🏢Business & Workplace

Do Businesses Need Fire Evacuation Maps in 2025? [Legal Requirements]

OST
OSHA Safety TeamCertified Fire Safety Specialists
Updated: November 30, 202411 min read
business requirementslegal complianceOSHA rulesfire safety law
MR
Expert ReviewedMichael Rodriguez, CSP, CHSTSenior OSHA Compliance Specialist
Last UpdatedNovember 30, 2024
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📊 Key Statistics You Should Know

10
Employee threshold for written EAP requirement
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38, 2024
100%
Of businesses with 10+ employees need evacuation maps
OSHA, 2024
$15,625
Maximum fine per OSHA violation
OSHA, 2024
67%
Of small businesses are not fully compliant
NFPA survey, 2023

The Legal Requirement for Fire Evacuation Maps

Under OSHA's Emergency Action Plan standard (29 CFR 1910.38), employers with 10 or more employees must have a written emergency action plan that includes evacuation procedures and route assignments—which means evacuation maps.

  • 10+ employees = written plan required
  • Plan must include evacuation procedures
  • Exit routes must be assigned and documented
  • Employees must be trained on the plan
  • Plan must be accessible to all employees

State and Local Requirements

Beyond OSHA, many states and municipalities have additional requirements:

  • State fire codes may require maps for any business
  • Local fire marshals may mandate specific formats
  • Some jurisdictions require annual inspections
  • Building codes may require maps in specific locations
  • Insurance policies often require documented plans

Industry-Specific Requirements

Certain industries have additional evacuation map requirements:

  • Healthcare (HIPAA + Joint Commission)
  • Education (state education codes)
  • Hospitality (room-specific maps required)
  • Manufacturing (OSHA process safety)
  • Chemical handling (EPA RMP requirements)
  • Construction (site-specific safety plans)
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The Cost of Non-Compliance

Not having proper evacuation maps can be extremely costly:

  • OSHA fines: up to $15,625 per violation
  • Repeated violations: up to $156,259 each
  • Insurance claim denials
  • Increased liability in lawsuits
  • Business license suspension
  • Reputational damage
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❓ Key Takeaways & FAQs

Does every business need a fire evacuation map?

Businesses with 10 or more employees must have a written Emergency Action Plan including evacuation maps. Smaller businesses are encouraged but not required to have written plans.

What happens if a business doesn't have evacuation maps?

OSHA can issue citations with fines up to $15,625 per serious violation. Additionally, insurance claims may be denied, and liability increases significantly if an incident occurs.

Do home-based businesses need evacuation maps?

If the home business has 10 or more employees regularly present, OSHA requirements apply. Otherwise, fire evacuation maps are recommended but not legally required.

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$156,259
Avg. Serious Violation Fine
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Businesses Inspected Yearly
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Reduction in Prep Time

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MR
Expert ReviewedMichael Rodriguez, CSP, CHSTSenior OSHA Compliance Specialist
Last UpdatedNovember 30, 2024
✓OSHA Compliant
🔥NFPA Aligned
👤Expert Reviewed
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Sources & References:
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38OSHA 29 CFR 1910.36OSHA 29 CFR 1910.37
OST
Written by
OSHA Safety Team
Certified Fire Safety Specialists

Our team of certified fire safety specialists and OSHA compliance experts has over 50 years of combined experience helping businesses create safe workplaces. We stay current with all federal and state regulations to bring you accurate, actionable guidance.

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