Exit Access Through a Stockroom
A small retail tenant occupies 3,000 sq ft (279 m²) on the ground floor of a multi-tenant building. The tenant's only exit door is at the front, but the rear of the space connects through a stockroom to a corridor that leads to a building exit. The stockroom is used for storage and is often cluttered, and the path through it is 30 inches (762 mm) wide at its narrowest point because of shelving. The tenant wants to count the stockroom path as a second means of egress. The fire official must evaluate whether the space has the required egress.
1. Can the path through the stockroom count as a second means of egress?
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Generally no, not as arranged. A means of egress must be continuous, unobstructed, and of adequate width. The path through the stockroom fails on several counts:
- Width - 30 inches (762 mm) is below the minimum clear width required for egress components in most occupancies; the narrowest point controls.
- Obstruction - storage that can encroach on the path makes the route unreliable; egress cannot depend on a space used for storage remaining clear.
- Continuity and protection - the route must lead to an exit without passing through a room whose use could block it.
Conclusion: the stockroom path is not a compliant second means of egress as configured. The space effectively has one exit, which may be inadequate depending on occupant load and travel distance.
2. What must the tenant do to establish a compliant second means of egress, and how should the official verify it?
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Options:
- Clear and widen the path - remove or relocate shelving so the route is at least the required clear width for the full length, and mark it as an exit access.
- Protect the route - enclose the path so it is separated from storage, or relocate storage so it cannot obstruct the route.
- Provide a new exit - add a door or corridor connection that gives a direct, unobstructed second way out.
Verification:
- Measure the clear width at the narrowest point along the entire route.
- Confirm the route is continuous to an exit and does not pass through a hazardous or lockable space.
- Confirm storage cannot encroach (physical limits or marked clear zone).
- Document the approved egress path and re-inspect after corrections.
Until corrected, the official should not count the stockroom path as a second means of egress.