# 10-06-2025 - TBT - Safe Exit Routes

Toolbox Talk: Emergency Preparation – Maintaining Safe Exit Routes \[Reference 1910.36, 1910.37 &amp; 1926.34\]

Should a fire or some other emergency can occur that requires us to evacuate our work areas and leave the building, it is of upmost importance that we are able to do so quickly and safely. So today we will discuss a few unsafe conditions that we need to watch every day. Because these hazards, if allowed to exist, can be the difference between a quick escape and disaster!

<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">·</span></span> Make certain that designated emergency exit doors always remain unlocked from the inside while the building or structure is occupied;

<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">·</span></span> Report any doors or hardware, like doorknobs or jambs, that are broken or malfunctioning so they can be repaired or replaced;

<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">·</span></span> Never place or store any equipment, materials, or other obstructions in front of an exit door, nor within any aisle or other pathway designated for escape during an emergency;

<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">·</span></span> Keep equipment and materials away from the outside of emergency exit doors too. Blocking an exit door or path from the outside can prevent people from being able to get out of, and away from, the building during an emergency;

<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">·</span></span> Do not place curtains, signs, decorations, or similar obstructions over emergency exit doors or across designated emergency aisle-ways, as these items can make exits difficult to locate during an emergency;

<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">·</span></span> Report any lit emergency exit signs and emergency lighting fixtures that are not working or appear to be broken, so they can be repaired or replaced;

<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">·</span></span> Avoid placing containers of flammable liquids or other highly combustible materials under or alongside stairways, ramps, and other pathways used for emergency egress;

<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">·</span></span> Let your supervisor know about any doors along the path to an exit that you feel could be easily mistaken for an emergency exit. They may need to be marked with a sign stating their intended purpose (like “Closet”), or marked “Not an Exit”;

<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">·</span></span> Finally; if for some reason you do not know where the designated emergency aisles and exits are for your work area, please let your supervisor know right away.

<span class="normaltextrun">***<span style="font-family: Montserrat; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Open Sans'; color: black;">By Clicking "Mark as Read" - you are acknowledging you have read this entire (opened appropriate attachments) ToolBox Talk and understand this is company policy and will abide by regulations outlined in this safety policy. Please complete your acknowledgement within 24 hours of release. If you are receiving this notice, you are REQUIRED to read this content.</span>***</span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: 'Cambria',serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; color: black;"> </span></span>