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Shop Emergency Exits

In a fire, seconds matter. A shop with blocked doors, locked gates or no second way out turns a dangerous event into a deadly one.

Why are exits a priority?

Smoke fills a building quickly and makes it hard to see. People who work in a shop every day know where the main door is, but visitors, children and new workers may not. Exits that are blocked, locked, stuck or hidden behind equipment cost time that people do not have.

Official guidance addresses exits for workplaces, and local fire codes may apply to your building. Ask your fire marshal what is required.

Many fatal fires are made worse by delay, so decide in advance that a fire means everyone leaves and one person calls. Deciding in advance saves seconds.

How many exits do I need?

The right number and placement depend on the size, use and occupancy of the building and on local code. This article does not give a number. A fire marshal or building official can tell you what applies, and many will walk your shop with you.

As a principle, aim for more than one way out wherever people work, so a fire at one door does not trap them.

Remember that outbuildings, lofts and mezzanines need their own thinking, since a worker above ground may need a different route out.

How do I keep exits clear?

Keep doors and paths free of equipment, stock, trash and parked vehicles. Mark the path with signs, and keep it wide enough for people to move quickly. Seasonal storage often creeps toward the door, so check after each season.

Check that doors open easily, from inside, without a key. Repair sticking doors and sagging hinges, and clear snow and ice outside.

Keep animals, vehicles and trailers parked away from exits and fire lanes, and keep gates open and unlatched while people are working inside.

• No storage in front of exit doors.
• Keep aisles clear to the door.
• Doors open from the inside without a key.
• Clear the area outside the exit, too.

What about lighting and signs?

Exit signs and emergency lighting help people find the way in smoke or darkness. Battery-backed lights and illuminated signs can help, and local code may require them in some buildings. A flashlight near the door is a simple backup.

Test emergency lights as the manufacturer directs and replace batteries on schedule.

If your shop has overhead doors, remember that powered doors may not work in a power failure, so have a clearly marked manual route or a separate walk door.

How do I plan an escape?

Draw a simple map of the shop showing exits and a meeting point outside, away from the building and clear of the fire truck's path. Post it near the door and review it with everyone. Include the address for 911 calls.

Practice at least once a year, with teens, hired workers and visitors who might be present. Time the drill, discuss what slowed people and fix it.

Include visitors in the plan by pointing out the exits when they arrive, and teach children to leave and not to hide in a fire.

What if there is a fire?

Get everyone out first. Call 911 from outside. Go to the meeting point and count heads. Do not go back in for tools, animals or equipment, because the risk is not worth it. Tell responders about anyone who might be missing and about fuel, gas or chemicals inside.

Fire extinguishers are covered in a separate article on this site. Use one only if the fire is very small and you have trained and have a clear exit.

Fire departments appreciate knowing about hazards before a call. Tell them about stored fuel, gas cylinders, chemicals and ammonia before they need to ask.

• Everyone out first.
• Call 911 from a safe place.
• Meet at the planned spot and count heads.
• Do not re-enter for equipment.

Who can help me check my plan?

Local volunteer and career fire departments often provide free walk-throughs. NFPA offers public education materials. Your insurer may also help. Ask them to check exits, signs and drills.

Revisit the plan when you remodel, add equipment or change how the building is used.

Document your drills with a date and notes. It shows what you have practiced and helps with insurance.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.