Every time you step onto a jobsite, you carry more than your tools and materials. You bring knowledge, awareness, and responsibility. NEIEP has always emphasized the situational awareness and safety practices that protect you and those around you just as much as the technical skills required for elevator construction. One safety essential is the emergency exit route. 

In the event of a fire, an explosion, or another emergency, knowing how to safely evacuate could mean the difference between safety and tragedy. Whether you’re working on a three-floor hydro or a 60-story skyscraper, the path to safety must be known, accessible, and compliant with the relevant Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

What Is an Emergency Exit Route?

In every work environment, particularly in construction and maintenance settings, exit routes provide a lifeline during emergency situations. Knowing where they are and how to use them is vital when time is of the essence. For Elevator Mechanics, who often work in confined and remote locations, understanding the elements of an exit route is key.

An emergency exit route includes three main parts: 

• The exit access (leading to the exit)
• The exit itself (a protected path)
• The exit discharge (leading to the outside or a safe area) 

These elements combine to form a safe passage away from danger. Familiarity with each part ensures you can move quickly and confidently, regardless of your location in a building. When you fully understand exit routes, you’re supporting jobsite safety protocols and fostering a culture of awareness in your workplace. Knowing the route is step one, and making sure it’s usable comes next.

How Many Exit Routes Are Required?

When emergencies happen, having more than one way out can save lives. According to the comprehensive OSHA Emergency Exit Route Factsheet, workplaces typically require at least two exit routes. This ensures that, if one is blocked, another is available. Given that elevator construction jobsites change frequently and often have complex layouts, knowing all available routes is essential.

Smaller jobsites can sometimes require just one route, but that decision must be based on a thorough risk assessment. If you’re working inside a hoistway or control room, always confirm your exit strategy before starting work. If you can’t evacuate quickly and safely, you must stop and reassess the site’s safety provisions to help protect you and your crew.

Exit Route Design Requirements

In too many industries, exit routes are treated as an afterthought until it’s too late. The detailed OSHA Exit Routes and Emergency Planning standards exist because emergencies don’t pause for obstacles. If a route is too narrow, poorly marked, or blocked by tools or materials, you could be left trapped. These aren’t just recommendations, they’re legal and practical necessities. OSHA’s exit route design requirements say:

• Exit doors must open from the inside and be free of any locking mechanisms that could fail in an emergency
• Ceilings must be at least 7 feet 6 inches high, and the exit path must be at least 28 inches wide at all points
• Outdoor routes must be level, covered if ice or snow is expected, and protected with guardrails if there’s a fall hazard

Elevator Mechanics must be particularly vigilant, given the fact that machine rooms, shafts, and service areas are prone to clutter and are often tucked away, far from main corridors. Always give your environment a thorough inspection and make sure your exit route complies with OSHA’s requirements. Your life, and the lives of others, may one day depend on it.

Maintenance and Visibility Matter

While employers are legally obligated to maintain exit routes, there is a shared responsibility when it comes to reporting hazards, removing blockages, and communicating when signage is missing or unclear. Even the best-designed exit routes are rendered useless if they’re blocked, unlit, or incorrectly marked. OSHA mandates that exit paths remain:

• Free from obstructions
• Well-lit
• Clearly marked with visible signage. 

Furthermore, if the route isn’t obvious, directional signs must be installed to guide workers to safety. Taking the time to verify exit route visibility and accessibility must be a part of every safety check. This small step reinforces a big message: we care about our own and each other’s safety.

Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)

Along with emergency exit routes, no jobsite is fully safe without an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). These plans are a blueprint for how to respond should a workplace emergency occur. EAPs provide Elevator Mechanics, who often operate in hazardous conditions, with the structure needed to act quickly and effectively.

Some key elements of a compliant EAP are:

• Procedures for evacuation and reporting emergencies
• Roles for employees who remain to shut down equipment
• Methods for accounting for all workers after evacuation
• Emergency contacts and responsible persons
• Alarm systems to alert workers

Elevator Mechanics must familiarize themselves with the EAP at each new site. This ensures you’re complying with OSHA standards while also setting an example for Elevator Apprentices and other colleagues. EAPs turn uncertainty into action, nurturing a culture of proactivity when it comes to workplace safety.

Fire Prevention Plans (FPPs)

Fire Prevention Plans (FPP) are  crucial for emergency preparation. These documents outline major fire hazards, handling procedures for combustible materials, and equipment maintenance protocols. 

An effective FPP includes, but is not limited to:

• All major fire hazards and ignition sources
• Procedures for handling flammable waste
• Regular maintenance of heat-producing equipment
• Assigned roles for fire hazard control

When it comes to workplace safety, prevention is one of the best forms of protection. When you’re informed and aware, you’re better equipped to avoid dangerous conditions in the first place. Review your FPP at the beginning of each job and be sure to speak up if something doesn’t align with safe practices.

Why This Matters for Elevator Constructors 

Safety is a shared commitment, not a solo endeavor. Each time you step onto a jobsite, knowing your exit routes, adhering to safety standards, and communicating concerns with your team sets the tone for a secure and responsible work environment. Emergencies may be rare, but preparation must be routine. When you take exit route safety seriously, you are prioritizing lives over shortcuts—something invaluable in the elevator industry, where precision and reliability are vital.

NEIEP is committed to equipping our Elevator Apprentices and Mechanics with the knowledge and confidence to handle emergencies with skill and professionalism. From classroom instruction to real-world application, NEIEP fosters a safety-first culture where vigilance, communication, and preparation are as essential as any tool in your belt.