9.1. Blocked Egress

This standard relates to scenarios where the primary means of egress in a unit or building is blocked, obstructed, do not open, or utilizes hardware that requires a key to operate.

Blocking Egress & Rescue Openings

1. Resident-owned property should not be evaluated as an obstruction to the fire escape access
2. The primary egress to a unit is typically the entry door
3. Any door in the unit cannot have a double-keyed lock or a lock that cannot be operated from the inside of the room present on a door (e.g., padlock)
4. Any window that exits to a fire escape on any floor cannot be obstructed – however, resident-owned items should not be considered when reviewing windows that open to a fire escape
5. Double-key cylinder deadbolt locks or any lock that requires a key, a tool, or special knowledge or effort to operate (from the egress side) are not allowed on any door that serves as an exit or any door along the exit access.
6. Any egress bedroom window blocked by stored items Not Owned by a Resident should be cited.
7. Any windows that can be used as a means of egress, primary or otherwise, must be able to open fully.
8. All egress doors must be able to open and close and be free of any obstructions completely.
9. Permanently installed window-mounted air conditioners should be cited as blocked egress. However, temporarily mounted air conditioners owned by a resident should not be cited.
   

Other Terminology Used on This Standard.

• Window locks that require a key, a tool, or special knowledge or effort to operate (from the egress side) should be cited as blocked egress.
• When fixed security bars are present that cover a window or door that is the designated primary means of emergency egress from the building or a window that is the designed egress point to a designated fire escape.
• Any stored items that block the unit’s* entry door egress* should be cited, even if the condition results from housekeeping or other resident behavior.
• A keyed exterior gate or fence is considered a condition that may obstruct the means of egress

Egress Standard Updated 6/16/23”
Egress Standard Updated 8/11/23”