Egress has long been the term used to describe the clear opening dimensions of a window or door necessary to enter or exit a building in case of an emergency. With the release of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC),
egress is no longer the appropriate term. The International Codes (IBC 2000 & 2003, IRC 2000 & 2003) now use the phrase
Emergency Escape & Rescue Opening.
IBC and IRC have set the following as basic requirements for Emergency Escape & Rescue Openings:
Minimum Opening Width: 20 inches (508 mm)
Minimum Opening Height: 24 inches (610 mm)
Minimum Opening Area: 5.7 sq ft (0.53 m2)
Emergency Escape & Rescue Openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools.
Clear opening and emergency escape information is grouped with each products' drawing files page. View the menu.
NOTE: Please check your local codes to confirm that these Emergency Escape & Rescue Opening requirements are applicable. Other requirements may also apply.
