The picture above illustrates an exit way with several
elements not in accordance with OSHA’s standards for exit routes. Move
your mouse over the numbers on the image to learn which OSHA standards are
not being followed and how you can begin to ensure that the exit routes in
your work environment are safe and in compliance.
Text Version
[In the image above, there is an exit hallway leading to a set of double
doors marked with an "Exit" sign. The wall to the right has an opening. The
wall to the left has two openings. Against the right side wall is a large
planter marked with a number 1; The double doors are marked with a number 2;
To the left, in the first opening, is a set of stairs marked with a number 3;
The first opening is marked with a number 4; The ceiling in the middle of the hallway is marked with a number 5; Adjacent to the opening on the
left side wall is a second opening with a sign above, "Chemical Stock Room"
with a hazard triangle, marked with a number
6.]
When your mouse moves over each marked number, the relevant OSHA standard
is displayed to the right of the image:
1. Furnishings and Decorations [Rollover image includes white lines
which enclose the plantar in front of the double doors]. Each exit route must be free of
decorations that obscure the visibility of the exit route door [29 CFR 1910.37(b)(3)].
2. Access to Exits [Rollover image includes a white rectangle which encloses the double doors]. Each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a
sign reading "Exit" [29 CFR 1910.37(b)(2)].
3. Discharge From Exits [Rollover image includes a white arrow with the text stairs
which appears in the hallway pointing
through the left side opening to the stairs]. Exit stairs that continue beyond the level on
which the exit discharge is located must be interrupted at that level by
doors, partitions, or other effective means that clearly indicate the
direction of travel leading to the exit discharge [29 CFR 1910.36(c)(3)].
4. Exit Marking [Rollover image includes a white rectangle which encloses the left side wall opening]. Each doorway or passageway along an exit access that
could be mistaken fro an exit must be marked "Not an Exit" or similar
designation, or be identified by a sign indicating its actual use (e.g.,
closet) [29 CFR 1910.37(b)(5)].
5. Exit Marking [Rollover image includes a white rectangle which encloses the "Exit" sign and the security camera
above the double doors]. 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.
Additionally, the line-of-sight to an exit sign must clearly be visible at
all times [29 CFR 1910.37(b)(4)].
6. Access to Exits [Rollover image includes white lines which enclose the second wall opening on the left side and the
sign above, "Chemical Stock Room" with a hazard triangle]. Exit routes must be arranged so that employees will not have to travel
toward a high hazard area, unless the path of travel is effectively shielded
from the high hazard area by suitable partitions or other physical barriers [29 CFR 1910.37(a)(2)].
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