Exits, battery ventilation, and portable eyewash in small buildings

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

August 20, 1976
Mr. Jack Akerstrom
Associate Engineers, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
RE: Your letter dated July 27, 1976, Exits for Unattended Buildings
Dear Mr. Akerstrom:
Your letter to our Peoria, Illinois Area Office has been referred to this office for response.
Small buildings as described in your letter, 500 to 1,000 square feet in size, would not be required to have two exits.
The provisions of the National Electrical Code 1971 will apply to the battery installation. Please refer to Article 480-7(b) which requires that, "Provision shall be made for sufficient diffusion and ventilation of the gases from the battery to prevent the accumulation of an explosive mixture in the battery room."
While permanently installed eye wash facilities are preferred, we recognize that the installation of such facilities is not always feasible or practical. In buildings such as you describe where employees are present only on rare occasions, we would accept the use of portable units.
Very truly yours,
NICHOLAS DiARCHANGEL
Acting Regional Administrator
for Occupational Safety & Health