Emergency egress and Security Turnstiles – SAFTENG – Prevention, Protection, Mitigation

Many facilities have security requirements due to their handling, storage, and/or processing of certain hazardous materials. These facilities will use perimeter security barriers such as fencing and personnel turnstiles. And one of the top egress questions we get during audits is regarding the security turnstiles that are also part of the emergency egress path. OSHA’s 1910.36 sorts of covers turnstiles, if you have an open mind!

1910.36(d)(1) Employees must be able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge. A device such as a panic bar that locks only from the outside is permitted on exit discharge doors.

1910.36(d)(2) Exit route doors must be free of any device or alarm that could restrict emergency use of the exit route if the device or alarm fails.

But the 2021 IFC specifically covers security turnstiles, from the short type we see in subway stations and amusement park entrances/exits to the full size turnstiles used at industrial facilities for security. The IFC requires the following WHEN the turnstile(s) is part of the means of egress:

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