STSC Emergency Preparedness and Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.35, an emergency action plan (EAP) for a construction site must include which of the following?
- Names of all employees on site
- Procedures for emergency evacuation including escape routes (Correct answer)
- Daily safety inspection checklists
- Equipment maintenance schedules
Correct answer: Procedures for emergency evacuation including escape routes
An EAP must include emergency evacuation procedures and escape route assignments as a minimum required element.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.35 requires emergency action plans to include: procedures for emergency evacuation including type of evacuation and exit routes to be used; procedures for employees who remain to perform critical operations before evacuating; procedures to account for all employees after evacuation; procedures for employees performing rescue or medical duties; emergency contact numbers; and designation of who is responsible for these procedures.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of conducting emergency drills on a construction site?
- To meet insurance requirements
- To ensure workers know evacuation routes and procedures before an emergency occurs (Correct answer)
- To identify employees who do not follow rules
- To document compliance with OSHA regulations
Correct answer: To ensure workers know evacuation routes and procedures before an emergency occurs
Emergency drills familiarize workers with procedures so they can respond effectively and quickly during an actual emergency.
Emergency drills serve to: familiarize workers with evacuation routes and assembly points; test the effectiveness of communication systems and alarm signals; identify gaps in the emergency plan before a real event; build muscle memory so workers react correctly under stress; ensure accountability procedures work; and verify that special needs workers receive appropriate assistance. Drills should be conducted regularly and documented.
Question 3: During a severe weather emergency on a construction site, workers should NOT:
- Seek shelter in a permanent building
- Take cover in a vehicle as a last resort
- Remain on scaffolding or elevated structures (Correct answer)
- Move away from tall cranes and trees
Correct answer: Remain on scaffolding or elevated structures
Elevated structures like scaffolding increase exposure to lightning and high winds during severe weather — workers must descend immediately.
During severe weather (lightning, high winds, tornadoes), workers on scaffolding, cranes, steel erection, or other elevated structures face dramatically increased risk of lightning strike, being blown off, or structural collapse. Workers must descend immediately when severe weather warnings are issued. The hierarchy for shelter is: permanent substantial building > hardtop vehicle as last resort. Workers should avoid open fields, tall isolated objects, and remain away from cranes and metal structures.
Question 4: What is 'incident command system' (ICS) and why is it used at construction emergency scenes?
- A software system for tracking incidents
- A standardized management system providing clear chain of command during emergencies (Correct answer)
- A OSHA inspection protocol
- A method for ranking hazard severity
Correct answer: A standardized management system providing clear chain of command during emergencies
ICS provides a unified, scalable command structure for managing emergency response resources and personnel.
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized on-scene emergency management approach that establishes a clear chain of command, unified terminology, and scalable organizational structure. At construction sites, it ensures that when multiple responders arrive (company safety team, EMS, fire department), there is no confusion about who is in charge, what each person's role is, and how information flows. The Incident Commander has overall authority and responsibility for all response activities.
Question 5: When a worker is rescued from a construction site emergency and is suspected to have a spinal injury, rescuers should:
- Immediately move them to a safe location without delay
- Minimize movement of the head and spine until medical professionals arrive (Correct answer)
- Sit them upright to help them breathe
- Administer fluids to prevent dehydration
Correct answer: Minimize movement of the head and spine until medical professionals arrive
Suspected spinal injuries require spinal immobilization — unnecessary movement can cause paralysis or death.
Suspected spinal cord injuries require immobilization of the entire spinal column. Moving a patient with an unstable spinal injury can cause or worsen paralysis. Unless the patient is in immediate life-threatening danger (e.g., fire, flooding), they should not be moved until trained medical personnel with proper equipment arrive. If movement is absolutely necessary, multiple rescuers must stabilize the head and neck in line with the body and move the patient as a unit.
Question 6: What information should be readily available at a construction site for emergency responders?
- Payroll records and timesheets
- Site layout, hazardous materials locations, and utility shutoff points (Correct answer)
- Equipment purchase orders
- Employee personnel files
Correct answer: Site layout, hazardous materials locations, and utility shutoff points
Emergency responders need site-specific information including layout, hazmat locations, and utility controls to respond safely and effectively.
Construction sites should maintain readily accessible emergency information including: site maps showing access roads, building layouts, utility shutoffs (gas, electric, water); Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials on site; emergency contact numbers; locations of first aid stations and fire extinguishers; designated assembly points; and names/locations of first aid and CPR-trained personnel. This information should be posted at the site entrance and in the superintendent's office.
STSC Emergency Preparedness and Management 2
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.35, an emergency action plan (EAP) for a construction site must include which of the following?