A means of egress is a safe exit route from a building during an emergency. NFPA sets standards for egress routes, which include exit access, exit doors, and exit drains. Doors must be at least 28 inches wide and swing in the direction of travel.
A means of egress is an egress route that occupants can use to safely exit a building. It is designed to ensure safe and easy travel during a fire or other emergency to minimize the risk of injury or death. Most facilities have more than one means of exit, although the exact number of exits depends on the building’s function, design, and occupancy load. Once in place, egress routes must be carefully maintained to ensure they are not blocked or compromised during normal building operation.
In the United States, requirements for means of egress are established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This organization develops standards for fire safety in the construction industry. While NFPA standards are not a law in themselves. they are typically adopted in local building codes. Most other countries have similar organizations developing these standards, many of which have similar requirements to those of the NFPA.
While many manufacturers focus solely on the output port itself, there are actually three separate components that make up each output medium. The first is exit access, or exit path. This is the travel path that takes occupants from their workspace to a safe exit. It can include corridors, offices or any other type of space that the occupant must pass through to reach the exit. The route should be well marked with illuminated exit signs to guide workers or residents in the event of an emergency.
The second component, the exit door, is at the end of the exit access path. This door must lead to the public space, but not necessarily to the outside. It may consist of internal doors leading to a vestibule, doors leading to an external pathway, or a door leading to an exit ramp.
After passing through the exit door, occupants will arrive at the exit drain. The exit drain provides access to the public thoroughfare, which may include a street, alley or sidewalk. The area beyond the outlet drain must be kept clear of obstructions at all times, including bins, tools and other equipment.
According to NFPA, all doors along a means of exit must be at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide to allow people of all sizes to exit safely. Aisles along the exit route must also be 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide and may not be shorter than 7 feet 6 inches (2.3 m) in height. Each door must swing in the direction of travel and must be easily unlocked without keys, tools or specialist knowledge. Chains and other locking devices may never be used on these doors as they may prevent occupants from escaping. Other jurisdictions may have other rules.
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