Means of Egress - Corridor Storage/Clutter
Can items be stored in areas designated as egress access corridors?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
Items cannot be stored in corridors designated as egress access corridors no matter the width of the corridor.
The exception are crash carts, which are considered permanently in-use emergency medical equipment, and carts containing PPE for isolation when associated for a specific patient(s), which are also considered permanently in-use.
Wheeled items that are in-use, such as mobile computer on wheels, linen and housekeeping carts can be in the egress access corridor, if these are moved within 30-minutes.
In the event of an emergency in-use carts and equipment must be moved to provide unobstructed egress.
Alcoves in corridors can be used for storage as long as the stored items do not project into the corridor.
Dead-end corridors may be used for storage or sitting areas as long as it occupies less than 50 square feet of space and does not inhibit egress.
Additional Resources:
NFPA 101-2012: 18/19.2.2.3; 7.1.3.2.3; 7.2.2.5.3.1
Items cannot be stored in corridors designated as egress access corridors no matter the width of the corridor.
The exception are crash carts, which are considered permanently in-use emergency medical equipment, and carts containing PPE for isolation when associated for a specific patient(s), which are also considered permanently in-use.
Wheeled items that are in-use, such as mobile computer on wheels, linen and housekeeping carts can be in the egress access corridor, if these are moved within 30-minutes.
In the event of an emergency in-use carts and equipment must be moved to provide unobstructed egress.
Alcoves in corridors can be used for storage as long as the stored items do not project into the corridor.
Dead-end corridors may be used for storage or sitting areas as long as it occupies less than 50 square feet of space and does not inhibit egress.
Additional Resources:
NFPA 101-2012: 18/19.2.2.3; 7.1.3.2.3; 7.2.2.5.3.1
Manual:
Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter:
Life Safety LS
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: October 21, 2021
Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: April 11, 2016
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on November 18, 2021
with update notes of: Review only, FAQ is current
Types of changes and an explanation of change type:
Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. |
Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. |
Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
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