• Employers must install and maintain alarm systems to warn employees of fire and other dangers.
• Alarm systems should be inclusive of persons with disabilities (for example, a flashing light to warn hearing impaired employees and visitors).

Employers are required to install and maintain an alarm system that has a distinctive signal to warn employees of fire or other emergencies. The system should:

• Provide warning for necessary emergency action as called for in the emergency action plan.
• Be capable of being perceived above ambient noise or light levels by all employees in the affected portions of the workplace.
• Be distinctive and recognizable as a signal to evacuate the work area or to perform actions designated under the emergency action plan.
• Employers need to make plans for warning persons with disabilities. For instance, a flashing strobe light can be used to warn hearing-impaired people.

Other steps to take include:

• Familiarizing employees with procedures for responding when the warning system is activated.
• Establishing procedures for warning customers, contractors, visitors, and others who may not be familiar with the facility’s warning system.
• Testing the facility’s warning system at least monthly.