 MODULE 3.3 - POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Determine specific evacuation routes and exits
 Most employers create maps from floor diagrams with arrows that designate the exit route assignments. These maps should include locations of exits, assembly points and equipment (such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, spill kits) that may be needed in an emergency. Exit routes should be clearly marked and well lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel, unobstructed and clear of debris at all times, and unlikely to expose evacuating
personnel to additional hazards. Here are some important requirements to consider:
- Make exit route design permanent.
- Ensure that the number of exit routes is adequate based on the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, and the arrangement of the workplace.
- Separate an exit route from other workplace areas with materials that have the proper fire resistance-rating for the number of stories the route connects.
- Ensure that exit routes meet width and height requirements. The width of exit routes must be sufficient to accommodate the maximum permitted occupant load of each floor served by the exit route.
- Ensure that doors used to access exit routes have side hinges and swing in the direction of travel (depending on occupancy and hazard areas).
- Design exit routes that lead to an outside area with enough space for all occupants.
- An outdoor exit route is permitted but may have additional site-specific requirements.
|
