Ensuring 1910.36(f) Compliance in Film and Television Production: A Comprehensive Checklist

In the dynamic environment of film and television production, maintaining compliance with OSHA's 1910.36(f) regulations on exit route capacity is crucial for safety. This checklist serves as a practical guide for production teams to ensure their facilities meet these standards, preventing potential hazards and ensuring a safe working environment.

Understanding 1910.36(f) Regulations

OSHA's 1910.36(f) mandates that exit routes must support the maximum permitted occupant load for each floor served, and the capacity of an exit route must not decrease as you move toward the exit discharge. In the film and television industry, where sets can change daily, adherence to these regulations requires constant vigilance and proactive planning.

Checklist for Compliance

• Calculate Maximum Occupant Load: Begin by determining the maximum number of people who could be present on each floor of your production facility or set at any given time. Use OSHA's guidelines to calculate this number accurately.
• Assess Exit Route Capacities: Measure the width and capacity of all exit routes. Ensure that each route can safely accommodate the calculated maximum occupant load without congestion or bottlenecks.
• Maintain Consistent Capacity: Verify that the capacity of exit routes does not decrease as they lead to the exit discharge. This might involve widening certain sections or adding additional exits to maintain capacity throughout the route.
• Regular Inspections and Adjustments: Due to the fluid nature of film sets, conduct daily inspections of exit routes. Adjustments may be necessary as sets are modified or new scenes are prepared.
• Training and Awareness: Educate all crew members on the importance of exit route capacity and their role in maintaining clear pathways. Regular safety briefings can reinforce this knowledge.
• Documentation and Compliance Records: Keep detailed records of all calculations, assessments, and modifications made to ensure compliance with 1910.36(f). These records can be crucial during OSHA inspections.

From my experience in safety consulting, I've seen how quickly a set can change, and with it, the potential for safety hazards. One memorable incident involved a film set where a sudden change in scene layout inadvertently blocked an exit route, leading to a near-miss evacuation scenario. This underscores the need for constant vigilance and adherence to OSHA standards.

While this checklist provides a solid foundation for compliance, it's important to remember that individual results may vary based on the specific layout and operations of your production. Always consult with a safety professional to tailor these guidelines to your unique environment.

For further guidance, resources like OSHA's official guidelines and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offer detailed information on exit route safety and capacity.