Employee Alarm Systems

Employee alarm systems must provide enough warning for necessary action, as follows:

• Enough time to carry out the steps outlined in the emergency action plan
• Or, enough time for the safe escape of employees from the workplace or immediate work area
• Or, both of the above

All devices and components of an alarm system must meet OSHA standards, including the following:

• Steam whistles
• Air horns
• Strobe lights
• Similar light devices
• Tactile devices

All alarm systems must be maintained in operating condition, except when undergoing repairs or maintenance.

Devices used to manually activate an employee alarm system must meet requirements, as follows:

• Be unobstructed
• Be conspicuous
• Be readily accessible

To learn more about Exit Routes and Fire Protection visit our Exit Routes, Emergency Action, Fire Prevention & Protection Online Training web page.