πŸ“Technical & Compliance

How Many Evacuation Maps Are Required in a Building? 2025 Rules

OST
OSHA Safety TeamCertified Fire Safety Specialists
Updated: November 30, 20248 min read
map quantitybuilding requirementsposting locationscompliance
MR
Expert ReviewedMichael Rodriguez, CSP, CHSTSenior OSHA Compliance Specialist
Last UpdatedNovember 30, 2024
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πŸ“Š Key Statistics You Should Know

1 per floor
Minimum maps required per level
General guidance, 2024
10,000 sq ft
Recommended maximum area per map
Fire safety best practice, 2024
100 ft
Maximum distance from any point to a map
Best practice, 2024
2-3
Typical maps needed for small office
Common practice, 2024

General Guidelines for Map Quantity

While exact requirements vary by jurisdiction, these guidelines ensure adequate coverage:

  • Minimum 1 map per floor
  • 1 map at each main entrance
  • 1 map at each stairwell entrance
  • 1 map in each common area (break room, lobby)
  • Additional maps for large floors (1 per 10,000 sq ft)
  • Maps visible from all occupied areas

Quick Calculator by Building Type

Estimate your map needs:

  • Small office (under 5,000 sq ft): 2-3 maps
  • Medium office (5,000-15,000 sq ft): 4-6 maps
  • Large office (15,000-50,000 sq ft): 8-15 maps
  • Retail store: 3-5 maps (plus stockroom)
  • Restaurant: 2-4 maps (front + kitchen)
  • Warehouse: 4-8 maps (plus dock areas)

Optimal Posting Locations

Post maps in these locations for best coverage:

  • Main entrance (visitors see immediately)
  • Reception/lobby areas
  • Near each emergency exit
  • At stairwell entrances
  • In break rooms and kitchens
  • In conference rooms
  • At elevator lobbies
  • In high-traffic corridors
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Multi-Floor Buildings

Each floor needs floor-specific maps:

  • Each floor has unique layout and routes
  • "You Are Here" must be floor-accurate
  • Stairwell maps should show which floor
  • Consider inter-floor evacuation routes
  • Ground floor may need extra maps (more traffic)

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❓ Key Takeaways & FAQs

Is there a legal minimum number of evacuation maps?

OSHA requires evacuation routes be "assigned" but doesn't specify exact map counts. Fire codes typically require maps at exits and common areas. Best practice is visibility from all work areas.

How do I calculate how many maps I need?

Count: each floor (1 per floor minimum), each stairwell entrance, main entrances, break rooms, and common areas. For large floors, add one per 10,000 sq ft.

Do I need different maps for different floors?

Yes. Each floor needs its own evacuation map showing that floor's specific layout, exit routes, and equipment locations.

OSHA ENFORCEMENT ALERT

2024 Penalty Increases Are Now in Effect

Maximum OSHA fines increased to $156,259 per willful violation. Don't wait until it's too late.

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Hours Notice Before Inspection
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MR
Expert ReviewedMichael Rodriguez, CSP, CHSTSenior OSHA Compliance Specialist
Last UpdatedNovember 30, 2024
βœ“OSHA Compliant
πŸ”₯NFPA Aligned
πŸ‘€Expert Reviewed
πŸ”„Regularly Updated
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.

THE PROBLEM

Manual Compliance is Broken

  • βœ• 40+ hours spent on paperwork
  • βœ• Outdated evacuation maps
  • βœ• Missing documentation
  • βœ• Surprise inspection anxiety
  • βœ• Expensive consultant fees
THE SOLUTION

Automated Compliance

  • βœ“ Maps generated in minutes
  • βœ“ Always up-to-date documentation
  • βœ“ Automatic compliance tracking
  • βœ“ Inspection-ready anytime
  • βœ“ 90% cost reduction

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