1926.34(a): Free and Unobstructed Exits
Employers must arrange and maintain exits in every building or structure so people can get out freely from all parts of it at all times while it is occupied. No lock or fastening that prevents free escape from the inside may be installed, except in mental, penal or corrective institutions with supervisors always on duty and effective plans to remove occupants in a fire or other emergency.
Key takeaways
- 1926.34(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart C).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $61,727 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MA (4), VA (4), PR (3).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.34(a) ("General") is one requirement inside 1926.34 Means of egress, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart C). 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
(a) General. In every building or structure exits shall be so arranged and maintained as to provide free and unobstructed egress from all parts of the building or structure at all times when it is occupied. No lock or fastening to prevent free escape from the inside of any building shall be installed except in mental, penal, or corrective institutions where supervisory personnel is continually on duty and effective provisions are made to remove occupants in case of fire or other emergency. 22 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.34.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: MA (4), VA (4), PR (3), DE (2), NY (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LC CONSTRUCTION DELAWARE INC. | CAMDEN, DE | $12,421 |
| COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL | DOVER AFB, DE | $7,945 |
| ASF CONSTRUCTION & EXCAVATION CORP. | NEW ROCHELLE, NY | $6,844 |
| 67181 - ABEL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC | GLENDALE, KY | $5,040 |
| ROGERS CONSTRUCTION, INC. | CEDAR RAPIDS, IA | $4,965 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.34(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.34(a).
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
When must exits be unobstructed?
At all times when the building or structure is occupied.
Can exit doors be locked from the inside?
No lock or fastening to prevent free escape from inside may be installed, except in certain supervised mental, penal or corrective institutions.
Which parts of a building does this cover?
All parts of the building or structure.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.34 (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 2026-10-19
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.