When OSHA's Exit Route Requirements Fall Short in Printing and Publishing

OSHA's 1910.36 standard sets out critical design and construction requirements for exit routes, ensuring that workplaces provide safe means of egress during emergencies. But what happens when these regulations don't quite fit the unique environment of printing and publishing facilities?

Unique Challenges in Printing and Publishing

Printing and publishing environments are distinct due to their heavy machinery, paper storage, and ink usage. These elements can pose specific challenges when it comes to exit routes:

• Machinery Layout: Large printing presses and binding machines often occupy significant floor space, potentially obstructing or complicating the design of exit routes.
• Fire Hazards: The presence of large quantities of paper and flammable inks increases the risk of fire, necessitating more robust exit strategies than what 1910.36 might prescribe.
• Space Constraints: Smaller facilities might struggle to meet the minimum width and clearance requirements for exit routes due to their layout or building design.

Limitations of 1910.36 in This Context

While 1910.36 provides a solid foundation for exit route safety, it may not fully address the nuances of printing and publishing:

The standard requires exits to be separated by fire-resistant materials, but doesn't specify additional fire suppression systems that might be crucial in a paper-heavy environment. Based on available research, individual results may vary, but integrating advanced fire suppression can significantly enhance safety.

Additionally, 1910.36 sets minimum widths for exit routes, but doesn't consider the potential for these paths to be blocked by machinery or materials during an emergency. In my experience, ensuring clear, unobstructed pathways in such facilities often requires custom solutions beyond what the standard dictates.

Going Beyond the Standard

To address these gaps, safety professionals in printing and publishing should consider the following:

• Custom Exit Route Design: Tailor exit routes to the specific layout of your facility, ensuring they remain clear of machinery and materials at all times.
• Enhanced Fire Safety: Implement additional fire detection and suppression systems, like sprinklers or fire-resistant barriers, to mitigate the unique fire risks in your environment.
• Regular Drills and Training: Conduct frequent emergency drills tailored to your facility's layout, ensuring all employees know the exit routes and can navigate them effectively during an emergency.

By understanding where 1910.36 might fall short and proactively addressing these areas, printing and publishing businesses can create a safer workplace that exceeds standard safety requirements.

For further guidance on enhancing safety in your specific industry, resources like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Printing Industries of America (PIA) offer valuable insights and best practices.