OSHA doesn’t require tornado shelters. Although OSHA is the federal body tasked with writing and enforcing safety standards nationwide, no regulations exist for tornado shelter composition and installation. While tornadoes are becoming more common, OSHA only provides standard guidance for tornado preparedness. U.S. Safe Room offers 1/4″ steel protection that meets FEMA 320 and 361 compliance standards for tornado shelter protection. Meeting FEMA requirements ensures durable severe weather protection for businesses and smaller residences.
Why Doesn’t OSHA Require Tornado Shelters?
Although government regulators haven’t released an official response, OSHA might not require tornado shelters because some businesses deem safe rooms cost-prohibitive. While larger tornado shelters and community safe rooms can approach six figures, smaller safe rooms are affordable for budget-conscious companies. Our panelized safe room kits and aboveground safe rooms can accommodate any fiscal plan. Moreover, safe room kits and smaller shelters cost a fraction of most new construction equipment and structural add-ons.
OSHA Tornado Safety Guidance
Although OSHA doesn’t have the authority to fine companies without tornado protection, safety regulators guide safe room placement. Furthermore, OSHA requires Emergency Action Plans from employers for tornado situations, including emergency evacuating and areas to avoid during severe weather. OSHA recommends 50 square feet of floor space per person for tornado shelters with sleeping rooms. OSHA also says bunkers and safe rooms with cooking areas should have at least 100 square feet per person. Adequate seating for shelter occupants is another general OSHA tornado shelter guideline. U.S. Safe Room offers customized tornado shelter floor plans for each need, regardless of size. While our panelized kits safely protect families and small businesses, the community safe room model can protect more than 100 people with ample seating and spatial considerations. No storm protection need is too great or small.
Changing Weather Patterns Could Impact Federal Safe Room Regulations
Tornadoes are increasing nationwide. Tornado Alley is also widening to include the Southeast and Ohio Valley. Furthermore, tornado season is never-ending with storm spotters reporting confirmed touchdowns every month. With such a growing carnage propensity, OSHA might develop tornado requirements for all states. Several Midwestern municipalities have enacted tornado shelter legislation for schools and other public facilities. Get ahead of a growing trend in valuable steel safe room protection.
