Exit Routes
Normally, a workplace must have at least two exit routes to permit prompt evacuation of employees and other building occupants during an emergency. More than two exits are required; however, if the number of employees, size of the building, or arrangement of the workplace will not allow employees to evacuate safely.
Exit routes must be located as far away from each other as practical in case one exit is blocked by fire or smoke. But, there is one exception to this rule: If the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangement of the workplace allows all employees to evacuate safely during an emergency, one exit route is permitted.
Most employers create maps from floor diagrams with arrows that designate the exit route assignments. These maps should include locations of exits, assembly points, and equipment (such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, spill kits) that may be needed in an emergency. Exit routes should be:
- clearly marked and well lit,
- wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel,
- unobstructed and clear of debris at all times, and
- unlikely to expose evacuating personnel to additional hazards.
When preparing drawings that show evacuation routes and exits, post them prominently for all employees to see. See OSHA's Interactive Floorplan Demonstration.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-5. Normally, a workplace Emergency Action Plan (EAP) will require _____ to permit prompt evacuation.
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