Each year I received dozens of e-mail questions, as well as from clients with operations in OH, regarding a “requirement” by Ohio Fire Codes to conduct an “annual evacuation drill”. Since this question seems to be so popular, I thought I should just post my attempt at an FAQ for OH Fire Drills:
1) Does my facility have to conduct a fire drill? Yes
2) If yes, what is the frequency of this drill? At least annually and possible more often depending on the type of business.
3) Does the State of OH require a written evacuation plan, even though my facility is exempt from 29 CFR 1910.38 (e.g. OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan std)? Most industrial facilities/businesses in the state of OH are required to have a WRITTEN Evac Plan.
4) Does the State require a written Fire Safety plan, even though my facility is exempt from 29 CFR 1910.39 (e.g. OSHA’s Fire Prevention Plan std)? Most industrial facilities/businesses in the state of OH are required to have a WRITTEN Fire Prevention Plan.
5) Do I have to document my Fire Drill was conducted? Yes, see below for the required data to be documented.
Here are the requirements and support for my answer to the above questions regarding the State of Ohio’s “Emergency Planning and Preparedness” (i.e. drills, plans, and training)…