Exits and Exit Routes
An exit is that portion of an exit route that is generally separated from other areas to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
An exit route is 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: the exit access; the exit; and the exit discharge.
Exits and Exit Routes
What are the hazards associated with exits and exit routes?
Exits that do not discharge to a safe location can subject workers to a continued risk of injury, illness or death from fires, chemical releases and building collapse. Locked exit doors can result in fatalities when workers are trapped by fires and do not have an accessible way to exit the area. Doors not intended to be exits that are not marked as to their function may prevent workers from exiting in time to a safe location.
What can I do to protect myself?
Workers should familiarize themselves with the exit routes and exits for their work areas. Report any locked exit doors that cannot be opened from the inside.
What resources are available to assist employers?
Safety and Health Programs
The workplace self-inspection checklist [short (General Industry/Construction) and long (General Industry/Construction)] includes a discussion of exits and exit routes and can be adapted for use in the workplace. In addition, the emergency action plan (Construction and General Industry), fire prevention plan (Construction and General Industry) can be modified to fit the workplace.
Example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions.
Training and Outreach Services
The presentation on exit routes, emergency action and fire prevention plans can be used by employers to assist in their employee's training and should be modified to reflect specific conditions and hazards in their workplaces. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time.
In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.
Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).
Safety and Health Topics
Additional resources can be found on the safety and health topic pages for emergency action plans, emergency response, walking and working surfaces and fire prevention plans.
Consultation Services
The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.
Which standards apply?
OSH has adopted the following standards which are applicable to exits and exit routes in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.
General Industry
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29 CFR 1910.34 - coverage and definitions
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29 CFR 1910.35 - compliance with alternate exit-route codes
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29 CFR 1910.36 - design and construction requirements for exit routes
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29 CFR 1910.37 - maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes
Maritime, Marine Terminals
- 29 CFR 1917.122 - employee exits
Other Applicable Standards
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.
Where can I learn more?
Industry Guides
- Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, includes requirements for exit routes, emergency action plans, and fire prevention plans in general industry.
- Industry Guide 54 - OSHA Marine Terminal Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, provides requirements for standards related to fire safety at marine terminals.
Compliance Documents
- Operational Procedure Notice 130, Emergency Action Plans and Fire Prevention Plans, establishes the enforcement policy and provides an explanation of when they are required to ensure uniform enforcement.
- CFR 168 - Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans Final Rule provides the promulgation of the rule.
Technical Assistance
Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.