• At least two exit routes must be available at all times. Depending on building size and number of occupants, more than two exits may be required.
• Common path of travel means the distance occupants must travel before they have a choice of exits.
• The specific travel distance allowed to the nearest exit depends on factors such as the intended use of the facility and the materials present.

At least two exit routes must be available to permit quick evacuation of employees and other occupants, unless one route is specifically permitted. Depending on the number of employees, the size of the building, the occupancy load, and the arrangement of the workplace, more than two exit routes may be necessary to safely evacuate all employees.

The exit routes must be located as far away from each other as possible so that, if one route is blocked by fire or smoke, employees can use the other route to escape. Construction materials used to separate the exit from other parts of the workplace must have a one-hour fire-resistance rating if the exit connects three or fewer stories and a two-hour fire-resistance rating if the exit connects four or more stories.

A single exit route is allowed where the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangement of the workplace indicates that a single exit will allow all employees to exit safely during an emergency.

Common path of travel

One factor affecting the number of exits from a room or area within a building is the common path of travel. The common path of travel is the distance people must travel before they have a choice of exits. The measurement for this path ends where occupants have two or more options to continue toward an exit. In most building types, the common path of travel may be no more than 50 feet if the structure does not have overhead sprinklers, or no more than 100 feet if the structure does have sprinklers.

Some employers assume that the number of exits required depends upon the occupancy load of an area, and to a certain extent that is true. However, the common path of travel is also important to determine how many options are needed based on how far people must travel before they have a choice of paths leading to an exit discharge. Employers should refer to NFPA 101® Life Safety Code® for specific paths of travel based on the occupancy type (industrial, education, retail, warehousing, etc.).

Travel distance

Another factor affecting the number of exits is the travel distance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has incorporated by reference the NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®, which describes maximum travel distances to the nearest exit. Maintaining these distances is particularly important if a facility is undergoing construction or renovation work that temporarily makes one or more exits unavailable.

A typical travel distance would be 150 feet if a facility does not have an overhead sprinkler system, or 200 feet if the facility does have a sprinkler system. However, the specific travel distance allowed depends on factors such as the intended use of the facility (education, commerce, health care, etc.) and the materials present. For example, in warehouse areas where flammable materials are stored, the travel distance may be as short as 75 feet. Conversely, in low-hazard warehouses, the permissible travel distance might be 400 feet. Employers should check NFPA 101® or contact the state fire marshal or local fire department for details.