For below-grade storeys, what is a requirement concerning access?

For below-grade storeys, the requirement for access is crucial for safety, particularly for emergency situations. The correct answer highlights that if these storeys are not equipped with a sprinkler system and are greater than 25 meters horizontally from the nearest street, they must have direct access from at least one street. This regulation is in place to ensure that emergency personnel can reach the building efficiently and that occupants can safely evacuate in case of a fire or emergency.

In cases where the below-grade storeys are not sprinklered, the risk of fire spreading may be greater, making it essential to have a clear and direct route to the outside, thereby preventing life safety hazards.

Other options do not address the safety and access requirement effectively. Simply stating that access is only needed if there’s a fire alarm system or suggesting no access is necessary overlooks the critical need for safe egress in emergencies. The idea of only ground-level access also undermines the necessity of having a direct route from below-grade floors, especially in taller buildings or those situated more than 25 meters from the street, where additional safety measures are necessary to ensure both safety and compliance with building codes.