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This information is provided free of charge by the Department of Industrial Relations from its web site at www.dir.ca.gov. These regulations are for the convenience of the user and no representation or warranty is made that the information is current or accurate. See full disclaimer at https://www.dir.ca.gov/od_pub/disclaimer.html.
 
Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders
Group 1. General Physical Conditions and Structures Orders
Article 2. Standard Specifications

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ยง3228. Number of Exits.


(a) Every building or usable portion thereof shall have at least two exits to permit prompt evacuation of employees and other building occupants during an emergency. The exits shall be located as far away as practicable from each other so that if one exit is inaccessible because of fire or smoke, employees can evacuate using the second exit.
Exception: In accordance with Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations, a single exit shall be permitted where the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy or the arrangement of the workplace is such that all employees would be able to evacuate safely during an emergency.In accordance with Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations, a single exit shall be permitted where the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy or the arrangement of the workplace is such that all employees would be able to evacuate safely during an emergency.
(b) More than two exits must be provided in a workplace if the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangement of the workplace is such that all employees would not be able to evacuate safely during an emergency if only two exits were provided. Note to subsections (a) and (b): For assistance in determining the number of workplace exits, and the necessary distance between exits, consult Title 24, Part 2, California Code of Regulations, and your local jurisdiction fire department.
Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code; and Section 18943(c), Health and Safety Code.
HISTORY
1. New section filed 6-20-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 25).
2. Amendment filed 7-16-76; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 76, No. 29).
3. Amendment of subsection (k) filed 12-23-77; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 77, No. 52).
4. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22). Approved by State Building Standards Commission 1-24-83.
5. Amendment filed 5-26-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22). Approved by State Building Standards Commission 1-24-83.
6. Repealer and new section and repealer of Table E-1 filed 3-5-2008; operative 4-4-2008 (Register 2008, No. 10). For prior history of Table E-1, see Register 83, No. 22.


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