1910.37(b)(5): Marking Doors That Are Not Exits
Each doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit must be marked "Not an Exit" or similar, or have a sign showing its actual use, such as closet.
Key takeaways
- 1910.37(b)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 336 times in the last 3 years, in 336 inspections, with $215,177 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (56), VA (34), HI (25).
- Related part: 1910.37(b) Lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate (2,115 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.37(b)(5) is one requirement inside 1910.37 Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features 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
(5) Each doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit must be marked “Not an Exit” or similar designation, or be identified by a sign indicating its actual use (e.g., closet). 336 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.37.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.37(b)(5).
At 9:00 a.m. on January 19, 2024, two employees (Employee #1 and Employee #2) were setting up the site to create another stack of steel pipes (30 inches in diameter by 40 feet long, weighing over 2,000 pounds each.) The employees removed the chock block…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2024 | 115 |
| 2025 | 124 |
| 2026 | 74 |
Top states: NY (56), VA (34), HI (25), TN (23), NJ (20)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GABRIEL CARE, INC. | FALL RIVER, MA | $16,550 |
| JINDAL TUBULAR USA LLC | BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS | $16,131 |
| AIR LIQUIDE ADVANCED MATERIALS, INC | BRANCHBURG, NJ | $11,524 |
| PETCO ANIMAL SUPPLIES, INC | KINGWOOD, TX | $10,403 |
| UNIVERSAL STAINLESS AND ALLOY PRODUCTS | DUNKIRK, NY | $7,093 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.37(b)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.37(b)(5).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.37(b) Lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate 2,115 citations
- 1910.37(b)(2) 995 citations
- 1910.37(b)(6) 368 citations
- 1910.37(b)(4) 211 citations
- 1910.37(b)(1) 167 citations
- 1910.37(b)(7) 28 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
What doors need a "Not an Exit" sign?
Each doorway or passage along an exit access that could be mistaken for an exit.
Is there another option besides "Not an Exit"?
Yes. It may be identified by a sign indicating its actual use, such as closet.
Why does this matter?
So people do not go through a door that could be mistaken for an exit.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.37 (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.