Answer Library / General OSHA letter · 2019-06-18

How does OSHA enforce exit route width and obstruction rules for package delivery and courier facilities?

Quick answer

After the 2009 UPS corporate-wide settlement agreement terminated on May 29, 2019, OSHA announced it would continue using the CSA's provisions to enforce the 28-inch exit access width rule (29 CFR 1910.36(g)(2)) and the unobstructed exit route rule (29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3)) for courier and express delivery services (NAICS 492110). Employers with enforced written job methods covering temporary package placement, loading and unloading operations, and a prohibition on obstructions at exit doors and stairways generally won't be cited.

This memorandum to OSHA Regional Administrators announced that the January 2009 Corporate-Wide Settlement Agreement between UPS and OSHA terminated on May 29, 2019. Rather than dropping the agreement's approach, OSHA said it would continue to use the provisions of the UPS CSA as means to enforce two exit-route standards in the courier and express delivery industry (NAICS 492110): 29 CFR 1910.36(g)(2), which requires exit access to be at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points, and 29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3), which requires exit routes to be free and unobstructed, with no materials or equipment placed permanently or temporarily within them.

Under the enforcement approach, OSHA will generally not cite employers in NAICS 492110 if they establish and enforce written job methods covering: temporary placement (packages on one side only, leaving at least one exit path, positioned for immediate removal in an emergency); loading and unloading operations (personnel must monitor conditions and minimize impediments from packages); and a strict prohibition on obstructions directly in front of exit doors or at the tops and bottoms of stairways.

When compliance officers observe impediments to the 28-inch clearance, the memo directs them to examine the employer's relevant documentation and conduct employee interviews before deciding whether to cite.

29 CFR 1910.36(g)(2)29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3)
Source: OSHA Standard Interpretation letter, 2019-06-18 — read the official letter on osha.gov →
Interpretation letters explain how OSHA applies its rules to specific situations. Always verify current requirements — regulations and enforcement policies change.

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