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Can anyone tell me if there is any regulations (referring to the title of my question) that outline specific requirements for employees' exit clearance.

For example:

I'm in a 12' x 23' room that has deep desk furniture lined up against the wall, extending 30" with the person in a chair (add another 30" when pulling out of a desk), mirrored on both sides. You'd have approximately anywhere between 1'-2' of clearance between each chair if two employees were to pull out of their desks, potentially blocking other people from exiting the room; easily.

I'm working on a floor plan that will potentially have up to 6 people working inside said dimensions. This situation seems like it could be a potential safety hazard, but I need references to back up this feeling.

Version 1: Version 1

Version 2: Version 2

Thank you in advance.

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  • What country or state?
    – Jane S
    Commented Aug 14, 2015 at 0:28
  • In Michigan: USA.
    – Erutan409
    Commented Aug 14, 2015 at 0:29
  • @JaneS I just added images to support my example.
    – Erutan409
    Commented Aug 14, 2015 at 0:37
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    Your best bet is to look at your state's building codes or call your local council.
    – Jane S
    Commented Aug 14, 2015 at 0:39
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    Just to address the title - OSHA CFR 29 1910.36 covers some and also references "Occupant Load" requirements defined by NFPA 101-2009, Life Safety Code, and in IFC-2009, International Fire Code. It's better to contact a local engineer or fire marshal.
    – Raystafarian
    Commented Aug 14, 2015 at 8:27

1 Answer 1

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Doing a brief Google search, Michigan's General Industry Safety Standards seems to cover what you are after.

(3) The population of an occupancy shall be limited to the existing exit capacity of a building or space. (page 8)

Looking at page 8 - 9 in that document gives some figures. Beyond that, it doesn't appear to be any more detailed. If you have questions, contact the state OH&S governing body.

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  • 1
    .. and/or the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (typically the town's fire marshal).
    – keshlam
    Commented Aug 14, 2015 at 2:45

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