Access to Emergency Equipment

Emergency Equipment

If an emergency situation arises in your workplace, it will typically occur without much warning. That said, maintaining clear and unobstructed access to emergency equipment will ensure it is quickly accessible and can be used to protect our property and, more importantly, our employees. Emergency equipment includes items such as, but is not limited to, first aid kits, emergency rescue equipment, fire extinguishers, AEDs, fire alarm pull stations, fire alarm control panels, and sprinkler heads.

Access to Emergency Equipment

Most emergency equipment must be mounted and unobstructed to ensure it is easily identifiable and accessible in the event of an emergency. The area surrounding all emergency equipment must be regularly inspected to ensure that each piece of equipment remains accessible without subjecting an employee to injury. In addition, 18” of clearance must be maintained between each sprinkler head and any material or object stored below or beside them to allow for proper water distribution in the event the sprinkler head is activated. Any storage areas where materials could be stored in close proximity to sprinkler heads must be regularly inspected to ensure sufficient clearance is maintained.

Obstructions

If emergency equipment is found to be obstructed, and the obstruction cannot be immediately removed, the identifying employee must report the issue to their supervisor as soon as possible. Remember, emergency equipment is provided throughout the workplace to protect both people and property; therefore, the unimpeded accessibility of such equipment is of the highest importance.