Emergency Exit Routes and Fire Doors
An Exit Route Must Work Before the Alarm Sounds
An emergency exit route is a life-safety system, not spare storage space. A corridor narrowed by materials, a door secured against escape, failed exit lighting or a fire door wedged open may look harmless during normal work but can delay evacuation when smoke, noise and confusion reduce visibility and decision time. Everyone should be able to move continuously from the work area to a safe place without searching for a key, moving equipment or guessing which route remains available. Check the full route before work begins and protect it throughout the shift.
Controls to confirm
- Walk the complete assigned exit route before work starts. Confirm corridors, stairs, doors and the final discharge point are clearly marked, adequately lit, unobstructed and wide enough for safe evacuation.
- Keep exit doors available for immediate escape from the inside. Do not lock, fasten, cover or disguise an exit in a way that could delay recognition or require special knowledge, tools or keys during an emergency.
- Keep self-closing fire doors closed or able to close automatically, and protect alarms, emergency lighting and other evacuation safeguards from obstruction or damage. Report and control any impairment immediately under the site's emergency arrangements.
Today’s action
Walk your work area's primary and alternative exit routes today. Remove any obstruction you are authorised to move and report any locked door, damaged sign, failed light or impaired fire door before work continues.
Source guidance
OSHA — Maintenance, safeguards and operational features for exit routes (29 CFR 1910.37)
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