Outdoor Exit Route Safety in Amusement Parks: Navigating OSHA Standards

When it comes to amusement parks, ensuring the safety of guests and employees is paramount. This includes compliance with OSHA regulations, specifically 1910.36(h), which outlines requirements for outdoor exit routes. However, amusement parks present unique scenarios that might not align perfectly with these standards.

Understanding OSHA 1910.36(h) Requirements

OSHA 1910.36(h) mandates several key requirements for outdoor exit routes:

• Guardrails: If a fall hazard exists, guardrails must protect unenclosed sides.
• Covering: If snow or ice is likely to accumulate, the route must be covered unless the employer can ensure regular removal.
• Straight and Level: The route must be reasonably straight with smooth, solid, and level walkways.
• Dead-Ends: Dead-ends must not exceed 20 feet (6.2 meters).

Challenges in Amusement Parks

Amusement parks, with their unique layouts and seasonal operations, often face challenges in meeting these standards:

Complex Layouts: The design of amusement parks often includes winding paths and attractions that can make it difficult to maintain straight and level walkways. For instance, I once consulted with a park where the roller coaster tracks intersected with pedestrian routes, complicating the implementation of OSHA's requirements.

Seasonal Operations: Many parks operate seasonally, which can affect their ability to maintain year-round compliance with snow and ice removal requirements. During off-seasons, resources might be limited, making regular maintenance challenging.

High Traffic and Congestion: Amusement parks experience high foot traffic, which can lead to congestion on exit routes. Ensuring these routes remain clear and meet the 20-foot dead-end limit can be difficult during peak times.

When OSHA 1910.36(h) Might Not Apply

In certain scenarios, amusement parks might find that OSHA 1910.36(h) does not fully apply or needs to be adapted:

Alternative Safety Measures: Parks might implement alternative safety measures that provide equivalent or better protection. For example, using temporary barriers or additional signage during peak times to manage congestion and ensure safe evacuation.

Seasonal Adjustments: During off-seasons, parks might not need to maintain the same level of compliance as during operational periods. However, they must still ensure that any exit routes used during maintenance or other activities meet safety standards.

Exemptions and Variances: In some cases, amusement parks might apply for variances from OSHA if they can demonstrate that their alternative safety measures are equally effective. This requires thorough documentation and often consultation with safety experts.

Best Practices for Compliance

Despite the challenges, there are best practices that amusement parks can follow to ensure compliance with OSHA 1910.36(h):

Regular Safety Audits: Conducting regular safety audits can help identify areas where the park's layout or operations might not meet OSHA standards. These audits should be thorough and involve both internal safety teams and external consultants.

Training and Awareness: Training staff on the importance of maintaining clear and safe exit routes is crucial. Employees should be aware of how to manage congestion and ensure that routes are kept free of obstacles.

Collaboration with Safety Experts: Working with safety consultants can provide valuable insights into how to adapt OSHA standards to the unique environment of an amusement park. These experts can help design and implement safety measures that meet or exceed regulatory requirements.

For further reading on OSHA regulations and their application in various industries, the OSHA website offers comprehensive resources and guidelines.