140

Chapter 7

Means of Egress

(1) The measurement shall be taken at the narrowest point in the door opening. (2) The measurement shall be taken as the door opening width when the door leaf is in the fully open position. (3) Projections exceeding 6 ft 8 in. (2030 mm) above the floor shall not be considered reductions in clear width. 7.2.1.2.2* Measurement of Egress Capacity Width. A.7.2.1.2.2 Figure A.7.2.1.2.2(a) and Figure A.7.2.1.2.2(b) illustrate the method of measuring egress capacity width for purposes of calculating door egress capacity. 7.2.1.2.2.1 Swinging Door Assemblies. For swinging door assemblies, egress capacity width shall be measured as follows: (1) The measurement shall be taken at the narrowest point in the door opening.
Egress capacity width Wall 90 degrees (new only) Door width Wall

(2) The measurement shall be taken between the face of the door leaf and the stop of the frame. (3) For new swinging doors assemblies, the measurement shall be taken with the door leaf open 90 degrees. (4) For any existing door assembly, the measurement shall be taken with the door leaf in the fully open position. (5) Projections not more than 31/2 in. (90 mm) at each side of the door openings at a height of not more than 38 in. (965 mm) shall not be considered reductions in egress capacity width. (6) Projections exceeding 6 ft 8 in. (2030 mm) above the floor shall not be considered reductions in egress capacity width. 7.2.1.2.2.2 Other than Swinging Door Assemblies. For other than swinging door assemblies, egress capacity width shall be measured as follows: (1) The measurement shall be taken at the narrowest point in the door opening. (2) The measurement shall be taken as the door opening width when the door leaf is in the fully open position. (3) Projections not more than 31/2 in. (90 mm) at each side of the door openings at a height of not more than 38 in. (965 mm) shall not be considered reductions in egress capacity width. (4) Projections exceeding 6 ft 8 in. (2030 mm) above the floor shall not be considered reductions in egress capacity width. The method of measuring door width required by 7.2.1.2.2.1 and 7.2.1.2.2.2 is to determine the egress capacity of the door assembly, not to meet minimum door size requirements specified elsewhere in the Code. The method of measuring door width required by 7.2.1.2.1 is for meeting minimum door-opening, clear width requirements specified elsewhere in the Code, not for determining the egress capacity of the door assembly. The egress capacity width will be less than the door leaf width, because deductions in width are made for the stops built into the door frame and for the encroachment created by the thickness of the door leaf where its stile edge, to which the hinges are secured, extends into the door opening. The width measurement for new door assemblies that can be opened at least 90 degrees is to be made with the door leaf open 90 degrees. Door leaves that open more than 90 degrees permitting the stile edge of the door leaf to move out of the door opening receive no additional width credit, based on the inability of most people to push a door leaf open more than 90 degrees prior to moving through the door opening, especially a door assembly with a self-closing device.

Door

Figure A.7.2.1.2.2(a) Door Width Egress Capacity.

Frame Door 3 in. (90 mm) 3 in. (90 mm)

38 in. (965 mm)

Door width for egress capacity

Figure A.7.2.1.2.2(b) Door Width Egress Capacity with Permitted Obstructions.

2009 Life Safety Code Handbook