Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8 § 3222

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 44, November 1, 2024

Section 3222 - Arrangement and Distance to Exits

(a) Arrangement of Exits. If only two exits are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served measured in a straight line between exits.

EXCEPTION: Where exit enclosures are provided as the required means of egress and are interconnected by a corridor conforming to the requirements of Section 3326, exit separations may be measured in a direct line of travel within the exit corridor. Enclosure walls shall be not less than 30 feet apart at any point in a direct line of measurement. Where three or more exits are required, they shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if one becomes blocked the others will be available. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 3302(c).)

(b) Distance to Exits. The maximum distance of travel from any point to an exterior exit door, horizontal exit, exit passageway or an enclosed stairway in a building not equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout shall not exceed 150 feet or 200 feet in a building equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout. These distances may be increased 100 feet when the last 150 feet is within a corridor complying with Section 3226.

EXCEPTION: Every area used mainly for the storage of materials liable to burn, with extreme rapidity or from which poisonous fumes or explosions will result upon exposure to fire, shall have an exit within 75 feet of any point in the area where employees may be present. Where automatic sprinkler protection is provided, distances may be increased to 100 feet. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3302(d) Exception 1.)

In a one-story Group B, Division 4 Occupancy classified as a factory or warehouse and in one-story airplane hangers, the exit travel distances may be increased to 400 feet if the building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout and provided with smoke and heat ventilation as specified in Section 3206 of the 1979 Uniform Building Code.

In an open parking garage, the exit travel distance may be increased to 250 feet.

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

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 8, § 3222

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. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (b) filed 3-4-92 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 92, No. 12).

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