3.4 Exits

Make sure every exit door and exit access corridor is visible. In a conspicuous area, post the route to reach every exit so that physically and mentally capable occupants will readily know the direction of escape from any point. Exits should be easy to open.

3.4.1 Guidelines

Use the following guidelines for providing exits:

• Provide two exits if there is a possibility that the size, occupancy, or arrangement of an area, a section, a building, or a structure would endanger occupants attempting to use a single exit blocked by fire or smoke. Arrange the two exits in a way that will minimize the possibility that both might become impassable in an emergency.

• Mark exits with readily visible signs. Place a sign reading “Exit,” or something similar, with an arrow indicating the exit’s direction if the route to the nearest exit is not immediately apparent.

• Post signs on doors, passages, or stairways that might be mistaken for an exit or access to an exit. The signs should read “Not an Exit,” or something similar, or should identify the actual area, such as “To Basement,” “Storeroom,” or “Linen Closet.”

• Make sure signs marking an exit or exit access are in a location, size, color, and design that will make them easily seen. Do not permit decorations, furnishings, or equipment to impair visibility of an exit or exit directions.

• Illuminate every exit sign with a reliable light source. This light source should be five foot-candles or more on the lighted surface.

• Make sure the word Exit is plainly legible and that the letters are at least six inches high and three-fourths of an inch wide.

• Arrange exit doors to be opened readily from the exit side whenever the building is occupied. Make sure locks, if provided, do not require special knowledge, uncommon effort, or use of a key or tool to open from inside the building.