Means of Egress in General Industry
56 flashcards covering Means of Egress in General Industry for the OSHA OSHA 10/30 General Industry section.
Means of egress in general industry refers to the continuous and unobstructed paths, exits, and doors that enable safe evacuation during emergencies, ensuring workers can reach a public way quickly. This is defined by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.36 and 1910.37, which cover requirements for exit routes, capacity, lighting, and signage to prevent hazards in workplaces like factories and warehouses.
On OSHA 10/30 General Industry certification exams, this topic typically appears in multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of egress components, such as identifying blocked paths or improper maintenance, often through scenario-based problems. A common trap is overlooking the need for exits to be clearly marked and accessible at all times, not just during normal operations.
Remember to routinely inspect egress routes for clutter, as this simple step is frequently neglected in daily routines.
Terms (56)
- 01
What is a means of egress according to OSHA?
A means of egress is a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way, including the exit access, exit, and exit discharge (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 02
Under 29 CFR 1910.36, what must exit routes include?
Exit routes must include the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge, and they must be a permanent part of the workplace (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 03
What is required for the design of exit routes?
Exit routes must be designed and maintained to permit the prompt evacuation of personnel by providing sufficient capacity and being arranged to minimize the possibility that one incident will block the escape route (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 04
How must exit routes be kept?
Exit routes must be kept free of explosive or highly flammable furnishings or other decorations, and they must be clear and unobstructed at all times (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 05
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, and the lights must be arranged to stay on during an emergency (29 CFR 1910.37).
- 06
What signs must be used for exit routes?
Exit routes must be marked by readily visible signs that indicate the way to the nearest exit, and signs must be distinctive and easily seen (29 CFR 1910.37).
- 07
Under 29 CFR 1910.37, what must employers provide for exit routes?
Employers must provide and maintain exit routes that meet the requirements of subpart E, including proper marking and maintenance (29 CFR 1910.37).
- 08
What is the role of an emergency action plan in means of egress?
An emergency action plan must be in writing, cover the safe evacuation of employees, and include procedures for emergency escape routes and exit route assignments (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 09
When must exit route doors be operable?
Exit route doors must be operable at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge, and they must swing out in the direction of travel where the room is designed to be occupied by more than 50 people or for hazardous materials (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 10
What protection is needed for exit routes?
Exit routes must be separated by fire resistant-rated construction to minimize the spread of fire and smoke, and they must lead to an area of safety (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 11
How often must exit routes be inspected?
Exit routes must be inspected when the building or structure is occupied to ensure they are free of obstructions and operational, though specific intervals are not detailed beyond maintaining them at all times (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 12
What capacity must exit routes have?
Exit routes must support the maximum permitted occupant load for each floor served, as determined by the building's design and use (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 13
Under 29 CFR 1910.38, what must an emergency action plan include for exits?
An emergency action plan must include procedures for reporting a fire or emergency, escape procedures, and exit route assignments (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 14
What materials are prohibited in exit routes?
Exit routes must not contain explosive or highly flammable materials, and decorations must be flame resistant (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 15
What is required if an exit route is not straight?
If an exit route is not straight, it must have directional signs to guide employees to the nearest exit (29 CFR 1910.37).
- 16
In a workplace fire, what should employees follow for egress?
Employees should follow the designated emergency escape procedures and routes outlined in the emergency action plan (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 17
What must be done if an exit route is blocked during an emergency?
Employees must use an alternate escape route as specified in the emergency action plan (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 18
For a multi-story building, how must exit routes be arranged?
Exit routes must be arranged so that they provide a way of egress from each story, leading to a public way (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 19
What training is needed for means of egress?
Employers must review the emergency action plan with each employee covered by it when the plan is developed or the employee is assigned initially (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 20
Under 29 CFR 1910.36, what width is specified for exit routes?
The width of an exit route must be at least 28 inches wide at all points (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 21
What headroom is required for exit routes?
Exit routes must have headroom of at least 7 feet, nominal, measured vertically from the floor to the ceiling (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 22
What is the first step when developing an emergency action plan?
The first step is to establish the procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 23
Before entering a building, what should employees check regarding exits?
Employees should ensure that exit routes are clear and accessible as part of following the emergency action plan (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 24
If an employee notices an obstructed exit, what action is required?
The employee should report it to the employer immediately so that the obstruction can be removed (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 25
What must employers do to maintain exit route markings?
Employers must ensure that exit signs are maintained in a legible and visible condition (29 CFR 1910.37).
- 26
In an emergency evacuation, what procedure must be followed?
Employees must follow the escape procedures and route assignments in the emergency action plan (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 27
Under 29 CFR 1910.37, what is required for exit discharge?
Exit discharge must lead directly outside to a street, walkway, or open space with access to a public way (29 CFR 1910.37).
- 28
What safeguards are needed for outdoor exit routes?
Outdoor exit routes must meet the same requirements as indoor routes, including being covered if weather conditions could cause slippery conditions (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 29
How must exit route doors be equipped?
Exit route doors must be unlocked from the inside and equipped with panic hardware or other approved devices (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 30
What is required when exit routes pass through high hazard areas?
Exit routes through high hazard areas must be separated by construction that prevents the spread of fire and smoke (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 31
Before a shift starts, what must supervisors check for exits?
Supervisors must ensure that exit routes are free of obstructions and operational (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 32
In a scenario where smoke fills an exit route, what should workers do?
Workers should use an alternate exit route as per the emergency action plan (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 33
What documentation is needed for an emergency action plan?
The emergency action plan must be in writing, kept in the workplace, and available for employee review (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 34
Under 29 CFR 1910.36, what features must exits have?
Exits must be separated from other parts of the building to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 35
What is the minimum number of exit routes required?
At least two exit routes must be available where possible, arranged to be remotely located from each other (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 36
What procedure must be followed for exit route maintenance?
Employers must regularly inspect and maintain exit routes to ensure they are free of obstructions (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 37
If a worker is assigned to a new area, what egress information must they receive?
They must be informed of the emergency action plan and the locations of exit routes (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 38
Under 29 CFR 1910.38, how must employees be trained on exits?
Employees must be trained on the emergency action plan, including the use of exit routes, when the plan is first established (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 39
What must be done if an exit sign is not working?
It must be repaired or replaced immediately to maintain visibility (29 CFR 1910.37).
- 40
In a fire drill, what egress elements are tested?
The emergency action plan's escape procedures and exit routes are tested to ensure they function properly (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 41
What is required for the construction of exit routes?
Exit routes must be constructed of materials that can support the maximum load and resist fire (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 42
How must exit routes be protected from hazards?
They must be arranged to avoid exposure to hazards like corridors passing through high-risk areas (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 43
Before evacuating during an alarm, what should employees confirm?
Employees should confirm the route is clear by following the emergency action plan (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 44
What updates are needed for an emergency action plan?
The plan must be reviewed and updated whenever changes occur in the workplace that affect egress (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 45
Under 29 CFR 1910.37, what illumination is needed for exits?
Exits must have adequate and reliable illumination to ensure visibility during an emergency (29 CFR 1910.37).
- 46
What is the appropriate response if an exit route is slippery?
The route must be cleaned or repaired to eliminate the hazard (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 47
What must employers provide for employees with disabilities regarding egress?
Exit routes must accommodate employees with disabilities, such as through accessible designs (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 48
In a power outage, how must exit routes be lit?
Exit routes must have emergency lighting that activates automatically (29 CFR 1910.37).
- 49
What procedure ensures exit routes remain accessible?
Regular checks and maintenance must be performed to keep routes clear (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 50
If construction alters an exit route, what must happen?
The altered route must still meet all egress requirements (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 51
What is required for exit routes in industrial settings?
They must be designed to handle the specific hazards of the industry, such as chemical risks (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 52
Under 29 CFR 1910.38, who must be designated in an emergency plan?
The plan must designate and train sufficient people to assist in safe escape (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 53
What must be done annually for emergency action plans?
The plan must be reviewed with employees when necessary, but annual reviews are not specified (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 54
In a chemical spill scenario, how should egress be handled?
Employees should follow the emergency action plan to evacuate via clear routes (29 CFR 1910.38).
- 55
What features must exit doors have for easy operation?
Exit doors must open easily and not require special effort during an emergency (29 CFR 1910.36).
- 56
What is the requirement for exit route capacity in large facilities?
Exit routes must have enough capacity to accommodate the maximum number of people (29 CFR 1910.36).