Egress Exercise: A Smart Approach

A few strategies to keep in line with the clock...If you're like me, you know all of this but creating an accurate plan within an hour is tough!

cute calculator from anthropologie

• Before you even start, roughly determine each space's Occupancy using the provided minimum SF in the program. Doing this early on gives you an idea of which space will need two doors! HINT: it's usually the Assembly space!
• Write Space Names into chart on vellum - an on-sheet checklist!
• Using your grid lines on the plan, find the SF of (1) grid block; Divide by (2) for half block. My husband taught me this logical method!
• Next, divide the minimum SF provided for each space by (1) grid block SF to determine how many "blocks" & "half blocks" per space. This allowed me to lay out the entire floor in less than TWO MINUTES!

{ EXAMPLE }

A 1200 SF minimum cafeteria

Block SF = 325 SF

1200 / 325 = +/- 3.75 grid blocks 

• Recessed doors = 15 SF (5' wide by 3' deep) which can affect the SF of your space. If it helps, add door SF into each minimum SF before drawing out spaces so you don't risk going under the minimum. If you have a 1280 SF rectangle without your recessed doors drawn in, you can now place your 5' wide by 3' deep recess without losing 15 SF.

{ EXAMPLE }

1250 SF minimum cafeteria

1250 / 15 = 84 (>49) = (2) doors 

2 x 15 SF = 30 SF 

1250 + 30 SF = 1280 SF Min

• Sketch rough wall-lines using "blocks"created by the grid on trace paper over plan.
• Slide your trace under the vellum test sheet to trace final plan.
• Write in Space Names & Actual SF as you go.
• Add doors recessed 3'-0" in from corridor with 12" on push side and 18" on pull side (see above).
• Calculate actual Occupancy factor with your actual SF by referencing the provided Occupancy Load Chart
• Then continue with your "travel distance," "door placement and reasoning," "stair distance," and load per stair. Divide by (2) if there are (2) stairways.
• If you have an odd total divided by 2, it will look something like this:

59 / 2 = 29.5

Translate to: 29 for stair #1 and 30 for stair #2

• Remember: the total travel distances to the stairs =

farthest path of travel within the existing suite

+ 

common path of travel to each stair once in the corridor

More lessons learned in my "How I Did!" post!

Now Exiting Safely,

Carolyn