Learning Exercise

Lab
Egress Design
Define and give and explanation of the following terms (NFPA Handbook or
NFPA
101) as they apply to egress design. Where units are applicable designate
appropriate units:

Flow

Speed

Boundary Layer

Convergence Cluster

Effective Width

Low Hazard contents


High Hazard contents

Exit

Exit Access


Exit discharge


Smoke proof tower

Smoke Barrier


REPORT

Evaluate and describe in detail the means of egress for an assigned building.
Description of the structure should include occupancy classification, design
(type of architecture and NFPA building classification), dimensions, condition,
adjacent and included fire protection features, etc. Include a clear
hand-drafted or CAD drawing the egress system. Using NFPA 101 or the
International Building Code, Calculate the capacity of the major components of
the means of egress. The write-up is due at the beginning of the next lab
session.

KEY

Lab
Egress Design

Define and give and explanation of the following terms as they apply to egress
design. Where units are applicable designate appropriate units:

Flow The movement of people past a point in the route of egress. Expressed
in people-feet/minute

Speed average velocity of persons in the means of egress

Boundary Layer --a s pace kept between occupants of the means of egress and
their
surroundings


Convergence Cluster -- occurs in high rise and/or assembly occupancies when
people congregate in an area where they feel they have refuge from a fire.

Effective Width the total width minus boundary layers


Low Hazard contents -- contents that are non combustible or have low
combustibility



High Hazard contents - contents are likely to burn rapidly or explosively;
therefoire rapid egress is essential. Note: this classification is different
than the classification applied for sprinkler system design.


Exit -- A portion of the means of egress separated from the surrounding
building by construction or equipment to provide protection of the occupants

Exit Access—the portion of the means of egress leading to the exit


Exit discharge -- that portion of the means of egress leading from the
termination of the exit to the public way.
Smoke proof tower -- provides the highest type of protection access is so
that
smoke and flames cannot spread readily even if the doors are left open

Smoke Barrier --a continuous membrane (either horizontal or vertical) that is

designed and constructed to prevent or restrict the movement of smoke


REPORT