1. (a) Exits shall be so located and arranged that they are readily accessible at all times.

   1. (1) Every required exit shall be maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency.
   2. (2) Where exits are not immediately accessible from an open floor area, safe and continuous passageways, aisles, or corridors leading directly to every exit and so arranged as to provide convenient access for each occupant to at least two exits by separate ways of travel shall be maintained, except as a single exit or limited dead ends are permitted by other provisions of these regulations.

2. (b) Exits from a room may open into an adjoining or intervening room or area, providing such adjoining room is accessory to the area served and provides a direct means of egress to an exit corridor, exit passageway, exit stairway, exterior exit, horizontal exit, or exterior exit balcony.

   Exception: Exits are not to pass through kitchens, storerooms, restrooms, closets or spaces used for similar purposes. Foyers, lobbies, and reception rooms constructed as required for corridors shall not be construed as intervening rooms.

   (Title 24, Part 2, Section 3302(e).).

   Exits will not pass through any room subject to locking. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3302(e).)

3. (c) No hangings or draperies shall be placed over exit doors or otherwise so located as to conceal or obscure any exit. No mirrors shall be placed on exit doors. No mirrors shall be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction of exit. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3302(i).)
4. (d) Exits shall be so arranged that it will not be necessary to travel toward any area of high hazard occupancy in order to reach the nearest exit, unless the path of travel is effectively shielded from the high hazard location by suitable partitions or other physical barriers. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3302(d).)

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code; and Section 18943(c), Health and Safety Code.

History

1. New section filed 6-20-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 25).

2. Amendment filed 7-16-76; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 76, No. 29).

3. Amendment filed 5-25-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 22). Approved by State Building Standards Commission 1-24-83.

4. Amendment of section heading and section filed 8-17-98; operative 9-16-98 (Register 98, No. 34).