1910.36(d)(2): No Devices That Block Exit Doors
Employers must keep exit route doors free of any device or alarm that could restrict emergency use of the exit route if the device or alarm fails.
Key takeaways
- 1910.36(d)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 17 times in the last 3 years, in 17 inspections, with $43,372 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PA (3), NV (2), NJ (2).
- 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)(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) Exit route doors must be free of any device or alarm that could restrict emergency use of the exit route if the device or alarm fails. 17 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.36.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: PA (3), NV (2), NJ (2), CT (2), TX (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GTI PENNSYLVANIA LLC | DANVILLE, PA | $8,643 |
| HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION | KNOXVILLE, IA | $6,500 |
| GLOBAL HARVEST FOODS, LLC | MILLER, SD | $5,530 |
| MOUNT OLIVE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS- DIVISION OF WATER AND SEWER | FLANDERS, NJ | $4,900 |
| EBAY, INC. | LAS VEGAS, NV | $4,034 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.36(d)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.36(d) An exit door must be unlocked 528 citations
- 1910.36(d)(1) 498 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can an alarm be put on an exit door?
Only if its failure could not restrict emergency use of the exit route.
What devices are not allowed?
Any device or alarm that could restrict emergency use of the exit route if it fails.
Which doors does this cover?
Exit route doors.
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.