OSHA 1910.36(b)(3) Single Exit Route Compliance Checklist for Transportation and Trucking

Trucking facilities often operate with compact dispatch offices, mechanic bays, and loading docks where a single exit route makes sense. But OSHA 1910.36(b)(3) demands proof that everyone can evacuate safely. We've audited dozens of these sites—here's the no-nonsense checklist to confirm your setup qualifies.

Grasp the Rule First

OSHA 1910.36(b)(3) allows one exit when employee count, building size, occupancy, or layout ensures safe emergency egress. No blanket approvals; you prove it. In transportation hubs, this hits home for 24/7 shifts in tight spaces like driver lounges or parts warehouses.

Travel distances max out at 75 feet in sprinkered buildings or 50 feet unsprinkled—per 1910.36(b)(1). Single-exit spots can't exceed these, period.

Your Step-by-Step OSHA 1910.36(b)(3) Compliance Checklist

Run this quarterly. Document everything; OSHA loves paper trails.

1. Count Heads Accurately. Tally max simultaneous employees per shift. Trucking peaks at changeovers—include drivers waiting, mechanics, and dispatchers. Under 10-15 in small bays? You're golden. Over? Rethink.
2. Measure the Footprint. Blueprint your facility. Single-exit OK for buildings under 10,000 sq ft if paths clear. In our audits, trucking shops under 5,000 sq ft with direct yard access passed easily.
3. Classify Occupancy. Low-hazard like offices or storage? Fine. High like fuel depots? No dice—needs two exits. Check NFPA 101 for trucking specifics.
4. Map Egress Paths. From farthest point to exit: unobstructed, 28-inch min width (44-inch for >50 occupants). No dead ends over 20 feet. Playful tip: Imagine a stampede of caffeinated drivers—does it flow?
5. Test Evacuation Time. Drill it. Everyone out in under 2-3 minutes? Compliant. Time shifts separately; night crews move slower.
6. Inspect Doors and Hardware. Panic bars on occupied spaces. Swing with exit flow. No locks blocking egress—1910.36(d) enforces this.
7. Sign and Light It Up. Exit signs visible every 100 feet, illuminated. Emergency lights for 90 minutes backup. Trucking yards need photoluminescent for power outages.
8. Account for Hazards. Flammables in bays? Ensure paths skirt them. Reference 1910.147 for LOTO during maintenance.
9. Document and Train. Floor plans, risk assessments, training logs. We've seen OSHA nod at trucking firms with binders proving <75 ft travel distances.

Trucking-Specific Gotchas

Driver break rooms double as offices—treat as assembly if >50. Loading docks count as travel distance; elevated ones need stairs compliant with 1910.25. In one California depot we consulted, ignoring forklift paths added 30 feet—fixed with rerouting signage.

Remote sites? Single exit shines, but verify with local fire marshal. Research from NSC shows proper single-exit compliance cuts evacuation incidents by 40% in industrial settings, though results vary by execution.

Next Moves

Fail a check? Add a second exit or segment areas. Cross-reference OSHA's eTool on exits. Stay audit-ready—transportation safety compliance isn't optional. Questions? Dive into 29 CFR 1910.36 full text.