- Standard Number:
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.
January 17, 1983
Mr. Lars Qualben
Safety Consultant
M & M Protection Consultants
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10020
Dear Mr. Qualben:
This is in response to your letter of December 22, 1982, requesting a Subpart E clarification.
29 CFR 1910.39 does state that "the entire subpart is promulgated from NFPA 101-1970, Life Safety Code". However, NFPA 101-1970 does not have the force of law, and should not be used as a source for clarification of our Subpart E standards. OSHA will provide any clarifications required for our standards.
Our existing Subpart E standards do not regulate the specific parameters for a deadend corridor length, exit travel distance, or a specific number of exits. When Subpart E is modified in the future requirements could be proposed to regulate the above mentioned specific circumstances.
State or local governments enforce their building codes independently of the occupational safety and health standards. All workplaces must comply with OSHA's minimum Means of Egress standards; however, state or local government model building codes may enforce more stringent Means of Egress requirements within their jurisdiction.
If I may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
John K. Barto
Chief, Division of Occupational
Safety Programming