Inspection Report.
| • Part Number: | 1910 |
| • Part Title: | Occupational Safety and Health Standards |
| • Subpart: | E |
| • Subpart Title: | Means of Egress |
| • Standard Number: | 1910.36 |
| • Title: | Design and construction requirements for exit routes. |
| • GPO Source: | e-CFR |
1910.36(a)
Basic requirements. Exit routes must meet the following design and construction requirements:
1910.36(a)(1)
An exit route must be permanent. Each exit route must be a permanent part of the workplace.
1910.36(a)(2)
An exit must be separated by fire resistant materials. Construction materials used to separate an exit from other parts of the workplace must have a one-hour fire resistance-rating if the exit connects three or fewer stories and a two-hour fire resistance-rating if the exit connects four or more stories.
1910.36(a)(3)
Openings into an exit must be limited. An exit is permitted to have only those openings necessary to allow access to the exit from occupied areas of the workplace, or to the exit discharge. An opening into an exit must be protected by a self-closing fire door that remains closed or automatically closes in an emergency upon the sounding of a fire alarm or employee alarm system. Each fire door, including its frame and hardware, must be listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Section 1910.155(c)(3)(iv)(A) of this part defines “listed” and § 1910.7 of this part defines a “nationally recognized testing laboratory.”
The number of exit routes must be adequate.
1910.36(b)(1)
Two exit routes. At least two exit routes must be available in a workplace to permit prompt evacuation of employees and other building occupants during an emergency, except as allowed in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. The exit routes must be located as far away as practical from each other so that if one exit route is blocked by fire or smoke, employees can evacuate using the second exit route.
1910.36(b)(2)
More than two exit routes. More than two exit routes must be available in a workplace if the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangement of the workplace is such that all employees would not be able to evacuate safely during an emergency.
1910.36(b)(3)
A single exit route. A single exit route is permitted where the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangement of the workplace is such that all employees would be able to evacuate safely during an emergency.
Note to paragraph (b) of this section: For assistance in determining the number of exit routes necessary for your workplace, consult NFPA 101-2009, Life Safety Code, or IFC- 2009, International Fire Code (incorporated by reference, see § 1910.6).
1910.36(c)
Exit discharge.
Each exit discharge must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside.
The street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space to which an exit discharge leads must be large enough to accommodate the building occupants likely to use the exit route.
1910.36(c)(3)
Exit stairs that continue beyond the level on which the exit discharge is located must be interrupted at that level by doors, partitions, or other effective means that clearly indicate the direction of travel leading to the exit discharge.
An exit door must be unlocked.
Employees must be able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge. A device such as a panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted on exit discharge doors.
Exit route doors must be free of any device or alarm that could restrict emergency use of the exit route if the device or alarm fails.
1910.36(d)(3)
An exit route door may be locked from the inside only in mental, penal, or correctional facilities and then only if supervisory personnel are continuously on duty and the employer has a plan to remove occupants from the facility during an emergency.
1910.36(e)
A side-hinged exit door must be used.
1910.36(e)(1)
A side-hinged door must be used to connect any room to an exit route.
1910.36(e)(2)
The door that connects any room to an exit route must swing out in the direction of exit travel if the room is designed to be occupied by more than 50 people or if the room is a high hazard area ( i.e. , contains contents that are likely to burn with extreme rapidity or explode).
1910.36(f)
The capacity of an exit route must be adequate.
1910.36(f)(1)
Exit routes must support the maximum permitted occupant load for each floor served.
1910.36(f)(2)
The capacity of an exit route may not decrease in the direction of exit route travel to the exit discharge.
Note to paragraph (f) of this section: Information regarding the “Occupant load” is located in NFPA 101-2009, Life Safety Code, and in IFC-2009, International Fire Code (incorporated by reference, see § 1910.6).
1910.36(g)
An exit route must meet minimum height and width requirements.
The ceiling of an exit route must be at least seven feet six inches (2.3 m) high. Any projection from the ceiling must not reach a point less than six feet eight inches (2.0 m) from the floor.
An exit access must be at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points. 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.
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.
1910.36(g)(4)
Objects that project into the exit route must not reduce the width of the exit route to less than the minimum width requirements for exit routes.
1910.36(h)
An outdoor exit route is permitted.
1910.36(h)(1)
The outdoor exit route must have guardrails to protect unenclosed sides if a fall hazard exists;
1910.36(h)(2)
The outdoor exit route must be covered if snow or ice is likely to accumulate along the route, unless the employer can demonstrate that any snow or ice accumulation will be removed before it presents a slipping hazard;
1910.36(h)(3)
The outdoor exit route must be reasonably straight and have smooth, solid, substantially level walkways; and
1910.36(h)(4)
The outdoor exit route must not have a dead-end that is longer than 20 feet (6.2 m).
[FR 67 67962, Nov. 7, 2002; 76 FR 33606, June 8, 2011; 79 FR 76897, Dec. 23, 2014]
| Next Standard (1910.37) |
| Regulations (Standards – 29 CFR) – Table of Contents |
| • Part Number: | 1910 |
| • Part Title: | Occupational Safety and Health Standards |
| • Subpart: | D |
| • Subpart Title: | Walking-Working Surfaces |
| • Standard Number: | 1910.23 |
| • Title: | Ladders. |
| • GPO Source: | e-CFR |
Application. The employer must ensure that each ladder used meets the requirements of this section. This section covers all ladders, except when the ladder is:
1910.23(a)(1)
Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or
1910.23(a)(2)
Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment.
1910.23(b)
General requirements for all ladders. The employer must ensure:
Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use;
1910.23(b)(2)
Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are spaced not less than 10 inches (25 cm) and not more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, and steps, except that:
Ladder rungs and steps in elevator shafts must be spaced not less than 6 inches (15 cm) apart and not more than 16.5 inches (42 cm) apart, as measured along the ladder side rails; and
Fixed ladder rungs and steps on telecommunication towers must be spaced not more than 18 inches (46 cm) apart, measured between the centerlines of the rungs or steps;
Steps on stepstools are spaced not less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart and not more than 12 inches (30 cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the steps;
Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats have a minimum clear width of 11.5 inches (29 cm) on portable ladders and 16 inches (41 cm) (measured before installation of ladder safety systems) for fixed ladders, except that:
The minimum clear width does not apply to ladders with narrow rungs that are not designed to be stepped on, such as those located on the tapered end of orchard ladders and similar ladders;
Rungs and steps of manhole entry ladders that are supported by the manhole opening must have a minimum clear width of 9 inches (23 cm);
Rungs and steps on rolling ladders used in telecommunication centers must have a minimum clear width of 8 inches (20 cm); and
Stepstools have a minimum clear width of 10.5 inches (26.7 cm);
Wooden ladders are not coated with any material that may obscure structural defects;
1910.23(b)(6)
Metal ladders are made with corrosion-resistant material or protected against corrosion;
Ladder surfaces are free of puncture and laceration hazards;
Ladders are used only for the purposes for which they were designed;
Ladders are inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury;
Any ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged “Dangerous: Do Not Use” or with similar language in accordance with § 1910.145 and removed from service until repaired in accordance with § 1910.22(d), or replaced;
Each employee faces the ladder when climbing up or down it;
Each employee uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing up and down it; and
No employee carries any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall while climbing up or down the ladder.
1910.23(c)
Portable ladders. The employer must ensure:
1910.23(c)(1)
Rungs and steps of portable metal ladders are corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material, or otherwise treated to minimize the possibility of slipping;
Each stepladder or combination ladder used in a stepladder mode is equipped with a metal spreader or locking device that securely holds the front and back sections in an open position while the ladder is in use;
1910.23(c)(3)
Ladders are not loaded beyond the maximum intended load;
Note to paragraph (c)(3): The maximum intended load, as defined in § 1910.21(b), includes the total load (weight and force) of the employee and all tools, equipment, and materials being carried.
Ladders are used only on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured or stabilized to prevent accidental displacement;
No portable single rail ladders are used;
No ladder is moved, shifted, or extended while an employee is on it;
Ladders placed in locations such as passageways, doorways, or driveways where they can be displaced by other activities or traffic:
Are secured to prevent accidental displacement; or
Are guarded by a temporary barricade, such as a row of traffic cones or caution tape, to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder;
The cap (if equipped) and top step of a stepladder are not used as steps;
Portable ladders used on slippery surfaces are secured and stabilized;
The top of a non-self-supporting ladder is placed so that both side rails are supported, unless the ladder is equipped with a single support attachment;
Portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface have side rails that extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface (see Figure D-1 of this section);
Ladders and ladder sections are not tied or fastened together to provide added length unless they are specifically designed for such use;
Ladders are not placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
Figure D-1 — Portable Ladder Set-up
Fixed ladders. The employer must ensure:
1910.23(d)(1)
Fixed ladders are capable of supporting their maximum intended load;
The minimum perpendicular distance from the centerline of the steps or rungs, or grab bars, or both, to the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder is 7 inches (18 cm), except for elevator pit ladders, which have a minimum perpendicular distance of 4.5 inches (11 cm);
Grab bars do not protrude on the climbing side beyond the rungs of the ladder that they serve;
The side rails of through or sidestep ladders extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. For parapet ladders, the access level is:
The roof, if the parapet is cut to permit passage through the parapet; or
The top of the parapet, if the parapet is continuous;
For through ladders, the steps or rungs are omitted from the extensions, and the side rails are flared to provide not less than 24 inches (61cm) and not more than 30 inches (76 cm) of clearance. When a ladder safety system is provided, the maximum clearance between side rails of the extension must not exceed 36 inches (91 cm);
For side-step ladders, the side rails, rungs, and steps must be continuous in the extension (see Figure D-2 of this section);
Grab bars extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the access level or landing platforms served by the ladder;
The minimum size (cross-section) of grab bars is the same size as the rungs of the ladder.
When a fixed ladder terminates at a hatch (see Figure D-3 of this section), the hatch cover:
Opens with sufficient clearance to provide easy access to or from the ladder; and
Opens at least 70 degrees from horizontal if the hatch is counterbalanced;
Individual-rung ladders are constructed to prevent the employee’s feet from sliding off the ends of the rungs (see Figure D-4 of this section);
Fixed ladders having a pitch greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal are not used;
The step-across distance from the centerline of the rungs or steps is:
For through ladders, not less than 7 inches (18 cm) and not more than 12 inches (30 cm) to the nearest edge of the structure, building, or equipment accessed from the ladders;
For side-step ladders, not less than 15 inches (38 cm) and not more than 20 inches (51 cm) to the access points of the platform edge;
Fixed ladders that do not have cages or wells have:
A clear width of at least 15 inches (38 cm) on each side of the ladder centerline to the nearest permanent object; and
A minimum perpendicular distance of 30 inches (76 cm) from the centerline of the steps or rungs to the nearest object on the climbing side. When unavoidable obstructions are encountered, the minimum clearance at the obstruction may be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm), provided deflector plates are installed (see Figure D-5 of this section).
Note to paragraph (d): Section 1910.28 establishes the employer’s duty to provide fall protection for employees on fixed ladders, and § 1910.29 specifies the criteria for fall protection systems for fixed ladders.
Figure D-2 — Slide-Step Fixed Ladder Sections.
Figure D-3 — Example of Counterbalanced Hatch Cover at Roof.
Figure D-4 — Individual Rung Ladder.
Figure D-5 — Fixed Ladder Clearances.
1910.23(e)
Mobile ladder stands and mobile ladder stand platforms–
1910.23(e)(1)
General requirements. The employer must ensure:
Mobile ladder stands and platforms have a step width of at least 16 inches (41 cm);
The steps and platforms of mobile ladder stands and platforms are slip resistant. Slip-resistant surfaces must be either an integral part of the design and construction of the mobile ladder stand and platform, or provided as a secondary process or operation, such as dimpling, knurling, shotblasting, coating, spraying, or applying durable slip-resistant tapes;
Mobile ladder stands and platforms are capable of supporting at least four times their maximum intended load;
Wheels or casters under load are capable of supporting their proportional share of four times the maximum intended load, plus their proportional share of the unit’s weight;
Unless otherwise specified in this section, mobile ladder stands and platforms with a top step height of 4 feet (1.2 m) or above have handrails with a vertical height of 29.5 inches (75 cm) to 37 inches (94 cm), measured from the front edge of a step. Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used instead of handrails in specialuse applications;
The maximum work-surface height of mobile ladder stands and platforms does not exceed four times the shortest base dimension, without additional support. For greater heights, outriggers, counterweights, or comparable means that stabilize the mobile ladder stands and platforms and prevent overturning must be used;
Mobile ladder stands and platforms that have wheels or casters are equipped with a system to impede horizontal movement when an employee is on the stand or platform; and
No mobile ladder stand or platform moves when an employee is on it.
1910.23(e)(2)
Design requirements for mobile ladder stands. The employer must ensure:
Steps are uniformly spaced and arranged, with a rise of not more than 10 inches (25 cm) and a depth of not less than 7 inches (18 cm). The slope of the step stringer to which the steps are attached must not be more than 60 degrees, measured from the horizontal;
Mobile ladder stands with a top step height above 10 feet (3 m) have the top step protected on three sides by a handrail with a vertical height of at least 36 inches (91 cm); and top steps that are 20 inches (51 cm) or more, front to back, have a midrail and toeboard. Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used instead of handrails in special-use applications; and
The standing area of mobile ladder stands is within the base frame.
1910.23(e)(3)
Design requirements for mobile ladder stand platforms. The employer must ensure:
Steps of mobile ladder stand platforms meet the requirements of paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section. When the employer demonstrates that the requirement is not feasible, steeper slopes or vertical rung ladders may be used, provided the units are stabilized to prevent overturning;
Mobile ladder stand platforms with a platform height of 4 to 10 feet (1.2 m to 3 m) have, in the platform area, handrails with a vertical height of at least 36 inches (91 cm) and midrails; and
All ladder stand platforms with a platform height above 10 feet (3 m) have guardrails and toeboards on the exposed sides and ends of the platform.
Removable gates or non-rigid members, such as chains, may be used on mobile ladder stand platforms instead of handrails and guardrails in special-use applications.
[39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 43 FR 49744, Oct. 24, 1978; 49 FR 5321, Feb. 10, 1984; 81 FR 82983-82986, Nov. 18, 2016]
| Next Standard (1910.24) |
| Regulations (Standards – 29 CFR) – Table of Contents |
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