Exit Routes and Emergency Action Plans
65 flashcards covering Exit Routes and Emergency Action Plans for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 General Industry section.
Exit routes and emergency action plans focus on providing safe paths for evacuation during workplace emergencies, such as fires or chemical spills. These are defined by OSHA regulations in 29 CFR 1910.36 for exit routes and 1910.38 for emergency action plans, which cover requirements for design, maintenance, signage, and employee training in general industry settings.
On OSHA 10/30 certification exams, this topic appears in multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of specific standards, like exit width or alarm systems, often with scenarios requiring application of rules. A common trap is confusing the elements of an emergency plan with general fire safety, leading to oversights in documenting employee roles or evacuation procedures.
In practice, managers often neglect conducting unannounced drills to test plan effectiveness.
Terms (65)
- 01
What is an exit route under OSHA standards?
An exit route is a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point in a workplace to a place of safety, including an exit access, exit, and exit discharge. (29 CFR 1910.34)
- 02
Under 29 CFR 1910.36, what is the minimum width required for an exit route?
The exit route must be at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points. (29 CFR 1910.36(b))
- 03
How must exit routes be arranged in a workplace?
Exit routes must be arranged so that employees will not have to travel toward materials that burn quickly, high hazard areas, or through dead-end corridors longer than 20 feet. (29 CFR 1910.36(b))
- 04
What lighting is required for exit routes?
Exit routes must be adequately lighted so that an employee with normal vision can see along the exit route. (29 CFR 1910.37(b))
- 05
Under 29 CFR 1910.38, what elements must an emergency action plan include?
An emergency action plan must include procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency, evacuation, and employee accounting; it must also cover rescue and medical duties. (29 CFR 1910.38(c))
- 06
What signs are required for exit routes?
Exits must be marked by a readily visible sign with the word 'Exit' in plainly legible letters not less than 6 inches high, with the main stroke of the letters not less than 3/4 inch wide. (29 CFR 1910.37(b))
- 07
How often must exit route doors be inspected?
Exit route doors must be inspected and maintained to ensure they are operational and can be opened when needed, with no specific frequency stated beyond regular maintenance. (29 CFR 1910.37(a))
- 08
What is required if an exit route passes through a high hazard area?
Exit routes must be arranged so that they do not require passage through high hazard areas unless the route is properly protected by suitable partitions or other physical barriers. (29 CFR 1910.36(b))
- 09
In an emergency, what must employees do according to an emergency action plan?
Employees must follow the procedures in the emergency action plan, which includes evacuating the workplace when a fire alarm or other emergency signal is activated. (29 CFR 1910.38(d))
- 10
Under 29 CFR 1910.39, what must a fire prevention plan cover?
A fire prevention plan must include a list of the major workplace fire hazards, proper handling and storage procedures for hazardous materials, potential ignition sources, and the measures used to control them. (29 CFR 1910.39(c))
- 11
What type of construction is required for exit route components?
Exit route components must be constructed of materials that are able to withstand the expected loads without significant deformation and must be permanent parts of the building. (29 CFR 1910.36(a))
- 12
What safeguards must be in place for exit routes?
Exit routes must be free and unobstructed, with no locks or fastening devices that prevent free escape from the inside, except under permitted conditions. (29 CFR 1910.36(d))
- 13
How must emergency action plans be communicated to employees?
Employers must establish an employee alarm system and communicate the plan to employees by reviewing it at the time of initial assignment and whenever the plan changes. (29 CFR 1910.38(e))
- 14
What is the maximum travel distance to an exit in a workplace?
The maximum travel distance to an exit may vary, but for general industry, it must not exceed limits based on occupancy, with specific distances outlined in referenced standards. (29 CFR 1910.36(g))
- 15
When must an emergency action plan be reviewed?
An emergency action plan must be reviewed with each affected employee when the plan is developed or the employee is assigned initially, and when the employee's responsibilities under the plan change. (29 CFR 1910.38(e))
- 16
What additional features are required for exit routes in case of fire?
Exit routes must have components that resist smoke, fire, and heat for a period of time as specified, and doors must swing out in the direction of travel if serving 50 or more people. (29 CFR 1910.36(e))
- 17
A worker notices a blocked exit route. What should they do?
The worker should report the blocked exit route to their employer immediately so that it can be cleared, ensuring compliance with exit route maintenance requirements. (29 CFR 1910.37(a))
- 18
Under 29 CFR 1910.38, who must designate an assembly point during an evacuation?
The emergency action plan must include procedures for accounting for all employees after evacuation, which typically involves designating assembly points as part of the plan. (29 CFR 1910.38(c))
- 19
What is required for the capacity of exit routes?
The capacity of an exit route must be adequate for the maximum permitted occupant load of each floor served, with at least two exit routes provided if the exit route is not wide enough. (29 CFR 1910.36(f))
- 20
How must exterior exit routes be constructed?
Exterior exit routes must be straight, with a smooth, solid, and substantially level floor or ground surface, and must meet the same general requirements as interior routes. (29 CFR 1910.36(h))
- 21
What procedures must be in an emergency action plan for medical emergencies?
The plan must include procedures for rescue and medical duties for employees who must perform them. (29 CFR 1910.38(c))
- 22
Under 29 CFR 1910.37, what maintenance is needed for exit route lighting?
Exit route lighting and signs must be continually maintained in operable condition, with bulbs replaced as needed. (29 CFR 1910.37(b))
- 23
If an alarm sounds, what is the first step for employees?
Employees must follow the emergency action plan, which includes evacuating the workplace using designated exit routes. (29 CFR 1910.38(d))
- 24
What is a fire prevention plan in OSHA terms?
A fire prevention plan is a written document that identifies workplace fire hazards and the procedures to control them. (29 CFR 1910.39(b))
- 25
How wide must an exit door be at a minimum?
An exit door must be at least 24 inches (61 cm) wide, but the exit route itself must be at least 28 inches wide. (29 CFR 1910.36(b))
- 26
Before starting work, what must employees know about exit routes?
Employees must be informed about the location of exit routes and how to use them as part of emergency action plan training. (29 CFR 1910.38(e))
- 27
A fire occurs in a facility. What response is required?
Employees must activate the alarm system if not already activated and follow the emergency action plan for evacuation. (29 CFR 1910.38(c))
- 28
Under 29 CFR 1910.36, what materials can exit routes be made of?
Exit routes must be constructed of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials that can support the maximum permitted occupant load. (29 CFR 1910.36(a))
- 29
What employee alarm systems are required?
The employee alarm system must provide warning for necessary emergency action and be capable of being perceived above ambient noise or light levels. (29 CFR 1910.38(b))
- 30
How must hazardous materials be handled in relation to exit routes?
Exit routes must not require passage through areas where hazardous operations are conducted, unless properly protected. (29 CFR 1910.36(b))
- 31
What is required for exit route discharge?
The exit discharge must lead directly outside to a street, walkway, or open space with access to a public way. (29 CFR 1910.36(i))
- 32
In a scenario with multiple exits, how are they arranged?
Exits must be remote from each other so that if one is blocked, the others are available, as per the plan's design. (29 CFR 1910.36(e))
- 33
Under 29 CFR 1910.39, how must fire hazards be controlled?
The fire prevention plan must include measures for controlling potential ignition sources and the handling of flammable materials. (29 CFR 1910.39(c))
- 34
What training is needed for emergency action plans?
Employers must review the emergency action plan with each employee covered by it when the plan is developed or the employee is assigned. (29 CFR 1910.38(e))
- 35
What is the role of an exit access in an exit route?
An exit access is that portion of an exit route that leads to an exit from the workplace. (29 CFR 1910.34)
- 36
How often must a fire prevention plan be reviewed?
The fire prevention plan must be kept up-to-date and available for employee review, with reviews conducted as necessary when changes occur. (29 CFR 1910.39(d))
- 37
If an exit route is not permanently fixed, what happens?
Exit routes must be permanent parts of the workplace and cannot be temporary or movable. (29 CFR 1910.36(a))
- 38
A worker is assigned to a new area. What must be done regarding exits?
The employer must inform the worker of the exit routes and emergency procedures for that area. (29 CFR 1910.38(e))
- 39
Under 29 CFR 1910.37, what operational features are needed for exits?
Exits must be free of obstructions and employees must be able to open doors without keys or special knowledge. (29 CFR 1910.37(a))
- 40
What capacity must an exit route support?
An exit route must support the maximum number of persons that may be in the area served by the exit route. (29 CFR 1910.36(f))
- 41
In an emergency plan, who performs rescue duties?
The plan must designate and train employees for rescue and medical duties if they are required. (29 CFR 1910.38(c))
- 42
What markings are required on exit doors?
Exit doors must be marked with an approved sign readable from a distance, and no decorations that could confuse employees. (29 CFR 1910.37(b))
- 43
Before evacuating, what should employees do if possible?
Employees should follow the emergency action plan, which may include securing their work area if it can be done safely. (29 CFR 1910.38(c))
- 44
Under 29 CFR 1910.38, is an emergency action plan required for all workplaces?
An emergency action plan is required if the workplace has more than 10 employees, or for smaller workplaces, it can be communicated orally. (29 CFR 1910.38(a))
- 45
What is an exit discharge in OSHA standards?
An exit discharge is that portion of an exit route between the termination of an exit and a safe area outside. (29 CFR 1910.34)
- 46
How must exit routes be protected from fire?
Exit routes must be enclosed by walls or other barriers that can withstand fire for a specified time. (29 CFR 1910.36(e))
- 47
In a fire emergency, what must the employer provide?
The employer must provide an emergency action plan that includes evacuation procedures and means for employee notification. (29 CFR 1910.38)
- 48
What is required for the design of exit stairs?
Exit stairs must be at least the width of the exit route and able to carry loads without collapsing. (29 CFR 1910.36(c))
- 49
Under 29 CFR 1910.39, what housekeeping practices are needed?
The fire prevention plan must include the control of accumulations of flammable and combustible waste materials. (29 CFR 1910.39(c))
- 50
What employee roles are defined in an emergency action plan?
The plan must specify the responsibilities of employees who are to perform emergency tasks, such as reporting the emergency. (29 CFR 1910.38(c))
- 51
How must exit routes be kept clear?
Exit routes must be kept free of explosive or highly flammable furnishings and other decorations. (29 CFR 1910.37(a))
- 52
A blocked exit is discovered during a drill. What next?
The employer must immediately correct the blockage to ensure the exit route is usable. (29 CFR 1910.37(a))
- 53
What is the purpose of an employee alarm system?
The employee alarm system is to notify employees of the need to evacuate or take other emergency action. (29 CFR 1910.38(b))
- 54
Under 29 CFR 1910.36, what headroom is required for exit routes?
Exit routes must provide headroom of at least 7 feet (2.1 m) nominal. (29 CFR 1910.36(b))
- 55
What documentation is needed for emergency action plans?
The emergency action plan must be in writing, kept in the workplace, and available for employee review. (29 CFR 1910.38(a))
- 56
In a multi-story building, how are exits arranged?
Exits must be accessible from each floor, with stairs providing a continuous path to the outside. (29 CFR 1910.36(c))
- 57
What fire-resistant rating is needed for exit route doors?
Exit route doors must have a fire resistance rating appropriate to the fire hazards of the area served. (29 CFR 1910.36(e))
- 58
Before implementing an emergency plan, what must be done?
The employer must develop and communicate the plan to all affected employees. (29 CFR 1910.38(e))
- 59
What is required if exit routes lead to a roof?
Exit routes may lead to a roof if the roof has an approved exit and meets all exit route requirements. (29 CFR 1910.36(i))
- 60
Under 29 CFR 1910.37, how must exit signs be maintained?
Exit signs must be illuminated to be visible, with emergency lighting if normal lighting fails. (29 CFR 1910.37(b))
- 61
In an evacuation, how are employees accounted for?
The emergency action plan must include procedures for accounting for all employees after evacuation. (29 CFR 1910.38(c))
- 62
What is the minimum number of exit routes required?
Normally, more than one exit route is required, unless the occupant load is small and the exit is adequate. (29 CFR 1910.36(e))
- 63
How must flammable liquids be stored near exit routes?
Exit routes must not pass through areas where flammable liquids are stored, unless properly isolated. (29 CFR 1910.36(b))
- 64
What training must follow changes to an emergency plan?
Employees must be informed of any changes to the emergency action plan that affect their responsibilities. (29 CFR 1910.38(e))
- 65
Under 29 CFR 1910.38, can small workplaces have oral plans?
Workplaces with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the emergency action plan orally rather than in writing. (29 CFR 1910.38(a))