HomeMy WebLinkAboutAreas of Rescue Assistance
AREAS
OF
RESCUE
ASSISTANCE
This Tech Sheet is part of a series of publialtions
on the design requirements of the ADA Accessibility
Guidelines (ADM G). This isme provides srope and
design infornuJtion on the requirements for areas of rescue
assistonre. Although based on the ADMG requirements,
the infornuJtion provided on the foUuwing pages is advisary
and should be crmsitkred as supplemental to tbe ADMG.
The ADMG must be amsu/ted for specific requirements
for areas of rescue assistonre.
The Al1leriams with Disabilities Act Acassibility Guidelines Tech Sheet Series
ADAAG 4.3.11
AP~
COMPLIk'lCE MATERIALS
copyright @ 1994'
Barrier Free Environments, Inc.
CONTENTS
Introduction 1
ADAAG Requirements for
Areas of Rescue Assistance 4
Design Specifications for
Areas of Rescue Assistance 7
Size of Areas of Rescue Assistance 7
Signage Identifying
Areas of Rescue Assistance 8
Communication with People
in Areas of Rescue Assistance 11
Design of the Exit Stair at
Areas of Rescue Assistance 12
Approved Locations for Areas
of Rescue Assistance 14
ADAAG Reference Index 22
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Institute an Disability and Rebobilitotion Reseorcb (NIDRR)
to develop informotian ond 71II1teriols on tbe AmericollS witb
Disobilities Ad (ADA). However, yau sbauld be DWore tbot
NIDRR is not responsible jiJr enjiJrtf11lent af tbe ADA. Tbe
inftrmotian, presented bt7"e is imended solely os il/formol
guidoncc, ond is neither 0 dcterminotion afyaur legol rigbts or
responsibilities under tbe Ad, nor binding on ony ogenry witb
enftrcement responsibility under the ADA.
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distribution to S'TItIlU businesses but moy not be reproduced
in wbale or in port or sold by ony atber entity without
7J)ritten permissiJm af tbe outbors.
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Introduction
Egress and life safety during an emergency are major concerns
for all building occupants. For people with disabilities the problems
of evacuating a building are a greater concern. Many people with
mobility impairments cannot use stairs and people with hearing
and vision impainnents cannot receive emergency notification and
directions unless they are provided in both audible and visual forms
which accommodate various methods of assimilating information.
For buildings of more than one story emergency exits usually
arc provided at stairways. In emergency siTUations elevators gener-
ally cease operation, making the stairway the only path available to
leave a multi-story building. In most cases stairways are designed to
provide a sate means of isolating building occupants from smoke and
fire. Once the stairway is entered. people arc protected from heat
and smoke until they reach the b'Tound Hoor and safety.
People who have difficulty using st.1irs or who use wheelchairs
or scooters do not have the same access to a safe means of exiting a
building as people who can climb stairs. Exit stairways seldom have
additional Hoor space where people can stand or park a wheelchair
on the landing while they await assistance. If people using wheel-
chairs attempt to remain on the small landings that are typically
provided, they resmer the path down the stairs for other people
as well as jeopardize their own satety.
The Hazards of Inaccessible Exits
1994 <> BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133Dl0122
77" Americans with Disabilities Act
Accessibility Guidelines (ADMG)
was published as the St07ldordr ftr
Accessible Design in Appendix A in
~eD~~lentO/JWtiaSH~
Rule, 28 CFR Part 36/Nondiscrimi-
nation by Public Accammodotions Il1Ui
in Commercial Facilities. Copies of
the Final Rule may be obtaiued by
calling the Department of Justice at
/-8(JO- 5/4.<J JU / or the Aa:ess Boord at
/-8IJO.U,'V/-ABLE (/-81JO.872-2253).
Sidebars contain quotations from
IIDlul(; "lid from oth,.,. federal
dotume'7lts.
BFE note:
The Urm '\t'llnoay" if used in the
/I/)AAC "nd 7l'ill be used throughout
this Tech Sheet. In common building
practia the term "rtairway" is defined
as one or more flights ofstairr Il1Ui
the uecessary Ill1Uiings O7ld platforms
connecting them, to form a continucus
and uniuterrupted passage from one
rtory to O7lOther in a building or stTUd1Jre.
1
~~
" ~ \:"
), :) "-
....
ADAAG 3.S DcfillitiollS.
Area of Rescue Ihsistollce. A11 area,
which has direct access to an exit,
where people who are unal,le to use
stilirs may rerlloi71 temparorily in
safety to trUJait further imtrnctiom or
assistance during emergmcy t:ViUUiltiOll.
2
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
.~,
I.....................................
.W~'i
":: \. \ fl,
'.
Dangerous Exit Stairway
with No Waiting Area
Outside Path of Travel
The Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Cuidelines
(ADAAC;) require that a safe waiting area be provided at or near
inaccessible exits tor people who cannot dimb stairs to remain until
rescue persOlmel can assist them in evacuating the building. These
spaces, or areas of rescue assistance, must be a designated fire pro-
tected area (approved by a local building authority) that is within or
immediately adjacent to an exit stairway. Areas of rescue assistance
must be large enough for, at a minimum, two wheelchair users to
position themselves out of the path of travel. They must also be
equipped with a two-way comrmmication system and have adequate
signage that directs building occupants to the protected location.
Areas of rescue assistance must be on an accessible route complying
"'1th all the requirements of ADAAG 4.3 Accessible Route.
1994 co BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT 'H133Dl0122
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
directional sign indicat.
ing location of nearest
area of rescue assistance
area of rescue assistance
must provide same
protection and fire-
rating 35 stairway
one possible
location for area of
rescue assistance
identification sign
instructions for
use of space and
communicator
exit sign
(required by
building/life
safety codes)
~
~
~ea.
\
I
I
\
1
""
""
"
~
permanent room!
space sign in
corridor (must
display 'EXIT' in
raised lettering
and braille with a
required" AREA
OF RESCUE
ASSISTANCE"
sign located here)
.;
Area of Rescue Assistance
Inside Exit Stairway
1994 '" BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS,INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133D10122
3
BFE note:
/Irea of Rescue Assistance Are
Required Ollly in New Buildillgs.
Under /IDAAG a new buildillg
is a structure that
. had its Iarr building permit
appliwtUm after January 26, 1992 and
. was first occupied after
January 26,1993.
ADAAG 35 Definitions.
MeIlllS of Egress. A COlltillUOUS and
unobstructed way of exit travel from
any poim in a building or facility to
a publu way. // 711e1l1lS of egress
comprises vertical and horiumtal
travel and may induJe intervening
ro0711 spaces, doorways, hallways,
corridors, passof{e'U'nys, balamies,
romps, stairs, enclosures, lobbies,
horiumta/ e.>.:"its, courts and yards. A11
iJccessible nJeans of egress is 071e that
camplies with these guidelines and tkies
not include stairs, steps, ar escalators.
,-Ireas afrescue assistance ar evacuation
elevators 711ay be induded as part of
accessible means of eb17'ess.
areas of rescue assistance may
be required at ground floors and
in single story buildings where
required exits do not discharge
or open onto an accessible route
at grade level
fire-rated walls
and doors
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
ADAAG Requirements for
Areas of Rescue Assistance
The requirements tor areas of rescue as'lstance are found in
two sections of the ADAAG: 4.1.3 (9) Accessible Buildings: New
Consouc1:ion and 4.3.11 Areas of Rescue Assistance. Section 4.1.3
(9) known as the "scoping" provision, specifies where and when
areas of rescue assistance must be provided. Section 4.3.11 provides
the technical specifications for the design of the designated area.
Areas of rescue assistance are required in all new multi-story
buildings (and additions, which are considered new consouction)
covered by the ADAAG. Some exceptions are pennitted and will
be detailed below. Existing buildings, including those undergoing
alterations, are not required to have areas of rescue assistance.
ADAAG 4.1.3 (9) specifies that an "... accessible means of egress
shall be provided in the same number as required for exits by local
buildingllife safety regulations." An accessible "means of egress" is a
path of travel accessible to people with disabilities that allows them
to reach a sate area out-or.doors or in another building protected by
a firewall. When this accessible route on Hoors above and below the
ground Hoor cannot discharge (open) onto an accessible route at
grade, then each inaccessible Hoor must be provided with areas of
rescue assistance in the same munber as the required exits.
In multi-story buildings exit stairways are part of the required
means of egress. In new buildinb'5 without an automatic sprinkler
system, areas of rescue assistance must be placed in or adjacent to exit
stairways (one exception is allowed, see page 21) so rescue personnel
can get to the ,mmded person quickly from a stairway or '111okeproof
elevator to assist in their evacuation. There are seven acceptable
locations for areas of rescue assistance specified in ADAAG. Each
of these will be described in this Tech Sheet starring on page 14.
required fire emergency exit - no
area of rescue assistance required
where exit discharges at grade on
an accessible route
main entrance and
one of the required
exits: entrance must
be accessible. on an
accessible route, and
provide accessible egress
Areas of Rescue Assistance May Be
Required in Some One - Story Buildings
4
1994 <l BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133Dl0122
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
accessible
means of egress
elevator can
not be used as
a required exit
(except under rare
circumstances)
hall or
exit access
lIeads to exit}
area of rescue
assistance
within stairway
required exit
with areas of
rescue assistance
required
exit/exit
enclosure
(fire-rated
construction)
./
./
./
./
./ /'
/'
./
./
/'
./
entrance on
accessible route
exit discharge: door to
exterior street, alley,
or side walk
Accessible Means of Egress As Part of Accessible Route
1994'" BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133D10122
5
BFE note:
,'Irem afrescue d..rrLrtance are
not required
. if superJlSed sprinkler system
is instaLled,
. or if hon'=nntal e.J.:1t meeting
lowl building code requirements
is present,
. or in exirting bui/dingy.
Ilonz(mtal eXits alum! Imi/Jing
oa'Upants to nurJe fram a ddngeraus
"rea of the bui/Jing to a safe (refuge)
aTea withauf cha1lginf{ kveLl'.
The scopin/{" pnr.;isia!L.f in --t. J. 3:
.'Jo..'{!zib/e lluil.Ji71gs: iYe-JJ CUll.rtructioll
"fOT areas afrescue as.riJ1/mre do not
"f7PIy to e.:rten'or }flei/iries (o'verrd by
-1./.2 /AccessibLe Sites iJnd 10rteriar
r~/ciiities/. For e.xample, parking Ivts
IJ/ld opeu parking garaj.;l's aTe cmJt'Ted
I)I~Y by -1.1.2 iJud aTt' not required to
..o. f/;il'Je} areas a/rescue fLuistance. "
1)0 CFR })"71 J 19/, Federal Rl'pJ\fCT,
July 26,1991
0'lcce.rr Board's J.i71al Guidelin",)}
. Scope is a set a/directives that stlltes
"<L'here", li.u'hen", and "lxT'JJ 111l1ny"
deme1Jts and spates must be atcessibJe
and camply Veith tbe design require-
mmts of the /II)/I//C;.
6
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
When Areas of Rescue
Assistance Are Not Required
Only lUlder two circumstances arc multi-story builclings (or
single story builcliub" with insufticient mllnhcrs of required exits
with accessible routes to grade) not required to have arcas of rescue
assistance. The tirst is if a new IJllilcling has a supervised automatic
sprinkler system monitorcd 24 hours a day. llowever, cven in
builclings equipped with sprinkler systems it is recommended that
areas of rescue assistance be provided. It is quite possible for a person
"ith a clisability to be stranded and overcome "ith smoke before
rescue personnel could reach him/her, given the clifticulty in locating
someone in a smoke-tilled building.
'l'he second instance where the areas of res<..:uc assistance as
described in 4.3.11 are not required is in a building with a horiwntal
exit that meets the requirements of a local builcling authority.
Horizontal exits may be fonned by continuous tire-protcL1:ed
construction "ith tire doors which enable each area to serve as
an area of reli.lge (or rescue assistance) from tire in the othcr area.
Horizontal exits are desib'11ed to allow people to Illove !i.OIll a
dangerous area to a safe arca in the sallle builcling or an adjacent
building "ithollt chanb>ing levels. Moving trom a tire-involved wne
on the samc Hoor into:1 non-involvcd zonc Cln provide refuge for
one or more hours, depending on tl,e building construction. Most
people, including those "ith disabilitics, cm move trom wne to wne
through appropriatelv desib'11ed tire doors. It is best to consult 10ClI
building aurhority or code officials on approved use of horiwntal
exits \\-ithin \'our area,
level connection
between two areas
separated by a fire
barrier, space, or
other form of protec-
tion may be part of
a horizontal exit
-level connection
of two buildings
may be part of
a horizontal exit
area 1A and
budding 2
are refuge
areas (areas
of rescue
assistance)
when
area 18 is
threatened
lA~ ~
. n
-<
Building 1
Building 2
A Horizontal Exit Can Meet the
Requirement for Areas of Rescue Assistance
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AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Design Specifications for
Areas of Rescue Assistance
permanent room/space sign in
corridor Imust display "EXIT" in
raised lettering and braille with
a required" AREA OF RESCUE
ASSISTANCE"sign located here)
exit sign
in corridor
(required by
building/life
safety codes)
it is recommended
that aU features
and elements within
aU areas of rescue
assistance be
identical through-
out the building
Elements of Area
of Rescue Assistance
Size of Areas of Rescue Assistance
ADAAG 4.3.11.2
The area of rescue assistance mtLst be located on an accessible
route and be large enough to pennit at lcast two people lLsing
wheelchairs to enter the space and position themselves outside
the exit path of other building occnpanLs. Tbis necessiLates that at
least two 30 inch by 4R inch wheelchair parking spaces be provided
within the area of rescue assistance. \A'here the "parking space(s)"
are not recessed into an alcove, the area iilr wheelchair users to
position themselves could be indicated by a change of floor material
or Hoor marking.
Local building authorities may reduce the required mnnber of spaces
per Boor to one where the calculated occupant load per floor i.s lcss than
200. In large ocrupancy buildings some Boors may be required to have
more than two parking spaces in a single area of rescue assistance.
It is critical for the safety of all building occupants that the
accessible route to, and the area of rescue assistance itself, be con-
tinually available. Areas of rescue assisLance must never be used for
temporary storage, even of lightweight movablc itcms. Maintenance
staff must be cautioned not to place extra fumittLre, cleaning equip-
ment, or other items in this "out of the way" comer.
1994 e BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133D10122
Notes in italic are recommendations.
communicator (with use of
space instructions adjacent)
located within reach range
of a seated user
minimum of two
wheelchair
parking spaces
stair must
have 48 inches
clear width
between
handrails
30"
n
['~UUU~U;
~.
. ,
. ,
. ,
m '. ,\
.. ,u~m"uu
Clear Floor Space
for Parking a Wheelchair
60"
1~~~~~~"__L~3~O"~ ~~I
[. ' ,
, ' ,
, , ,
= :., :.. .j
~ ~ - j I..!
[__________1__________)
Two Wheelchair
Parking Spaces
7
Signs which designate pernuznnlt
rooms and SplUeS must be
. in raised type and Braille
(ADAAG 4.30.4),
. of appropriate finish and
contrast (ADAAG 4.30.5), and
. muunted at appropriate Ia:utUm
and height (ADAAG 4.30.6).
Signs which provide direction to, or
information about, functional spaces
of the building must have appropriate
. character proportion
(/lDA/IG 4.30.2),
. character height
(/IDA/IG 4.30.3), and
. finish and contrast
(ADA/IG 4.30.5).
8
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Signage Indentifying Areas of Rescue Assistance
ADAAG 4.3.11.5
When room identification is to be provided in a building then
ADMG requires the installation of a sign that identifies the desig-
nated space for the area of rescue assistance. Signs used to indicate
permanent rooms and spaces are required by ADMG to be tactile
and mounted at a particular location beside doors so people with
visual impainnents can find a specific room or area.
Although areas of rescue assistance may be considered permanent
spaces in a building, the signage identitying them is not subject to
the ADMG signage specifications of mounting height, location,
or tactile lettering that is required for other permanent rooms and
spaces. Under the ADMG 4.1 Minimum Requirements, these signs
are not required to be tactile because it is generally assumed that
areas of rescue assistance are used primarily by people with mobility
impairments who cannot climb stairs. However, a person with a
visual impainnent may also have balance problems or a condition
that limits stamina that prevents them from walking rapidly down
stairs. This person may have to seek refuge in an area of rescue
assistance also. Thus, where exit doors lead to an area of rescue
assistance, it is recommended that tactile sib'I1age complying with
ADMG be installed at the exit door.
Only one sign identitying the area of rescue assistance is
required and it must meet the following ADMG specifications:
. contain the words "AREA Of RESCUE
ASSISTANCE" in uppercase type
. display the International Symbol of Accessibility
. be illuminated when exit sign illumination is
required (by other codes)
. comply with ADMG for character proportion,
height, finish, and contrast
international symbol
of accessibility required
since some people may
not comprehend the text
AREA OF RESCUE
ASSISTANCE
these signs must
be illuminated if exit
signs are required
to be illuminated
Sign Identifying Area of Rescue Assistance
1994"" BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NlORR GRANT .H133010122
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Signage Placement and Size. The required sib'll identitying the
area of rescue assistance should be located in a standard, logical,
and predictable place at the entrance to, as well as inside, over, or
adjacent to the actual area of rescue assistance. It should be posi-
tioned where good visibility is maintained at all times.
Anyone of the suggested locations for the required signage
shown in the illustration may be a good choice. Characters on
signs identitying areas of rescue assistance must be sized according
to the viewing distance from which they are to be read. If the sign
is 80 inches or greater above the l100r the minimum character ~
height is three inches (ADAAG .HOJ).
overhead locations are
good because the sign
can be seen over the
heads of moving people
if overhead location
is used letter size
"
/
Possible Locations for
Required Sign at Areas
of Rescue Assistance
Directional Signage to Areas of Rescue Assistance. Although
only one sib'll identitying the area of rescue assistance is required,
additional directional sib'llS m:1V be required to g11ide building
occupants to protectcd areas. H~ te)r example, the accessible route
passes through an intermediate door bele)re arriving at the area of
rescue assistance, an additional direluonal sib'll at the door would
help users quickly tind the sate area.
/
/:
//
Notes in italic are recommendations.
"EXIT"sign required by
building/life safety codes
a sign positioned at
locations 1,2, or 3 can
help to guide the user
to the area of rescue
assistance - such signs
are not required by the
ADMG but If installed
they must meet the
ADAAG requirements
for character proportion
and height as well as
finish and contrast
r:8%l
~
2
~
when exit signage is
prOVided. ADAAG
requires an exit sign
(in raised lettering
Jnd Braille)
~
~
if sign identifying area of rescue
assistance is installed here,
it is recommended that it be tactile
Possible Locations for Additional Optional Directional
Signs Indicating Route to Area of Rescue Assistance
1994@ BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT #H133Dl0122
9
..10/1/1(; 4.3.11.5 1<k7'tijicatiIJ11...
Sij.,mage shaU also he installed at aU
illoaessible exits and 71)here otherJ}ise
necessary to clearly indicate the
JJ"rectio71 to areas afrescue ass/lalla.
See aLro /lJ)/I/lG 4.1.3
(16) liuilJil1g Sigllage,
and 4. 30 Signage
10
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Additional directional signage may need to be installed at
corridor intersections and at other building fire safety signage to
ensure the safe evacuation ofbuildingoccupams with disabilities
and should be considered for any signage system. If an area of
rescue assistanee is not directly accessed by a designated exit door
then a directional sign must be installed at the door to indicate
the direction to the nearest area of rescue assistance.
I-
permanent room!
space sign with
raised characters
and Braille
EXIT
AREA OF
RESCUE
ASSISTANCE
-
directional sign
with flush type
Sign Directs User to Remotely
Located Area of Rescue Assistance
Signage Describing Use of Area of Rescue Assistance.
ADAAG also requires that instructions on the use of the area of
rescue assistance under emergency conditions be posted adjoining
a two-way communication system. Tnis may be a separate sign
subject to the requirements of directional/information signage or
this infonnation may be incorporated into the communication panel
itself. Communieation with people in areas of rescue assistance is
presented in the next section.
1994'" BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NlORR GRANT .H133010122
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Communication with People
in Areas of Rescue Assistance
ADAAG 4.3.11.4
A method of two-way communication ",;th both visible and
audible signals must be provided in each area of rescue assistance.
The system must peffilit non-verbal use so someone ",;th a hearing
or speech impairment could notify the control center of ills or her
presence and be assured that someone is on the way.
Simple visual panels can be installed that have separate lights
indicating that various messages have been received and what the
response mil be. Other non-verbal communication panels may use
LEOs or screen displays to pennit vis'ualmessages to be sent by the
control center managing the evacuation. The conlll1lmicator must
he powered by the facility or lllrilding emergency electrical service
to ensure continued operation during emergencies.
Buttons, operating mechanisms to signal for help or to reply,
and the location of the unit itself must be mthin the reach range of a
seated person. The communication panel must be located no higher
than 48 inches above the Brrished floor [()r a [(,rward reach and 54
inches for a side reach and must be operable mthout tight grasping
or twisting. Instructions tor operating the t\\.-'o-way commlmication
system, if they are not part of the panel itself, must be placed adja-
cent to the uni t inside the area of rescue assistance.
Notes in italic are recommendations.
Canrmuniwtors must [omply 7.L'ith
ADAAG 4.27 Controls and Operat-
ing lvlechanirTlls. 4.2.5 Forward
Reach, and 4.2.6 Side Reach.
ADAAG /14.l.11.4 T",o-way
Canmnmiclltio71... -;,'isibfe signal
requireTllmt muld be satisfied with
s(Jmethi71f!, {IS simple as a lmttan in the
area afrescue lLfsisttmce that lights,
i1ldiCtlting that hdp is an the 7))01,
1J.,,!Jell the rJll.'s..'lage is i1l!.rJJered at
the point of entry.
notification "PUSH FOR HELP"
should be in raised lettering
and Braille (not required)
Instructions for Use of Communicator (sample)
. push bar for assistance
. light indicates message received
. light directs user to remain in
designated area of rescue assistance
. light indicates rescue personnel will
arrive shortly
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11
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Design of the Exit Stair at Areas of
Rescue Assistance ADAAG 4.3,11.3
Exit stairs adjacent to areas of rescue assistance must be suffi-
ciently wide to allow someone to be carried down the stairs in a
controlled descent evacuation chair or in hislher own wheelchair
and at the same time allow a walking person to pass. The minimum
width space in which this can be safely perfonned is 48 inches;
therefore ADAAG specifics a minimum stairway width of 48 inches
between handrails. Local building codes usually specify landing
depth and base it upon the stair width. Exit stairs under ADAAG are
48 inches wide minimum, and although some state building codes
allow bs, the depth of the landing should be 48 inches minimum also.
r-
~I~
I
+-
.8'
fire-rated
exit enclosure
'8'
local code
requirements
specify stair
requirements,
e.g, landing is
usually required
to be same depth
as stairs are wide
r-
1\ /
,
,L
-r-- 1"
UP DN
. 0
~I.E
I
minimum clear
floor space
at landing
Minimum Requirements for Stair
Adjacent to Areas of Rescue Assistance
12
1994 <Cl BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIORR GRANT 'H133010122
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
In addition to the "fireman's CllT}''' other methods of assisting
a person to evacuate a building are available. Controlled descent
chairs fold and can be placed in exit stairs for use in emergencies.
Through fri,:tion braking systems, rollers, and other devices these
chairs allow a relatively small person to take a larger person down
the stairs with safety. It is recommended that at least certain
designated building occupants familiarize themselves with (or be
instructed in) the use of such a device. Controlled descent chairs are
of no use for people who cannot transter into them at the top of the
stairs. Don't torget to have the person's wheelchair brought down
to the exit discharge area.
Use of Controlled
Descent Chair
For people in wheelchairs several rescue personnel must be
prepared to carry the individual down the exit stairs. This should
not be attempted by people not trained tor the task and is lL,ually
only possible when the person is in a Illanual wheelchair. If the
person is in a heavy powered wheelchair be/she will probably have
to be carried down separately from his/her chair.
Rescue Personnel Assisting
Person in Manual Wheelchair
1994 <i'l BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT #H133D10122
A.4.3.10 EWess. Be=e people
with disabilities may visit, be employed
or be IJ resident in any /miMing,
emergemy management plans with
specific pravirio1lS to ensure their saft
evacuation also ploy an essential role
in fire saftty and life safety.
13
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Approved Locations for Areas
of Rescue Assistance ADAAG 4.3.11.1
Notes in italic are
recommendations.
An area of rescue assistlnce must bc on an accessible routc and
must be e"y for building occupants to reach. It must be IOClted in
one of seven approved IOCltions connected or adjacent to an exit
stlirway. A presswized elevator lobby is the only situation where
an area of rescue assistance is not required to be at or near a stainvay.
It is importlnt to note that all fire raring requirements and 10Clrions
for protected spaces are subject to loCI! code authority approval.
Cautimlllry Note: An area of rescue assistlnce, even when
protected with fire-rated walls, does not ensure that an occupant
",ill be safe for an hour. At best, most of the areas of rescue assis-
tlnce provide an additional ten to tifteenminutes !(lr a building
occupant to remain until rCSl'UC personnel arrive. It is not meant to
be an area of safe relUge where a person Cln remain !(lr any extended
period of time.
in fire-rated corridor, fire-rated
construction also around entire
area of rescue assistance
instructions for
use of space
emergency
personnel will use
staIrway to assist
with evacuation
identification signage
may be mounted in
either location,
it is recommended
that both signs
be installed
exit enclosure
two-way
communication
system
minimum one hour
fire-rated corridor
serves as accessible
route and path of
travel to exit
permanent room!
space signage
3'.0. minimum
width accessible
route
Area of Rescue Assistance
Located Adjacent to Exit Stairwell
14
1994'" BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133Dl0122
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Location 1: Stairway Smokeproof Enclosure
Portions of stairway lanJin6'S C:ln be alloC:lted as areas of rescue
assistance when the stairway is ""thin a sll1okeproof enclosure.
minimum
width for
exit stairs
at area
of rescue
assistance
ON
UP
smokeproof
enclosure continues
around area of
rescue assistance
\
- ---. .
C sign Identlfymg area
of rescue assistance
48"
:...~ ~'l
I
.--
,
48"
mln
rated door
i:Jnd frame
~
'L-:
48" I
"
min I
,
I
I
.. I
communicator
wall with required
opening to air (or
rail at balcony)
f<.lted door
and frame
.
I
I
-CORRIDOR-
Area of Rescue Assistance in Smokeproof Enclosure
1994 co BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NIORR GRANT .H133Dl0122
15
all openings
to interior
of building
within 20
feet of area
of rescue
assistance
must be
3/4 hour
rated
16
exterior balcony
fire rating continues
around area of
rescue assistance
communicator
.
.
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Location 2: Exterior Balcony
A portion of a balcony on the exterior of a building, adjacent to a
stairway, em be designated as an area of rescue assistance. If there
is an opening into the interior of the building within 20 feet it must
have a three-f(lUrths hour fire protection rating.
minimum
width
exit stairs
at area
of rescue
assistance
sign identifying area
of rescue assistance
60"
t
~r-..... ...."
WtI'
, "
.. '. '
. " '
~. t '
,,1, . - .." ·
. , '. ~ ,
, '. '
. '. '
, '
, '. '
,----------..-------- ,
~
UP
min
DN
20'-0"
i
i
~
48"
min
48"
min
. t
BALCONY
.
.
Area of Rescue Assistance as Part of Exterior Balcony
1994" BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133Dl0122
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Location 3: Corridor
Areas of rescue assistance can be portions of a one-hour rated
corridor located adjacent to the exit stair.
UP
ON
exit enclosure
~
,I 46"
..~--
I min.
48"
min.
I
one-hour ~
CORRIDOR I
46"
min
corridor
Area of Rescue Assistance
in One Hour Fire-Rated Corridor
1994 e BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NIORR GRANT .H133010122
minimum width
for exit stair at area
of rescue assistance
communicator
~ large occupancy
I buildings may be
I required to have more
, II c than 2 parking places
8 E within an area of
rescue assistance
~ L - sign identifying area
of rescue assistance
I
I
17
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Location 4: Vestibule
.\ vestibule between the corridor and the exit stair is another location
that can be desib'llated as an area of rescue assisrance. 'nlC vestibule
must have the sallle fire rating as the corridor.
exit enclosure
communicator
30. x 48- wheelchair ~
parking spaces -.-'X
sign identifying area
of rescue assistance
vestibule with
same fire-rating
as corridor
Depth is dictated---./i/
by life safety codes
minimum vestibule
depth and ADMG
doors in series require-
ments. The installation
of a 3'-0. door results
in a vestibule depth of
84- minimum. If 6- is
added to the vestibule
it is possible to provide
3 parking spaces.
..
UP
48"
--~....._-_..
min
+._48'~~
I mln
+-
... ,.. i 1" I,'
CORRIDOR'I-'--;~
, I '
Area of Rescue Assistance
in a Fire-Rated Vestibule
In SO~ jurisdictions this
vestibule may be required to
be ventilated or pressurized.
18
minimum width
for exit stair at area
of rescue assistance
..
fire-rated door
and frame
.~
direct access to
~ c: exit stairway
"',-
..,.iE
.
..
fire-rated door
and frame
1994 i&J BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS,INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133D10122
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Location 5: Vented Stairway Landing
A portion of a stairway landing can be an area of rescue assistance
provided the presence of the wheelchair parking spaces does not
interfere with the use of the stairway. The landing must be vented
to the exterior of the building by natural or mechanical means
and separated from the interior of the building by a one-hour
rated door.
stairway vented to
exterior (open with rail)
exit enclosure ~
;\'
r fire~rated
construction
per local codes
UP
DN
minimum width
for exit stair _--
at area of rescue I !
assistance 48" I, 48" I I
min .t. min f ~ I.~
opening with grille Jr ! I
~~0~~:a~r::~S~:d~iC:dI" , ~' J.-rommo""",",
, . ""I E
one-hour . .' I
. : ~_;, - sign identifying area
minimum .
~~e~~ated ----l---~___i_____ _' i ~ of rescue assistance
; I ! . i I I I !. i :
.,-I....-~CORRIDOR -~- --+-~-
~I III'"
I r I I
30. x 48- wheelchair
parking spaces
Area of Rescue Assistance
in Vented Stair landing
When the area of rescue assistance
is located on the landing of the stair
the usual building elements such
as the fire extinguisher, sprinkler
valve, and fire cabinet should not
be placed in or protrude into the
clear floor space required for
wheelchair parking spaces.
1994'" BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT #Ht33Dl0122
19
enclosure with \
minimum one-
hour fire rating
. 0
:j!-
, E
v
self - or automatic
closing door
assembly with 20
minute minimum
fire-rating
I
sign identifying ----+-----t
area of rescue I
assistance !
room, office, or lounge
adjacent to exit enclosure
may serve as area of rescue
assistance provided con-
struction is fire rated and
neither door into the room
is lockable
20
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Location 6: Adjacent Room
An area of rescue assistance can be a room that is separa ted from
other portions of the building by smoke baniers of one-hour mini-
mwn construction. 'The room must have direct access to an exit
enclosure (stairway). The doors to this room must have a minimwn
20 minute fire rating, and be self-closing or automatic closing tight
fitting smoke and draft control assemblies, If the adjacent stairway is
reqlrired to have a rating greater than one hour, the area of rescue
assistance and door ratings must be the same as the stairway.
60'
r sign helps
i to keep space
available at
all times
r- communicator
direct access to stair exit
mon
r
...
jf the required fire-
rating of the stair
is greater than
one-hour the fire
rating of area of
rescue assistance
must be equal
. 0
~,.E
,
,
~-
n
D
r
. '0
~.-
..,.iE
, I
, '
---
---,-.
, I
I
t-
-<_j I
CORRIDOR
I
" I
-j
I
minimum width for
exit stairs at area of
rescue assistance
Area of Rescue Assistance
Within an Adjacent Room
1994 <J BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT #HI33Dl0122
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
Location 7: Pressurized Elevator Lobby
Areas of rescue assistance can be portions of elevator lobbies
when the lobby and elevator shafts are pressurized as required
by local authorities for smokeproof enclosures and when all the
requirements of the ADAAG for areas of rescue assistance are met.
The pressurization system must be activated by smoke detectors
located (as approved by the local authorities) on each floor of the
building. The equipment necessary to pressurize the lobby and
the elevator, including ductWork, must be separated from other
portions and systems of the building by a minimum of two hour
fire rated construction.
Notes in italic are
recommendations.
minimum
two 30" x4
wheelchai
parking sp
communic
sign identl
of rescue a
8" \ / / , ,
r ' , I i
aces ' ' / I I
/ {~ I~ ' !
Si I !
/ J :
ator --+p '\ --
,u
"-
'" \ ...... ! ' -
'~ (
I~~',i , !
..-1 ~ ::.,......
"tying area i I I ,) ;-".'
ssistance I i a: "
ffi ' 0
0
, a:
! I R~ ~ :~, ' ,a:
ator lobby is used o-r
I! - ,u ,
escue assistance /--.++ I :
Id be an adjacent --""- - ' I I
cue personnel. , ' I '
mended that this , -- -'I I
he 48- minimum ~ - -
When elev
as area of r
there shou
stair for res
It is recom
stair have t
width for exit stairs at areas
of rescue assistance.
Area of Rescue Assistance
Located in an Elevator Lobby
.
1994<> BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT .HI33Dl0122
pressurized
elevator shafts
pressurized
elevator lobby
self-or
automatic
closing doors
on both sides
of lobby
sign identify-
ing area
of rescue
assistance
21
AREAS OF RESCUE ASSISTANCE
ADAAG
Reference Index
for Areas of Rescue Assistance
Scoping Requirements for Areas of Rescue Assistance
(Types of Facilities Covered,
Minimum Number, Location,
and Exceptions)
4.1.3 (9) Accessible Buildings:
New Construction
4.3.10 Egress (Accessible Route)
Technical Requirements for Areas of Rescue Assistance
.
Primary Reference
~
o
<
<
Q
<
Advisory Material
.
~
.
o
<
<
Q
<
4.3.11.1 Location and
Construction 20
4.3.11.2 Size 21
4.11.3 Stairwav Width 21 A4.11.3 Stairwav Width A4
4.3.11.4 Two-way A4.3.11.4 Two-way
Communication 21 Communication A5
4.3.11.5 Identification 21
22
1994 <0 BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NlORR GRANT #H133010122