U.S.

ACCESS BO ARD TECHNICAL GUIDE

Accessible Means of Egress

This guide explains requirements in the ABA Standards and
referenced sections of the International Building Code (IBC) and
was developed in cooperation with the International Code Council.

Required Compliance with the IBC [§F207]

Accessible means of egress must be provided according to

the International Building Code (IBC). Issued by the
International Code Council (ICC), the IBC addresses the
number of means of egress required and technical criteria for
them, including fire–resistance rating, smoke protection, travel
distance, width, and other features. The Standards currently
apply the IBC 2003 edition or the 2000 edition and 2001
supplement. The Access Board plans to update these
references. Use of a later edition of the IBC may provide
Further information on the
equivalent or greater accessibility. IBC is available from the,
International Code Council
(ICC) at (888) 422-7233) or
Means of Egress www.iccsafe.org.

A means of egress is an unobstructed path to leave buildings, structures, and spaces.

A means of egress is comprised of exit access, exit, and exit discharge.

Components of a Means of Egress

Exit Access
The path from any location
in a building to an exit

Exits
Doors to the outside,
enclosed exit stairways,
and horizontal exits Exit Discharge
The path from an exit to a public
way such as a street or alley
 Chapter 4: Accessible Routes Accessible Means of Egress

Required Means of Egress [IBC §1007.1 (2003), §1003.2.13 (2000)]

The IBC requires at least two means of egress from all spaces and buildings with few
exceptions. Some spaces and buildings are allowed to have one means of egress if the
travel distance to an exit is short and the occupant load is low. For example, a business
occupancy with no more than 30 occupants and a maximum exit access travel distance
of 75 feet is permitted to have a single means of egress. More than two means of
egress are required where the occupant load is 500 or more (at least 3) and 1,000 or
more (at least 4). The IBC requirements for accessible means of egress apply to new
construction; accessible means of egress are not required to be added in alterations to
existing facilities.

An accessible means of egress, as defined by the IBC, is a “continuous and

unobstructed way of egress travel from any point in a building or facility that provides an
accessible route to an area of refuge, a horizontal exit, or a public way.” Where more
than one means of egress is required from any accessible space, each accessible
portion of the space must be served by at least two accessible means of egress.
Accessible spaces can be served by one accessible means of egress only where the
IBC permits one means of egress.

Accessible Means of Egress

Accessible spaces must be served by at least two accessible means of egress with
few exceptions. Accessible means of egress must extend from all accessible portions
of a room or space. The IBC specifies maximum travel distances to reach an exit.

Accessible means of egress can share a common path of egress travel as allowed
for means of egress by the applicable building or life safety code (§F207.1).

The IBC (2003) permits one accessible means of egress from:

 wheelchair seating in assembly areas with sloped floors where the common path of travel
meets aisle requirements for assembly areas and
 mezzanines served by an enclosed exit stairway or elevator equipped with standby power.

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Exit Access on Floors Above (or Below) the Level of Exit Discharge

On floors above or below the level of exit discharge, accessible means of egress must
lead to exit stairways, horizontal exits, or to elevators equipped with standby power.
These are locations where those unable to use stairs can await assisted rescue by
emergency responders. It is standard operating procedure for emergency responders
to check these locations first for anyone needing assistance.

Accessible Means of Egress Leading to Exit Stairs

On floors above or below the level of exit discharge,
accessible means of egress typically lead to exit stairways.
Exit Stairway
Enclosure Exit Stairway
Enclosure

Areas of refuge are not required in

facilities equipped with a supervised
automated sprinkler system.

Areas of Refuge

Areas of refuge, which are required in

buildings that are not equipped with
sprinkler systems, provide fire and
Areas of smoke protected areas where those
Refuge unable to use stairs can register a call
for help and await evacuation
assistance. These areas must provide
direct access to exit stairways and can
be located adjacent to stairway
enclosures or on stair landings outside
the minimum exit width.

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Exit Stairway Enclosures [IBC §1007.3 and 1019 (2003), §1003.2.13.2 and
1005.3.2 (2000)]

The IBC contains requirements for exit stairway enclosures that address fire
and smoke protection, ventilation, stairways and handrails, signs, and other features.
The ABA Standards apply requirements for stairways to each stair that is part of a
required means of egress (§F210).
Exit Stairway Enclosures

Exit Door Signs

The IBC requires illuminated exit
signs at exits and exit access doors
where two or means of egress are
required (§1101 (2003), §1003.2.10
(2000)). In addition, tactile exit signs
are required at exit doors leading to
enclosed exit stairways and exit
doors leading to outside. The ABA
Standards apply requirements for
tactile and visual characters to these
signs (§F216.4.1), which can be met
on the same sign or separate signs.

The IBC also requires signs on the

interior of stairway enclosures
indicating the floor level and other
information. Floor level designations,
where provided, must meet tactile
and visual criteria in the ABA
Standards (§F216.2), but directional
and informational signs are subject
only to provisions for visual
characters (§F216.3).

Door and Gates

The IBC covers doors and gates serving means of egress (§1008 (2003),
§1003.3.1 (2000)). The ABA Standards permit fire doors to have the minimum
opening force specified by the applicable life safety code instead of the 5 lbf
maximum otherwise specified for interior hinged doors (§404.2.9).

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Stairways [ABA Standards §F210, §504]

Stairways and handrails that are part of a means of egress are addressed by the IBC
(§1009 (2003), §1003.3.3 (2000)). In addition, interior and exterior stairs that are part of
a means of egress must comply with requirements in the ABA Standards (§504).
In alterations, stairs between levels that are connected by an accessible route
(e.g., ramp or elevator) are not required to meet the ABA Standards, but
handrails must comply when the stairs are altered (§F210.1, Ex. 2).

Treads and Riser Specifications in the ABA Standards (§504)

All steps on a flight

must have uniform riser
heights and uniform
tread depths. Open
risers are prohibited.
.

Treads and landings subject to wet conditions must be designed to prevent the
accumulation of water. Visual contrast on tread nosings or the leading edges of
treads is helpful for people with low vision but not required by the ABA Standards.

Nosing Specifications

Tread Edge Radius Angled Riser Curved or Beveled Nosing

½” max. 30° max. 1½” max. projection
. . (IBC: 1¼” max.)

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Stairway Handrails Requirements in the ABA Standards (§504)

Handrails are required on both sides and must be

continuous within the full length of each stair flight.

12” min. linear top extension

34” - 38” (consistent height) above

nosing to top of gripping surface

linear bottom extension

1 tread depth min.

Top and bottom extensions

must return to wall, guard, or
floor (min. length measured to
the start of the return radius).

Inside handrails at switchback/ Top and sides of gripping surface

dogleg stairs must be continuous cannot be obstructed; bottom can be
(extension not required). obstructed up to 20% of the length.

In alterations, full handrail extensions are not required where they

would project hazardously into circulation paths (§505.10, Ex. 3).

Protruding Objects
The ABA Standards address hazards posed by protruding
objects, such as standpipe valves, along circulation paths,
including stairways and inaccessible routes (§F204). The
Standards limit the protrusion of objects with leading edges that
are above 27” high and no more than 80” high. Such objects are
limited to a 4” protrusion into circulation paths, but a 4 ½”
protrusion is allowed for handrails. Protrusions up to 12” are
specified for objects mounted on posts or pylons (§307).

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Handrails [ABA Standards §504.6, §505]

Specifications in the ABA Standards for handrail surfaces and clearances facilitate a
power grip along the handrail length. Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross-
sections. The gripping surface and adjacent surfaces must be free of abrasive or sharp
elements. Handrails cannot rotate within fittings. The IBC also includes requirements for
stairway handrails (§1009 (2003), §1003.3.3 (2000)).
Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505.5, §505.7)

Specifications for handrails also

address the diameter of circular
cross sections and required
knuckle clearance.

Non-Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505.5, §505.7)

Non-circular cross sections must have rounded edges and meet perimeter and
cross-section dimensions. Other profiles meeting these criteria are permitted.

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Areas of Refuge [IBC §1007.6 (2003), §1003.2.13.5 (2000)]

Areas of refuge are fire-resistance and smoke protected areas where those unable to
use stairs can register a call for evacuation assistance and await instructions or
assistance. They must provide direct access to an exit stairway (or to an elevator
equipped with standby power). Horizontal exits can substitute for areas of refuge.
Features of Areas of Refuge

Instructions Two-Way Emergency Communication System

The IBC requires posted instructions on use of Devices must include audible and visual signals
the area under emergency conditions next to and connect to a central control point (and to a
the communication system and specifies public telephone system if the central control
required content. These instructions must point is not constantly attended) under the IBC.
meet requirements for visual characters in the Their location must be approved by the fire
ABA Standards (§F216.4.2, §703.5). department. Operable parts are subject to the
ABA Standards (§309).

Separation by Smoke
Barrier/Fire Rating

Required
Egress Width

Wheelchair Spaces Stairway Width

The IBC requires 1 wheelchair space (30” min. The IBC requires stairs serving areas
by 48” min.) for every 200 occupants or portion of refuge to have a clear width of 48”
thereof served by the area of refuge. Spaces min. between handrails to
cannot reduce the required egress width and accommodate assisted evacuation.
must be entered directly from an accessible
route or one adjacent wheelchair space.
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Area of Refuge Identification [IBC §1007.6.5 (2003), §1003.2.13.5.5 (2000)]

The IBC requires that doors providing access to areas of refuge be identified by a sign
that includes the term “AREA OF REFUGE” and the International Symbol of
Accessibility (ISA). Both the IBC and the ABA Standards apply requirements for tactile
and visual characters to the area of refuge signs.
Sample Area of Refuge and Exit Sign

Area of refuge signs can be incorporated into

required exit signs. Requirements for tactile
signs address raised characters, braille, finish
and contrast, separation from raised borders,
and location (i.e., 48” – 60” AFF measured to
the baseline of raised characters), and other
features.

Requirements for visual characters also apply

and can be met on the same sign or a
separate sign, including the illuminated sign
required by the IBC. Under the IBC, the area
of refuge sign must be illuminated where exit
sign illumination is required

The ISA must be included on signs labeling

areas of refuge but does not have to be raised.

Instructions [IBC §1007.6.4 (2003), §1003.2.13.5.4 (2000)]

The IBC requires signs in areas of refuge with two-way
communication that provide:
 Instructions on how to use the communication system
under emergency conditions
 Directions to other means of egress
 Indication that persons able to use the exit stairway are to
do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others
 Information on the planned availability of assistance in the
use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how
to summon such assistance
These signs must meet requirements in the ABA Standards
for visual characters (§F216.4.2)

Areas of refuge are not required in facilities that are equipped throughout with an
automated sprinkler systems in compliance with the IBC. Sprinkler systems suppress
or control fires, and also pinpoint their location, making response more efficient and
timely. In addition, areas of refuge are not required in open parking garages,
apartment buildings, detention and correctional facilities, or open exit stairways
between floors in buildings with sprinkler systems meeting the NFPA 13 Standard.

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Horizontal Exits [IBC §1021 (2003), §1005.3.5 (2000)]

A horizontal exit compartmentalizes a building allowing occupants to exit the area

containing the origin of a fire into another portion of the building that is protected by fire-
resistance-rated assemblies (doors, walls, ceilings, and floors). A horizontal exit
separates a space into two exit access areas. IBC requirements for horizontal exits
address fire-rated separation, opening protectives, capacity, and other features.
Horizontal Exit

No connecting ductwork or
utilities between areas

Compliant fire wall or barrier with a

2 hour min. fire-resistance rating Compliant opening protectives, including
self-closing or automatic closing fire doors

Horizontal Exit and Enclosed Exit Stairways

No more than half the required exits can be horizontal exits. At least
one exit must lead directly to an exit enclosure or to the exterior.

A 48” min. stairway

width is not required
where horizontal exits
are provided.

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Elevators with Standby Power [IBC §1007.4 (2003), §1003.2.13.3 (2000)]

In buildings with four or more

stories above or below the level
of exit discharge, at least one
accessible means of egress
must be an elevator with standby
power and emergency signaling
devices. Designed to remain
operational even when regular
electrical service is lost, they are
used by emergency responders
to move personnel and fire-
fighting equipment and to
provide assisted rescue. Like all
elevators, they are not to be
used independently by building
occupants in emergencies.

Only one of two accessible means of egress can

contain an elevator with standby power

Elevator with
Exit Stairway Standby Power
Enclosure

In sprinklered buildings, an elevator with standby power is not required on

floors with either a:
 horizontal exit (excluding floors below the level of exit discharge)
 a compliant exit access ramp

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 Chapter 4: Accessible Routes Accessible Means of Egress

Exit Discharge [IBC §1023 (2003), §1006 (2000)]

Accessible means of egress must connect exits to a public way, such as a street or
alley (i.e., space permanently deeded and dedicated to public use).

Exit Discharge

Exit discharge is the path from an exit to a public way

Steep terrain and other constraints can make it difficult to provide an accessible means
of egress from building exits to a public way. The IBC permits an exterior area for
assisted rescue, a protected area immediately outside a building exit, where a
connecting accessible route to a public way from the level of exit discharge is not
practicable. Alternatively, an interior area of refuge can be provided at exits. When
used as an alternative to an accessible route from exit discharge to a public way, they
must be provided, including in buildings that are sprinklered.

Exterior Area for Assisted Rescue Interior Area of Refuge at Exit

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Exterior Area for Assisted Rescue

[IBC§1007.8 (2003), §1003.2.13.7 (2000)]

Fire-rated Separation
Openness One hour min. fire-rated separation within
Area must be at least 50% open to 10’ (horizontal and vertical) of the exterior
minimize accumulation of smoke or area of assisted rescue (3/4 hour rating
toxic gases. for opening protectives within this area).

Wheelchair Space
Exterior Exit Stairway 1 space (30” min. by 48” min.) for every 200
48” min, clear width occupants or portion thereof served by the
between handrails exterior area for assisted rescue. Spaces cannot
reduce the required egress width and must be
entered directly from an accessible route or one
adjacent wheelchair space.

Identification
Visual and tactile sign: “AREA OF
REFUGE” with International Symbol of
Accessibility located at door (interior side)
leading to exterior area for assisted rescue.

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Signs [ABA Standards §F216, §703]

The ABA Standards cover tactile and visual features of signs, including those that serve
means of egress. Only certain signs are subject to requirements for tactile and visual
access, while a broader range is subject to the visual criteria only. Tactile signs must
include compliant raised characters and braille characters and be located at doors 48”
to 60” above the floor or ground (§703.2). Visual criteria address the height, style,
proportion, and spacing of characters, as well as finish and contrast, line spacing, and
other features (§703.5). Tactile and visual requirements can be met on the same sign
or on separate signs.

Tactile and Visual Signs [ABA Standards §F216.2, §F216.4.1]

The IBC requires exits and exit access doors to be marked by illuminated exit signs
(§1011, §1003.2.10). In addition, the IBC requires a tactile “EXIT” sign adjacent to the
door to an egress stairway, an exit passageway, and the exit discharge (§1011.3,
§1003.2.10.3 – 2000 addresses doors to egress stairways only). The ABA Standards
include a similar requirement for visual and tactile exit signs at doors at exit stairways,
exit passageways, and exit discharge (§F216.4.1). (An exit passageway is a horizontal
component of an exit that is separated from interior building spaces by fire-resistance-
rated construction that leads to the exit discharge or public way.)
The ABA Standards also require that signs identifying “permanent rooms and spaces”
meet tactile and visual criteria (§F216.2). This requirement applies to signs identifying
stairways, floor levels, and areas of refuge.
Examples of Signs Required to Meet Tactile and Visual Criteria

Exit signs (located at exits) and signs identifying permanent spaces, such as
stairways, floor levels, and areas of refuge, are required to meet tactile and visual
criteria. Signs providing direction to such spaces and to exits must comply as visual
signs, but not as tactile signs. Instructional content included on signs, such evacuation
instructions, also must meet visual criteria but not those for tactile characters.

Visual Signs [ABA Standards §F216.3, §F216.4.2, §F216.4.3]

Signs providing direction to, or information about, interior rooms and spaces must meet
visual criteria in the ABA Standards, but are not required to be tactile (§F216.3). This
requirement applies to information about spaces, such as rules of conduct and
evacuation instructions, exit route maps, and directional signs to exits and other
elements and spaces.

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The ABA Standards specifically apply these requirements to signs providing directions
to accessible means of egress required by the IBC (§1007.7 (2003), §1003.2.13.6
(2000). The IBC requires that such signs be provided at elevators serving accessible
spaces and those exits that do not provide an accessible means of egress. Other
directional egress signs provided, including egress route maps, also must meet
requirements for visual signs in the ABA Standards. In addition, the ABA Standards
apply the visual criteria to posted instructions in areas of refuge required by the IBC
(§F216.4.2).
Examples of Signs Required to Meet Visual Criteria Only

Visual criteria, but not tactile

criteria, apply to directional
signs, informational signs,
rules of conduct signs, and
posted instructions.

Pictograms and Symbols of Accessibility [ABA Standards §F216.2, §703.6, §703.7]

Where pictograms are provided to identify a

permanent room or space, such as a stairway, Sign with Pictogram that Identifies
they must include text descriptors that comply Permanent Room or Space
with requirements for raised characters and
braille (§F216.2). In addition, the pictogram must
meet finish and contrast criteria and be located on
a field at least 6” high.

Pictograms that provide information about a room

or space, including the International Symbol of
Accessibility (ISA), or that are included on
directional signs must comply with requirements
for finish and contrast but are not required to
include the verbal equivalent in raised and braille
characters or to be located on a 6” minimum high Text descriptor in raised and
field. The ISA and other required accessibility visual characters with braille
symbols must comply with the specified symbol
referenced in the ABA Standards. Compliant finish and contrast

Pictograms that provide information about a space or that are

included on directional signs must meet finish and contrast
requirements but are not required to have text descriptors or to
be located on a 6” min. high field. The ISA must conform to the
illustration in the ABA Standards (§703.7.2.1).

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Other Requirements in the ABA Standards

Platform Lifts
Platform lifts, where permitted on an accessible means
of egress, must have standby power (§F207.2).

Fire Alarm Systems

. Where fire alarms systems are
provided, they must meet requirements
for audible and visual features in the
ABA Standards and the referenced
NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Code (§F215).

Operable Parts
Operable parts used by building
occupants, including alarms pulls and
hardware for fire extinguisher cabinets,
must comply (§F205, §309). They must
be usable with one hand and without tight
grasping, pinching, or twisting of the
wrist, or more than 5 pounds of force.
Non-fixed elements, such as fire
extinguishers, are not subject to the ABA
Standards.

Automated Doors
Maneuvering clearance is required on
the egress side of automated doors
unless they are equipped with standby
power or they stay open in power-off
mode (§404.3.2). The Standards also
require a minimum 32” break out
opening for doors unless equipped with
standby power or a compliant manual
swinging door also serves the same
means of egress (§404.3.6).

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Fire Safety Evacuation Planning

Fire safety evacuation planning is a critical component of life safety. Evacuation plans
and procedures should address the needs of all facility occupants, including those with
disabilities. Various products are available that can facilitate assisted evacuation of
people with disabilities in emergencies. Mobility aids, such as emergency stair travel
devices, also known as evacuation chairs, are available to transport people unable to
use stairs. These devices are designed with rollers, treads, and braking mechanisms
that enable a person to be transported down stairs with the assistance of another
person. The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North
America (RESNA), www.resna.org, has developed consensus Standards for emergency
stair travel devices through the American National Standards Institute (RESNA ED-
1:2013 – American National Standard for Evacuation Devices – Volume
1: Emergency Stair Travel Devices Used by Individuals with Disabilities). It is important
that evacuation chairs be located so that they do not obstruct required means of egress.

Common Questions

Are exit doors usable only in one direction required to comply on both sides?

Under the ABA Standards, compliance is not required on both sides of those doors or
gates that can be used in one direction only, such as exit-only doors. Compliance is
required only on the usable side. However, if a door or gate is usable in both directions,
even occasionally, such as exit-only doors that may automatically unlock in
emergencies to be usable from both directions, then compliance on both sides is
required.

Can stair handrail extensions overlap door maneuvering clearances?

No, handrails and other elements cannot overlap door maneuvering clearances.
However, the door maneuvering clearance can be offset up to 8” from the face of the
door to accommodate wall thickness, casework, handrails, moldings, and other
elements at doorways.

Are fire extinguishers required to comply with the ABA Standards?

In general, elements that are not fixed or built in, including fire extinguishers, are not
required to comply with the ABA Standards. (However, non-discrimination provisions in
regulations issued under the ABA may be pertinent to the usability of equipment and
furnishings by people with disabilities.) The ABA Standards apply to fixed elements,
such as a fire extinguisher cabinet, and require compliance with applicable
requirements, including those for operable parts and storage. Fire hose cabinets and
other elements used only by fire fighters are not required to comply.
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Do limits on protruding objects apply to stairways?

Yes, requirements for protruding objects are not limited to accessible routes and apply
to all circulation paths, including stairways and their landings.

When door vision lights are limited to 100 square inches by the fire code, is compliance
with the specified maximum height of 43” to the bottom edge still required?

Yes. The Standards do not exempt such doors from the requirement for vision lights
(§404.2.11). However, compliance is not required when the lowest part of the vision
light is more than 66” from the finish floor or ground.

Where can one get further information or technical assistance on the IBC, including its
requirements for means of egress?

Technical assistance on the IBC is available from the International Code Council (ICC)
at (888) ICC-SAFE (422-7233) or by email at [email protected]. For further
information, visit the ICC’s website at www.iccsafe.org.

U N I T E D S T A T E S A C C E S S B O A R D
Advancing Full Access and Inclusion for All
1331 F Street, NW ▪ Suite 1000 ▪ Washington, DC 20004-1111
(202) 272-0080 (v) ▪ (202) 272-0082 (TTY) ▪ www.access-board.gov

July 2015

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