OSHA Laws for Emergency Evacuation for the Handicapped & Disabled in a University

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides two specific regulations regarding the evacuation of handicapped and disabled employees in a university environment. The administration covers both in Part 1910 of the Occupational Health and Safety Standards.

Fire Protection

• OSHA does not require a university to have a fire brigade, but if it chooses to organize a fire brigade, it must train the members of it in appropriate emergency escape techniques and routes. According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Standards Part 1910 Sub-part L Appendix A, fire brigade members should know the location a facility's exits, including emergency escape routes for disabled and handicapped employees, and the organization's emergency action plan.

Means of Egress

• Employers must provide an adequate number of employees during all work hours to act as evacuation wardens to quickly evacuate employees to safety. OSHA defines an adequate number as one warden per twenty employees. Employers must train wardens in the complete workplace layout and all escape routes and familiarize them with all handicapped employees who might need assistance during evacuation, according to Occupational Safety and Health Standards Part 1910.38 Sub-part E Appendix.

Other Agencies

• Other federal agencies also have requirements or guidelines for emergency planning and evacuation methods for universities. These agencies include the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Fire Protection Association.