1910.36(h)(2): Covered Outdoor Exit Routes
Employers must cover an outdoor exit route if snow or ice is likely to build up along it, unless the employer can show that any snow or ice will be removed before it creates a slipping hazard.
Key takeaways
- 1910.36(h)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $18,471 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CT (5), NY (3), NJ (3).
- Related part: 1910.36(h) An outdoor exit route is permitted (31 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.36(h)(2) 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
(2) The outdoor exit route must be covered if snow or ice is likely to accumulate along the route, unless the employer can demonstrate that any snow or ice accumulation will be removed before it presents a slipping hazard; 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.36.
Export the list: 12 inspections cited 1910.36(h)(2) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: CT (5), NY (3), NJ (3), ME (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WESANCO INC. | TOTOWA, NJ | $9,577 |
| UNITED WINDOW & DOOR MANUFACTURING, INC. | WAYNE, NJ | $7,376 |
| FABALISH, INC. | CARLSTADT, NJ | $1,000 |
| SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY | HAMDEN, CT | $175 |
| SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY | NEW HAVEN, CT | $175 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.36(h)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.36(h)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.36(h) An outdoor exit route is permitted 31 citations
- 1910.36(h)(3) 13 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When must an outdoor exit route be covered?
When snow or ice is likely to accumulate along the route.
Is there an alternative to covering it?
Yes, if the employer can demonstrate that snow or ice will be removed before it presents a slipping hazard.
What hazard does this rule address?
Slipping on snow or ice while leaving the building in an emergency.
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 2026-11-01
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.