1926.34(c): Keeping Exits Free of Obstructions
Employers must keep means of egress continually maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in case of fire or other emergency.
Key takeaways
- 1926.34(c) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart C).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $51,048 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NH (3), NV (3), PA (2).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.34(c) ("Maintenance and workmanship") 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
(c) Maintenance and workmanship. Means of egress shall be continually maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency. 14 citations
[58 FR 35083, June 30, 1993]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.34.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: NH (3), NV (3), PA (2), VA (2), TX (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| OLIVEIRA GENERAL SERVICES, LLC. | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $13,902 |
| J. GLOBAL ENERGY MIDSTREAM LLC | KILGORE, TX | $9,218 |
| HOURIGAN CONSTRUCTION, INC. | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA | $7,155 |
| 68522 - KY KYTC CAB HWY DISTRICT 2 | CLAY, KY | $7,000 |
| DUGGAN & MARCON, INC. | ALLENTOWN, PA | $5,288 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.34(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.34(c).
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 must exits be free of?
All obstructions or impediments to full instant use.
When does this apply?
Continually, so exits are ready in case of fire or other emergency.
Which standard?
1926.34, means of egress in construction.
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.