1910.36(a)(3): Limiting Openings into Exits
Exits may have only the openings needed for access from occupied areas or to the exit discharge. Each opening must be protected by a self-closing fire door that stays closed or closes automatically when a fire or employee alarm sounds, and each fire door, frame and hardware must be listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
Key takeaways
- 1910.36(a)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $26,897 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PR (4), IL (3), MA (3).
- Related part: 1910.36(a) Basic requirements (18 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.36(a)(3) ("Openings into an exit must be limited") is one requirement inside 1910.36 Design and construction requirements for exit routes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart E). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(3) Openings into an exit must be limited. An exit is permitted to have only those openings necessary to allow access to the exit from occupied areas of the workplace, or to the exit discharge. An opening into an exit must be protected by a self-closing fire door that remains closed or automatically closes in an emergency upon the sounding of a fire alarm or employee alarm system. Each fire door, including its frame and hardware, must be listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Section 1910.155(c)(3)(iv)(A) of this part defines “listed” and § 1910.7 of this part defines a “nationally recognized testing laboratory.” 13 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.36.
Export the list: 13 inspections cited 1910.36(a)(3) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: PR (4), IL (3), MA (3), CT (1), HI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AMBERCARE | SANTA FE, NM | $6,622 |
| AGI POST, INC. | EAST BOSTON, MA | $5,700 |
| MUNICIPIO AUTONOMO DE COAMO | COAMO, PR | $3,000 |
| SOH-JUD - HOME MALUHIA | HONOLULU, HI | $2,954 |
| DDEC | COAMO, PR | $2,550 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.36(a)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.36(a)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.36(a) Basic requirements 18 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What openings are allowed into an exit?
Only those necessary to allow access from occupied areas or to the exit discharge.
What kind of door must protect an exit opening?
A self-closing fire door that remains closed or automatically closes when the alarm sounds.
Must the fire door be listed?
Yes. The door, frame and hardware must be listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.36 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-06
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.