Questions and Answers
What is the required exit capacity per occupant in a horizontal exit's doors entering the refuge area?
3 net sf
What must the refuge area of a horizontal assembly have in terms of exit capacity?
What is the maximum allowed height of exterior exit stairways for buildings?
6 stories
The minimum fire separation distance of exterior stairs and ramps is _____ feet.
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An open-ended corridor must have doors at both ends.
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What must the exit discharge provide?
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Max _____% of interior exit stairways and ramps can egress through a space on the level of discharge.
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What are the depth and length requirements for vestibules?
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What is the minimum width of an egress court?
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An egress court must have unobstructed access to a public way.
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What dimensions should the main exit accommodate if the occupant load is more than 300?
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What is the minimum aisle width for stepped aisles with seats on both sides?
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Ramped aisles that are part of an accessible route must have slopes greater than 1:12.
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What is the minimum tread depth for stepped aisles?
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What is the minimum ceiling height for means of egress?
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What is the minimum headroom for protruding objects in circulation paths?
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Elevation changes of less than 12 inches must be a stair.
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What must ramps with a rise equal to or less than 6 inches have?
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What is the minimum tread depth for a stair having up to 2 risers?
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Elevators are considered means of egress in all buildings.
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What happens to the occupant load of a mezzanine with its egress through a room?
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Occupant load of adjacent stories shall be added.
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What does Table 1004.1.2 provide?
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What requirements apply for outdoor areas used by persons in addition to building occupants?
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What is the capacity calculation for stairways?
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What is the maximum projection allowed for protruding objects?
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What is required for door handles and operating hardware height?
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Egress doors are allowed to have a clear width of less than 32 inches.
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What is the width requirement for a landing at doors?
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What is the minimum depth of stairway landings?
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Ramps are required to have handrails if the rise is more than 4 inches.
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What is the maximum slope allowed for ramps used as means of egress?
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What is the required area for an egress balcony?
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What is the fire separation distance required for exterior egress balconies?
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What is required for evacuation via horizontal exits?
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Study Notes
Means of Egress Overview
- Ceiling height for means of egress must be a minimum of 7' 6". Exceptions apply for specific structures like stairs and ramps.
- Protruding objects should maintain a minimum headroom of 80" and cannot reduce ceiling height by more than 50%.
Elevation and Ramp Requirements
- Changes in elevation less than 12 inches must be achieved with a sloped surface, not stairs.
- Ramps with a rise of 6 inches or less require either handrails or contrasting floor materials.
Stair Design Specifications
- Stairs with up to 2 risers require a minimum tread depth of 13" and a handrail within 30" of the center.
- Minimum width for stairways is 44 inches; for occupant loads under 50 maximum minimum width can be 36 inches.
Elevator and Egress Considerations
- Elevators and escalators do not count as means of egress unless required for accessibility in buildings of 4 stories or more.
Occupant Load and Egress Capacity
- The occupant load of mezzanines must be combined with that of the room they are accessed from for means of egress sizing.
- Occupant loads from adjacent stories are generally not added, except for egress components designed for convergence.
Tables for Occupancy and Travel Distance
- Table 1004.1.2 defines maximum floor area per occupant across various uses, ranging from 5 net for standing areas to 300 gross for accessory storage.
- Common path of travel lengths vary depending on occupancy, typically capped at 75 feet, extendable to 100 feet for specific occupancies if sprinklered.
Door and Landing Specifications
- Egress doors must be a minimum of 32 inches clear and swing in the direction of egress travel if the occupant load is 50 or more.
- Required landings at doors must have a minimum width of the door or stair width and cannot project into landing more than 7 inches.
Handrail and Guard Requirements
- Handrails must be installed on both sides of stairways, with a height range of 34 to 38 inches.
- Guards are required for open sides of floors more than 30 inches above the floor below.
Egress Conditions for Stairs and Ramps
- Maximum vertical rise for stairs must not exceed 12 feet.
- Intermediate handrails are required on stairs with widths exceeding 60 inches to ensure accessibility.
Special Egress Solutions
- Areas of refuge must be available on accessible exit routes, accommodating 30" x 48" for every 200 occupants.
- Exterior areas of assisted rescue must allow accessible routes from exit discharge to public ways.
Horizontal Exits and Fire Safety
- Horizontal exits cannot serve as the only exit and require a minimum separation of 2 hours if within main building compartments.
- Fire separation distances for exterior egress balconies require a minimum of 10 feet from any building boundary.
Miscellaneous Egress Guidelines
- Open-ended corridors must connect to exterior exit stairways and fulfill specific conditions for separation requirements.
- Exit discharge routes must be at grade and cannot lead back into the building.
Accessibility and Special Provisions
- At least one accessible means of egress is mandated for accessible spaces; additional accessible routes are required under certain occupancy circumstances.
- Spiral stairs and alternate tread devices are permitted only in restricted access areas serving no more than 5 people.
This summary provides an outline of key points essential for understanding the regulations and requirements associated with means of egress as per IBC Chapter 10.### Exit Path Requirements
- A free and unobstructed path to exit must be provided.
- An exit level must be separate from any basement below.
- Paths must be protected by a sprinkler system.
- Any other exit access stairway should be at least 30 feet apart or one-quarter of the overall diagonal distance.
Vestibule Regulations
- Maximum 50% of exit stairs may end in a vestibule if certain conditions are met.
- The vestibule must be separated from the level below.
- Depth of the vestibule is limited to 10 feet, with a maximum length of 30 feet.
- It must have a fire partition isolating it from the building and should open directly to the outside.
Egress Court Specifications
- Egress courts must have a minimum width of 44 inches.
- They should allow for a gradual reduction in width.
- If the width is less than 10 feet, walls must be rated for one hour.
Exit Discharge Access
- Unobstructed access to a public way is essential from the exit discharge.
- If unobstructed access is not feasible, a safe dispersal area of 5 square feet per person should be provided at least 50 feet away from the building.
Assembly Space Exits
- For occupant loads exceeding 300, the main exit must be at least half the required width to accommodate all paths leading to it.
- Other exits should accommodate at least half of the required capacity based on occupant load.
- The main exit should open to a public space or street.
Aisle Width Requirements
- Minimum aisle width is 48 inches for stepped aisles with seats on both sides.
- For stepped aisles with seats on one side, the minimum width is 36 inches.
- Aisles that are ramped must have widths of 42 inches for both sides or 36 inches for one side.
Ramped Aisle Specifications
- Accessible ramped aisles must have a maximum slope of 1:12.
- Other ramped aisles should not exceed a slope of 1:8.
- Handrails must be present for slopes greater than 1:15 unless seating is on both sides.
Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings
- Required for R2 and R3 occupancy types located in basements and sleeping areas below the 4th story.
- Openings must lead to a public way or a yard/court that connects to a public way.
- Openings are not necessary if the basement or sleeping room features an exit door that opens outside.
Stepped Aisle Regulations
- Minimum tread depth for stepped aisles must be 11 inches.
- Riser heights must be a minimum of 4 inches and a maximum of 8 inches.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the International Building Code's chapter on means of egress with these flashcards. Each card covers crucial safety regulations regarding ceiling heights and protruding objects in circulation paths. Perfect for architecture students and professionals.
