Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings

Question 1

Definition
🔹 An emergency escape and rescue opening is an exterior window, egress door, or similar component that allows for escape and rescue during an emergency.

💡 Flashcard:
Q: What is an emergency escape and rescue opening?

Answer 1

A: An exterior window, egress door, or similar component used for emergency escape and rescue

Question 2

Required Openings
🔹 Basements and every sleeping room must have at least one emergency escape and rescue opening.
🔹 The opening must lead directly to a public street, public alley, yard, or court.
🔹 Basements with sleeping rooms must have openings in each sleeping room.

💡 Flashcard:
Q: Where are emergency escape and rescue openings required?

Answer 2

A: Basements and every sleeping room must have at least one.

Question 3

Exceptions
🔹 Basements smaller than 200 sq. ft. used only for mechanical equipment do not need an escape opening.

💡 Flashcard:
Q: Do small basements require emergency escape openings?

Answer 3

A: No, if they are under 200 sq. ft. and used only for mechanical equipment.

Question 4

Sill Height Requirements
🔹 The sill height cannot exceed 44 inches above the floor.

💡 Flashcard:
Q: What is the maximum sill height for an emergency escape opening?

Answer 4

A: 44 inches above the floor.

Question 5

Minimum Opening Size
🔹 The minimum net clear opening is 5.7 sq. ft.
🔹 Exception: Grade floor openings must be at least 5 sq. ft.

💡 Flashcard:
Q: What is the minimum clear opening size for an emergency escape opening?

Answer 5

A: 5.7 sq. ft. (or 5 sq. ft. for grade-level openings).

Question 6

Minimum Height & Width
🔹 Minimum opening height: 24 inches
🔹 Minimum opening width: 20 inches

💡 Flashcard:
Q: What are the minimum height and width for an emergency escape opening?

Answer 6

A: 24 inches height, 20 inches width.

Question 7

Operability
🔹 The escape opening must be operable from the inside without tools, keys, or special knowledge.

💡 Flashcard:
Q: Can an emergency escape opening require tools or keys to open?

Answer 7

A: No, it must be operable without tools, keys, or special knowledge.

Question 8

Window Wells
🔹 Minimum horizontal area: 9 sq. ft.
🔹 Minimum width & projection: 36 inches
🔹 Exception: Ladders/steps may project 6 inches into the space.

💡 Flashcard:
Q: What is the minimum window well size?

Answer 8

A: 9 sq. ft. with 36-inch width & projection.

Question 9

Window Well Ladders/Steps
🔹 Required if vertical depth is 44 inches or more.
🔹 Ladder must be at least 12 inches wide and 3 inches from the wall.
🔹 Rung spacing must be 18 inches or less.

💡 Flashcard:
Q: When are ladders required in a window well?

Answer 9

A: If the vertical depth is 44 inches or more.

Question 10

Bulkheads & Covers
🔹 Bulkheads must fully open and meet minimum clear opening requirements.
🔹 Bars, grilles, covers, or screens are allowed, but they must be removable from inside without tools, keys, or excessive force.

💡 Flashcard:
Q: Can emergency openings have covers or bars?

Answer 10

A: Yes, but they must be removable from inside without tools or keys.

Question 11

Openings Under Decks/Porches
🔹 Allowed if fully openable and the egress path is at least 36 inches high leading to a yard or court.

💡 Flashcard:
Q: What is the minimum height for an egress path under a deck or porch?

Answer 11

A: 36 inches.