Review your exit route strategy to avoid compliance dead ends
Exit route violations are far too common and could cost lives during an emergency, yet these violations are easily prevented. Ensuring that routes remain clear, visible, and accessible at all times should be an ongoing priority.
Don’t put that there!
Even partially blocking a route with a pallet or box could delay an emergency evacuation. OSHA requires that exit routes be at least 28 inches wide. However, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) specifies 36 inches for new construction, and local fire codes might adopt the NFPA standard.
In addition, OSHA says that the capacity of an exit route must be adequate. Depending on the number of people, an exit route may need to be more than 28 inches (or more than 36 inches). Make sure that no mail carts, pallets, or other items block any exit route for even a short period of time.
For related information, see our article Keep exit routes free of obstructions.
Stay on the path!
OSHA requires that exits be clearly visible and marked by signs. Common violations include signs that are either missing or obstructed by stacked items. Employees should be able to see signs directing them to an exit from any point in the building unless the route is obvious. For example, bathrooms don’t require an exit sign inside the door.
Doors or passages that could be mistaken for an exit must be marked with “not an exit” or something descriptive like “storage closet.” OSHA does not require marking every door with “office” or “not an exit” signs but does require marking doors that could reasonably be mistaken for an exit. In addition, dead-end hallways must be marked to prevent wrong turns during an emergency.
For more information, see our article Get outta here! Evacuation maps are optional?
Signs must be visible even if the lights are off or the power goes out. Most employers use self-illuminating signs, but employers could use metal or plastic signs if the signs remain visible at all times. Ambient lighting might be sufficient, but if the lights are off (or the power goes out), the sign still has to be properly illuminated, perhaps by directional emergency lights.
According to NFPA 101® Life Safety Code® Section 7.9.3, employers should test emergency lights monthly for at least 30 seconds and annually for 90 minutes to verify that they would stay on during a long-term situation like sheltering in place during a tornado. NFPA also recommends keeping records of inspections and tests.
Watch your step!
Exit routes must be easily navigated, which requires adequate lighting and a “substantially level” path. OSHA requires sufficient light so that an employee with normal vision can see along the route. The regulations do not define the term “substantially level” but do require stairs or ramps where needed. A doorway with a drop of several inches creates a tripping that hazard could cost lives during an emergency.
Employees must be able to open an exit door without keys, tools, or special knowledge. Good examples include push bars that keep doors locked from the outside but allow easy opening from inside. Adding something like a sliding deadbolt (even without a lock) is a violation because it creates an additional step that would delay employees from exiting.
Key to remember: During an emergency evacuation, employees need a clear and obvious exit route that is visibly marked and easy to navigate.
