What is the primary purpose of an egress door?

The primary purpose of an egress door is to serve as an emergency exit. Egress doors are crucial for ensuring safety in the event of a fire or other emergencies, as they provide a means for occupants to exit a building quickly and efficiently. Building codes frequently require that egress doors lead directly to the outdoors or to an area of refuge, allowing for safe evacuation.

In residential and commercial buildings, the design and placement of egress doors are critical aspects of life safety planning. They must be easily accessible, not blocked or obstructed, and equipped with hardware that allows for easy operation, even in stressful situations. This focus on quick and safe exit options is what distinguishes egress doors from standard doors used for aesthetic purposes, access to windows, or structural support. These other factors may contribute to the overall function and design of a building, but they do not serve the essential role of ensuring safe egress in emergency scenarios.