Emergency Exits
I am having a conversation with my supervisor about our emergency exits as they are all inswing. He states that because they do not have any latching components it doesn't matter if they are inswing. Every regulation I have read in OSHA and the International Fire Code says swinging the direction of egress travel. Thoughts?
Comments (16)
Good Morning, great discussion.
Please see this link below to a quick tip that addresses this discussion.
https://www.grainger.com/know-how/safety/emergency-response/emergency-preparedness-and-response/kh-268-means-of-egress-qt
Here is a helpful link breaking down the NFPA requirements as well.
https://info.inspectpoint.com/nfpa-emergency-exit-door-requirements/
This is from an OSHA fact sheet on emergency exits: Side-hinged exit doors must be used to connect rooms to exit routes. These doors must swing out in the direction of exit travel if the room is to be occupied by more than 50. OSHA is a minimum, it doesn't hurt to exceed their standards.
Check the fact sheet here: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/emergency-exit-routes-factsheet.pdf
You're absolutely correct - should swing outwards as opposed to inwards
But aside regulations and think of it as a practical manner. If their is an emergency in that building 20 people are scrambling and panicking to get out of the builder. Those 20 people are all crammed in front of that door and because it opens inward the door can't open.