OSHA §1910.36: Means of Egress in Wineries

In the world of winemaking, safety isn't just about keeping your vintages pristine. It's about ensuring that your workforce can exit the premises safely in case of an emergency. OSHA's §1910.36, which deals with the Means of Egress, is crucial for wineries to comply with to protect their employees.

Understanding Means of Egress

Means of Egress refers to a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way. For wineries, this involves ensuring that all employees can safely evacuate during emergencies like fires, chemical spills, or equipment failures.

Key Components for Wineries

Wineries have unique challenges due to their layout and operations. Here are the key components of §1910.36 that wineries need to focus on:

• Exit Routes: Wineries must maintain clear and well-marked exit routes. This is especially important in areas where barrels, tanks, and equipment might obstruct pathways.
• Exit Discharge: The exit discharge must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, or open space with access to the outside. In wineries, this means ensuring that exit doors lead to safe areas away from hazardous materials storage.
• Exit Capacity: The capacity of exit routes must be sufficient to accommodate all employees. Wineries need to calculate this based on their peak occupancy during operations like harvest or bottling.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance of exit routes is essential. This includes keeping them free of obstructions, ensuring that emergency lighting is functional, and that exit signs are visible and illuminated.

Practical Application in Wineries

When I visit wineries as a safety consultant, I often see the challenges firsthand. For instance, during the busy harvest season, the floor can become cluttered with hoses and equipment, potentially blocking exit routes. We recommend regular safety audits to ensure compliance with §1910.36.

Another common issue is the storage of flammable materials near exit routes. Based on available research, individual results may vary, but ensuring that these materials are stored safely away from exits can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. It's also important to train employees on the location and use of emergency exits, especially in larger facilities where the layout might be complex.

Resources and Further Reading

For those looking to dive deeper into OSHA regulations and their application in wineries, the following resources are highly recommended:

• OSHA's official guide to Means of Egress: OSHA §1910.36
• The Wine Institute's safety guidelines: Wine Institute Safety Guidelines
• NIOSH's recommendations for safety in the wine industry: NIOSH Wine Industry Safety

By adhering to these guidelines and staying informed, wineries can ensure that their Means of Egress are up to OSHA standards, keeping their employees safe and their operations compliant.