2021 International Building Code & More: Means of Egress

The International Building Code (IBC) defines a means of egress as “a continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way.” It is comprised of both vertical and horizontal passageways, including such components as doorways, corridors, stairs, ramps, enclosures, and intervening rooms. The design of these components is crucial to the safety of the building occupants during normal use and especially during emergencies. There are two main strategies for the means of egress: evacuation and “defend-in-place.” Evacuation means that the occupants will be provided with a direct path out of the building. In a defend-in-place strategy, occupants will go to a specific area to wait for assistance or be provided with an alternative method to exit the building. The first half of the course details the components of the means of egress. The second half discusses how to determine the required quantities, sizes, and locations of those components. Accessibility requirements are discussed throughout the course, and a means of egress checklist is provided at the end.