I recently had a question from a client that seemed routine:
What is the minimum width for an emergency exit? I almost promptly answered 28
inches (1910.36(g)(2)). However, as with many questions randomly posed by a
client via a phone call in the middle of a busy workday, does that response
answer their question? Or, more appropriately, is this providing them with
quality consultation service? I thought not.
First you need at least two exit routes to permit prompt
evacuation of employees and other building occupants during an emergency. The exits should be located as far away as
practical from each other (1910.36(b)(1)).
A single exit route is permitted where the number of employees, the size
of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangement of the workplace is such
that all employees would be able to evacuate safely during an emergency
(1910.36(b)(3)). In contrast, more than two exits may be necessary, if the
number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy or the arrangement
of the workplace if all employees cannot evacuate safely during an emergency
(1910.36(b)(2)). Ultimately, if in doubt, please refer to the Life Safety Code
published by National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA 101)
(http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/document-information-pages?mode=code&code=101)
Once out of the exit, the worker must be lead directly
outside or to a street, walkway, or something similar (1910.36(c)(1)). The
discharge area must be large enough to accommodate the number of people who may
use the exit (1910.36(c)(2)). Also, if the exit route is long, it must be
clearly labeled as to the direction of travel to get to the discharge
(1910.36(c)(3)). The door must not be locked (1910.36(d)(1)), nor blocked
(1910.36(g)(4)), nor have any alarms that will prevent the door from working if
broken (1910.36(d)(2)). Special
provisions for locked exits are permitted for penal or mental institutions,
however, special arrangements must have been made to ensure the safety of those
residents.
The exit must be side-hinged, no garage doors are not
allowed although if they happen to be open during an emergency I would
recommend using them if they happen to lead you in the right direction. The
exit route must be large enough to allow all people expected to use the route
at the same time (1910.36(g)(3)). It must be 7.5 feet high with ceiling lights
not extending below 6 feet (1910.36(g)(1)).
And of course the answer to the original question, the route must be 28
inches wide at all points (1910.36(g)(2)) and free of obstructions (1910.36(g)(4)
and (1910.37(a)(3)) as I mentioned earlier.
Note: if your exit route is stairs, the stairs must meet the exit route
requirements versus the minimum width of 22 inches as allowed (1910.24(a)).
Always use the most protective standard. Lastly, many exit routes lead directly
outside. Ensure the hazards outside are addressed (e.g., fall hazards
(1910.36(h)(1)), inclement weather – snow or ice (1910.36(h)(2))).
Exit routes and discharge must minimize the danger to
employees. Exit routes are to lead from high hazard areas to low hazard areas
(1910.37(a)(2)). They must be kept free
of explosive or highly flammable furnishings or other decorations
(1910.37(a)(1)). And obviously, they
must be free of obstructions (1910.37(a)(3)).
Each exit must be clearly visible and marked “Exit”
(1910.37(b)(2)), large enough to be read (1910.37(b)(7)), properly illuminated
(1910.37(b)(6)), and make sure those holiday decorations do not obscure the
Exit signs (1910.37(b)(3)). Furthermore,
if the employee must travel some distance to the exit and the way may not be
readily apparent a sign needs to help them along (1910.37(b)(4)). Also, what if
there are doors along the route that look like exits? Label the doors accordingly (1910.37(b)(5)). Remember you’re trying to save the employee
not lead them into the broom closet.
As you can see there is a lot more underneath the tip of the
question from the client. As the safety manager or consultant we need to dig a
little bit to get to full extent of their question and give quality
consultation.
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