What is Means of Egress?

• A. A continuous and unobstructed way of travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way consisting of three separate and distinct parts: exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge.
• B. A route that passes through three locked doors to reach outside.
• C. An interior staircase that cannot be used during a fire.
• D. A route that requires a key to exit the building.

Answer: (A)

Means of egress is the safe, unobstructed path people use to get from inside a building to the outside world in an emergency. It must be continuous from any point in the building to a public way, and it is made up of three distinct parts: exit access (the portion that leads to an exit), the exit (the protected portion such as a corridor or stair), and the exit discharge (the portion from the exit to the outside). This path must remain usable during a fire, so doors along it cannot require keys or special knowledge to operate, and they must be readily operable from the inside. That's why a route that goes through locked doors or one that cannot be used during a fire does not qualify as a means of egress.