1910.36(d)(1): Exit Doors Must Open From Inside
Employers must make sure workers can open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools or special knowledge. A device such as a panic bar that locks only from the outside is allowed on exit discharge doors. This keeps people from being trapped inside during a fire or other emergency.
Key takeaways
- 1910.36(d)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 498 times in the last 3 years, in 496 inspections, with $1,564,271 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (54), NY (50), PR (50).
- Related part: 1910.36(d) An exit door must be unlocked (528 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.36(d)(1) 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
(1) Employees must be able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge. A device such as a panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted on exit discharge doors. 498 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.36.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 188 |
| 2025 | 160 |
| 2026 | 122 |
Top states: TN (54), NY (50), PR (50), VA (28), MN (25)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KRAFT HEINZ | MUSCATINE, IA | $110,000 |
| U.S. POSTAL SERVICE - ISANTI | ISANTI, MN | $85,116 |
| CIRCLE K STORES INC | AUSTIN, TX | $65,027 |
| VALENTI'S BAKERY LLC | PATERSON, NJ | $36,198 |
| MAVIS TIRE SUPPLY LLC | WESTLAKE, OH | $35,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.36(d)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Security door lock system presently installed in the Research and Development building. (1981-03-12)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.36(d) An exit door must be unlocked 528 citations
- 1910.36(d)(2) 17 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can an exit door be locked from the inside?
No. Employees must be able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools or special knowledge.
Are panic bars allowed?
Yes. A device like a panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted on exit discharge doors.
Does a code keypad count as special knowledge?
Yes. Needing a code to get out would require special knowledge, which the rule does not allow.
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 2026-10-20
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.