Simple guidance to meet OSHA rules and protect workers in real emergencies
Fires, chemical releases, severe weather, and medical emergencies can happen anytime. OSHA requires safe exit routes and a clear emergency action plan so employees can escape quickly and safely. Understanding these rules saves lives, reduces injuries, and supports compliance across U.S. workplaces.
OSHA Standards Overview
- 29 CFR 1910.36 – Design and construction requirements for exit routes (number of exits, discharge, door operation, width and height). (OSHA, link)
- 29 CFR 1910.37 – Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes (keep routes clear, no locked or obstructed paths, proper signage and lighting). (OSHA, link)
- 29 CFR 1910.38 – Emergency Action Plans (minimum required elements, written vs oral plans, training). (OSHA, link)
Helpful guide: OSHA Evacuation Plans & Procedures eTool. View eTool
Exit Routes: What OSHA Requires
An exit route is a continuous, unobstructed path to safety. It includes exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge.
Have at least two exit routes, located apart, so one can be used if the other is blocked.
Exit doors must be unlocked from the inside and operable without keys, tools, or special knowledge.
Exit access must be at least 28 inches wide; ceiling at least 7 ft 6 in high.
Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. No storage, locked doors, or dead-end corridors.
Provide visible, illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting along routes.
Emergency Action Plans: Required Elements
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) explains how to report emergencies, evacuate, and account for employees.
Employers with more than 10 employees must keep the plan in writing and available. Employers with 10 or fewer can communicate the plan orally.
Sources: OSHA 1910.38(b)–(c). Standard · OSHA EAP eTool overview
Why These Standards Matter
Common Employer Mistakes
- Blocked or locked exit doors.
- Using exit routes for storage or allowing dead-end corridors.
- Missing or poorly lit exit signage.
- Outdated or unwritten emergency action plans.
- No training for new hires or contractors.
- Skipping regular evacuation drills.
Compliance Checklist
Quick Tips for Workers
FAQs
What is the difference between exit access and exit discharge?
Exit access is the path leading to an exit. Exit discharge is the safe area outside where employees gather after evacuation.
Do all businesses need a written Emergency Action Plan?
Employers with more than 10 employees must keep the plan in writing and available to workers. Smaller employers may communicate the plan orally. (OSHA 1910.38(b))
How often should we run evacuation drills?
OSHA does not set a specific frequency. Best practice is at least annually, or more often in higher-risk operations. NFPA guidance supports regular drills to familiarize occupants. (See NFPA blog.)
Who enforces OSHA egress and emergency plan rules?
Federal OSHA and approved State Plans enforce these standards during inspections. Citations can include serious violations for Subpart E requirements.