Fire Code of the Philippines Ebook - SafetySignsPH.com Fire Code of the Philippines eBook - SafetySignsPH | Page 71

J. Measurement of Travel Distance to Exits 1. The maximum travel distance in any occupied space to the nearest exit shall not exceed the limits specified for individual occupancies by Divisions 8 through 17 of this Chapter. Maximum travel distance shall be determined as follows: a. The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the floor or other walking surface along the center line of the natural path of travel, starting from the most remote point subject to occupancy, curving around any corner or construction with a thirty (30) centimeter clearance therefrom, and ending at the center of the doorway or other point at which the exit begins. Where measurement includes stairs, it shall be taken in the place of the tread nosing. b. In the case of open areas, distance to exits shall be measured from the most remote point subject to occupancy. In case of individual rooms subject to occupancy by not more than six (6) persons, distance to exits shall be measured from the floors of such rooms provided the path of travel from any point in the room to the room door does not exceed fifteen meters (15 m). 2. Where open stairways or ramps are permitted, as a path of travel to required exit, such as between mezzanines or balconies and the floor below, the distance shall include the travel on the stairway or ramp, and the travel from the end of the stairway or ramp to reach an outside door or other exit, in addition to the distance to reach the stairway or ramp. 3. Where any part of an exterior way of exit access is within three meters (3 m) horizontal distance of any unprotected building opening, as permitted by Section 10.2.5.5 for outside stairs, the distance to the exit shall include the length of travel to ground level. K. Access to Exits 1. A door from a room to an exit or to a way of exit access shall be of the side-hinged, swinging type. It shall swing with exit travel. 2. In no case shall access to exit be through a bathroom, bedroom, or other room subject to locking, except where the exit is required to serve only the bedroom or other room subject to locking, or adjoining rooms constituting part of the same dwelling or apartment used for single family occupancy. 3. Ways of exit access and the doors to exits to which they lead shall be designed and arranged to be clearly recognizable as such. Deco- rations or draperies shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not 55