According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are requirements which help enforce workplace safety by protecting employees from various hazards. Aisles usually delineate areas of high foot traffic. They are also very important escape routes when there is an incident. With the regulations in place, there is a guarantee that there will not be a loss of lives, at least. The requirements help by keeping the aisles free from any kind of obstruction. Employers are also required to mark them all adequately.

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Clearance- the requirements of OSHA states that the
aisles must to be free from any obstruction. There should
also be safe clearance enabling people to easily exit the
places even in cases of emergency evacuations.
Marking – the markings of aisles have to be permanent
and the same applies to passageways. The passageways
also have to have the relevant markings showing or
indicating the location of aisle space.
Industrial width – there are specific aisle requirements
which are set for industrial aisles. This is in terms of
width and they should be 4 feet at least and 3-feet wider
than largest available equipment passing through them.
Industrial marking – aisles in industrial locations must
have markings in line form defining the aisles space. These
lines can be any clearly visible color between 2 and 6 inches
in width. It is not a must that employers use continuous
lines in this area, dotted lines can also be used or even strip
lines. The only requirement is that they be visible.
OSHA
Aisle Marking
Requirements
According to the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), there are requirements which
help enforce workplace safety by protecting employees
from various hazards. Aisles usually delineate areas of
high foot traffic. They are also very important escape
routes when there is an incident. With the regulations in
place, there is a guarantee that there will not be a loss of
lives, at least. The requirements help by keeping the aisles
free from any kind of obstruction. Employers are also
required to mark them all adequately.
There are some other factors to consider.
Cleanliness – this is a measure that ensures there is
safe walking space. With the OSHA requirements of
clean floors, all floors should be free from holes, splinters,
nails or loose boards on the ground. This is a rule that is
inclusive of passageways floors and aisles included.

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Rails and Covers – there is a requirement that
guardrails be near pits, vats, tanks, ditches and any other
similar hazard. This therefore includes aisles.
Grocery warehousing – aisles in these locations
need to be large enough in width so that employees can
carry items safely off the shelves. Some employees may
try to take other alternative routes in a bid to avoid the
congestion. However, heavy loads pose a high health risk
to the employees such as back problems. This is why aisle
marking should be larger or wider in high traffic areas.
Holes and Wall & floor openings – by the
regulations, any kind of openings whether it is wall
opening in aisles leading to more than 4 feet drop must
have a rail, roller, picket fence or half door and any other
similar barrier. They should also make sure manhole
covers cover any and all unattended manholes. There
should also be hinged floor coverings on hatchways and
chutes, railings near stairway floor openings, floor covers
over any trap door opening, and attendants close to
temporary openings.
About the author
Brandon Nys is responsible for day-to-day operations and management of Sales and
Manufacturing/Warehouse staff, Brandon is also a resident champion of Lean Manufac-
turing and 5S, Kanban and Kaizen principles and philosophies. While also responsible
for payroll, benefits administration, scheduling, and training, he is one of the driving
fores behind our podcast efforts. He also works closely with the Marketing staff to
increase sales and enhance end user product experience.