Which element is not typically part of a means of egress?

A means of egress consists of a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point in a building to a place of safety. The primary elements that make up a means of egress are exit access, exits, and exit discharge.

Exit access refers to the portion of the means of egress that leads to an exit. It is designed to provide safe and efficient passage from an occupied area to the exit itself. The exit, on the other hand, is the part of the means of egress that provides a protected path through which occupants can exit to a safe location outside the building. Emergency lighting plays a critical role in illuminating the means of egress, ensuring that occupants can navigate safely during power outages or emergencies.

In contrast, a storage area does not form part of the means of egress. While storage areas may be essential for the function of a building, they do not contribute to the safe egress process and can potentially obstruct pathways if not managed properly. Therefore, identifying storage areas as separate from the means of egress is crucial for maintaining safety standards in a building's design and use.