Means of Egress

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

• CWUIC § 2025 High relevance — show source text

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  Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features.

  Chapter 7 provisions present the fundamental concepts of fire performance that all buildings are expected to achieve in some form. This chapter identifies the acceptable materials, techniques and methods by which proposed construction can be designed and evaluated against to determine a building’s ability to limit the impact of fire.

  Chapter 7A Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure.

  Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Areas are now located in Part 7 of Title 24, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The provisions of Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, shall apply to buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) or Fire Hazard Severity Zone.

  Chapter 8 Interior Finishes.

  Chapter 8 contains the performance requirements for controlling fire growth within buildings by restricting interior finish and decorative materials. The provisions of Chapter 8 require materials used as interior finishes and decorations to meet certain flame-spread index or flame-propagation criteria based on the relative fire hazard associated with the occupancy.

  Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems.

  Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building, because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CFC; however, the CFC Chapter 9 also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC Chapter 4 are duplicated in CFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.

  Chapter 10 Means of Egress.

  The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.

  Chapter 11 Reserved.

  Chapter 11A Housing Accessibility. Chapter 11B Accessibility to Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings and Public Housing.

  Verify compliance with accessibility provisions. In order to be considered as accessible, buildings and their individual elements must comply with the applicable scoping and technical provisions of Chapter 11A and/or Chapter 11B.

  Chapter 12 Interior Environment.

• CFC § 2025 High relevance — show source text

  In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC Chapter 4 are duplicated in CFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.

  Chapter 10 Means of Egress.

  The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.

  Chapter 11 Reserved.

  Chapter 11A Housing Accessibility. Chapter 11B Accessibility to Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings and Public Housing.

  Verify compliance with accessibility provisions. In order to be considered as accessible, buildings and their individual elements must comply with the applicable scoping and technical provisions of Chapter 11A and/or Chapter 11B.

  Chapter 12 Interior Environment.

  Chapter 12 provides minimum standards for the interior environment of a building. The standards address the minimum sizes of spaces, as well as minimums for temperature, light and ventilation. Concerns for sound transmission and acoustics are addressed. Finally, the chapter provides minimum standards for toilet and bathroom construction.

  Chapter 13 Energy Efficiency.

  Chapter 13 is not adopted in California. Refer to California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6.

  Chapter 14 Exterior Walls.

  Chapter 14 addresses requirements for exterior walls of buildings. Minimum standards for wall covering materials, installation of wall coverings and the ability of the wall to provide weather protection are provided.

  Chapter 15 Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures.

  Chapter 15 provides standards for both roof assemblies and structures that sit on top of the roofs of buildings. The criteria address roof construction and covering, including the weather-protective barrier at the roof and, in most circumstances, a fire-resistant barrier.

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  Chapter 16 Structural Design.

  Chapter 16 prescribes minimum structural loading requirements for use in the design and construction of buildings and structural components. The chapter references and relies on many nationally recognized design standards, including the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7).

  Chapter 16A Structural Design.

• CBC § 1023.9.1 High relevance — show source text

  9
  (2nd paragraph only)|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |1023.9.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1023.11||||||X||||||||||||||||||| |1024.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1026.4.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1026.4.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1026.6|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1028.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1029.3.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1029.9.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.6.3.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.9|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||||

  The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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  10 MEANS OF EGRESS

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 10 provides the general criteria for designing the means of egress established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. It addresses all portions of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.

  The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 is subdivided into four main sections: general (Sections 1003–1015), exit access (Sections 1016–1021), exit (Sections 1022–1027) and exit discharge (Sections 1028–1029). Special allowances for the unique requirements for assembly spaces (Section 1030) and emergency escape and rescue openings (Section 1031) complete the chapter. Chapter 10 of this code is duplicated in Chapter 10 the California Fire Code; however, the California Fire Code contains one additional section on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.

  SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION

• CBC § 1001.1 High relevance — show source text

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  10 MEANS OF EGRESS

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 10 provides the general criteria for designing the means of egress established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. It addresses all portions of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.

  The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 is subdivided into four main sections: general (Sections 1003–1015), exit access (Sections 1016–1021), exit (Sections 1022–1027) and exit discharge (Sections 1028–1029). Special allowances for the unique requirements for assembly spaces (Section 1030) and emergency escape and rescue openings (Section 1031) complete the chapter. Chapter 10 of this code is duplicated in Chapter 10 the California Fire Code; however, the California Fire Code contains one additional section on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.

  SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION

  1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof.

  1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.

  SECTION 1002—MAINTENANCE AND PLANS

  [F] 1002.1 Maintenance. Means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code .

  [F] 1002.2 Fire safety and evacuation plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided for all occupancies and buildings where required by the California Fire Code . Such fire safety and evacuation plans shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 401.2 and 404 of the California Fire Code .

  SECTION 1003—GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS

  1003.1 Applicability. The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 through 1015 shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter.

• CBC § 1009.10 Medium relevance — show source text

  1009.10 Directional signage. Directional signage complying with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 indicating the location of all other means of egress and which of those are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:

  1. At exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress.
  2. At elevator landings.
  3. Within areas of refuge.

  1009.11 Instructions. In areas of refuge, exterior areas for assisted rescue and locations required to provide two-way communications systems complying with Section 1009.8, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted.

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  MEANS OF EGRESS

  Signage shall comply with the Chapter 11A, Section 1143A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 requirements for visual characters. The instructions shall include all of the following:

  1. Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.

  2. Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.

  3. Directions for use of the two-way communication system where provided.

  1009.12 Alarms/emergency warning systems/two-way communication systems. Required emergency warning systems shall activate a means of warning the hearing impaired. Emergency warning systems provided as part of the fire-alarm system and two-way communica- tion systems required by Chapter 10 shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 72 as amended in Chapter 35.

  SECTION 1010—DOORS, GATES AND TURNSTILES

  [DSA-AC] In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.5 and 11B-404, as applicable.

  1010.1 General. Doors in the means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1010.1.1 through 1010.3.4. Exterior exit doors shall also comply with the requirements of Section 1022.2. Gates in the means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1010.4 and 1010.4.1. Turnstiles in the means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1010.5 through 1010.5.4.

  Doors, gates and turnstiles provided for egress purposes in numbers greater than required by this code shall comply with the requirements of this section.

  Doors in the means of egress shall be readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction and finishes such that the doors are easily recognizable as doors. Mirrors or similar reflecting materials shall not be used on means of egress doors. Means of egress doors shall not be concealed by curtains, drapes, decorations or similar materials.

  1010.1.1 Size of doors. The required capacity of each door opening shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof and shall provide a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches (813 mm).

• CBC § 1010.1.4. Medium relevance — show source text

  1. Steps at exterior doors complying with Section 1010.1.4.
  2. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 A or 11B where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011.5, the minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and not less than one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of the centerline of the normal path of egress travel on the stair.
  3. A step is permitted in aisles serving seating that has a difference in elevation less than 12 inches (305 mm) at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 A or 11B, provided that the risers and treads comply with Section 1030.14 and the aisle is provided with a handrail complying with Section 1030.16.

  Throughout a story in a Group I-2 occupancy, any change in elevation in portions of the means of egress that serve nonambulatory persons shall be by means of a ramp or sloped walkway.

  1003.6 Means of egress continuity. The path of egress travel along a means of egress shall not be interrupted by a building element other than a means of egress component as specified in this chapter. Obstructions shall not be placed in the minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress component except projections permitted by this chapter. The minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress system shall not be diminished along the path of egress travel.

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  MEANS OF EGRESS

  1003.7 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Elevators, escalators and moving walks shall not be used as a component of a required means of egress from any other part of the building.

  Exception: Elevators used as an accessible means of egress in accordance with Section 1009.4.

  SECTION 1004—OCCUPANT LOAD

  1004.1 Design occupant load. In determining means of egress requirements, the number of occupants for whom means of egress facilities are provided shall be determined in accordance with this section.

  1004.2 Cumulative occupant loads. Where the path of egress travel includes intervening rooms, areas or spaces, cumulative occupant loads shall be determined in accordance with this section.

  1004.2.1 Intervening spaces or accessory areas. Where occupants egress from one or more rooms, areas or spaces through others, the design occupant load shall be the combined occupant load of interconnected accessory or intervening spaces. Design of egress path capacity shall be based on the cumulative portion of occupant loads of all rooms, areas or spaces to that point along the path of egress travel.

  1004.2.2 Adjacent levels for mezzanines. That portion of the occupant load of a mezzanine with required egress through a room, area or space on an adjacent level shall be added to the occupant load of that room, area or space.

  1004.2.3 Adjacent stories. Other than for the egress components designed for convergence in accordance with Section 1005.6, the occupant load from separate stories shall not be added.

• CBC § 10-5 Medium relevance — show source text

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  CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

  1011.5 Means of egress, general. Hazard categories in regard to life safety and means of egress shall be in accordance with Table 1011.5.

  TABLE 1011.5—MEANS OF EGRESS HAZARD CATEGORIES	Col2
  RELATIVE HAZARD	OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS
  1 (Highest Hazard)	H (Not Allowed)
  2	I-2; I-3; I-4_(Not Allowed)_
  3	A; E; M; R-1; R-2; R-4
  4	B; F-1; R-3; R-4, S-1
  5 (Lowest Hazard)	F-2; S-2; U

  1011.5.1 Means of egress for change to a higher-hazard category. Where a change of occupancy classification is made to a higher-hazard category (lower number) as shown in Table 1011.5, the means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10 of the California Building Code .

  Exceptions:

  1. Stairways shall be enclosed in compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 903.1.

  2. Existing stairways including handrails and guards complying with the requirements of Chapter 9 shall be permitted for continued use subject to approval of the code official.

  3. Any stairway replacing an existing stairway within a space where the pitch or slope cannot be reduced because of existing construction shall not be required to comply with the maximum riser height and minimum tread depth requirements.

  4. Existing corridor walls constructed on both sides of wood lath and plaster in good condition or [1] / 2 -inch-thick (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard shall be permitted. Such walls shall either terminate at the underside of a ceiling of equivalent construction or extend to the underside of the floor or roof next above.

  5. Existing corridor doorways, transoms and other corridor openings shall comply with the requirements in Sections 804.7.1, 804.7.2 and 804.7.3.

  6. Existing dead-end corridors shall comply with the requirements in Section 804.8.

  7. An operable window complying with Section 1011.5.6 shall be accepted as an emergency escape and rescue opening.

  8. In Group R-2.1 and I-2 facilities, required guards enclosing the occupiable roof areas shall be permitted to be greater than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the surface of the occupiable roof where the occupants, because of clinical needs, require restraint or containment as part of a function of a psychiatric or cognitive treatment area.

  1011.5.2 Means of egress for change of use to an equal or lower-hazard category. Where a change of occupancy classification is made to an equal or lesser-hazard category (higher number) as shown in Table 1011.5, existing elements of the means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Section 905 for the new occupancy classification. Newly constructed or configured means of egress shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10 of the California Building Code .

  Exceptions:

• CBC § 1307.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  FS = Fire Safety.
  ME = Means of Egress.
  GS = General Safety.
  MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety.
  MME = Mandatory Means of Egress.
  MGS = Mandatory General Safety.|a. FS = Fire Safety.
  ME = Means of Egress.
  GS = General Safety.
  MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety.
  MME = Mandatory Means of Egress.
  MGS = Mandatory General Safety.|a. FS = Fire Safety.
  ME = Means of Egress.
  GS = General Safety.
  MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety.
  MME = Mandatory Means of Egress.
  MGS = Mandatory General Safety.|a. FS = Fire Safety.
  ME = Means of Egress.
  GS = General Safety.
  MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety.
  MME = Mandatory Means of Egress.
  MGS = Mandatory General Safety.|a. FS = Fire Safety.
  ME = Means of Egress.
  GS = General Safety.
  MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety.
  MME = Mandatory Means of Egress.
  MGS = Mandatory General Safety.|a. FS = Fire Safety.
  ME = Means of Egress.
  GS = General Safety.
  MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety.
  MME = Mandatory Means of Egress.
  MGS = Mandatory General Safety.|a. FS = Fire Safety.
  ME = Means of Egress.
  GS = General Safety.
  MFS = Mandatory Fire Safety.
  MME = Mandatory Means of Egress.
  MGS = Mandatory General Safety.|

  1307.1.1 Mixed occupancies. For mixed occupancies, the following provisions shall apply:

  1. Where the separation between mixed occupancies does not qualify for any category indicated in Section 1305.2.16, the mandatory safety scores for the occupancy with the lowest general safety score in Table 1306.2 shall be utilized (see Section 1305.2).
  2. Where the separation between mixed occupancies qualifies for any category indicated in Section 1305.2.16, the mandatory safety scores for each occupancy shall be placed against the evaluation scores for the appropriate occupancy. An evaluation is not required for areas of the building with separated occupancies in accordance with Table 508.4 of the California Building Code in which there are no alterations or change of occupancy.

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  CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

  CHAPTER 14 – RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS

  (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

• CBC § 5.2.4.5 Medium relevance — show source text

  5.2.4.5 Separation Between System and Nonsystem Occupancies.* All station public areas shall be fire separated from adjacent non-system occupancies by a one hour fire barrier, unless otherwise required by other provisions of the California Building Code.

  Amend Section 5.3.1.1 to read as follows:

  5.3.1.1 The provisions for means of egress for a station shall comply with Chapter 10 of the California Building Code, except as herein modified.

  Amend Section 5.3.2.1 to read as follows:

  5.3.2.1* The occupant load for a station shall be based on the train load of trains simultaneously entering the station on all tracks in normal traffic direction plus the simultaneous entraining load awaiting trains.

  (1) The train load shall consider only one train at any one track. (2) The basis for calculating train and entraining loads shall be the peak period ridership figures as projected for design of a new system or as updated for an operating system. (3) Exiting shall be provided for occupant loads recalculated upon increase in service and/ or every five years.

  Amend Section 5.3.3.5 to read as follows:

  5.3.3.5 Travel Distance. The maximum travel distance on the platform to a point at which a means of egress route leaves the platform shall not exceed 91 440 mm (300 feet).

  Amend Section 5.3.3.7 to read as follows:

  5.3.3.7 Alternate Egress . At least two means of egress remote from each other shall be provided from each station platform as follows:

  (1)*A means of egress used as a public circulation route shall be permitted to provide more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity from a station platform or other location. (2) Means of egress from separate platforms shall be permitted to converge. (3) Where means of egress routes from separate platforms converge, the subsequent capacity of the egress route shall be sufficient to maintain the required evacuation time from the incident platform. (4) Enclosed station platforms shall have a minimum of one exit within 2.5 times the least width of the enclosed station platform up to a maximum of 50 feet (insert mm) from each end. (5) Routes from platform ends into the underground guideway shall not be considered as exits for calculating exiting requirements.

  Amend Section 5.3.11.1 to read as follows:

  5.3.11.1 Illumination of the means of egress in stations, including escalators that are considered a means of egress, shall be in accordance with Chapter 10 of the California Building Code.

  Amend Section 5.3.11.2 to read as follows:

  5.3.11.2 Means of egress, including escalators considered as means of egress, shall be provided with a system of emergency lighting in accordance with Chapter 10 of the California Building Code.

  Amend Section 5.4.1.1 to read as follows:

  5.4.1.1 Enclosed stations shall be provided with a fire command center in accordance with Section 911.1.1 through 911.5 of the California Building Code.

  Amend Section 5.4.4.1 to read as follows:

• CBC § 9-53 Medium relevance — show source text

  911 Fire Command Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53

  912 Fire Department Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54

  913 Fire Pumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55

  914 Emergency Responder Safety Features . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

  915 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

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  916 Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-58

  917 Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59

  918 Emergency Responder Communication Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59

  CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

  1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

  1002 Maintenance and Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

  1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

  1004 Occupant Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7

  1005 Means of Egress Sizing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9

  1006 Number of Exits and Exit Access Doorways . . . . . 10-10

  1007 Exit and Exit Access Doorway Configuration . . . . 10-14

  1008 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

  1009 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15

  1010 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19

  1011 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29

  1012 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33

• CBC § 4.4 Medium relevance — show source text

  3 (a-c)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §4.4]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §4.5 (a)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §4.6 (a)(b)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.11 (a-d)]_||||X||||||||||||||||||||

  • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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  10 MEANS OF EGRESS

  User note:

  About this chapter: Chapter 10 provides the general criteria for designing the means of egress established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. This chapter addresses all portions of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.

  The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Sections 1003 through 1031 are duplicated text from Chapter 10 of the California Building Code ; however, the California Fire Code contains an additional Section 1032 on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings. Retroactive minimum means of egress requirements for existing buildings are found in Chapter 11.

  SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION

  1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof. Sections 1003 through 1031 shall apply to new construction. Section 1032 shall apply to existing buildings.

  Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the California Residential Code .

  [BE] 1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.

• CBC § 1803.5.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  Exception: A drainage system for area wells is not required where the foundation is on well-drained soil or sand-gravel mixture soils in accordance with the United Soil Classification System, Group I Soils, in accordance with Section 1803.5.1 of the Califor- nia Building Code .

  [BE] 1031.6 Bars, grilles, covers and screens. Where bars, grilles, covers, screens or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, or area wells that serve such openings, the minimum net clear opening size shall comply with Sections 1031.3 and 1031.5. Such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 10-63

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  MEANS OF EGRESS

  SECTION 1032—MAINTENANCE OF THE MEANS OF EGRESS

  1032.1 General. The means of egress for buildings or portions thereof shall be maintained in accordance with this section.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.11(a) through (d)] Exits, Aisles, Ramps, Corridors and Passageways.

  (a) No person shall install, place or permit the installation or placement of any bed, chair, equipment, concession, turnstile, ticket office or anything whatsoever, in any manner which would block or obstruct the required width of any exit.

  (b) No person shall install, place or permit the installation or placement of any combustible material or equipment in or exposed to any exit.

  Exceptions: (1) Furniture or equipment constructed of wood or other material of similar combustibility may be permitted in an exit or exposed to an exit when approved by the enforcing agency. (2) When approved by the enforcing agency, combustible materials may be permitted in exit foyers and lobbies.

  (c) No person shall install, place or permit the installation or placement of any storage material of any kind in any exit regardless of the required width of such exit.

  Exception: Personal material located in metal lockers in Group B and E occupancies as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2.

  (d) Aisles shall not be occupied by any person for whom seating is not available.

  1032.2 Reliability. Required exit accesses, exits and exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency where the building area served by the means of egress is occupied. An exit or exit passageway shall not be used for any purpose that interferes with a means of egress.

  1032.2.1 Security devices and egress locks. Security devices affecting means of egress shall be subject to approval of the fire code official. Security devices and locking arrangements in the means of egress that restrict, control, or delay egress shall be installed and maintained as required by this chapter.

  1032.2.2 Fire escapes. Security enclosures, fences or screening for fire escape stairways shall be approved by the fire code official and shall be constructed such that they do not impede egress to the public way. Means shall be provided for emergency personnel to access the fire escape stair from the exterior of the enclosure.