What is the criterion for a building to have a single means of egress?

A single means of egress is typically allowed for buildings that meet specific criteria relating to both height and floor area. This is primarily governed by building codes such as the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), which stipulates limitations on height and area to ensure safe evacuation in the event of an emergency.

When a building has a single means of egress, it can be subjected to limitations on how tall it is and how large its floor area is. These limits exist because, as the building height and floor area increase, the number of occupants may also increase, thereby elevating the potential for hazards during an evacuation scenario. The stipulations for single egress are designed to ensure that, in emergencies, all occupants can be evacuated safely and efficiently through one designated exit.

Occupancy type is also a critical consideration in means of egress requirements, as different occupancy types can affect expected occupant load and usage patterns. However, for determining a single means of egress, it is the combination of height and floor area that is primarily considered to ensure the building’s safety provisions align with the code’s requirements. Thus, both height and floor area must be addressed when evaluating if a building can rely on a single means of egress.