The management staff is required to comply with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines, standards, and regulations to help ensure the safe operation of a healthcare facility. Additional responsibilities include:
- Implementing a safety program that includes a thorough and comprehensive fire prevention plan
- Providing an emergency action plan. OSHA requires the plan to be in writing if there are more than 10 employees. If there are 10 or fewer employees, the plan may be presented orally.
- Initial training and at least annual review of the emergency action plan
- Annual audits to uncover potential fire safety hazards and help ensure that fire-fighting equipment, alarms, and evacuation procedures are appropriate and ready for a fire emergency
The responsibility to provide a safe work environment does NOT stop at the management level. ALL healthcare associates are required to follow facility-specific procedures designed to reduce the potential for a fire-related emergency. At a minimum, these safe work practices include:
- Active participation in safety training and fire drills
- Identification of potential fire hazards and immediate reporting to management staff or safety officer
