Do aisles need to be marked as under old Subpart D requirements?

OSHA removed the language to mark aisles and walkways, but new 1910.22(c), “Access and egress,” requires that employers provide and ensure each employee uses a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces in their workplace. OSHA says in the preamble to the final rule that this does not require that aisles, walkways, or other traffic paths be marked. Again, the requirement is that workers have a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces.

OSHA says one way of meeting this requirement is by permanently marking aisles, walkways, and paths. Employers can also use cones, barriers, chains, etc. This requirement is performance-based, so it allows employers to utilize various methods, but the key is that employees are ensured safe access and egress.

Also, the marking requirements under 1910.176 for mechanical handling equipment still requires that permanent aisles and passageways be marked as outlined in the standard.