Time-Based Capabilities of Occupant to Escape Fires in Public Buildings: A Review of Code Provisions and Technical Literature. Final Report.

Published

April 1, 1982

Author(s)

F I. Stahl, J J. Crosson, S T. Margulis

Abstract

This document reviews available technical literature pertaining to exit facility design and emergency escape provisions of the National Fire Protction Association's Life Safety Code (1976 Edition) in order to determine the technical support for such provisions. The report focuses on the time-based capabilities of building occupants to effect rapid evacuations, in relation to evacuation time available during fires. A number of functional critieria are examined in relation to Code provisions influencing the design of means of egress and fire protection and protective signalling systems for places of assembly, residential occupancies, mercantile occupancies, and business occupancies. Provisions affecting fire exit drill and building management practices are also considered. The technical literature bearing on applicable Code provisions is reviewed, the validity and generalizeability of findings presented in the literature are discussed, and the degree of technical support currently available for egress provisions of the Code are evaluated. In addition, gaps in the technical literature are identified, and recommendations regarding future research are offered. Finally, preliminary conclusions about the supportability of Code provisions are presented.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) -

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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Keywords

egress, fire protection, fire safety, human behavior, Life Safety Code, building management, occupants

Citation

Stahl, F. , Crosson, J. and Margulis, S. (1982), Time-Based Capabilities of Occupant to Escape Fires in Public Buildings: A Review of Code Provisions and Technical Literature. Final Report., NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=106929 (Accessed May 1, 2026)

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