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718 Fire Prevention Plans
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Exit Discharge

Requirements for exit discharges include the following:

Exit discharge must lead directly outside or to a space with access to the outside.
  • Each exit discharge must lead directly outside or to a street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space with access to the outside.
  • The street, walkway, refuge area, public way, or open space to which an exit discharge leads should be large enough to accommodate the building occupants likely to use the exit route. The walkway in the photo to the right is partially blocked by stored items.
  • Exit stairs that continue beyond the level on which the exit discharge is located should be interrupted at that level by doors, partitions, or other effective means that clearly indicate the direction of travel leading to the exit discharge.

For assistance in determining the number of exit routes necessary for your workplace, consult NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-4. Each exit discharge must lead _____.