What Is a Means of Egress?

The International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Buildings (ComSOP) defines the means of egress as a continuous and unobstructed path out of a building to a public way (i.e., street or alley). It provides occupants with a safe and quick way to exit the building in the event of a fire or other emergency. Commercial buildings are designated a means of egress during the design and construction process. Inspectors can identify the means of egress from posted emergency escape routes and by recognizing life safety features present.

Means of Egress Fundamentals

The means of egress consists of three parts, including an exit access, exit, and exit discharge. Under the ComSOP, inspectors should inspect for the presence of at least two exits to the outside, or one exit with a maximum travel distance of 75 feet (22.86 m). Understanding the following key definitions and concepts is essential when inspecting the means of egress:

• Exit Access: Leads occupants from any portion of the building to a fire-rated enclosure called an exit. The exit access space is where the building occupants are working or engaged in their normal activities. Exit access allows occupants to move around freely and is the lowest level of protection within the means of egress.
• Exit: Located between the exit access and exit discharge, this portion of the mean of egress provides occupants with a protected path of travel. It includes fire-resistance-construction, such as interior exit passageways, interior and exterior exit stairways or ramps, and exterior exit doors at ground level.
• Exit Discharge: The final section of the means of egress, between the exit and public way. Occupants use this path to leave the building near ground level and reach an area open to the atmosphere. It may include exit balconies, exterior stairs, exterior ramps, and exit courtyards.
• Flow: The direction of travel along the means of egress, where occupants move from smaller less occupied areas toward larger more occupied areas. As egress paths merge, the width and capacity must remain the same or increase in the direction of travel, never decrease, to safely accommodate occupants from all connected areas.
• Alternative Path: A backup means of egress that provides occupants with another route from the building interior to the exterior at ground level if one path is blocked or endangered by another hazard.
• Protection: Occupants must be kept safe from hazard, injury and danger as they exit the building along the entire means of egress. The use of fire-resistant walls, doors, ceilings, and other building materials helps prevent the spread of fire and maintains a protected path for occupants to safely exit the building.

Identifying the Means of Egress

The means of egress is inspected by following the route from the exit access to the exit and then to the exit discharge. Look for exit signs and emergency lighting that indicate the direction of travel, changes in construction that indicate a more protected portion of the route, such as enclosed stairways and fire-rated doors, and the exterior discharge path that leads occupants to a public way.

Review the building’s posted emergency evacuation plan to confirm the designated exit routes and ensure the discharge path is clear of hazards and obstructions. Talk with your client about any anticipated layout changes that could affect a designated path. For example, adding a wall partition could impede an existing exit route. To learn more, enroll in the Inspecting Commercial Fire and Life Safety Systems Online Course, and earn your certification upon completion.