Are exit discharges required to have a hard surface pathway to the public way?
This is in reference to tag K-38 and previous guidance. A2: Previous interpretive guidance on this subject dated 07/07/93 (under tag K-32) is still acceptable. In that guidance we stated that our response to the question was Yes, if there is much rain or snow and if patients are expected to exit or be evacuated in wheelchairs or beds. This would include residents using walkers. Grass or soil may be acceptable if weather conditions permit. This determination is left up to the judgment of the surveyor as to the local weather conditions and the difficulty that a resident or patient may encounter while traversing between the building and the public way. Section 7.7.1 NFPA 101 of the LSC (2000 edition) requires that Exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at an exterior exit discharge. Yards, courts, open spaces, or other portions of the exit discharge shall be of required width and size to provide all occupants with a safe access to a public way. An appendix note to 7.7.1 states
