What clearance do desks need around them for emergency evacuation?

For emergency evacuation compliance: primary egress aisles in an open office must be at least 28" wide (OSHA minimum), with most codes and best practices recommending 36"–44" for primary aisles. Secondary aisles between rows of desks should be at least 24"–30" for seated occupant passage. Dead-end corridors (where someone could be trapped) are prohibited in most codes. Desks should not be positioned in a way that blocks sight lines to exit signs. Have your space plan reviewed by your building's fire safety officer before finalizing. FindOfficeFurniture.com helps you plan safe, code-compliant office layouts — call 888-719-4960 for the best deals.