MEANS OF EGRESS - OVERVIEW
After gathering all necessary Property Records including the latest Certificate of Occupancy on file for the building, the Architect can determine which codes apply to a project for an alteration of existing building.

All references to means of egress throughout this eGuide addresses compliance with applicable 1968 Building Code and 2014 Building Code provisions. While the 1938 Building Code regulations for exits may also apply to an alteration of existing building, such conditions shall be analyzed on a case by case basis if complying with 1968 BC cannot be achieved.

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Egress: (means of egress, fire exits) Referred to ALL emergency fire exits in a building including the path of exit travel from the point of entry onto a/n; exit stair, corridor, passageway, safe area or exterior stair on any story to the level of exit discharge through a street floor lobby and/or onto a public right of way.

(i.e. the means of egress from a 7th story office space is by way of a public corridor accessing 2 interior exit stairs directly out to the street/exterior of the building)
 

Occupancy: Classification of a building or individual tenant space/story in accordance with Occupancy Classifications referenced in applicable NYC Building Codes. The occupancy classification is used to determine whether the existing means of egress of a building is adequate and complies w/ applicable codes.

Occupant Load: Refers to the maximum number of persons permitted to occupy a floor or space within a building based off occupant load factors listed in Table 1004.1.1 (2014 Code) or Table 6-2, Subchapter 6 (1968 BC).

Exit Capacity: Refers to the maximum number of persons permitted to pass through an exit door, stair, corridor, or passageway. Typically calculated per unit of exit width (22 inches) complying with Table 6-1 (1968 Code) and/or BC 1005 (2014 BC). For 1968 Code Places of Assembly, refer to Table 8-1, subchapter 8.

Corridors: Refers to access “hallways” or paths of egress connecting multiple tenants on any given floor. Corridors are typically enclosed with rated construction (1-2 hrs.) and the length of a corridor should be included when measuring travel distances to a means of egress. Corridors shall comply with but not limited to: BC 1018 (2014 Code) and/or §27-369 (1968 Code)

Exit Passageway: Refers to an “extension” of an interior exit stair which is fully enclosed by fire rated construction and is typically related to a horizontal exit or stair crossover on a floor or story. Exit passageways are similar to corridors with more stringent regulations regarding openings and fire rated separations per §27-370 (1968 Code) and/or BC 1023 (2014 Code).

Width of Egress: (unit of egress width) Refers to the min. width of egress based off the occupant load, life safety conditions, and Occupancy Classification of the building, space or floor. Each code has different egress regulations and requires alternative methods for calculating exit capacity according to BC 1005 (2014 Code) and/or §27-359, Table 6-1 (1968 Code)

Travel Distance: Refers to the total measured distance from the furthest (remote) point on any given floor or demised tenant space (including dwellings) to the entry point of an exit stair, passageway, safe area, or exterior exit. Travel distances shall comply with Subchapter 6 or 8 (1968 Code) and Chapter 10 (2014 Code) and shall include the length of corridors, as required.