Safety

Tip of the week: A differing opinion on posted evacuation maps

Hospital Safety Connection, December 23, 2009

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We want to follow up on our tip from last week, in which we noted that there are no national requirements to post evacuation maps in hospitals.
 
Reader Steven Bradley, pathology regulations compliance manager at Scott & White Healthcare in Temple, TX, pointed out that, in fact, there may be a case made to post such maps.
 
Under OSHA’s compliance directive for the emergency evacuation plans standard (1910.38), nonmandatory wording in Appendix C states, “The use of floor plans or workplace maps which clearly show the emergency escape routes should be included in the emergency action plan."
 
Although OSHA doesn’t require the use of posted maps, the argument could be made that the intent is there under Appendix C, Bradley told us.
 
He also mentioned that the College of American Pathologists’ accreditation program requires evacuation maps to be posted in labs.
 
How are other people dealing with evacuation maps? Let us know.
 



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