Florida Fire Code 46-02-4: Exit door blocked by equipment

Overview

Fire code 46-02-4 (Exit door blocked by equipment) is a Exits and Egress citation with 2 citations across Florida food establishments. An exit door blocked by heavy kitchen equipment creates a potentially lethal obstruction during a fire emergency.

Summary generated from Florida DBPR public inspection records and Florida fire safety statutes.

2Total Citations
0Past 12 Months
46-SeriesExits and Egress
ReportingDisposition

Legal reference: 61C-1.004(9) FAC

What the Code Says

46-02-4 — Exit door blocked by equipment

An exit door is blocked or partially blocked by equipment such as fryers, coolers, shelving, or other large items preventing the door from opening fully or being reached.

— Florida Statutes & Administrative Code, DBPR Fire Safety Reporting

Fire Safety Risk

An exit door blocked by heavy kitchen equipment creates a potentially lethal obstruction during a fire emergency. Unlike loose items that might be pushed aside, heavy equipment like fryers and coolers cannot be quickly moved. This can trap staff in kitchen areas where fires are most likely to originate.

Legal Requirements

Exit doors must be completely unobstructed and able to open fully at all times. No equipment may be placed in front of, behind, or beside exit doors in a way that impedes opening or access. This includes kitchen equipment, refuse containers, and delivery items.

Legal Basis

61C-1.004(9) FAC — Means of access, including entrances, halls, and stairways, must permit unobstructed travel at all times.

— 61C-1.004(9) FAC

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida fire code 46-02-4?
Florida fire code 46-02-4 (Exit door blocked by equipment) falls under the Exits and Egress category. An exit door is blocked or partially blocked by equipment such as fryers, coolers, shelving, or other large items preventing the door from opening fully or being reached.
Why is fire code 46-02-4 (Exit door blocked by equipment) dangerous?
An exit door blocked by heavy kitchen equipment creates a potentially lethal obstruction during a fire emergency. Unlike loose items that might be pushed aside, heavy equipment like fryers and coolers cannot be quickly moved. This can trap staff in kitchen areas where fires are most likely to originate.
What are the requirements for fire code 46-02-4?
Exit doors must be completely unobstructed and able to open fully at all times. No equipment may be placed in front of, behind, or beside exit doors in a way that impedes opening or access. This includes kitchen equipment, refuse containers, and delivery items.
How common is fire code 46-02-4 in Florida?
Fire code 46-02-4 (Exit door blocked by equipment) has been cited 2 times across Florida food establishments. In the past 12 months, there have been 0 citations.

This page is maintained by FloridaFoodSafety.org. How we collect and verify this data.

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