Common Mistakes with OSHA 1910.36(h) Outdoor Exit Routes in Agriculture

In California's sprawling ag operations—from almond orchards to dairy processing plants—outdoor exit routes save lives during emergencies. Yet, OSHA 1910.36(h) trips up even seasoned safety managers. These routes must match indoor exit standards (7 feet 6 inches height, 28 inches width minimum) while tackling unique outdoor challenges like mud, slopes, and critters.

What OSHA 1910.36(h) Demands for Outdoor Exit Routes

OSHA's general industry standard under 29 CFR 1910.36(h) permits outdoor exits but layers on specifics. The surface must handle emergency traffic loads per 1910.24, stay slip-resistant per 1910.25, limit slopes to 1:20, use fencing to bar unauthorized access, protect against falls over 6 feet, and minimize weather hazards like ice or mud. Note: Pure field agriculture falls under 1928, but processing facilities, packing sheds, and equipment barns often trigger 1910 compliance—especially for mid-sized operations with 11+ employees.

I've walked muddy paths on Central Valley farms where a "route" was just a dirt trail. It looked fine on a sunny day but became a liability in rain. That's where mistakes multiply.

Top Mistakes Safety Teams Make in Ag Settings

• Undersized Widths for Heavy Traffic: Ag sites see forklifts, tractors, and crews evacuating. Routes narrower than 28 inches or unable to handle loads fail 1910.36(h)(1). Mistake: Assuming foot traffic only. Fix: Measure for peak evac volumes, adding buffer for equipment.
• Slippery, Unstable Surfaces: Gravel, dirt, or oiled paths turn treacherous in wet seasons. OSHA mandates slip resistance and load support. Common ag error: Relying on farm roads without upgrades. I've seen inspections shut down packing houses over rutted gravel that wouldn't pass 1910.25.
• Slopes Steeper Than 1:20: Hilly orchards or terraced fields tempt steep shortcuts. Exceeding this invites falls. Pro tip: Use a simple inclinometer app—I've caught 1:10 slopes on audits that could've been disasters.
• Missing Fencing or Barriers: No fences mean stray cattle, workers, or visitors block paths. 1910.36(h)(3) requires clear definition. In ag, temporary chain-link works wonders around equipment yards.
• Ignoring Fall Protection and Weather: Unrailed edges near silos or open ditches exceed 6-foot drop rules. Mud and snow accumulation? Design drainage or covers. Ag's variable weather amplifies this—research from NIOSH shows slips cause 15% of farm injuries.

Real-World Ag Fixes and Anecdotes

Once, on a Fresno citrus processor, we rerouted an outdoor exit from a soggy field to a concrete path with handrails. Cost? Minimal. Benefit? Passed OSHA audit, zero incidents since. Balance pros and cons: Concrete resists mud but needs sealing against cracks; gravel's cheaper but demands regular maintenance.

Start audits with a walkthrough: Map routes, test surfaces wet/dry, measure slopes. Reference OSHA's full text at osha.gov/1910.36 and NIOSH ag resources for tailored insights. Individual sites vary—consult pros for custom plans.

Don't let compliance pitfalls harvest headaches. Nail 1910.36(h), and your ag operation exits emergencies smoothly.