Stairways & Exits

Stairway width requirements, emergency exit specifications, signage, and accessibility standards.

Emergency Exit Requirements

All emergency exits must comply with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. Exits must remain unobstructed at all times and be clearly marked with illuminated signage. Emergency roads and passages must be provided with chargeable lighting devices to operate in case of power outage. Firefighting stairs must be a minimum of 1,200mm wide.

Critical
Standard
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
Critical
Firefighting stair width
Minimum 1,200 mm
Critical
Emergency lighting
Chargeable backup on all emergency routes
Critical
Exit signage
Illuminated, clearly visible
Critical
Obstruction
Zero tolerance — exits must be clear at all times

Elevators

The 2026 regulations introduce a new requirement for a sufficient number of electric elevators commensurate with the number of floors and the number of workers in the accommodation. Elevators must be included in the periodic maintenance programme.

Critical
Elevators
Sufficient number for floors and occupancy
Critical
Maintenance
Included in periodic maintenance contract

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Reference material only. Fines and inspection cycles are applied at authority discretion and change often — verify against the current circular for your jurisdiction before relying on any figure.