Coffee Break Training: Means of Egress: Exterior Exit Balconies   [open pdf - 287KB]

"Today's photograph illustrates a design feature common to many occupancies including motels, hotels, condominiums, offices, retail shops and apartments: the exterior egress balcony. In this design, the dwelling or tenant space opens onto an open-air means of egress that provides two or more options leading to an exit. Since an exterior egress balcony is essentially a three-sided corridor (floor, ceiling and one wall), it must meet the same construction requirements as corridors for width, headroom, dead-ends and projections."