Means of Egress Don Ebert- Risk Manager (509)

2 Goals WAC Exits Means of Egress Alarms Emergency Evacuation Quiz

3 Means of Egress Continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way Consists of three parts: – the way of exit access – the exit – the way of exit discharge

4 Number of Exit Routes Number of employees Size of building Arrangement of workplace Building occupancy

5 Location of Exit Routes Minimum of two exit routes Exit routes must be remote from each other If one exit route is blocked, the other is available Single exit is allowed in rare cases

6 Size of Exit Routes Large enough for maximum occupant load for each floor Capacity does not decrease at any point Minimum of 6 feet 8 inches high Minimum 36” doors (min. 32” clear opening) ADA requirements more restrictive in new construction

7 Unobstructed Access Maintain exit routes free of obstructions Exit route cannot require travel to a dead end Exit route cannot go through a room that might be locked

8 Minimize Danger No explosive or flammable items No materials that burn quickly No materials that emit poisonous fumes when burned

9 Marking Exits Clearly visible sign reading “EXIT” Exit sign in distinctive or contrasting color Signs indicating direction to nearest exit No obstructions or decorations

10 Non-Exit Doors Any doorway or passage that might be mistaken for an exit Mark with “NOT AN EXIT” Mark doors to indicate actual use

11 Adequate Lighting Exit routes illuminated Exit signs illuminated or made of reflective material Self-lighting signs maintained No brightly lit objects near exit sign

12 Outdoor Exit Routes Balcony, porch, roof Guardrails to protect unenclosed sides Covered if snow/ice likely to accumulate Straight with level floor No dead ends that branch off exit route

13 Doors Readily Open Doors open from the inside No keys, tools, or special knowledge required Free of device that could restrict emergency use

14 Exit Route Leads Outside Directly outside to a street or walkway To an open space with access to the outside Clearly show how to leave the building Paths barricaded along exit route that lead elsewhere

15 Emergency Evacuation Plan Escape routes Alarm systems Evacuation procedures Training WAC RCW 28A

16 Alarm Systems Distinctive signal that warns staff and students of emergencies Noticeable above surrounding noise and lights Alarm heard/seen throughout entire school Manual actuation devices Automatic detection devices

17 Sounding Alarm Procedures Manual pull box alarm Public address system Phones or radios Air horns Yell for help

18 Test Alarm Systems: At least every two months Annually for monitored systems To ensure reliability To ensure adequacy

19 Emergency Numbers Post near phones Post on Safety Bulletin Boards Post in supervisors’ offices Include fire, police, hospital Include emergency response personnel

20 Evacuation Assignments Evacuation coordinators Head count/Class roster First aid and CPR Equipment shutdown Fire responders Evacuation of employees and students who need assistance

21 Evacuation Procedures Recognize the evacuation signal Listen for instructions Shut down equipment Assist and direct students Follow the nearest exit route Proceed to the assembly area

22 Staff Training Location of evacuation routes Alarm signals Assembly areas Evacuation assignments Drills

23 Exits at Home Determine exits Develop an evacuation plan Train your family Have a pre-designated family assembly area Teach your family to note the location of exits when in public places

24 Summary Know the location of your exit routes Keep exit routes clear of obstructions Keep exit signs clearly visible Recognize alarm signals Take evacuation drills seriously

25 Quiz 1.Describe the exit route that is nearest to your normal workstation. 2.Describe an alternate exit route from your normal workstation. 3.Name some items that you have seen obstructing exit routes. 4.Signs along the exit route only need to say “EXIT.” True or False 5.Some doors might be mistaken for an exit; how should those doors be marked?

26 Quiz (cont.) 6.Exit doors cannot be locked from the inside. True or False 7.Once you exit the building, where should you go? 8.Describe what the emergency alarm in your building looks and sounds like. 9.Describe how you would sound the alarm in your building if you discovered a fire. 10.What is the minimum number of exit routes for any school area?

27 Quiz Answers 1.Various answers, depending on location of workstation 2.Various answers, depending on location of workstation 3.Various answers: file cabinets, storage boxes, janitorial supplies, chairs, etc. 4.False; the signs also need to point to the direction of the exit. 5.“NOT AN EXIT”

28 Quiz Answers (cont.) 6.True 7.Go to the designated assembly area. 8.Example: police siren and flashing white lights 9.Manual pull box, PA system, phone, air horn, yelling 10.Two exit routes that are remote from each other