OSHA 1910.36(g) Compliance Checklist: Mastering Exit Route Height and Width Requirements
OSHA 1910.36(g) Compliance Checklist: Mastering Exit Route Height and Width Requirements
Exit routes aren't just hallways—they're your facility's lifeline during emergencies. Under OSHA 1910.36(g), specific height and width rules ensure smooth evacuations without bottlenecks or head-bonks. I've walked countless shop floors where a overlooked protrusion turned a clear path into a hazard; let's fix that with this no-nonsense checklist.
Why 1910.36(g) Matters for Your Operations
OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.36(g) sets ironclad minimums for exit route dimensions to handle occupant loads safely. Non-compliance? Think citations, fines up to $15,625 per violation (as of 2024 adjustments), and worse—delayed evacuations. We see it in audits: a single low beam or narrow door fails the whole system. This checklist breaks it down by subsection, with actionable steps tailored for mid-sized manufacturers and warehouses chasing compliance without the headache.
Your Step-by-Step OSHA 1910.36(g) Compliance Checklist
Use this as your audit tool. Grab a tape measure, clipboard, and a colleague—then verify each point. Document findings with photos and dates for your safety management records.
- Ceiling Height and Projections [1910.36(g)(1)]
- Measure ceiling height: Must be at least 7 feet 6 inches (2.3 m) across the entire exit route.
- Check projections (pipes, lights, signs): No part lower than 6 feet 8 inches (2.0 m) from the floor.
- Action: Relocate or shield obstructions. Pro tip: In older facilities, we've raised ducts by inches to pass inspection—small tweak, big win.
- Exit Access Width [1910.36(g)(2)]
- Verify minimum width: At least 28 inches (71.1 cm) at all points, including turns and doors.
- For single exit access: Confirm exit and exit discharge widths match or exceed the access width.
- Action: Widen doors or remove encroachments. Remember, wheelchair accessibility often demands more—align with ADA for bonus compliance.
- Exit Route Capacity for Occupant Load [1910.36(g)(3)]
- Calculate max occupant load per floor (OSHA 1910.36(b) or NFPA 101 formulas: e.g., 200 gross sq ft/person for offices).
- Ensure route width accommodates it—minimum 0.2 inches/person for stairs, 0.15 for level paths (per 1910.36(d), but tie to (g)(3)).
- Action: Run load calcs floor-by-floor. If overloaded, add routes or widen. We've modeled this for clients using simple spreadsheets—occupancy spikes during shifts are the killer.
- Projections into the Route [1910.36(g)(4)]
- Scan for objects (shelves, equipment, temporary storage): Cannot narrow the route below required widths.
- Minimum clear width applies post-projection—measure the effective path.
- Action: Install guards or relocate. Fun fact: That 'temporary' pallet has doomed more audits than you think—enforce no-storage zones with signage.
Implementation Tips from the Field
Start with a full walkthrough: Map routes, measure thrice, and simulate evacuations. Integrate into your Job Hazard Analysis or LOTO procedures if routes cross work zones. For ongoing compliance, schedule quarterly checks—OSHA loves documented diligence. If loads change (new hires, expansions), recalculate immediately.
Limitations? These rules assume standard builds; consult local fire codes or a certified engineer for mezzanines or spirals. Reference OSHA's full standard at osha.gov and eTool for visuals. Stay ahead, stay safe—your team deserves unobstructed paths out.
