Checklist for WERE Facility Preparedness

 

1. Facility Safety Compliance

  • Ensure the facility complies with 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart E—Exit Routes and Emergency Planning.
  • Verify compliant means of egress, emergency lighting, and exit marking are in place.
  • Remove obstructions in aisles or hallways to prevent interference during emergencies.

2. PPE and Equipment Decontamination Facilities

  • Provide facilities for decontamination, disinfection, cleaning, and storage of PPE and equipment.
  • Ensure facilities meet NFPA 1581 and NFPA 1851 standards.
  • Offer basic cleaning tools: utility hoses, brushes, sinks with spray nozzles, cleaning chemicals, and drying racks.
  • Provide for bagging and storage of contaminated PPE if cleaned off-site.

3. Fire Protection Systems

  • Install, test, and maintain fire detection, suppression, and alarm systems according to manufacturer’s instructions and 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart L.

4. Fire Hose Compatibility

  • Ensure fire hose connections and fittings are compatible with mutual aid WERTs and ESOs.
  • Provide adapters if connections differ.

5. Fire Hose Valve Identification

  • Mark the location of fire hose valves (FHVs) with suitable indicators (e.g., signs, painted walls/columns).
  • Exclude clearly visible FHVs on standpipes in enclosed stairways.