Fire Safety and Means of Egress

1. General rule:
The number of means of egress from any balcony, mezzanine, story or
portion thereof shall not be less than two. This rule is mandatory for all
buildings more than 6 story's or 20 m in height and all building having more
than 500𝑚2
in each floor. The staircases should be of enclosed type and
shall lead directly to the exterior or the designated area of refuge.
Exception:
Only one means of exit shall suffice for the building specified in table
(mentioned in next slide) provided that they do not have more than one
floor below the level of exit discharge.
NUMBER OF MEANS OF EGRESS

2. NUMBER OF MEANS OF
EGRESS
OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM NUMBER OF
STOREY
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
All 1 Maximum occupant load 100 & maximum travel
distance 25m.
A1 2 Maximum Occupant load 30.
A2 6 Maximum 12 dwelling units.
A3 4 Maximum 50 occupants per floor & maximum travel
distance 25m.
A4 6 Maximum 50 occupants per floor & maximum travel
distance 25m.
A5 2 Maximum occupant load 50.
B,C 2 Maximum Occupant load 200.
D 2 Maximum Occupant load 50.
F,G,H 2 Maximum 100 occupants per floor & maximum
travel distance 25m.

3. NUMBER OF MEANS OF
EGRESS
For all other buildings the required number of exits shall depend on the
occupant load. The purpose of this provision is to protect the exterior
wall of a stairway from fires in other portions of the building.
Occupant load 500 or less Minimum Exits 2
Occupant load 501 to 1000 Minimum Exits 3
Occupant Load more than 1000 Minimum Exits 4 or more

4. NUMBER OF MEANS OF
EGRESS
Residential occupancy criteria:
A1: Detached single family dwelling
A2: Flats & Apartments.
A3: Mess, Boarding house & Hostels.
A4: Minimum Standard Housing.
A5: Hotels & Lodging Houses.

5. NUMBER OF MEANS OF
EGRESS
Note:
Elevator lobbies shall have access to at least one exit. Such exit shall not
require the use of a key, tool, special knowledge or special effort.