Common Misconceptions About OSHA 1910.36(g) Exit Route Height and Width Requirements in Film and TV Production

On a bustling soundstage, chaos reigns: lights swing overhead, props crowd every corner, and crew hustles between setups. But amid the creative frenzy, OSHA 1910.36(g) exit route requirements often get sidelined. This regulation mandates minimum heights and widths for safe evacuation—crucial in film and TV production where temporary structures and rapid changes amplify risks.

Misconception 1: "Temporary Sets Are Exempt from Height Rules"

1910.36(g)(1) demands ceilings at least 7 feet 6 inches high, with no projections below 6 feet 8 inches. Production teams sometimes assume this skips "temporary" sets or stages. Wrong. OSHA views the entire workplace—including soundstages and backlots—as subject to these rules during shoots.

I've inspected sites where low-hanging grip lights or catwalks dipped under 6'8", creating head-strike hazards for evacuating crew. One near-miss involved a key grip clipping his helmet during a drill. Projections like these must be mitigated, per OSHA's clear language, regardless of setup duration.

Misconception 2: "Exit Access Widths Don't Apply to Shooting Paths"

Under 1910.36(g)(2), exit access must be at least 28 inches wide everywhere. If there's only one path to an exit, the exit and discharge must match that width. In film production, directors often narrow aisles for camera dollies or crowd scenes, figuring it's "just for the shot."

This overlooks that exit routes serve all occupants, not just the scene. We once audited a TV lot where prop stacks reduced a main access to 24 inches—below spec. Evacuation models show this delays flow by 20-30%, per NFPA data cross-referenced with OSHA.

• Measure every point along the route.
• Account for doors swinging into the path.
• Document changes pre-shoot.

Misconception 3: "Occupant Load Doesn't Dictate Exit Route Width Here"

1910.36(g)(3) requires exit route widths to handle the maximum permitted occupant load per floor. Film crews miscalculate this, lumping talent, crew, and extras without floor-specific breakdowns. Stages with 100+ people need routes scaled accordingly—typically 0.2 inches per occupant minimum, but often more for safe density.

Research from the International Code Council, aligned with OSHA, highlights how overcrowding in entertainment venues spikes incident rates. I've seen productions use office formulas for massive sets, ignoring pyrotechnics or stunts that inflate loads. Calculate via assembly occupancies (e.g., 7 sq ft/person standing), and verify with site plans.

Misconception 4: "Projections Are Fine If They're 'Out of the Way'"

1910.36(g)(4) prohibits objects reducing route width below minima. In TV production, cables, sandbags, or lighting stands "tucked aside" encroach anyway. Teams think visibility excuses it, but OSHA inspections cite measurements from the hazard's furthest edge.

Short fix: Use beam clamps or elevated rigging. On a recent consult, rerouting just three cables opened a compliant 36-inch path, cutting evacuation time by seconds that could save lives. Balance creativity with compliance—OSHA fines average $15,000 per violation, but the real cost is human.

Actionable Steps for Film and TV Compliance

Audit routes weekly. Train ADs and safety officers on 1910.36(g) specifics. Use laser measurers for precision. While individual sites vary, these steps align with OSHA's enforcement trends—check their full standard and interpretation letters for depth.

Proactive design keeps productions rolling safely. No more guessing—measure twice, shoot once.