1910.37(b)(6): Exit Sign Lighting
Each exit sign must be lit to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color. Self-luminous or electroluminescent signs with a minimum luminance surface value of at least .06 footlamberts (0.21 cd/m2) are allowed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.37(b)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart E).
- OSHA cited it 368 times in the last 3 years, in 368 inspections, with $378,014 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (53), NJ (37), TN (26).
- 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)(6) 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
(6) Each exit sign must be illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color. Self-luminous or electroluminescent signs that have a minimum luminance surface value of at least .06 footlamberts (0.21 cd/m2) are permitted. 368 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)(6).
At 2:45 p.m. on May 31, 2024, Employee #1 was performing welding work on a diesel fuel tank. During the welding process, an explosion occurred, resulting in the employee's fatal injuries. The explosion was caused by overpressure inside the tank, which caused metal parts to…
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 | 20 |
| 2024 | 127 |
| 2025 | 137 |
| 2026 | 84 |
Top states: VA (53), NJ (37), TN (26), MN (21), PR (18)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COMPANY | ORLANDO, FL | $11,348 |
| HOME DEPOT #6559 | COLLEGE STATION, TX | $9,218 |
| RIGIDPLY RAFTERS, INC. | RICHLAND, PA | $8,296 |
| ARTCO-BELL CORPORATION | TEMPLE, TX | $8,296 |
| PITNEY BOWES CMH | CANAL WINCHESTER, OH | $7,835 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.37(b)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Color of exit signs. (1972-09-14)
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)(5) 336 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
How bright must an exit sign be?
Illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) by a reliable light source.
Are glow-in-the-dark signs allowed?
Self-luminous or electroluminescent signs are permitted if they have a minimum luminance surface value of at least .06 footlamberts (0.21 cd/m2).
Is there a color rule?
Exit signs must be distinctive in color.
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.