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29 CFR 1910.37: Exit routes

Subpart E—Exit Routes and Emergency Planning · official heading: Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes

Exit routes must be kept clear, lit and marked with exit signs, and must lead to a safe place.

17,323citations since 2015
12,622employers cited
60%serious, willful or repeat
$0median penalty per item

OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1910.37 17,323 times since 2015, against 12,622 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $38,431,786 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

1910.37(a)(3) · 5,968 citations

(3) Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. No materials or equipment may be placed, either permanently or temporarily, within the exit route. The exit access must not go through a room that can be locked, such as a bathroom, to reach an exit or exit discharge, nor may it lead into a dead-end corridor. Stairs or a ramp must be provided where the exit route is not substantially level.

1910.37(b)(2) · 4,578 citations

(2) Each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading “Exit.”

1910.37(b)(5) · 1,518 citations

(5) Each doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit must be marked “Not an Exit” or similar designation, or be identified by a sign indicating its actual use (e.g., closet).

1910.37(a)(4) · 1,487 citations

(4) Safeguards designed to protect employees during an emergency (e.g., sprinkler systems, alarm systems, fire doors, exit lighting) must be in proper working order at all times.

1910.37(b)(6) · 1,289 citations

(6) Each exit sign must be illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color. Self-luminous or electroluminescent signs that have a minimum luminance surface value of at least .06 footlamberts (0.21 cd/m 2) are permitted.

1910.37(b)(4) · 1,244 citations

(4) If the direction of travel to the exit or exit discharge is not immediately apparent, signs must be posted along the exit access indicating the direction of travel to the nearest exit and exit discharge. Additionally, the line-of-sight to an exit sign must clearly be visible at all times.

1910.37(b)(1) · 621 citations

(b) Lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate. (1) Each exit route must be adequately lighted so that an employee with normal vision can see along the exit route.

1910.37(a)(2) · 238 citations

(2) Exit routes must be arranged so that employees will not have to travel toward a high hazard area, unless the path of travel is effectively shielded from the high hazard area by suitable partitions or other physical barriers.

Industries cited most

  • Manufacturing 4,265
  • Retail Trade 2,328
  • Public Administration 2,106
  • Transportation and Warehousing 1,499
  • Wholesale Trade 1,292
  • Construction 850

States cited most

Recently cited employers