Even after the construction of the fire exit is over and the Emergency Action Plans and Fire Action Plans are in place, the obligations of the employer towards employee safety are not over. He is still responsible for the proper maintenance and safeguarding of the fire exit. These initiatives will ensure that the fire exits are effective and stand up to expectations in case of need. OSHA gives certain guidelines for maintenance, safeguarding and operational features of the fire exits to ensure that they are always maintained and is in good and working condition to face the situation of fire hazard when it is confronted.

OSHA guidelines for fire exit maintenance, safeguarding and operational features

  • The fire exits should not be composed of materials and decorations that are flammable or explosive in nature.
  • Any hazardous area should not fall into the path between the employees and the fire exits. If such things are happening, employer must isolate the path or protect it properly from hazard areas.
  • The exit routes should be spacious and as per dimensions. Obstructions in the exit route should be avoided. There should not be any closed doors or dead-end corridors.
  • There should be proper illumination in the exit routes. The minimum level of illumination that is required is the light required for a person with normal vision to see things clearly.
  • The vision of the exit doors and signs should not be concealed by decorations and other signs and things.
  • There should be signs pasted at requisite places to ensure that the exit routes are identifiable and proper directions for the route are provided along the route. If the exit discharge falls in middle of the exit route, then such discharges must be clearly highlighted with the help of signs or doors or some other similar things.
  • Fire retardant paintings and solutions should be renewed from time to time to ensure that they retain their fire resistant property.
  • The fire routes should be maintained during construction, alterations and repairs.
  • A provision for alarm systems should be provided. It should alarm the employees in the cases when employees are not able to sense the fire hazard by smell or vision.

The guidelines may seem to be very basic when compared to other guidelines and measures provided by OSHA; but safety is the art of keeping such small things in mind that can make large impact on the safety of the employees.