October Toolbox Talk : Exit Route Requirements Including Decorations and Storage

One of the easiest ways to help ensure safety in the workplace and at home is to keep all walkways and emergency exits clear and free of obstructions. Unfortunately, it is not hard to find catastrophic examples with loss of life due to blocked emergency exits. It is not uncommon to find emergency exits either locked or blocked from the outside during safety inspections. Even holiday decorations have been found to block or hide emergency exits.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) enforce standards relating to emergency exits. These standards are found in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart E, Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans.

All employees should be familiar with these standards and do their part in ensuring these standards are
followed. In addition, all employees have a vested interest in doing their part to ensure they can immediately
evacuate in the event of an emergency. Their lives may depend on it.

Read the October 2021 Toolbox Talk COVWC and MCI