Why must fire exits be kept clear of obstructions at all times?

Exit paths are often somewhat obstructed by items such as boxes, workstations, garbage containers and other items that can slow down the progression of getting to safety quickly. Fire exit areas should be kept clear from obstruction, not only for your safety but the safety of others.

What requirements must exit routes meet OSHA?

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.

Is blocking an exit illegal?

It is unlawful for any person to block or attempt to block the entrance to or exit from any public or private property including, but not limited to, any building, parking lot or parking structure or other structure or facility located on such property.

What happens if fire exits are blocked?

Obstructions in fire exit routes, such as boxes, equipment, stock etc. can in a fire cause people to fall, seriously hurt themselves, and even block the exit passageway for others. Keeping exit passageways clear of obstacles enables people to exit a building more quickly and safely.

Is an obstructed exit door a fire hazard?

Blocked Passageways and Exit Doors Blocking passages and exits are extremely dangerous as they could impede people trying to exit the facility in an emergency.

What constitutes an emergency exit?

An emergency exit is an exit that is used to provide a safe means of escape from a structure or area in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. The exit must be in an easily accessible, unobstructed, and permanent location.

What requirements must exit routes?

Exit routes must be permanent parts of the workplace. Exit discharges must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside. These exit discharge areas must be large enough to accommodate the building occupants likely to use the exit route.

When an employer receives a violation what must be?

When you receive an OSHA Notice, you must post it (or a copy of it) at or near the place where each violation occurred to make employees aware of the hazards to which they may be exposed. The OSHA Notice must remain posted for 3 working days or until the hazard is abated, whichever is longer.

Can you anonymously report to OSHA?

A whistleblower complaint filed with OSHA cannot be filed anonymously. If OSHA proceeds with an investigation, OSHA will notify your employer of your complaint and provide the employer with an opportunity to respond.

What did OSHA find in the inspection report?

Inspections began in response to complaints and covered the company’s warehouse, sales office and showroom facilities. OSHA found a variety of violations at both locations, including obstructed exit routes, propped-open emergency-exit doors to enclosed stairways, blocked access to electrical panels and unmounted fire extinguishers.

What should be included in a fire marshal inspection report?

A fire marshal inspection report typically includes the following information according to the NFPA: Date of the inspection, fire inspector’s name, name and address of the property, and type of occupancy Names of tenants of a multiple occupancy building (except for apartment building or office building that does not need to include every tenant)

Is it legal to block fire exits?

There is a very simple answer to what the law says in regard to blocking fire exits – DON’T! There is, obviously, a more complex definition as to how to any building should be catering for emergency situations.

What are the requirements for fireproofing an exit?

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. Openings into an exit must be limited.