What a Shame
My saga continues, on going a pro bono consulting gig for a non-profit organization. This organization does a lot of great work in our community. At present, I am concentrating on their public botanical gardens where they have about 5 full-time grounds and garden people. They hire several local college kids and retirees in the spring, summer, and fall. In an office building they have several staff members. No one has ever looked at employee “Health and Safety” here so there is a lot to do. I am working with my neighbor who is the President of the organization. She is a retired Vet (our dogs’ vet), and her husband is a MD, so she really understands most of the science we must consider. She also is a former chemist, very smart lady. It has been interesting but also challenging.
What do you think of this picture? This is picture of their three greenhouses, which are now being filled up with plantings for spring. Out the doors about 100’ feet are split rail and chain-link fences and a 6’ drop down to the Lake Michigan beach. You may see the Lake in the background to the east. Michigan is about 60 miles out across there. We are 35 miles from Green Bay, WI (SE) and 85 miles from Milwaukee (N).
Any case I am thinking:
#1 1910.36(h)(2). Today the gardens are covered in 4” of snow, and they will get another 2’ of “lake effect” as we had a storm last night. Unless we can guarantee they will be kept clear.
#2 1910.37(b)(2) Requires Exit Sign
#3 1910.37(b)(6) Illuminated Exit Sign
It just seems like these required signs and cover over the exit, would spoil the aesthetics and beauty of a greenhouse full of flowers and cacti.
PS The greenhouses are not open to the public.
Comments (8)
This is a good discussion, Fitz. I can't tell the entire size of the greenhouse based on the pictures, but what's interesting is the international building code doesn't require exit signs if the building only requires one exit or exit access.
The IBC also states that "main exterior exit doors or gates that are obviously and clearly identifiable as exits need not have exit signs where APPROVED by the building official", so there's that as well.
May be worth writing OSHA on this because the OSHA standard says "each" exit sign, which could imply that there are more than one. BUT it could still mean ANY exit, so it's hard to say. I would say just put one up there until you can verify otherwise just to be on the safe side.
I'd say at the end of the day, unfortunately, it would be required.
I was going to mention the IBC too…based on the photos, I personally wouldn’t argue with the owner if they don’t want exit signs. I’d explain the risk, in writing if that makes you more comfortable, then move on to more pressing things.
As far as 1910.36, I think you’re good. Those doors would serve as the exit discharge to a safe place outside the building. An outdoor exit route would be more like having to exit through a courtyard or similar. We have situations like this in the hospital that are tough to manage. For reference, we average about 3 times as much snow as Green Bay.
You do have to maintain the area outside the door, but as long as it’s relatively safe to walk on, you should be okay.
At the end of the day, you have to maintain a safe place to work. I wouldn’t worry too much about getting cited for technicalities. Like you, I’ve lived in a northern climate my whole life. There are times when the snow falls as fast as you can shovel it. No one is going to cite a business on Lake Michigan in February for having some snow on their walkways. That’s my experience at least.
These are good questions, and they’re something we revisit every year as we’re getting 3 feet of snow overnight.
Fitz,
I took a deeper dive into this, and if you meet the applicable requirements of the international fire code and life safety code, you’ll be in good shape
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.35
One key question in determining that is: is the greenhouse open to the public? Or only employees?
Your in the clear.