If your business is planning on making any structural changes to your buildings — particularly if they involve updating the fire alarm system, installing new stairs or ramps, or constructing new exits — there are particular aspects of exit signs that require special attention from a safety standpoint.
They’re important because they let people know how to get out in case of an emergency. OSHA, being the authority on this matter has requirements every business owner has to comply.
These requirements are contained in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.37, particularly the 1910.37(b), with the title “Lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate”.
Here are specifically what you need to adhere to with regard to the said standards:
- 29 CFR 1910.37 (b)(2) – Each exit route in the workplace must be clearly visible to the employees in the event of an emergency. Each exit route must have signage that says “EXIT” to meet the requirement. This is just a basic thing to do.
- 29 CFR 1910.37 (b)(4) – exit access must have exit signages posted along the path to direct people to the nearest exit or discharge. Although this regulation did not specify the distance between signs in exit access, it may be up to the discretion of the business and how far is the exit or discharge.
- 29 CFR 1910.37 (b)(5) – There could be other doors and passages along the exit access; these doors can be mistaken as exit doors during an emergency. Not to confuse people, these doors or passages must be marked with an appropriate sign such as “pantry”, “computer room”, “supply room”, etc. for easy identification and must have “Not an Exit” sign.
- 29 CFR 1910.37 (b)(6) – Illumination of the sign is required and has to follow minimum brightness. The minimum illumination is 54 lux. Lighted signs available in the market comply with this. The sign must also be in a distinctive color. Does it have to be green in color? We made some research about the color, see below what we’ve found out.
- 29 CFR 1910.37 (b)(7) – the legible letters on the “EXIT” sign must be AT LEAST 6 inches with principal strokes, the letters in the word “EXIT” must be AT LEAST 3/4 inch wide. This is to make sure that signs are clearly readable. I would like to leave this question – do exit signs need to have other illustrations such as a drawing of a person exiting the door, or going downstairs, or an arrow? We made some research on this, please read below.
If your facility has been around for a while, it’s likely that exit signs are already dilapidated and don’t lit and may need replacement.
And if you’re planning any structural changes, it’s important to understand the requirements so that your facility or workplace can comply with the said OSHA standards.
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Understanding the OSHA Exit Route Requirements
Definition of an Exit Route
An exit route, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety. It typically includes three parts: the exit access (portion of an exit route that leads to an exit), the exit itself (part of the exit route separated from other areas for safe escape), and the exit discharge (part that leads directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, or open space with access to the outside).
Importance of Exit Routes in a Workplace
Exit routes are a critical component of workplace safety. They provide a means for employees, visitors, and customers to evacuate quickly and safely during emergencies such as fires, explosions, or chemical spills. Well-planned and properly marked exit routes can help prevent injuries and save lives by allowing people to evacuate a building efficiently when speed is of the essence. Furthermore, having clear exit routes also helps emergency response teams enter the building more safely and effectively.
OSHA General Requirements for Exit Routes
OSHA has established several general requirements for exit routes that employers must adhere to. These include but are not limited to:
- The number of exit routes must be adequate for the number of employees in any facility. Typically, at least two exit routes are required in case one becomes blocked or unusable.
- Exit routes must remain unobstructed. No materials, equipment, or locks that could prevent free escape should be in the exit route.
- Exit doors must open outward, toward the exit route, and be free of devices that could restrict use in an emergency.
- The exit route must be as direct and straight as possible. Side-to-side or indirect patterns may not be used unless the path is clearly marked and the same as a direct path.
- Exit routes must be at least 28 inches wide at all points. Additionally, exit routes must be a minimum of 7 feet and 6 inches high.
- Exit route doors may not be concealed by curtains, screens, or other materials.
- Exit signs must be visible and clearly mark the exit route, providing direction when the route to the exit or exit discharge is not immediately visible to the occupants.
Understanding and adhering to these requirements is essential for maintaining a safe work environment and for complying with OSHA regulations.
Do the Exit Signs Have to Have Green Color Background?
OSHA did not specify what color the signs should have. But it does mention in a letter reply that OSHA doesn’t prohibit the color red on exit signs. I
In addition, the NFPA does have requirements on this matter. The NFPA states that the signs must have a distinctive color and it contrasts with the background where it is located.
Therefore, why are signs green and not other colors?
When I was working in a safety department of a big construction company in Saudi Arabia some few years ago, I used to create signages. One day, one of our safety officers approached and told me this.
Exit signs should be in green color and not red. Because green color is associated with the concept of “safe” while the red color is for “danger.” So obviously, during an emergency, the red color creates confusion which is the last thing we don’t want to happen during this situation.
Here are other possible reasons why green is the color of exit signs:
- Green can be clearly seen and visible from a distance or in dark places.
- Our eyes are more sensitive to green compared to other colors.
- At a traffic light, green means it is safe to go. Green is universally recognized as “go” because it is safe.
- Fluorescent green is more visible than fluorescent red; this means in a dark and smoke-filled environment (such as in a fire emergency), the color green can easily be seen.
- The safety industry is shifting from red to green exit signs.
Your local law might have other legal colors for exit markings. Just like in Helena, Montana where orange they use orange as a legal color.
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Do the Signs Have to Have Arrows or Other Illustrations?
You probably have watched a scene in a movie where the character is trying to exit the smoke-filled building, they can’t find the nearest exit. After taking some steps, they find a sign with an arrow pointing to the direction of the exit.
This scene applies to a real scenario.
Do you think the character can find the direction to the exit without the arrow? Probably not. That is the important of having some outlines or drawing such as an arrow together with the word “exit” on the sign.
This is also the reason why when installing exit signs on exit access of a building, having an arrow on the sign can definitely direct people to find the closest exit or discharge of the building.
Where Should Exit Signs Be Placed?
In addition to compliance with OSHA, NFPA has its own requirements as well specifically on the placement of exit signs on doors. It states that the bottom of the sign should not be more than 6 feet 8 inches above the top of the door.
One of the most important safety standards for any building is this sign. The sign is used to show the way to a safe exit in case of an emergency. The sign should be placed on every floor in a building, and it should be located near the stairway.
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Do the Emergency Exit Signs Have to be Lit?
In the event of a fire, emergency exit signs are supposed to light up so that people can see them and find their way to safety. But do they always have to be lit? There are different opinions on this topic.
For one thing, it is important that the signs are visible at all times. In some cases, they may need to be lit even when there is no power outage or emergency situation in order for them to be seen. They should also be visible if the building has poor lighting or has multiple floors.
Emergency exit signs also need to be lit during night time hours in order for people who work late shifts and for those who have jobs that require them to work at night time hours (e.g., nurses).
Do Exit Signs Have to Have Battery Backup?
It is ideal to have your signs to have battery backup so that when the power in the building goes out, the signs are still illuminated. There are new models of these signs available in the market nowadays – a good choice if you’re shopping to be installed in your facility.
These signs work just like emergency lights. In the event of a power failure, the signs illuminates for a certain period of time – enough time for all the people in the building to find their way out to the nearest exit.
The batteries of these signs are rechargeable. The battery depletes and when the power returns, the battery automatically charge. Stay compliant with the NFPA and OSHA. It is the best thing we can do to be safe.
Read related article: What is the OSHA Requirement for Eyewash Station
Regular Maintenance of the Signs is Important
It is important to conduct regular maintenance of these signs especially if there are a lot of them in the building. Once in a while, its battery runs out or moves out of place. Here are what you can do for regular maintenance:
- Test the battery backup because you never know when will the electricity go out. When it does, the battery depletes. In some cases when there is a frequent occurrence of power failure, the battery become damaged and would not charge. You can do a 30-second illumination test every 30 days and 90-minute illumination test every year.
- During visual inspection, look for a loose wire that may be dangling or exposed. If there are problems in several units, it might be ideal to contact a lighting company to conduct an inspection.
- Keep maintenance records to keep track of the things that have been done. Likewise, in the event OSHA or NFPA inspector visited/inspected the facility – there are records to show as proof of compliance with maintenance.
Detailed OSHA Requirements
A. Location of Exit Signs
- Visibility and Accessibility: OSHA requires that exit signs be clearly visible and unobstructed. They should be placed in such a way that from any point in the building, an occupant can quickly and easily see an exit sign. Any door, passage, or stairway that is not an exit or does not lead to an exit must be marked with a sign reading "Not an Exit" or a sign indicating its actual use, like "Basement" or "Office."
- Specific Rules Regarding Positioning and Distance: Exit signs should be located as close as safely possible to exit doors, with additional signs provided along the exit access indicating the direction to the exit if the path is not straight or direct. The placement should also consider the sightlines of people moving towards the exits. If the exit or exit path could be seen directly, the sign should be placed by the exit door. If the exit or path is not visible, signs must be posted along the exit access indicating the direction of travel.
B. Design and Construction of Exit Signs
- Legibility and Size Requirements: Exit signs should be easy to read with lettering at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) high and the principal strokes of the letters should be at least 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) wide. The sign should also be of a design and color that is easily distinguishable and contrasts with the surroundings.
- Illumination and Color Regulations: Exit signs must be illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) and should be distinctive in color. Internally illuminated signs should have a minimum luminance surface value of at least .06-foot-lamberts (0.21 cd/m2).
C. Additional Features of OSHA-Compliant Exit Signs
- Self-Luminous or Reflective Properties: The sign can be illuminated by a light source external to the sign, or it can be a self-luminous sign that emits its own light. Reflective or photoluminescent signs can also be used, provided they meet visibility and legibility criteria in the lighting condition expected during occupancy of the building.
- Internally Illuminated Signs: Signs that are internally illuminated must use a reliable light source and should be of a color that is easily visible against the ambient light and surroundings. The illumination should be kept effective by regular maintenance and testing.
- Photoluminescent Signs: Photoluminescent signs absorb and store light, then glow in the dark when lighting is obscured or power is lost. These signs should be charged by a reliable light source and should be legible in total darkness to ensure they can provide guidance even in power outages or smoky conditions.
Remember, all exit signs must be designed and installed to meet OSHA requirements and provide a safe, effective means for people to find their way out of a building in case of emergency.
Compliance with OSHA
A. Regular Maintenance and Checks
To comply with OSHA regulations, employers are required to conduct regular checks and maintenance of exit signs. This includes making sure the signs are clearly visible, legible, and free from obstruction. Furthermore, all exit signs should be properly illuminated, which may require routine bulb changes or charging for photoluminescent signs. The route to the exit, the exit itself, and the exit discharge should be checked to ensure they are free of blockages and are safe to use. Maintenance should be performed by trained personnel following the manufacturer's recommendations and a log of these checks should be kept for record.
B. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with OSHA exit sign regulations can result in serious penalties for employers. Depending on the severity of the violation, penalties can range from a warning or citation to substantial fines. In cases of serious violations where there's substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, the penalty can be as high as $13,653 per violation (as of 2021). In case of repeated violations, the penalty can go up to $136,532 per violation. It's crucial to note that these amounts are subject to adjustment each year. Besides the monetary consequences, employers may face reputational damage, which could impact the business's success in the long run.
C. The Process of an OSHA Inspection
OSHA inspections are typically carried out without prior notice by a compliance safety and health officer (CSHO). During an inspection, the CSHO will present their credentials, explain the purpose of the visit and the scope of the inspection, and describe the standards that apply. They will then perform a walkaround of the relevant areas of the workplace to check for compliance with OSHA standards. This includes checking exit signs and exit routes for compliance with the regulations described earlier. Following the inspection, the CSHO will hold a closing conference with the employer to discuss any violations found and possible corrective actions. If violations are discovered, OSHA will issue a citation and proposed penalty to the employer, who will then have a chance to contest it or agree to the proposed penalty and timeframe for corrections.
Given the potential consequences, it's in every employer's best interest to prioritize safety and maintain full compliance with OSHA regulations on exit signs. Regular checks and proactive maintenance should be part of the organization's safety culture.
Resources for Compliance
A. Official OSHA Guidelines and Other Resources
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides a variety of resources to help businesses understand and comply with exit sign regulations. These resources include:
- OSHA's official website (www.osha.gov) includes a wealth of information about exit routes and related topics. In particular, OSHA's "Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans" webpage provides extensive details about the requirements for exit signs.
- OSHA's regulations, including those relating to exit signs, are codified in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The specific requirements for exit signs can be found in sections 1910.34 through 1910.38.
- OSHA's eTools are interactive, web-based training tools on a variety of occupational safety and health topics, including exit routes.
B. Third-Party Companies Providing OSHA-Compliant Exit Signs
Numerous companies produce exit signs that are designed to comply with OSHA regulations. When selecting a provider, businesses should look for companies that explicitly state their products meet or exceed OSHA requirements. In addition, many providers offer services such as installation and maintenance, which can help ensure ongoing compliance.
C. Training and Educational Resources for Employers and Employees
A variety of resources are available to help employers and employees understand and comply with OSHA's exit sign regulations. These include:
- OSHA's Outreach Training Program offers training courses in occupational safety and health for workers and employers. Some of these courses cover exit routes and related topics.
- Many third-party companies offer training programs that cover OSHA regulations, including those related to exit signs. These programs may be available in various formats, such as online courses, in-person seminars, and on-site training.
- Trade associations, local community colleges, and other institutions often offer training programs and resources related to occupational safety and health.
By taking advantage of these resources, businesses can better understand OSHA's exit sign regulations and ensure they are in compliance. Regular training for all employees can also help foster a culture of safety and reduce the risk of violations and penalties.
To Make a Conclusion
OSHA sets forth stringent regulations regarding exit signs and exit routes in workplaces, with the intent of ensuring the safety of employees and other occupants in case of emergencies. These rules encompass the location, design, and visibility of exit signs, as well as the ongoing maintenance required to remain compliant.
Failure to comply with OSHA regulations can lead to significant penalties and potentially, damage to the company's reputation. It's essential for businesses to be proactive in understanding and applying these guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure a safe work environment. Businesses have access to numerous resources, including OSHA's official guidelines and eTools, as well as training and educational programs provided by third parties.
Whether you are an employer seeking to fortify your workplace safety measures, or an employee looking to understand your rights, these resources can play a pivotal role in fostering a safety-centric culture in your workspace. By regularly checking and maintaining OSHA-compliant exit signs, organizations can provide a safe and secure environment that can mitigate risks and potential hazards.
Compliance with OSHA regulations is not just a legal requirement but also a demonstration of a company's commitment to its employees' safety and well-being. Remember, safety should never be an afterthought; it should always be a top priority.
