Exit-route doorway width at electrical enclosures

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

November 15, 1993
Mr. Tony Bolar-Softich
Manager, Safety
National Energy Production Corporation
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Bolar-Softich:
This is a further response to your letters of May 12 and October 26, and to the November 2, telephone conversation with Mr. Dillard of my staff, in which you requested an interpretation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standard, [29 CFR 1910.36, Design and construction requirements for exit routes], as it relates to the widths of doorways into electrical equipment enclosures that are twenty-seven and 5/8 inches (70.2 cm) wide. We apologize for the delay in our response.
We reviewed the information provided and determined that our [1910.36] standard does not apply to your situation. Even if [1910.36] did apply to the situation, the deficit of 3/8 inch (0.9 cm) in width would be considered a de minimis violation having no adverse impact on safety and health of employees.
Since the employer has a general duty under the Occupational Safety and Health Act to provide to employees a place of employment free of recognized hazards likely to cause serious harm, every effort should be made to ensure that employees can exit the electrical equipment enclosures safely in the event of an emergency.
If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact [the Office of General Industry Enforcement at (202) 693-1850].
Sincerely,
Raymond E. Donnelly, Director
[Directorate of Enforcement Programs]
[Corrected 2/4/2004]