Stairway and Corridor Fire Safety Guidelines
Stairway and corridors are intended to provide a safe and
adequate means by which occupants may exit the building—and
emergency personnel may access the building—during an emergency.
Corridors and other means of egress must be free of obstructions.
The pertinent details are listed below to provide a clear
understanding of the fire safety guidelines that apply to
stairwells and corridors.
- Items in stairway, blocking exit doors, restricting corridors,
or blocking fire emergency equipment constitute serious
fire and life safety hazards and violations of the State
Fire Code.
- The following items are subject to immediate removal:
- Any items located within a stairway or stair enclosure.
- Any items that restrict the width of any portion of
a corridor to less than 44 inches.
- Any items that obstruct fire emergency equipment (fire
alarm pull stations, sprinklers, fire extinguishers,
etc.)
- Any items that are determined to be an immediate fire
or life safety hazard.
- The following items and processes are not acceptable
in any corridor or elevator lobby. Unacceptable items are
subject to removal within 30 days after the violations are
observed. Building occupants will be notified of violations.
Facilities Management will charge the department for
removal services.
- Storage of any kind within 8 feet of exit doors and
stairwell doors.
- Any item which obstructs utility panels, utility valves,
or electrical receptacles.
- Laboratory procedures, which involve transfer or processing
of an infectious agent, potentially infectious agent,
radioactive material, or chemical.
- Storage or use of ALL chemicals and radioactive materials.
- Storage or use of compressed gas cylinders.
- Equipment which would present significant hazards
under routine or emergency conditions, such as equipments
that uses volatile materials or hazardous chemicals,
equipment that may produce steam, excessive heat or
aerosols, or equipment with unguarded belts, pulleys
and/or gears.
- Any items which move easily or could fall over and
cause an obstruction.
- Workstations (including copiers, office equipment,
coffee stations, desks), break areas, and waiting areas.
- Combustible materials outside of enclosed cabinets.
This includes journals, papers, books, and boxes.
Revised: 8/19/2008 TW