Exits

The "Exit" sign represents such a familiar sight that we hardly take note of it. We see them in stores, hotels, and office building; yet we rarely notice them until we need to look for them. Compliance with OSHA's exit route requirements ensures that when people need to have a safe and efficient means of leaving a building in an emergency, the exit route will be there and they will have minimal problems finding and using it.

Regulations

All buildings designed for human occupancy must have a way for occupants to quickly leave in case of an emergency. Paths to the outside can be hallways, corridors, ramps, or stairs. The designated paths of exit must be arranged and maintained to provide a free and unobstructed means to exit all parts of the building at all times and be accessible to occupants with impaired mobility.

OSHA requires employers to ensure that there are clear, permanent exit routes and adequate exits for employees to leave the workplace safely in an emergency. OSHA's requirements for exit routes, emergency action plans, and fire prevention plans are found at 29 CFR 1910.34 through 1910.39.

What makes up an exit?

An exit route is a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety. An exit route generally consists of three parts: access to the exit, the exit, and the discharge. An exit route includes all vertical and horizontal areas, such as stairs, ramps, aisles, etc.

An exit is the part of the exit route that is generally separated from other areas to provide a protected way of travel to the discharge area. Exits must be permanent parts of every workplace.

The exit access is that portion of an exit route that leads to an exit. An exit access must be at least 28 inches wide at all points.

An exit discharge is the part of the exit route that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, public way, or open space with access to the outside.

Exit signs and directional markings

Each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a distinctive sign that reads "Exit". The line of sight to each exit has to be kept free of objects and other items that would detract attention from the exit sign. Exit signs must be properly illuminated

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