A propane delivery emergency response plan manual should define employee roles, reporting, evacuation and the documents drivers need. Start by deciding whether employees evacuate or have assigned emergency response duties; those are different planning needs. A workplace Emergency Action Plan, transport emergency information and a responder training manual serve different purposes. Have a qualified reviewer check the plan against your actual operation before use.
Choose the right planning document
PERC describes its Propane Emergencies Manual as training for emergency responders. It is a reference, not your company's completed plan or proof that an employee is trained.
OSHA 1910.38(a)–(c) applies when another OSHA standard in that part requires an Emergency Action Plan. It lists reporting, evacuation, critical operations, employee accounting, rescue or medical duties, and plan contacts. Employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally under 1910.38(b).
OSHA 1910.120(q)(1) distinguishes covered emergency response operations from employers whose employees evacuate and are not permitted to assist in handling the emergency, with an Emergency Action Plan meeting 1910.38. Have your safety reviewer determine which provisions apply.
Prepare the information for review
- List your locations, delivery work and employee roles. Record whether employees evacuate or have assigned response duties; do not assign duties beyond their training.
- Gather the workplace layout, reporting contacts, evacuation routes and accountability assignments for the plan owner to verify.
- Review the separate hazmat emergency information drivers carry. An office binder and a transport document serve different purposes.
- Have the responsible reviewer approve the plan and identify required employee instruction. Keep approved versions accessible and review them when duties or the plan change.
This is a document-selection checklist. It does not give fire, leak, valve-operation or incident-response instructions.
Questions and answers
Is a workplace Emergency Action Plan the same as an emergency response plan?
No. An evacuation plan and a plan for assigned emergency responders have different purposes. Have a qualified reviewer determine which requirements apply to your operation.
Does buying a manual qualify a driver to respond to an emergency?
No. Buying a book does not establish training or authorize response duties. Match duties to the approved plan and actual employee training.
Can the office manual replace the emergency information carried by drivers?
Do not assume it can. Review the separate transport-document requirements for your shipments with your transportation reviewer.
Which Propane Safety Pro manual should we ask about?
Start with the Emergency Action Plan for workplace evacuation planning. Describe your delivery work and locations so the quote can identify the appropriate manuals and scope.
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
See our Emergency Action Plans or compare the safety manuals. Describe your locations and delivery work when requesting a quote.
General information, not legal advice.