Are you meeting OSHA’s exit route requirements?

It may seem obvious that exit routes must be clearly visible, unobstructed, and that directional signs be posted. However, these are the top three violations of OSHA’s standard at 1910.37, Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes. Last year, OSHA slapped a national retail chain with nearly $800,000 in penalties for hazards in part related to obstructed exits and fire and entrapment hazards.

If OSHA compliance officers see clutter in aisleways and access areas or signage that’s covered up or difficult to see, they’ll take a look at your exits and exit routes.

What does OSHA require?

OSHA defines exit route as a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety (including refuge areas). An exit route consists of three parts:

1. The exit access (the portion of the exit route that leads to an exit);
2. The exit (the portion of the exit route that’s generally separated from other areas to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge); and
3. The exit discharge (the part of the exit route that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside).

As mentioned, the top three violations of 1910.37 were:

Paragraph (a)(3): Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. This means:

• Nothing should be placed in the exit route or block the route, either permanently or temporarily.
• No explosive or highly flammable items in the route like furnishings or decorations.
• Exit routes should be arranged so employees don’t have to move toward high hazard areas.
• Exit access must not go through lockable rooms or dead-end corridors. Stairs or a ramp must be provided where the exit route is not substantially level.

Paragraph (b)(2): Exit routes must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading “Exit.” Additionally:

• Exits must be properly illuminated.
• Employees should be able to see one or more exit signs from any point inside the building.
• Exit routes must be adequately lighted so that an employee with normal vision can see along the exit route.
• Exit route doors must be free of decorations or signs that obscure the visibility of the exit route door.

Paragraph (b)(4): If the direction of travel to the exit or exit discharge is not immediately apparent, signs must be posted along the exit access indicating the direction of travel to the nearest exit and exit discharge. The line-of-sight to an exit sign must clearly be visible at all times.

Doorways or passages along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit must be marked “Not an Exit” or similar designation or be identified by a sign indicating its actual use (e.g., closet).