Understanding OSHA 1910.36(g) in Printing and Publishing: Ensuring Safe Exit Routes

When it comes to safety in the printing and publishing industry, understanding and adhering to OSHA's exit route standards is critical. Specifically, 1910.36(g) outlines the minimum height and width requirements for exit routes, ensuring that workers can evacuate safely in case of an emergency.

Minimum Height Requirements

According to 1910.36(g)(1), the ceiling of an exit route must be at least seven feet six inches (2.3 m) high. This regulation ensures that even the tallest employees can move through the exit route without stooping. Additionally, any projection from the ceiling, such as sprinklers or lighting fixtures, must not reach a point less than six feet eight inches (2.0 m) from the floor. This is crucial in the printing and publishing industry, where high ceilings are common and equipment may hang down.

Minimum Width Requirements

1910.36(g)(2) mandates that an exit access must be at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points. In scenarios where there is only one exit access leading to an exit or exit discharge, the width of the exit and exit discharge must be at least equal to the width of the exit access. This ensures that a single pathway can accommodate the flow of employees in an emergency. In the printing and publishing sector, where machinery and materials can sometimes narrow pathways, maintaining these minimum widths is essential.

Accommodating Occupant Load

Under 1910.36(g)(3), the width of an exit route must be sufficient to accommodate the maximum permitted occupant load of each floor served by the exit route. This means that in larger printing and publishing facilities, where multiple floors may be in use, the exit routes must be wide enough to handle the number of people potentially evacuating. I've seen firsthand how crowded these spaces can get, and ensuring adequate width is a must for safety.

Managing Projections

1910.36(g)(4) addresses the issue of objects projecting into the exit route. These objects must not reduce the width of the exit route to less than the minimum width requirements for exit routes. In a printing facility, this might mean ensuring that paper rolls or printing presses do not encroach on the designated exit pathways. Based on available research, individual results may vary, but maintaining clear exit routes is a fundamental aspect of workplace safety.

By understanding and implementing these OSHA regulations, printing and publishing companies can ensure that their exit routes are safe and compliant. For further guidance on OSHA standards and safety management, resources from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) can be invaluable.