What Must Be Included in an OSHA Emergency Evacuation Map 2026? [Checklist]

OSHA-Required Map Elements

These elements are required by OSHA and fire codes:

• Primary evacuation routes from all areas
• Secondary/alternate evacuation routes
• All exit door locations
• Fire extinguisher locations
• Fire alarm pull station locations
• "You Are Here" marker for each posting location
• Assembly point location(s)
• Legend explaining all symbols
• Building address and floor/area identification
• North arrow for orientation
• Date of last revision
• Emergency contact numbers

Recommended Additional Elements

These elements are recommended for best practice:

• ADA-accessible routes clearly marked
• Areas of refuge for mobility-impaired
• First aid kit locations
• AED (defibrillator) locations
• Emergency lighting locations
• Utility shut-off locations (gas, electric)
• Fire hose cabinet locations
• Stairwell identification
• Room numbers or area names

Common Missing Elements (Citations)

These are the most commonly cited deficiencies:

• No secondary evacuation route shown
• Missing "You Are Here" marker
• Outdated map (doesn't match current layout)
• Fire equipment not marked
• No assembly point designated
• Missing legend or unclear symbols

Using the Checklist

Before posting any evacuation map, verify all required elements:

• □ Primary routes from every area
• □ Secondary routes from every area
• □ All exits clearly marked
• □ Fire extinguisher symbols
• □ Alarm pull stations marked
• □ "You Are Here" is accurate
• □ Assembly point shown
• □ Legend included
• □ Building ID/floor number
• □ Current date
• □ Emergency contacts

Get a Complete Map Automatically

AI generators are programmed with all OSHA requirements. Every generated map includes all mandatory elements automatically—no checklist needed.