Which term describes the means by which occupants can reach a public way from within a building?

Which term describes the means by which occupants can reach a public way from within a building?

• A. Means of Egress
• B. Exit
• C. Exit Access
• D. Area of Refuge

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the system that provides a path for occupants to reach a public way from inside a building. The correct term is means of egress. Means of egress covers the entire route from the occupied space to the outside public way, including the components that make up that journey: the area where people start (exit access), the actual exit(s) that lead toward the exterior, and the exit discharge to the public way. An exit is a part of this system—the portion that directly leads from inside to outside or to a safe area outside the occupancy—but not the whole journey. Exit access is the portion inside the building that leads to an exit. Area of refuge is a protected space for occupants who cannot use stairs, not the travel path to reach a public way. So, means of egress is the comprehensive term describing how occupants reach the public outside.

The concept being tested is the system that provides a path for occupants to reach a public way from inside a building. The correct term is means of egress. Means of egress covers the entire route from the occupied space to the outside public way, including the components that make up that journey: the area where people start (exit access), the actual exit(s) that lead toward the exterior, and the exit discharge to the public way. An exit is a part of this system—the portion that directly leads from inside to outside or to a safe area outside the occupancy—but not the whole journey. Exit access is the portion inside the building that leads to an exit. Area of refuge is a protected space for occupants who cannot use stairs, not the travel path to reach a public way. So, means of egress is the comprehensive term describing how occupants reach the public outside.