In Compliance column in the May/June issue of NFPA Journal, Ron Coté, Principal Life Safety Engineer at the National Fire Protection Agency, debunks two myths regarding NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.
The first myth is that all assembly occupancy rooms with an occupancy load more than 50 must have a second egress door. This is not true, although many do have second exit access doors “in order not to violate the common path of travel limitation,” Coté writes.
For most room locations and arrangements, a second exit access door from the room can be positioned to provide occupants with a second travel path. The presence of the second exit access door can reduce what would otherwise be an excessive common path of travel to one that is within the permitted distance.
Coté also debunks the myth that exit signs are required at exits only. The signs are actually required in three locations: at exits, in the exit access, and in exit access corridors of new construction. They are required in the exit access when the exit or way to reach the exit is not readily apparent, as might be the case where additional turns in the egress path are needed to reach an exit.
They may also be needed when in exit access corridors of new construction no point is in excess of the particular sign’s rated viewing distance or the 100-foot (30-meter) default value, whichever is less, from the nearest sign.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 12, 2018
Congestion pricing for cars is effective in reducing traffic, but a difficult sell
After three years, traffic congestion declined by 30% in London.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2018
First RFP requiring modular construction on New York City housing project issued
Part of Housing 2.0 modular construction initiative.
Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2018
Buffalo, N.Y., contractor exec pleads guilty to fraud for bid rigging on $750 million contract
LPCiminelli stops functioning as GC in fallout from the case.
Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2018
LEED should be updated to combat climate change
Hasn’t kept pace with urgency of problem, says clean energy investor.
Codes and Standards | Jun 5, 2018
Sports stadiums and arenas showcase sustainability features
Green venues save owners money, gain positive publicity.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2018
L.A. must transition to cleaner energy, boost transit to reach sustainability goals
City aims to reduce GHGs 60% by 2035 and 80% by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2018
Washington D.C.’s flattened skyline can be a virtue
Zoning ordinance that ties building heights to width of streets dictates form.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2018
Silicon Valley cities considering taxes aimed at large employers
The aim is to offset the impact on housing costs and homelessness by tech companies.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2018
OSHA proposes new crane operator safety rule
Would provide long-term clarity on certification requirements.
Codes and Standards | May 29, 2018
Government support helping to drive demand for green building materials
Market projects to grow 12.5% annually between 2013 and 2019.
