S1 Ep7: Mighty Line Minute | Exit Access and NFPA 101

Safety Stripes by Mighty Line Floor Tape - The Best Workplace Safety podcast talking NFPA, EHS & Warehouse Safety Tips!

Today, we're continuing our discussion on NFPA 101's
Life Safety Code.
View our blog - https://mightylinetape.com/a/blog/understanding-exit-access-the-crucial-path-to-safety-nfpa-101
Specifically, we'll be covering the Means of Egress component known as Exit
Access, which is the path leading to an Exit.
And in a later podcast, we'll be talking about the remaining two components,
Exit, and Exit Discharge. So stay tuned!
NFPA defines Exit Access as "That portion of a means of egress that leads from
an occupied area to a building exit."
Here are two examples of Exit Access: One, corridors that are commonly
separated by one or two-hour fire rated wall construction. And, two, walking
surfaces located within the occupancy that allow for unobstructed travel, and
provide slip-resistance under foreseeable conditions.
It is also essential that exit travel distances comply with the Life Safety Code.
These factors should include occupancy load; nature of the fire load; occupancy
risk. Whether or not materials such as hazardous chemicals are involved in
storage, as well as other significant factors.
Building construction and the number of floors also play a significant role in
determining exit travel distances.
Other building systems that can impact travel distance may include detection
and alarm systems and automatic sprinkler systems. So be sure to consult the
Life Safety Code for those details as well.
The key point to understand is that Exit Access must be clearly designated, and
delineated, and understood by employees and users of the building.
Also, safe routes of egress need to be included in emergency plans, and ideally
illustrated so that employees are able to see, review, and understand paths of
travel to exits.
Equally important is that there be planning, preparedness, and drills so that
everyone understands the safe means of egress from buildings.
And finally, delineating aisles intended for emergency egress is an essential part
of the emergency planning process, and importantly, will be greatly appreciated
by all employees and building occupants.
We look forward to seeing you again in our future edition of Mighty Line
Learn more at https://mightylinetape.com/