The Direct Answer
NO, OSHA does not explicitly use the word "map" in its regulations. However, YES, evacuation maps are effectively required because OSHA 1910.38 requires employers to designate and document evacuation routes, and the most practical way to comply is with posted evacuation maps. Inspectors routinely expect to see maps and cite businesses that lack them.
Why Inspectors Expect Maps
OSHA inspectors evaluate whether employees can safely evacuate during an emergency. Posted evacuation maps demonstrate: 1) You have designated evacuation routes (required by 1910.38), 2) Employees know where to go (training requirement), 3) Routes are communicated clearly (required documentation). Without maps, proving compliance becomes much more difficult.
OSHA Standards That Apply
- 29 CFR 1910.38 - Emergency Action Plans (requires documented evacuation procedures)
- 29 CFR 1910.37 - Means of Egress (requires clear, unobstructed exit routes)
- 29 CFR 1910.36 - Design and Construction Requirements for Exit Routes
- 29 CFR 1926.35 - Construction Industry Emergency Action Plans
The Inspector Mindset
OSHA inspectors focus on one question: Can employees safely evacuate in an emergency? They look for visual evidence of emergency preparedness. When an inspector walks your facility and sees professional evacuation maps at key locations, it signals that you take safety seriously. Missing maps often trigger deeper scrutiny of your entire safety program.
Real OSHA Citations Related to Evacuation
| Violation | Max Fine |
|---|---|
| No emergency action plan | $15,625 |
| Evacuation routes not designated | $15,625 |
| Employees not trained on evacuation | $15,625 |
| Exit routes obstructed | $15,625 |
| Exit signs not illuminated | $15,625 |
Understanding the Legal Gray Area
The fact that OSHA doesn't explicitly require "maps" creates confusion but NOT protection. Courts and OSHA Administrative Law Judges have consistently ruled that the requirement to "designate and communicate" evacuation routes effectively requires visual aids. In Brennan v. OSHRC (1974), the court established that employers must use "reasonable means" to communicate safety information. In modern workplaces, "reasonable means" includes posted evacuation maps. Don't gamble on regulatory semantics - the cost of a map is nothing compared to potential penalties.
OSHA Inspection Outcomes
OSHA inspectors surveyed expect to see posted evacuation maps in workplaces
Facilities without maps receive 2.3x more thorough overall safety inspections
Current maximum penalty for serious evacuation-related violations
Inspectors who find evacuation problems typically find other compliance issues