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LICT-Interior: Accessibility and Egress

LICT-Interior · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

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Accessibility and Egress

Accessibility and Egress

This domain tests two overlapping requirements: accessible design under the ADA 2010 Standards and ICC A117.1, and means of egress under the adopted building code. Questions often combine them, such as an accessible route that must also serve as an exit access.

Core rules

  • An accessible route is at least 36 in. wide, with passing spaces where the route is narrow, and it must connect accessible entrances, rooms, and elements.
  • A door's clear width is measured from the face of the door to the opposite stop when the door is open 90 degrees. The minimum is 32 in. A nominal 36 in. door usually works, but a closer, stop, or thick door can reduce the clear opening below 32 in.
  • Maneuvering clearances depend on approach direction and door swing. A front approach to a pull-side door needs clearance on the latch side; a push-side approach needs less depth but still needs strike-side clearance.
  • Egress capacity is based on occupant load and egress width. Corridor width, door width, stair width, and travel distance are checked separately. Exit signs and panic hardware apply where the code requires them.
  • Accessible means of egress must be provided where the code requires an accessible route and may need areas of refuge or an accessible exit.

Worked example

A restroom door is specified as 36 in. wide. The installed clear opening measures 31½ in. because a 2 in. door stop and a surface-mounted closer intrude. The door fails the 32 in. minimum. The correct fix is not to "round up"; it is to adjust the stop, change the closer, or replace the door/frame so the measured clear width is at least 32 in. The same inspection should check the pull-side maneuvering clearance, which is often lost when a nearby wall or fixture is added.

Traps

  • Measuring the door leaf or frame opening instead of the clear opening.
  • Forgetting the closer projection and latch-side clearance.
  • Treating a 36 in. corridor as compliant where 44 in. is required for occupant load.
  • Allowing egress through an inaccessible room.