Are Evacuation Maps Required by OSHA?
While OSHA does not explicitly mandate evacuation maps by name, they are de facto required to comply with OSHA standards 1910.38 (Emergency Action Plans) and 1910.37 (Means of Egress). Inspectors expect to see posted evacuation routes, and missing maps are among the most common citations.
What Your Map Must Include
- Primary and secondary exit routes clearly marked
- "You Are Here" indicator for orientation
- Fire extinguisher locations
- Emergency assembly points
- ADA-accessible evacuation routes
- Stairwell and elevator locations (elevators marked as non-exit)
- Fire alarm pull stations
- First aid kit locations
What OSHA Inspectors Expect
- Maps posted at all major exits and high-traffic areas
- Current floor plans reflecting actual layout
- Clear, legible text visible from 10 feet
- Consistent color coding matching OSHA standards
- Regular updates when layout changes occur
Common OSHA Evacuation Map Violations
| Violation | Max Fine |
|---|---|
| Outdated floor plans | $15,625 |
| Missing "You Are Here" marker | $15,625 |
| Blocked exit routes on map | $15,625 |
| No ADA evacuation routes | $15,625 |
| Maps not posted in required locations | $15,625 |
OSHA Inspection Quick Facts
Federal OSHA conducted over 33,000 inspections in 2024
Majority of inspections result in Emergency Action Plan-related citations
OSHA issues millions in penalties every business day
Complex facility inspections can take nearly a week
Expert Compliance Tip
The single biggest mistake I see is businesses treating evacuation maps as a one-time project. Your map should be a living document. Every time you move a desk, add equipment, or change an exit route, that map needs updating. I recommend a quarterly walk-through where you physically trace every route on your map. If anything has changed, update immediately. OSHA inspectors often ask employees to trace their evacuation route - if the map doesn't match reality, that's an instant citation.
Evacuation Map Cost Comparison
Traditional Consultant
AI-Generated Map
Common Mistakes to Avoid
CRITICAL: Do not use generic templates without customization. OSHA inspectors can immediately tell when a map doesn't match your actual facility. Other common mistakes include: using outdated floor plans, forgetting to mark ADA-accessible routes, placing maps too high or too low for visibility, and failing to update maps after renovations. Each of these can result in a $15,625 penalty per violation.