What is meant by means of egress?

A means of egress is the path of travel from the building to the outside. It is the emergency escape route in case of fire or other emergency and includes the fire exits, stairs, and walkways that allow occupants to exit the building.

What are the 3 elements that make up the means of egress?

As a reminder, the means of egress is made up of three parts: the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.

What are the two primary strategies for the means of egress?

There are two basic strategies for means of egress: evacuation of occupants and “defend in place.”

Is an elevator a means of egress?

Unlike the required means of egress, elevators can be used as a part of an accessible means of egress. And for buildings with an accessible floor located four or more stories above the level of exit discharge, at least one elevator is required as part of the accessible means of egress (IBC 1009.2. 1).

Is a stair an accessible means of egress?

Stairways. Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC (§1009 (2003), §1003.3. 3 (2000)). In addition, interior and exterior stairs that are part of a means of egress must comply with requirements in the ADA Standards (§504).

Why do buildings require a means of egress?

Properly designed exits provide a safe path of escape from a fire or other emergency environment. The means of egress (exits) should be arranged to permit all occupants to reach a safe place before they are endangered by fire, smoke, or heat.

What are the four parts of a means of egress?

A door or access point along the path of egress travel from an occupied room, area or space where the path of egress enters an intervening room, corridor, unenclosed exit access stair or unenclosed exit access ramp. EXIT DISCHARGE.

Does an elevator count as a means of egress?

Unlike the required means of egress, elevators can be used as a part of an accessible means of egress. And for buildings with an accessible floor located four or more stories above the level of exit discharge, at least one elevator is required as part of the accessible means of egress (IBC 1009.2.

What is the minimum width of an exit route?

28 inches wide
An exit access must be at least 28 inches wide at all points. Where there is only one exit access leading to an exit or exit discharge, the width of the exit and exit discharge must be at least equal to the width of the exit access. Objects that project into the exit must not reduce its width.

Does an elevator count as an exit?