Focus: Fire-Life Safety / Column

Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Exit discharge

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for exit discharge

By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


Q: I could not find in the 2012 Life Safety Code if there is a specific width requirement for a sidewalk as an exit discharge.

A: You are describing the exit discharge, and that is regulated under section 7.7.1.1 of the 2012 LSC, which says 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.

Since the LSC does not specify what the width of the exit discharge should be, it is up to the AHJ to decide. When the building was designed and constructed, those dimensions would have been approved by the AHJ with authority over construction.

But it is mentioned in the NFPA handbook to the 2012 LSC that the exit discharge should be at a minimum wide enough to accommodate the calculated load of people using the exit discharge, so the dimensions used for the interior egress could be expected to be used for the exterior exit discharge. And remember, according to 7.1.6.2, the exit discharge must be level without an abrupt change in elevation greater than ¼ inch, so that means a smooth walking surface is required.

Brad Keyes, CHSP, is the owner of KEYES Life Safety Compliance, and his expertise is in the management of the Life Safety Program, including the Environment of Care and Emergency Management programs.

 

 

 



May 16, 2018


Topic Area: Regulations, Codes & Standards


Recent Posts

States Move Forward to Better Protect Senior Citizens

Senior citizens are among the most vulnerable population and require a certain level of care. States are trying to protect them.


Archer and REDA to Transform Newport Beach Building into Outpatient Center

Groundbreaking on the Newport Irvine Medical Center is scheduled for June 2025.


Sunflower Medical Group Facing Lawsuit Following January Data Breach

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, damages, expanded credit monitoring services and security improvements at Sunflower Medical Group.


Nemours Children's Health Opens New Location in Lake Nona

The nearly 8,000-square-foot facility will increase access to primary and specialty care services.


Enhancing Safety at Hennepin Healthcare with a Screening System

Case study: The system was able to detect 2,500 risk items in less than five months.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.