Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001C Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3): Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. No materials or equipment may be placed, either permanently or temporarily, within the exit route. The exit access must not go through a room that can be locked, such as a bathroom, to reach an exit or exit discharge, nor may it lead into a dead-end corridor. Stairs or a ramp must be provided where the exit route is not substantially level. a) On or about June 25, 2024, in the Glue Department, the employer did not maintain an unobstructed path of exit travel where the north wall exit door had a piece of wood used to prop it open for ventilation. Employees utilizing this door were exposed to trip hazards affecting expeditious evacuation efforts. b) On or about July 30, 2024, in the Glue Department, the employer did not ensure that stairs or a ramp were provided at the outside portion of the exit route from the north wall exit door (discharge). The outside area was not substantially level as there was an approximate 21 inch vertical drop to the lower level from the door's edge, and approximate 29 inch horizontal distance to the retaining wall opposite of that door. Employees exiting into this area were exposed to hazards affecting expeditious evacuation efforts. c) On or about September 6, 2024, in the Solid Department, the employer did not maintain an unobstructed outside path of exit travel where the area outside of the exit door nearest to the Chop Saw was partially blocked by the permanently installed grinding system.