Which means of egress is permitted in a Health Care occupancy?

In health care occupancies, the means of egress must comply with stringent safety requirements due to the vulnerable populations they serve, such as patients with limited mobility or cognitive impairments. Enclosed interior stairs are permitted as a means of egress in these settings. They provide a protected path of travel that helps ensure occupant safety during emergencies, especially in the event of a fire.

Enclosed interior stairs are designed to reduce the risk of smoke infiltration and provide a secure route for occupants to evacuate or be rescued. They are typically built in accordance with specific codes and standards, ensuring they have proper fire resistance and accessibility features, which are essential for the varied needs of health care facility patients.

In contrast, fire escape stairs, fire escape slides, and escalators are not suitable as emergency egress options in health care facilities. Fire escape stairs and slides may not meet the specific safety and accessibility needs required in these settings, while escalators are not classified as a means of egress due to their operational nature and potential hazards in emergencies.