The short answer
Employees should review emergency procedures when first assigned, whenever their duties or the plan change, and often enough to maintain reliable performance. OSHA’s emergency-action-plan standard specifically requires review when a plan is developed, when employee responsibilities change, and when the plan changes. The appropriate exercise schedule also depends on hazards, turnover, prior performance, and regulatory or insurer requirements.
What to know
HSI currently lists a two-year certification period for AVIRT. That should not be interpreted as “do nothing for two years.” Organizations can reinforce learning through shorter orientation refreshers, evacuation or communication drills, bleeding-control practice, tabletop exercises, and after-action reviews. High-turnover, high-risk, healthcare, school, or public-facing environments may need more frequent practice than a small low-risk office.
Create a training matrix that identifies who needs which course, certification expiration, drill participation, accommodations, and corrective actions. Repeat training after a facility change, serious incident, failed exercise, new alarm system, or major staff change. Exercises should be announced and trauma-conscious when appropriate. Arrow should distinguish the formal AVIRT recertification cycle from the client’s ongoing emergency-plan review and drill schedule.