Emergency Communication Plan
Multi-channel emergency communication plan. OSHA 1910.38/1910.165 alarm system + modern mass notification (SMS, email, app, intercom). Reaches all workers including remote, break, and visitor.
When this template is required
Where an OSHA standard in part 1910 requires an emergency action plan, 29 CFR 1910.38(d) requires an employee alarm system complying with 1910.165. Modern emergency communication uses multiple channels (alarms, mass notification, SMS, email, intercom) to reach all workers including remote/break/visitor. Plan documents the multi-channel framework.
Why this template
Multi-channel approach
Single channel (alarm only) misses workers with hearing impairments, in break rooms, on phone calls, in restrooms. Multi-channel (alarm + SMS + email + intercom) reaches everyone.
1910.165 compliance
Where an OSHA standard requires an emergency action plan, 1910.38(d) requires an employee alarm system complying with 1910.165. Plan documents alarm characteristics, testing frequency by system type, maintenance and restoration.
Modern mass notification
Mass notification systems (Everbridge, RaveAlert, others) provide SMS/email/app/desktop notification to all employees. Plan addresses system selection and use.
Off-hours + remote workers
Off-hours emergencies (fire, severe weather, building incident) need notification of workers not on-site. Remote workers need awareness of company-wide events. Plan addresses both.
What you receive
- Emergency Communication Plan (Word .docx)
- 1910.165 employee alarm system documentation
- Multi-channel notification framework
- Mass notification system selection and procedure
- Off-hours and remote-worker communication
- Visitor and contractor notification
- Testing schedule separating the OSHA frequencies (two-month non-supervised, annual supervised) from program-added inspections
- Integration with EAP and other emergency plans
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Large workplaces (multi-floor, multi-building)
- Multi-site organizations (corporate-wide notification)
- Manufacturing with non-line-of-sight areas
- Healthcare facilities (different units, different responses)
- Educational facilities (campus-wide)
- Federal contractors (DOD emergency notification requirements)
Frequently asked
What's required by 1910.165?
1910.165 requires the alarm to be perceivable above ambient noise or light by all affected employees, distinctive and recognizable, approved, and maintained in operating condition. Testing depends on the system type: non-supervised every two months under 1910.165(d)(2), supervised at least annually under 1910.165(d)(4). The 'distinctive signal for each purpose' duty sits in 1910.38(d). Plan documents compliance.
Is a mass notification system required?
Not by federal OSHA. Some federal contracts require one, as do some state and local requirements for particular facility categories. NFPA 1660 (2024 ed., consolidating the former NFPA 1600) and NFPA 72 describe the practice, but neither is incorporated into 1910.38 or 1910.165. Strong best practice for any medium-to-large workplace.
What about off-hours notification?
Off-hours emergencies (fire during evening, severe weather forecasts overnight) need notification of workers who would otherwise come to work. Mass notification system with SMS to home cell phones is the standard approach.
How does this coordinate with EAP?
EAP covers response procedures. Emergency Communication Plan covers the notification mechanism that triggers EAP activation. EAP USES the communication system; communication system must be adequate for EAP activation.