The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations concerning the Means of Egress in Part 1910, Subpart E of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards. These standards require employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees (OSHA, 2002). The key elements to a fire program are covered under this Standard. These essential elements include: fire hazard inspections, emergency services, recordkeeping, communications, fire prevention and hazard control programs, guidance on the placement, and use of fire suppression equipment (alarms, sprinklers and extinguishers), and training and education programs.
Standards Number 1910.33 – 1910.35 cover the table of contents, coverage, definitions and compliance with exit routes (OSHA 2011a, 2011b, and 2011c).
Standard Number 1910.36 covers the basic requirements for the design and construction of exit routes. This includes the following factors: (1) exit routes must be permanent and adequate (the number of routes depends on the size of the building and the number of employees), (2) construction materials used for exits must have a one-hour fire resistance, (3) openings must be limited into an exit and have self-closing doors, (4) exit must lead directly outside and that area must be adequate for the number of employees, (5) exit doors must be unlocked without the use of keys, etc. and free of alarms or devices that could restrict egress, (6) single side-hinged doors must be used, (7) exit routes are required to have minimum dimensions, and (8) outdoor exit routes must be ensured for safety (OSHA, 2011d).
Standard Number 1910.37 provides standards for the maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes. The exit route must minimize the danger to employees, such as keeping the route clear and free of hazardous materials. All safeguards to employee safety, i.e. fire doors, sprinkler systems, exit lighting, and alarm systems, must be maintained in proper working order. The exit route also must be properly marked with signs and provided safety lighting. Flame retardant paints and surfaces must be maintained. Also, an operational and well maintained employee alarm system must be used (OSHA, 2002).
References
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2002). Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Means of Egress – Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes. (29 CFR, Subpart E, Standard Number 1910.37). Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9725
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2011a). Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Means of Egress – Table of Contents (29 CFR, Subpart E, Standard Number 1910.33). Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=12885
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2011b). Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Means of Egress – Coverage and Definitions (29 CFR, Subpart E, Standard Number 1910.34). Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=12886
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2011c). Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Means of Egress – Compliance with alternate exit-route codes (29 CFR, Subpart E, Standard Number 1910.35). Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9723
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2011d). Occupational Safety and Health Standards: Means of Egress – Design and construction requirements for exit routes. (29 CFR, Subpart E, Standard Number 1910.36). Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9724
