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629 Planning for Workplace Emergencies
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629 Planning for Workplace Emergencies

Height and Width Requirements

Exit routes must meet minimum OSHA height and width requirements.

Image of a closed exit door and an exit sign on the ceiling.
Exit doors and exit routes must meet height and width requirements.
  • The ceiling of an exit route should 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.
  • An exit access should be at least 28 inches (71 cm) wide at all points.
  • Where there is only one exit access leading to an exit or exit discharge, the width of the exit and exit discharge should be at least equal to the width of the exit access.
  • The width of an exit route should be sufficient to accommodate the maximum permitted occupant load of each floor served by the exit route.
  • Objects that project into the exit route must not reduce the width of the exit route to less than the minimum width requirements for exit routes.

Below is a summary of height, width, and other exit access dimension requirements for OSHA, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) (29 CFR 1910.36)
  • Minimum Width: 28 inches (71.1 cm)
  • Ceiling Height: At least 7 feet 6 inches (2.3 m)
  • Clearance: No protrusions lower than 6 feet 8 inches (2.0 m) )
  • Door Swing: Must open outward if serving 50 or more people
  • Accessibility: Must be free of obstructions and easily opened without special tools
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) (ADA 404.2)
  • Minimum Width: 32 inches (.81 m) (when the door is fully open at 90 degrees)
  • Maximum Width: 48 inches (122 cm)
  • Clear Opening Height: At least 80 inches (2 m)
  • Thresholds: Cannot exceed 1/2 inch (3/4 inch for existing doors with beveled edges)
  • Door Handles: Must be operable with one hand and not require tight grasping )
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA 101 , Life Safety Code (NFPA 101, 7.2.1)
  • Minimum Width: 32 inches (.81 m) clear opening
  • Maximum Width: 48 inches (122 cm)
  • Height: At least 80 inches (2 m)
  • Door Swing: Must swing in the direction of egress travel for rooms with more than 50 occupants
  • Force to Open: No more than 15 pounds for pushing/pulling

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-7. According to OSHA, what is the minimum width of an emergency exit access?

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