A means of egress consists of an exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.

Exit Access: That portion of a means of egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a building to an exit. Exit access may include aisle access ways, aisles, exit access doorways and corridors.

Exit: That portion of a means of egress system between the exit access and the exit discharge. Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways and ramps, exit passageways and exterior exit stairways and ramps.

Exit Discharge: That portion of a means of egress system between the termination of the exit and a public way.

Aisle: An unenclosed exit access component that defines and provides a path of egress travel.

Corridor: An enclosed exit access component that defines and provides a path of egress travel.

Exit Passageway: An exit component that is separated from other interior spaces of a building by fire-resistance-rated construction and opening protective, and provides for a protected path of egress travel in a horizontal direction to the exit discharge

• Minimum clear aisle width shall not be less than 36 inches.
• Minimum width of corridors and exit passageways: (The required width of corridors shall be unobstructed)
  • Occupancy less than fifty – 36 inches required width
  • Other facilities – 44 inches required width
• In corridors with double fire doors, nothing can protrude more than 7 inches from each wall into the corridor.
• There must be at least 8 feet of clearance immediately in front of double fire doors.
• Items such as furniture and equipment on wheels cannot be stored in an egress corridor.
• Items in egress corridors like bookcases that can tip over, must be secured to the wall.
• No overhanging items can be stored on top of cabinets in egress corridors or items that could easily fall off during an earthquake.
• Exit openings must be protected by a self-closing, approved fire door that remains closed or automatically closes in an emergency. (See Fire Door Fact Sheet)
• Absolutely no storage within stair and vertical enclosures and Areas of Refuge/Rescue Assistance