Glossary
Egress
Plain-Language Definition
The means of escape from a building — the complete path from any occupied point to a public way or safe area outside. Egress includes exit access (corridors, aisles), exits (stairways, doors), and exit discharge (path to public way).
Technical Context
Egress requirements per NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and BNBC: minimum 2 exits per floor, maximum travel distance to exit (60-75m sprinklered), minimum stair width (1,100-1,200mm), exit signs illuminated and on emergency power, exit doors swing in direction of travel, no locks preventing egress. Occupant load determines required exit capacity.
Why It Matters
Egress failures kill people in fires. The most common egress problems: locked exit doors, blocked stairways (used as storage), missing exit signs, insufficient number of exits, excessive travel distance. In Bangladesh, exit stairways used as storage and locked emergency doors are extremely common.
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