue or medical duties. It must also give the name or job title of each person who can explain the plan or their duties. §1910.38(c)(5)–(6)
The employee alarm system must be maintained, use a distinctive signal for each purpose and comply with section 1910.165. §1910.38(d)
Compare the approved plan with who actually works each shift. Flag open assignments for the plan owner. Do not fill them with a guessed name or a duty nobody approved.
Questions and answers
Is a page of emergency phone numbers enough?
No. A contact list can support the plan, but the plan still needs each required procedure and assignment. Check your document against every element above.
About Bill Stomp
Bill Stomp built Propane Safety Pro. He is a war veteran who ran over 87 propane branch offices across 12 states, and he has helped more than 200 propane companies improve their profits, sales, safety and operations.
Next step
Make your workplace assignment list first. Then see the Policies & Procedures manual for propane companies.
General information, not legal advice.