Chapter 14 Means of Egress

No furnishings, decorations, or other objects shall obstruct exits or their access thereto, egress therefrom, or visibility thereof. [101:7.1.10.2.1]

No obstruction by railings, barriers, or gates shall divide the means of egress into sections appurtenant to individual rooms, apartments, or other occupied spaces. Where the AHJ finds the required path of travel to be obstructed by furniture or other movable objects, the authority shall be permitted to require that such objects be secured out of the way or shall be permitted to require that railings or other permanent barriers be installed to protect the path of travel against encroachment. [101:7.1.10.2.2]

Mirrors shall not be placed on exit door leaves. Mirrors shall not be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction of egress. [101:7.1.10.2.3]

Every door opening and every principal entrance that is required to serve as an exit shall be designed and constructed so that the path of egress travel is obvious and direct. Windows that, because of their physical configuration or design and the materials used in their construction, have the potential to be mistaken for door openings shall be made inaccessible to the occupants by barriers or railings. [101:7.2.1.1.2]

Any door assembly in a means of egress shall be of the side-hinged or pivoted-swinging type, and shall be installed to be capable of swinging from any position to the full required width of the opening in which it is installed, unless otherwise specified as follows:

1. Door assemblies in dwelling units, as provided in Chapter 24 of NFPA 101, shall be permitted.
2. Door assemblies in residential board and care occupancies, as provided in Chapters 32 and 33 of NFPA 101, shall be permitted.
3. Where permitted in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101, horizontal-sliding or vertical-rolling security grilles or door assemblies that are part of the required means of egress shall be permitted, provided that all of the following criteria are met:
   1. Such grilles or door assemblies shall remain secured in the fully open position during the period of occupancy by the general public.
   2. On or adjacent to the grille or door opening, there shall be a readily visible, durable sign in letters not less than 1 in. (25 mm) high on a contrasting background that reads as follows: THIS DOOR TO REMAIN OPEN WHEN THE SPACE IS OCCUPIED.
   3. Door leaves or grilles shall not be brought to the closed position when the space is occupied.
   4. Door leaves or grilles shall be operable from within the space without the use of any special knowledge or effort.
   5. Where two or more means of egress are required, not more than half of the means of egress shall be equipped with horizontal-sliding or vertical-rolling grilles or door assemblies.
4. Horizontal-sliding door assemblies shall be permitted under any of the following conditions:
   1. Horizontal-sliding door assemblies in detention and correctional occupancies, as provided in Chapters 22 and 23 of NFPA 101, shall be permitted.
   2. Special purpose horizontally sliding accordion or folding door assemblies complying with 7.2.1.14 of NFPA 101 shall be permitted.
   3. Unless prohibited by Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101, horizontal-sliding door assemblies serving a room or area with an occupant load of fewer than 10 shall be permitted, provided that all of the following criteria are met:
      1. The area served by the door assembly has no high hazard contents.
      2. The door assembly is readily operable from either side without special knowledge or effort.
      3. The force required to operate the door assembly in the direction of door leaf travel is not more than 30 lbf (133 N) to set the door leaf in motion and is not more than 15 lbf (67 N) to close the door assembly or open it to the minimum required width.
      4. The door assembly complies with any required fire protection rating, and, where rated, is self-closing or automatic-closing by means of smoke detection in accordance with 14.5.4 and is installed in accordance with NFPA 80.
      5. Corridor door assemblies required to be self-latching shall have a latch or other mechanism that ensures that the door leaf will not rebound into a partially open position if forcefully closed.
   4. Where private garages, business areas, industrial areas, and storage areas with an occupant load not exceeding 10 contain only low or ordinary hazard contents, door openings to such areas and private garages shall be permitted to be horizontal-sliding door assemblies.
5. Where private garages, business areas, industrial areas, and storage areas with an occupant load not exceeding 10 contain only low or ordinary hazard contents, door openings to such areas and private garages shall be permitted to be vertical-rolling door assemblies.
6. Revolving door assemblies complying with 7.2.1.10 of NFPA 101 shall be permitted.
7. Existing fusible link-operated horizontal-sliding or vertical-rolling fire door assemblies shall be permitted to be used as provided in Chapters 39, 40, and 42 of NFPA 101.

Door leaves required to be of the side-hinged or pivoted-swinging type shall swing in the direction of egress travel under any of the following conditions:

1. Where serving a room or area with an occupant load of 50 or more, except under any of the following conditions:
   1. Door leaves in horizontal exits shall not be required to swing in the direction of egress travel where permitted by 7.2.4.3.8.1 or 7.2.4.3.8.2 of NFPA 101.
   2. Door leaves in smoke barriers shall not be required to swing in the direction of egress travel in existing health care occupancies, as provided in Chapter 19 of NFPA 101.
2. Where the door assembly is used in an exit enclosure, unless the door opening serves an individual living unit that opens directly into an exit enclosure
3. Where the door opening serves a high hazard contents area

Screen door assemblies and storm door assemblies used in a means of egress shall be subject to the requirements for direction of swing that are applicable to other door assemblies used in a means of egress. [101:7.2.1.4.4]

Door leaves shall be arranged to be opened readily from the egress side whenever the building is occupied. [101:7.2.1.5.1]

The requirement of 14.5.2.1 shall not apply to door leaves of listed fire door assemblies after exposure to elevated temperature in accordance with the listing, based on laboratory fire test procedures. [101:7.2.1.5.2]

Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key, a tool, or special knowledge or effort for operation from the egress side. [101:7.2.1.5.3]

The requirements of 14.5.2.1 and 14.5.2.3 shall not apply where otherwise provided in Chapters 18 through 23 of NFPA 101. [101:7.2.1.5.4]

Door assemblies in the means of egress shall be permitted to be equipped with approved electrical locking systems released by the operation of door hardware provided that all of the following conditions are met:

1. The hardware for egress-side occupant release of the electrical lock is affixed to the door leaf.
2. The hardware has an obvious method of operation that is readily operated in the direction of egress under all lighting conditions.
3. The hardware is capable of being operated with one hand in the direction of egress.
4. Operation of the hardware directly interrupts the power supply to the electric lock and unlocks the door assembly in the direction of egress.
5. Loss of power to the listed releasing hardware automatically electrically unlocks the door assembly in the direction of egress.
6. Hardware for new installations is listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 294.

Where permitted in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101, key operation shall be permitted, provided that the key cannot be removed when the door leaf is locked from the side from which egress is to be made. [101:7.2.1.5.7]

Every door assembly in a stair enclosure serving more than four stories, unless permitted by 14.5.2.8.2, shall meet one of the following conditions:

1. Re-entry from the stair enclosure to the interior of the building shall be provided.
2. An automatic release that is actuated with the initiation of the building fire alarm system shall be provided to unlock all stair enclosure door assemblies to allow re-entry.
3. Selected re-entry shall be provided in accordance with 14.5.2.8.1.

If a stair enclosure allows access to the roof of the building, the door assembly to the roof either shall be kept locked or shall allow re-entry from the roof. [101:7.2.1.5.9]

A latch or other fastening device on a door leaf shall be provided with a releasing device that has an obvious method of operation and that is readily operated under all lighting conditions. [101:7.2.1.5.10]

Where pairs of door leaves are required in a means of egress, one of the following criteria shall be met:

1. Each leaf of the pair shall be provided with a releasing device that does not depend on the release of one leaf before the other.
2. Approved automatic flush bolts shall be used and arranged such that both of the following criteria are met:
   1. The door leaf equipped with the automatic flush bolts shall have no doorknob or surface-mounted hardware on the egress side of the door.
   2. Unlatching of any leaf shall not require more than one operation.

Devices shall not be installed in connection with any door assembly on which panic hardware or fire exit hardware is required where such devices prevent or are intended to prevent the free use of the leaf for purposes of egress, unless otherwise provided in 14.5.3. [101:7.2.1.5.12]

Where permitted in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101, door assemblies in the means of egress shall be permitted to be equipped with sensor-release electrical locking system hardware provided that all of the following criteria are met:

1. A sensor shall be provided on the egress side, arranged to electrically unlock the door leaf in the direction of egress upon detection of an approaching occupant.
2. Door leaves shall automatically electrically unlock in the direction of egress upon loss of power to the sensor or to the part of the locking system that electrically locks the door leaves.
3. Door locks shall be arranged to electrically unlock in the direction of egress from a manual release device complying with all of the following criteria:
   1. The manual release device shall be located on the egress side, 40 in. to 48 in. (1015 mm to 1220 mm) vertically above the floor, and within 60 in. (1525 mm) of the secured door openings.
   2. The requirement of 14.5.3.2(3)(a) to locate the manual release device within 60 in. (1525 mm) of the secured door opening shall not apply to previously approved existing installations.
   3. The manual release device shall be readily accessible and clearly identified by a sign that reads as follows: PUSH TO EXIT.
   4. When operated, the manual release device shall result in direct interruption of power to the electrical lock — independent of the locking system electronics — and the lock shall remain unlocked for not less than 30 seconds.
4. Activation of the building fire-protective signaling system, if provided, shall automatically electrically unlock the door leaves in the direction of egress, and the door leaves shall remain electrically unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manually reset.
5. The activation of manual fire alarm boxes that activate the building fire-protective signaling system specified in 14.5.3.2(4) shall not be required to unlock the door leaves.
6. Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or fire detection system, if provided, shall automatically electrically unlock the door leaves in the direction of egress, and the door leaves shall remain electrically unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manually reset.
7. The egress side of sensor-release electrically locked egress doors, other than existing sensor-release electrically locked egress doors, shall be provided with emergency lighting in accordance with Section 14.13.
8. Hardware for new installations shall be listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 294.

Where permitted in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101, door assemblies separating the elevator lobby from the exit access required by 14.9.1.6.1 shall be permitted to be electrically locked, provided that all the following criteria are met:

1. The electrical locking hardware is listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 294, Standard for Access Control System Units.
2. The building is protected throughout by a fire alarm system in accordance with Section 13.7.
3. The building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 13.3.
4. Waterflow in the sprinkler system required by 14.5.3.3(3) is arranged to initiate the building fire alarm system.
5. The elevator lobby is protected by an approved, supervised smoke detection system in accordance with Section 13.7.
6. Detection of smoke by the detection system required by 14.5.3.3(5) is arranged to initiate the building fire alarm system and notify building occupants.
7. Initiation of the building fire alarm system by other than manual fire alarm boxes unlocks the electrical locks on the elevator lobby door assembly.
8. Loss of power to the elevator lobby electrical lock system unlocks the electrical locks on the elevator lobby door assemblies.
9. Once unlocked, the elevator lobby door assemblies remain electrically unlocked until the building fire alarm system has been manually reset.
10. Where the elevator lobby door assemblies remain mechanically latched after being electrically unlocked, latch-releasing hardware in accordance with 14.5.2.10 is affixed to the door leaves.
11. A two-way communication system is provided for communication between the elevator lobby and a central control point that is constantly staffed.
12. The central control point staff required by 14.5.3.3(11) is capable, trained, and authorized to provide emergency assistance.
13. The provisions of 14.5.3.1 for delayed-egress electrical locking systems are not applied to the elevator lobby door assemblies.
14. * The provisions of 14.5.3.2 for sensor-release of electrical locking systems are not applied to the elevator lobby door assemblies.

A door leaf normally required to be kept closed shall not be secured in the open position at any time and shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with 14.5.4.2, unless otherwise permitted by 14.5.4.3. [101:7.2.1.8.1]

In any building of low or ordinary hazard contents, as defined in 3.3.147.2 and 3.3.147.3, or where approved by the AHJ, door leaves shall be permitted to be automatic-closing, provided that all of the following criteria are met:

1. Upon release of the hold-open mechanism, the leaf becomes self-closing.
2. The release device is designed so that the leaf instantly releases manually and, upon release, becomes self-closing, or the leaf can be readily closed.
3. The automatic releasing mechanism or medium is activated by the operation of approved smoke detectors installed in accordance with the requirements for smoke detectors for door leaf release service in NFPA 72.
4. Upon loss of power to the hold-open device, the hold-open mechanism is released and the door leaf becomes self-closing.
5. The release by means of smoke detection of one door leaf in a stair enclosure results in closing all door leaves serving that stair.

The elevator car doors and the associated hoistway enclosure doors at the floor level designated for recall in accordance with the requirements of 11.3.1 shall be permitted to remain open during Phase I Emergency Recall Operation. [101:7.2.1.8.3]

Doors required to be self-closing and not required to be automatic closing shall be permitted to be equipped with delayed action closers. [101:7.2.1.8.4]

Where means of egress door leaves are operated by power upon the approach of a person or are provided with power-assisted manual operation, the design shall be such that, in the event of power failure, the leaves open manually to allow egress travel or close when necessary to safeguard the means of egress. [101:7.2.1.9.1]

Where door leaves are required to be self-closing or self-latching and are operated by power upon the approach of a person, or are provided with power-assisted manual operation, they shall be permitted in the means of egress where they meet the following criteria:

1. The door leaves can be opened manually in accordance with 14.5.5.1.1 to allow egress travel in the event of power failure.
2. New door leaves remain in the closed position, unless actuated or opened manually.
3. When actuated, new door leaves remain open for not more than 30 seconds.
4. Door leaves held open for any period of time close — and the power-assist mechanism ceases to function — upon operation of approved smoke detectors installed in such a way as to detect smoke on either side of the door opening in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 72.
5. Door leaves required to be self-latching are either self-latching or become self-latching upon operation of approved smoke detectors per 14.5.5.2(4).
6. New power-assisted swinging door assemblies comply with BHMA/ANSI A156.19, Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors.

Revolving door assemblies, whether used or not used in the means of egress, shall comply with all of the following:

1. New revolving doors shall comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.27, Power and Manual Operated Revolving Doors, and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
2. Revolving door wings shall be capable of book-fold or breakout for egress in accordance with BHMA A156.27, unless they are existing revolving doors approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
3. When revolving door wings are collapsed into the book-fold position, the parallel egress paths formed shall provide an aggregate width of 36 in. (915 mm), unless they are approved existing revolving door assemblies.
4. Revolving door assemblies shall not be used within 10 ft (3050 mm) of the foot or the top of stairs or escalators.
5. A dispersal area acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction shall be located between stairs or escalators and the revolving door assembly.
6. The revolutions per minute (rpm) of door wings shall not exceed the following:
   1. The values in Table 14.5.6.1 for existing revolving doors.
   2. The values in BHMA A156.27 for new revolving doors.
7. Each revolving door assembly shall have a conforming side-hinged swinging door assembly in the same wall as the revolving door within 10 ft (3050 mm) of the revolving door, unless one of the following conditions applies:
   1. Revolving door assemblies shall be permitted without adjacent swinging door assemblies, as required by 14.5.6.1(6), in street floor elevator lobbies, provided that no stairways or door openings from other parts of the building discharge through the lobby and the lobby has no occupancy other than as a means of travel between the elevators and street.
   2. The requirement of 14.5.6.1(6) shall not apply to existing revolving door assemblies where the number of revolving door assemblies does not exceed the number of swinging door assemblies within 20 ft (6100 mm) of the revolving door assembly.

Inside Diameter		Power-Driven Speed Control (rpm)	Manual Speed Control (rpm)
ft/in.	mm
6 ft 6 in.	1980	11	12
7 ft	2135	10	11
7 ft 6 in.	2285	9	11
8 ft	2440	9	10
8 ft 6 in.	2590	8	9
9 ft	2745	8	9
9 ft 6 in.	2895	7	8
10 ft	3050	7	8

Where permitted in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101, revolving door assemblies shall be permitted as a component in a means of egress, provided that all of the following criteria are met:

1. Revolving door openings shall not be given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity.
2. Each revolving door opening shall not be credited with more than a 50-person capacity or, if of not less than a 9 ft (2745 mm) diameter, a revolving door assembly shall be permitted egress capacity based on the clear opening width provided when collapsed into a book-fold position.
3. Revolving door wings shall be capable of being collapsed into a book-fold position when a force not exceeding 130 lbf (580 N) is applied to the wings within 3 in. (75 mm) of the outer edge.

Revolving door assemblies not used as a component of a means of egress shall have a collapsing force not exceeding 180 lbf (800 N) applied at a point 3 in. (75 mm) from the outer edge of the outer wing stile and 40 in. (1015 mm) above the floor. [101:7.2.1.10.3]

The requirement of 14.5.6.3 shall not apply to revolving door assemblies, provided that the collapsing force is reduced to a force not to exceed 130 lbf (580 N) under all of the following conditions:

1. Power failure, or removal of power to the device holding the wings in position
2. Actuation of the automatic sprinkler system, where such a system is provided
3. Actuation of a smoke detection system that is installed to provide coverage in all areas within the building that are within 75 ft (23 m) of the revolving door assemblies
4. Actuation of a clearly identified manual control switch in an approved location that reduces the holding force to a force not to exceed 130 lbf (580 N)

Turnstiles or similar devices that restrict travel to one direction or are used to collect fares or admission charges shall not be placed so as to obstruct any required means of egress, unless otherwise specified in 14.5.7.1.1, 14.5.7.1.2 and 14.5.7.1.3. [101:7.2.1.11.1]

Turnstiles exceeding 39 in. (990 mm) in height shall meet the requirements for revolving door assemblies in 14.5.6 or the requirements of 14.5.7.1.3 for security access turnstiles. [101:7.2.1.11.2]

Turnstiles located in, or furnishing access to, required exits shall provide not less than 16¹/₂ in. (420 mm) clear width at and below a height of 39 in. (990 mm) and at least 22 in. (560 mm) clear width at heights above 39 in. (990 mm). [101:7.2.1.11.3]

A door leaf or opening in the folding partition shall not be required, provided that all of the following criteria are met:

1. The subdivided space is not used by more than 20 persons at any time.
2. The use of the space is under adult supervision.
3. The partitions are arranged so that they do not extend across any aisle or corridor used as an exit access to the required exits from the story.
4. The partitions conform to the interior finish and other requirements of this Code.
5. The partitions are of an approved type, have a simple method of release, and are capable of being opened quickly and easily by experienced persons in case of emergency.

Where a subdivided space is provided with not less than two means of egress, the swinging door leaf in the folding partition specified in 14.5.8 shall not be required, and one such means of egress shall be permitted to be equipped with a horizontal-sliding door assembly complying with 14.5.10. [101:7.2.1.12.2]

Where required by Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101, the following door assemblies shall be inspected and tested not less than annually in accordance with 14.5.11.2 through 14.5.11.7:

1. Door leaves equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware in accordance with 14.5.3.4
2. Door assemblies in exit enclosures
3. Door hardware-release of electrically locked egress door assemblies
4. Door assemblies with special locking arrangements subject to 14.5.3.3

The inspection and testing interval for fire-rated and nonrated door assemblies shall be permitted to exceed 12 months under a written performance-based program. [101:7.2.1.15.2]

A written record of the inspections and testing shall be signed and kept for inspection by the authority having jurisdiction. [101:7.2.1.15.3]

Functional testing of door assemblies shall be performed by individuals who can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the operating components of the type of door being subjected to testing. [101:7.2.1.15.4]

Door assemblies shall be visually inspected from both sides of the opening to assess the overall condition of the assembly. [101:7.2.1.15.5]

As a minimum, the following items shall be verified:

1. Floor space on both sides of the openings is clear of obstructions, and door leaves open fully and close freely.
2. Forces required to set door leaves in motion and move to the fully open position do not exceed the requirements in 14.5.1.5.
3. Latching and locking devices comply with 14.5.2.
4. Releasing hardware devices are installed in accordance with 14.5.2.10.1.
5. Door leaves of paired openings are installed in accordance with 14.5.2.11.
6. Door closers are adjusted properly to control the closing speed of door leaves in accordance with accessibility requirements.
7. Projection of door leaves into the path of egress does not exceed the encroachment permitted by 14.5.1.3.
8. Powered door openings operate in accordance with 14.5.5.
9. Signage required by 14.5.1.1(3), 14.5.2.5, 14.5.3, and 14.5.5 is intact and legible.
10. Door openings with special locking arrangements function in accordance with 14.5.3.
11. Security devices that impede egress are not installed on openings, as required by 14.5.2.12.
12. Where required by 7.2.2.5.5.7 of NFPA 101, door hardware marking is present and intact.
13. Emergency lighting on sensor-release of electrical locking systems and doors equipped with delayed-egress electrical locking systems is present in accordance with Section 14.13.

Door openings not in proper operating condition shall be repaired or replaced without delay. [101:7.2.1.15.7]

All inside stairs serving as an exit or exit component shall be enclosed in accordance with Section 14.3. [101:7.2.2.5.1.1]

Inside stairs, other than those serving as an exit or exit component, shall be protected in accordance with Section 8.6 of NFPA 101. [101:7.2.2.5.1.2]

In existing buildings, where a two-story exit enclosure connects the story of exit discharge with an adjacent story, the exit shall be permitted to be enclosed only on the story of exit discharge, provided that not less than 50 percent of the number and capacity of exits on the story of exit discharge are independent of such enclosures. [101:7.2.2.5.1.3]

Where nonrated walls or unprotected openings enclose the exterior of a stairway, other than an existing stairway, and the walls or openings are exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of less than 180 degrees, the building enclosure walls within 10 ft (3050 mm) horizontally of the nonrated wall or unprotected opening shall be constructed as required for stairway enclosures, including opening protectives. [101:7.2.2.5.2.1]

Construction shall extend vertically from the finished ground level to a point 10 ft (3050 mm) above the topmost landing of the stairs or to the roofline, whichever is lower. [101:7.2.2.5.2.2]

The fire resistance rating of the separation extending 10 ft (3050 mm) from the stairs shall not be required to exceed 1 hour where openings have a minimum ³/₄-hour fire protection rating. [101:7.2.2.5.2.3]

Open space within the exit enclosure shall not be used for any purpose that has the potential to interfere with egress. [101:7.2.2.5.3.1]

Enclosed, usable space shall be permitted under stairs, provided that both of the following criteria are met:

1. The space shall be separated from the stair enclosure by the same fire resistance as the exit enclosure.
2. Entrance to the enclosed, usable space shall not be from within the stair enclosure. (See also 14.3.3.)

The width of an exit passageway shall be sized to accommodate the aggregate required capacity of all exits that discharge through it, unless one of the following conditions applies:

1. * Where an exit passageway serves occupants of the level of exit discharge as well as other stories, the capacity shall not be required to be aggregated.
2. As provided in Chapters 36 and 37 of NFPA 101, an exit passageway in a mall structure shall be permitted to accommodate occupant loads independently from the mall concourse and the tenant spaces. (See 36.2.2.7.2 and 37.2.2.7.2 of NFPA 101.)

In new construction, the minimum width of any exit passageway into which an exit stair discharges, or that serves as a horizontal transfer within an exit stair system, shall meet the following criteria:

1. The minimum width of the exit passageway shall be not less than two-thirds of the width of the exit stair.
2. Where stairs are credited with egress capacity in accordance with 14.8.3.2, the exit passageway width shall be sized to accommodate the same capacity as the stair, with such capacity determined by use of the capacity factors in Table 14.8.3.1.

The occupant load in any building or portion thereof shall be not less than the number of persons determined by dividing the floor area assigned to that use by the occupant load factor for that use as specified in Table 14.8.1.2, Figure 14.8.1.2(a), and Figure 14.8.1.2(b). Where both gross and net area figures are given for the same occupancy, calculations shall be made by applying the gross area figure to the gross area of the portion of the building devoted to the use for which the gross area figure is specified and by applying the net area figure to the net area of the portion of the building devoted to the use for which the net area figure is specified. [101:7.3.1.2]

Use	(ft2/person)a	(m2/person)b
Assembly Use	-	-
Concentrated use, without fixed seating	7 net	0.65 net
Less concentrated use, without fixed seating	15 net	1.4 net
Bench-type seating	1 person/18 linear in.	1 person/455 linear mm
Fixed seating	Use number of fixed seats	Use number of fixed seats
Waiting spaces	See 12.1.7.2 and 13.1.7.2 of NFPA 101	See 12.1.7.2 and 13.1.7.2 of NFPA 101
Kitchens	100	9.3
Library stack areas	100	9.3
Library reading rooms	50 net	4.6 net
Swimming pools	50 (water surface)	4.6 (water surface)
Swimming pool decks	30	2.8
Exercise rooms with equipment	50	4.6
Exercise rooms without equipment	15	1.4
Stages	15 net	1.4 net
Lighting and access catwalks, galleries, gridirons	100 net	9.3 net
Casinos and similar gaming areas	11	1
Skating rinks	50	4.6
Business Use (other than below)	100	9.3
Concentrated Business Usef	50	4.6
Airport control tower observation levels	40	3.7
Day-Care Use	35 net	3.3 net
Detention and Correctional Use	120	11.1
Educational Use	-	-
Classrooms	20 net	1.9 net
Shops, laboratories, vocational rooms	50 net	4.6 net
Health Care Use	-	-
Inpatient treatment departments	240	22.3
Sleeping departments	120	11.1
Ambulatory health care	150	13
Industrial Use	-	-
General and high hazard industrial	100	9.3
Special-purpose industrial	NA	NA
Mercantile Use	-	-
Sales area on street floorb,c	30	2.8
Sales area on two or more street floorsc	40	3.7
Sales area on floor below street floorc	30	2.8
Sales area on floors above street floorc	60	5.6
Floors or portions of floors used only for offices	See business use.	See business use.
Floors or portions of floors used only for storage, receiving, and shipping, and not open to general public	300	27.9
Mall structuresd	Per factors applicable to use of spacee
Residential Use	-	-
Hotels and dormitories	200	18.6
Apartment buildings	200	18.6
Board and care, large	200	18.6
Storage Use	-	-
In storage occupancies	NA	NA
In mercantile occupancies	300	27.9
In other than storage and mercantile occupancies	500	46.5

Where an exit serves more than one story, only the occupant load of each story considered individually shall be used in computing the required capacity of the exit at that story, provided that the required egress capacity of the exit is not decreased in the direction of egress travel. [101:7.3.1.4]

Where means of egress from a story above and a story below converge at an intermediate story, the capacity of the means of egress from the point of convergence shall be not less than the sum of the required capacity of the two means of egress. [101:7.3.1.5]

Where any required egress capacity from a balcony or mezzanine passes through the room below, that required capacity shall be added to the required egress capacity of the room in which it is located. [101:7.3.1.6]

The width of means of egress shall be measured in the clear at the narrowest point of the egress component under consideration, unless otherwise provided in 14.8.2.2 or 14.8.2.3. [101:7.3.2.1]

Projections within the means of egress of not more than 4¹/₂ in. (114 mm) on each side shall be permitted at a height of 38 in. (965 mm) and below. In the case of stair and landing handrails forming part of a guard, in accordance with 7.2.2.4.4.3 of NFPA 101, such projections shall be permitted at a height of 42 in. (1065 mm) and below. [101:7.3.2.2]

In health care and ambulatory health care occupancies, projections shall be permitted in corridors in accordance with Chapters 18 through 21 of NFPA 101. [101:7.3.2.3]

Egress capacity for approved components of means of egress shall be based on the capacity factors shown in Table 14.8.3.1, unless otherwise provided in 14.8.3.2. [101:7.3.3.1]

Area	Stairways (width/person)		Level Components and Ramps (width/person)
	in.	mm	in.	mm
Board and care	0.4	10	0.2	5
Health care, sprinklered	0.3	7.6	0.2	5
Health care, nonsprinklered	0.6	15	0.5	13
High hazard contents	0.7	18	0.4	10
All others	0.3	7.6	0.2	5

For stairways wider than 44 in. (1120 mm) and subject to the 0.3 in. (7.6 mm) width per person capacity factor, the capacity shall be permitted to be increased using the following equation:

C	=	capacity, in persons, rounded to the nearest integer
Wn	=	nominal width of the stair as permitted by 14.8.3.2 (in.) [101:7.3.3.2]

The required capacity of a corridor shall be the occupant load that utilizes the corridor for exit access divided by the required number of exits to which the corridor connects, but the corridor capacity shall be not less than the required capacity of the exit to which the corridor leads. [101:7.3.3.3]

The number of means of egress from any balcony, mezzanine, story, or portion thereof shall be not less than two, except under one of the following conditions:

1. A single means of egress shall be permitted where permitted in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101.
2. A single means of egress shall be permitted for a mezzanine or balcony where the common path of travel limitations of Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101 are met.

The number of means of egress from any story or portion thereof, other than for existing buildings as permitted in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101, shall be as follows:

1. Occupant load more than 500 but not more than 1000 — not less than 3
2. Occupant load more than 1000 — not less than 4

Accessible means of egress in accordance with 14.10.4 that do not utilize elevators shall be permitted to serve as any or all of the required minimum number of means of egress. [101:7.4.1.3]

The occupant load of each story considered individually shall be required to be used in computing the number of means of egress at each story, provided that the required number of means of egress is not decreased in the direction of egress travel. [101:7.4.1.4]

Doors other than the hoistway door; the elevator car door; and doors that are readily openable from the car side without a key, a tool, special knowledge, or special effort, shall be prohibited at the point of access to an elevator car. [101:7.4.1.5]

Exits shall be located and exit access shall be arranged so that exits are readily accessible at all times. [101:7.5.1.1]

Corridors shall provide exit access without passing through any intervening rooms other than corridors, lobbies, and other spaces permitted to be open to the corridor, unless otherwise provided in 14.10.1.2.1 and 14.10.1.2.2. [101:7.5.1.2]

Remoteness shall be provided in accordance with 14.10.1.3.1 through 14.10.1.3.7. [101:7.5.1.3]

Interlocking or scissor stairs shall comply with 14.10.1.4.1 and 14.10.1.4.2. [101:7.5.1.4]

Exit access shall be arranged so that there are no dead ends in corridors, unless permitted by, and limited to the lengths specified in, Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101. [101:7.5.1.5]

Exit access from rooms or spaces shall be permitted to be through adjoining or intervening rooms or areas, provided that such rooms or areas are accessory to the area served. Foyers, lobbies, and reception rooms constructed as required for corridors shall not be construed as intervening rooms. Exit access shall be arranged so that it is not necessary to pass through any area identified under Protection from Hazards in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101. [101:7.5.1.6]

Access to an exit shall not be through kitchens, storerooms other than as provided in Chapters 36 and 37 of NFPA 101, restrooms, closets, bedrooms or similar spaces, or other rooms or spaces subject to locking, unless passage through such rooms or spaces is permitted for the occupancy by Chapters 18, 19, 22, or 23 of NFPA 101. [101:7.5.2.1]

Exit access and exit doors shall be designed and arranged to be clearly recognizable. [101:7.5.2.2]

Exit access shall be permitted to be by means of any exterior balcony, porch, gallery, or roof that conforms to the requirements of this chapter and Chapter 7 of NFPA 101. [101:7.5.3.1]

The long side of the balcony, porch, gallery, or similar space shall be at least 50 percent open and shall be arranged to restrict the accumulation of smoke. [101:7.5.3.2]

Exterior exit access balconies shall be separated from the interior of the building by walls and opening protectives as required for corridors, unless the exterior exit access balcony is served by at least two remote stairs that can be accessed without any occupant traveling past an unprotected opening to reach one of the stairs, or unless dead ends on the exterior exit access do not exceed 20 ft (6100 mm). [101:7.5.3.3]

Exterior exit access shall be arranged so that there are no dead ends in excess of those permitted for dead-end corridors in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101. [101:7.5.3.4]

Areas accessible to people with severe mobility impairment, other than in existing buildings, shall have not less than two accessible means of egress, unless otherwise provided in 14.10.4.1.2 through 14.10.4.1.4. [101:7.5.4.1]

Where two accessible means of egress are required, the exits serving such means of egress shall be located at a distance from one another not less than one-half the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served. This distance shall be measured in a straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors or exit access doors, unless otherwise provided in 14.10.4.2.1 through 14.10.4.2.3. [101:7.5.4.2]

Each required accessible means of egress shall be continuous from each accessible occupied area to a public way or area of refuge in accordance with 7.2.12.2.2 of NFPA 101. [101:7.5.4.3]

Where an exit stair is used in an accessible means of egress, it shall comply with 7.2.12 of NFPA 101 and either shall incorporate an area of refuge within an enlarged story-level landing or shall be accessed from an area of refuge. [101:7.5.4.4]

To be considered part of an accessible means of egress, an elevator shall be in accordance with 7.2.12.2.4 of NFPA 101. [101:7.5.4.5]

To be considered part of an accessible means of egress, a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 12.9 with not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating, or a horizontal exit in accordance with 7.2.4 of NFPA 101, shall discharge to an area of refuge in accordance with 7.2.12 of NFPA 101. [101:7.5.4.6]

Accessible stories that are four or more stories above or below a story of exit discharge shall have not less than one elevator complying with 14.10.4.5, except as modified in 14.10.4.8. [101:7.5.4.7]

Where elevators are required by 14.10.4.7, the smokeproof enclosure required by 7.2.12.2.4 of NFPA 101 shall not be required in buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13. [101:7.5.4.8]

An area of refuge used as part of a required accessible means of egress shall be in accordance with 7.2.12 of NFPA 101. [101:7.5.4.9]

Yards, courts, open spaces, or other portions of the exit discharge shall be of the required width and size to provide all occupants with a safe access to a public way. [101:7.7.1.1]

The requirement of 14.11.1 shall not apply to interior exit discharge as otherwise provided in 14.11.2. [101:7.7.1.2]

The requirement of 14.11.1 shall not apply to rooftop exit discharge as otherwise provided in 14.11.6. [101:7.7.1.3]

Means of egress shall be permitted to terminate in an exterior area of refuge for detention and correctional occupancies as otherwise provided in Chapters 22 and 23 of NFPA 101. [101:7.7.1.4]

Where more than one exit discharge is required, exit discharges shall be arranged to meet the remoteness criteria of 14.10.1.3. [101:7.7.3.1]

The exit discharge shall be arranged and marked to make clear the direction of egress travel from the exit discharge to a public way. [101:7.7.3.2]

Stairs and ramps that continue more than one-half story below the level of discharge shall be provided with an approved means to prevent or dissuade occupants from traveling past the level of discharge during emergency building evacuation. [101:7.7.3.3]

Illumination of means of egress shall be provided in accordance with Section 14.12 for every building and structure where required in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101. For the purposes of this requirement, exit access shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading to an exit. For the purposes of this requirement, exit discharge shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, walkways, and exit passageways leading to a public way. [101:7.8.1.1]

Illumination of means of egress shall be continuous during the time that the conditions of occupancy require that the means of egress be available for use, unless otherwise provided in 14.12.1.2.2. [101:7.8.1.2]

The floors and other walking surfaces within an exit and within the portions of the exit access and exit discharge designated in 14.12.1.1 shall be illuminated as follows:

1. During conditions of stair use, the minimum illumination for new stairs shall be at least 10 ft-candle (108 lux), measured at the walking surfaces.
2. The minimum illumination for floors and other walking surfaces, other than new stairs during conditions of stair use, shall be to values of at least 1 ft-candle (10.8 lux), measured at the floor.
3. In assembly occupancies, the illumination of the walking surfaces of exit access shall be at least 0.2 ft-candle (2.2 lux) during periods of performances or projections involving directed light.
4. * The minimum illumination requirements shall not apply where operations or processes require low lighting levels.

Required illumination shall be arranged so that the failure of any single lighting unit does not result in an illumination level of less than 0.2 ft-candle (2.2 lux) in any designated area. [101:7.8.1.4]

The equipment or units installed to meet the requirements of Section 14.14 also shall be permitted to serve the function of illumination of means of egress, provided that all requirements of Section 14.12 for such illumination are met. [101:7.8.1.5]

Illumination of means of egress shall be from a source considered reliable by the AHJ. [101:7.8.2.1]

Battery-operated electric lights and other types of portable lamps or lanterns shall not be used for primary illumination of means of egress. Battery-operated electric lights shall be permitted to be used as an emergency source to the extent permitted under Section 14.13. [101:7.8.2.2]

Emergency lighting facilities for means of egress shall be provided in accordance with Section 14.13 for the following:

1. Buildings or structures where required in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101
2. Underground and limited access structures as addressed in Section 11.7 of NFPA 101
3. High-rise buildings as required by NFPA 101
4. Doors equipped with delayed-egress locks
5. Stair shafts and vestibules of smokeproof enclosures, for which the following also apply:
   1. The stair shaft and vestibule shall be permitted to include a standby generator that is installed for the smokeproof enclosure mechanical ventilation equipment.
   2. The standby generator shall be permitted to be used for the stair shaft and vestibule emergency lighting power supply.
6. New sensor-release of electrical locking systems in accordance with 14.5.3.2

For the purposes of 14.13.1.1, exit access shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading to an exit. For the purposes of 14.13.1.1, exit discharge shall include only designated stairs, ramps, aisles, walkways, and escalators leading to a public way. [101:7.9.1.2]

Where maintenance of illumination depends on changing from one energy source to another, a delay of not more than 10 seconds shall be permitted. [101:7.9.1.3]

Required emergency lighting systems shall be tested in accordance with one of the three options offered by 14.13.2.1.1, 14.13.2.1.2, or 14.13.2.1.3. [101:7.9.3.1]

Means of egress shall be marked in accordance with Section 14.14 where required in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101. [101:7.10.1.1]

Tactile signage shall be provided to meet all of the following criteria, unless otherwise provided in 14.14.1.4:

1. Tactile signage shall be located at each exit door requiring an exit sign.
2. Tactile signage shall read as follows: EXIT
3. Tactile signage shall comply with ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

The requirements of 14.14.1.3 shall not apply to existing buildings, provided that the occupancy classification does not change. [101:7.10.1.4]

Where floor proximity exit signs are required in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101, such signs shall comply with 14.14.3, 14.14.4, 14.14.5, and 14.14.6 for externally illuminated signs and 14.14.7 for internally illuminated signs. Such signs shall be located near the floor level in addition to those signs required for doors or corridors. The bottom of the sign shall be not less than 6 in. (150 mm), but not more than 18 in. (455 mm), above the floor. For exit doors, the sign shall be mounted on the door or adjacent to the door, with the nearest edge of the sign within 4 in. (100 mm) of the door frame. [101:7.10.1.6]

Where floor proximity egress path marking is required in Chapters 11 through 43 of NFPA 101, an approved floor proximity egress path marking system that is internally illuminated shall be installed within 18 in. (455 mm) of the floor. Floor proximity egress path marking systems shall be listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 1994, Standard for Luminous Egress Path Marking Systems. The system shall provide a visible delineation of the path of travel along the designated exit access and shall be essentially continuous, except as interrupted by doorways, hallways, corridors, or other such architectural features. The system shall operate continuously or at any time the building fire alarm system is activated. The activation, duration, and continuity of operation of the system shall be in accordance with 7.9.2 of NFPA 101. The system shall be maintained in accordance with the product manufacturing listing. [101:7.10.1.7]

Every sign required in Section 14.14 shall be located and of such size, distinctive color, and design that it is readily visible and shall provide contrast with decorations, interior finish, or other signs. No decorations, furnishings, or equipment that impairs visibility of a sign shall be permitted. No brightly illuminated sign (for other than exit purposes), display, or object in or near the line of vision of the required exit sign that could detract attention from the exit sign shall be permitted. [101:7.10.1.8]

The bottom of new egress markings shall be located at a vertical distance of not more than 6 ft 8 in. (2030 mm) above the top edge of the egress opening intended for designation by that marking. Egress markings shall be located at a horizontal distance of not more than the required width of the egress opening, as measured from the edge of the egress opening intended for designation by that marking to the nearest edge of the marking. [101:7.10.1.9]

A sign complying with 14.14.3 with a directional indicator showing the direction of travel shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not apparent. [101:7.10.2.1]

Directional exit signs shall be provided within horizontal components of the egress path within exit enclosures as required by 14.14.1.2.2. [101:7.10.2.2]

Signs required by 14.14.1 and 14.14.2 shall read as follows in plainly legible letters, or other appropriate wording shall be used:

Where approved by the AHJ, pictograms in compliance with NFPA 170 shall be permitted. [101:7.10.3.2]

Every sign required by 14.14.1.2, 14.14.1.5, or 14.14.8.1, other than where operations or processes require low lighting levels, shall be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source. Externally and internally illuminated signs shall be legible in both the normal and emergency lighting mode. [101:7.10.5.1]

Externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated by not less than 5 ft-candles (54 lux) at the illuminated surface and shall have a contrast ratio of not less than 0.5. [101:7.10.6.3]

Internally illuminated signs shall be listed in accordance with ANSI/UL 924, Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment, unless they meet one of the following criteria:

1. They are approved existing signs.
2. They are existing signs having the required wording in legible letters not less than 4 in. (100 mm) high.
3. They are signs that are in accordance with 14.14.1.3 and 14.14.1.6.

The face of a photoluminescent sign shall be continually illuminated while the building is occupied. The illumination levels on the face of the photoluminescent sign shall be in accordance with its listing. The charging illumination shall be a reliable light source as determined by the AHJ. The charging light source shall be of a type specified in the product markings. [101:7.10.7.2]

Special signs, where required by other provisions of this Code, shall comply with the visual character requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. [101:7.10.8.2]