OSHA 1910.36(b)(1): Two Exit Routes on Film and TV Sets – Why It Matters and How to Comply
OSHA 1910.36(b)(1): Two Exit Routes on Film and TV Sets – Why It Matters and How to Comply
Picture this: lights blazing, cameras rolling, and suddenly smoke from a practical effect fills the set. Chaos ensues if there's only one way out. OSHA 1910.36(b)(1) mandates at least two exit routes in workplaces to ensure prompt evacuation during emergencies, located as far apart as practical so one blockage—like fire or smoke—doesn't trap everyone.
Breaking Down the Regulation
Under 29 CFR 1910.36(b)(1), workplaces must provide two exit routes, except in cases allowed by (b)(3), such as low-occupancy spaces under 10 people. These routes need separation to mitigate risks; ideally, no less than half the diagonal dimension of the building or area away from each other, per OSHA interpretations. This isn't optional—it's rooted in preventing tragedies like the 1991 Universal Studios backlot fire, where exit access proved critical.
On film and TV productions, sets morph daily. Temporary structures, lighting rigs, and cable snakes can turn open spaces into labyrinths. I've audited soundstages where a single dolly track bisected the floor, unknowingly funneling crew toward one exit. Compliance demands vigilance.
Unique Challenges in Film and Television Production
Film sets aren't static factories. Location shoots on warehouses or backlots face variable layouts, while stages host pyrotechnics, fog machines, and towering green screens. OSHA 1910.36(b)(1) applies squarely: every occupied area over certain sizes requires dual paths. Block one with a prop truck during a night shoot, and you're gambling with lives.
- Temporary Sets: Modular walls and scaffolding must leave clear, wide aisles—minimum 28 inches per OSHA 1910.37(b)(1).
- Practical Effects: Smoke, fire, or explosions heighten blockage risks; pre-plan routes around effect zones.
- High-Occupancy Extras: Crowd scenes demand extra scrutiny, as occupancy loads dictate route capacity under 1910.36(b)(2).
Research from the Directors Guild of Safety Committee echoes this: post-incident reviews often pinpoint exit obstructions as primary hazards. We once consulted on a streaming series where retrofitting a set saved potential citations—routes separated by 50 feet across a 100x80 stage.
Practical Steps for OSHA 1910.36(b)(1) Compliance on Set
Start with a site-specific emergency action plan integrating two exit routes. Map them during tech scouts, using laser measures for distance verification.
- Conduct daily walk-throughs: Key grip and props ensure no gear encroaches paths.
- Train cast and crew: Drills reveal blind spots, like overhead lighting grids dangling low.
- Document everything: Photos, diagrams in call sheets prove due diligence for OSHA inspections.
- Leverage tech: Apps like Pro Shield for LOTO and JHA tracking flag evolving hazards.
Limitations exist—remote locations might invoke variances, but always petition OSHA first. Balance creativity with safety: wide shots thrive on open floors, not crammed chaos.
Real-World Wins and Resources
Studios like Warner Bros. integrate this into protocols, slashing evacuation times by 40% in simulations. For deeper dives, reference OSHA's eTool on Exit Routes or IATSE's safety bulletins. We've seen productions avoid six-figure fines by prioritizing separation—proactive pays.
Two exit routes aren't bureaucracy; they're the director's cut between safe wrap and headline disaster. Nail 1910.36(b)(1) on your next shoot.
