Perform Emergency Exit Inspection using eAuditor
Emergency Exit refers to a designated and strategically placed route that allows people to safely evacuate a building or area in case of an emergency, such as a fire, earthquake, or other hazardous situations. These exits are designed to be easily accessible, clearly marked, and free of obstructions to ensure a quick and safe evacuation.
Performing an Emergency Exit Inspection using eAuditor ensures that exit routes remain accessible, functional, and compliant with safety regulations. This assessment helps identify hazards, verify signage visibility, and ensure emergency readiness in case of fires, power outages, or other emergencies.
-
Preparation for the Inspection
Objective:
Ensure all emergency exits are unobstructed, properly marked, and functional to facilitate a safe and efficient evacuation.
1.1 Define Scope & Safety Standards
- Identify all emergency exits and evacuation routes within the facility.
- Verify compliance with OSHA, NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), and local fire codes.
- Ensure exits are suitable for different emergency scenarios (e.g., fire, earthquake, gas leak).
1.2 Prepare eAuditor Checklists
- Use a pre-built template or create a custom checklist to cover:
- Exit accessibility (free of obstructions, unlocked, easy to open).
- Signage visibility (illuminated, legible, and positioned correctly).
- Lighting and power backup (emergency lights operational).
- Door function (panic hardware, self-closing mechanism).
- Clear evacuation routes (marked paths, no trip hazards).
- Enable photo documentation and digital notes for findings.
1.3 Gather Required Tools & Safety Gear
- Flashlight (for checking emergency lighting).
- Measuring tape (to verify the required width of exit routes).
- Smart device with eAuditor (for real-time inspection and reporting).
-
Conducting the Emergency Exit Inspection
Objective:
Assess all emergency exits, doors, pathways, and supporting equipment to ensure compliance with evacuation safety standards.
2.1 Verify Exit Accessibility & Pathway Clearance
- Ensure exit doors are unlocked and easy to push open.
- Confirm that exits are not blocked by furniture, equipment, or debris.
- Verify that stairwells, ramps, and corridors leading to exits are free of obstructions.
2.2 Check Emergency Exit Doors & Hardware
- Inspect door hinges, panic bars, and automatic closing mechanisms for functionality.
- Ensure doors swing outward and do not require keys or special knowledge to open.
- Check for damaged or jammed doors that could hinder evacuation.
2.3 Assess Exit Signage & Lighting
- Confirm that “EXIT” signs are illuminated and visible from all angles.
- Ensure backup power or battery-operated lights function properly.
- Check that photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) signs are effective in low light.
2.4 Evaluate Evacuation Routes & Fire Doors
- Ensure routes are clearly marked with directional signage.
- Check that fire doors are self-closing and not propped open.
- Confirm stairwells and corridors are free of trip hazards.
2.5 Test Emergency Lighting & Backup Power
- Simulate a power failure to test emergency lighting functionality.
- Verify that exit path lighting remains operational for at least 90 minutes.
- Check for burnt-out bulbs or malfunctioning fixtures.
2.6 Inspect Outdoor Assembly Areas
- Ensure designated meeting points are clearly marked and large enough to accommodate evacuees.
- Confirm that routes leading outside are safe, non-slippery, and unobstructed.
-
Documentation & Compliance Analysis
Objective:
Record findings, identify safety hazards, and take corrective action to maintain compliance.
3.1 Generate eAuditor Inspection Report
- Automatically compile inspection data into a structured report.
- Include:
- Checklist completion status.
- Photo evidence of deficiencies.
- Supervisor comments & corrective action recommendations.
- Flag immediate hazards requiring urgent attention.
3.2 Identify & Address Non-Compliance Issues
- Highlight deficiencies such as:
- Blocked or locked exits.
- Faded or non-functional exit signs.
- Malfunctioning emergency lighting.
- Assign corrective actions with deadlines and responsible personnel.
-
Implement Corrective Actions & Continuous Monitoring
Objective:
Ensure that emergency exits remain functional, accessible, and compliant through ongoing inspections and maintenance.
4.1 Assign Corrective Actions & Follow-Up Checks
- Use eAuditor’s task management feature to track progress.
- Implement immediate repairs or modifications where needed.
- Schedule follow-up inspections to confirm issue resolution.
4.2 Conduct Regular Emergency Drills & Awareness Training
- Perform fire and evacuation drills to test emergency exit efficiency.
- Train staff on proper evacuation procedures and exit routes.
4.3 Maintain Compliance with Regulations
- Update emergency exit policies based on the latest safety regulations.
- Conduct monthly or quarterly emergency exit inspections using eAuditor.
-
Summary
An Emergency Exit Inspection using eAuditor ensures that all exit routes remain clear, properly marked, and fully functional, reducing the risk of evacuation failures during emergencies.
By using eAuditor’s digital tools, organizations can:
- Standardize inspections and track compliance.
- Identify hazards and assign corrective actions in real time.
- Improve evacuation readiness through regular assessments and training.
Regular emergency exit inspections are crucial for workplace safety, ensuring that all individuals can evacuate quickly and safely in an emergency.