Evacuation routes are important for every company in every industry. Whether a retail storefront or a large facility that employs thousands of people, evacuation routes act as a final safety procedure which can, and will, save lives. So it is important to consider the ramifications of poorly created evacuation routes when creating your evacuation procedures.

When initially creating evacuation routes, and anytime you update them thereafter, you need to consider OSHA Standard 1910.36 and Standard 1910.37, which govern the creation and maintenance of evacuation routes. These standards should act as a baseline for your evacuation procedures, and can be added to based upon the specific needs of your facility.

Standard 1910.36 focuses on the design and construction of exit routes. This includes how many exits are needed, how many paths to these exits are needed, what kinds of doors must be used at these exits, and the materials which need to be used in the construction of these exit doors and routes. This standard is the standard which helps you create an effective evacuation route.

Standard 1910.37 focuses upon the operational features, safeguards, and maintenance of exit routes. This standard covers paint, lighting, how to proceed when there is construction being done to the evacuation route, door maintenance, and so on. So if Standard 1910.36 helps you create an effective evacuation route, this standard helps you to maintain it.

If you have any questions about how to establish or maintain an evacuation route, please contact us so that we can assist you. If you have anything to add about establishing evacuation routes, please leave a comment.