Why Emergency Exits Are So Important

In any commercial building, emergency exits are essential.

In any commercial building, emergency exits are essential. While standard entrances could be blocked or disabled, an emergency exit is supposed to be kept unobstructed. They allow an easy way for your employees and visitors to get out of a building in case of an emergency. But what precisely makes them so important?

The Parts of an Emergency Exit

The first part of an emergency exit is called the exit access. This is the part that connects to the actual door. OSHA regulations dictate that this area needs to be 28 inches wide in all directions at all times. Then, there is the exit. The exit is distinct from the other components of the system. That way, everyone evacuating through the retreat can be kept safe from falling debris while they are attempting to escape. Finally, there is the exit discharge. The exit discharge is where evacuees can make it to safety outside and away from the building.

Keeping Them Clear

It is imperative to keep all emergency exits clear at all times. That’s why it’s crucial for fire doors to be inspected and all windows need to be able to open. If exit doors are blocked or inoperable, it could cause delays that will, in turn, cause even more panic and disorder. Fires and other emergencies will already be chaotic enough without this additional logistical problem. Excess supplies, unused materials, locked doors, and corridors that lead nowhere might help secure the premises, but this is the wrong way to go about it. If these are in place, then they need adequate amounts of lighting and illuminated signs indicating where the real exit is located.

Number of Routes

In most cases, there should be two emergency exits accompanied by the same amount of exit routes. However, bigger buildings filled with more employees will require more exit routes accordingly. Sometimes, only one emergency exit is enough, but even so, having more is ideal.

Emergency Action Plans

Finally, it’s time to consider the importance of having an emergency action plan (EAP) in place. Any business that has more than ten employees needs to keep a written emergency action plan on file. All relevant procedures and responses need to be written out and continually updated.  

Prioritize Employee Safety with G&M Services

G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meeting to ensure that all involved are aware of how to handle equipment and potential situations that could occur during a project.

G&M Services offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, and FireStop. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.