Which term best describes a means of egress from one building to an area of refuge in another building on the same level?

• A. Horizontal exit
• B. Means of egress
• C. Exit stair
• D. Elevator lobbies

Answer: (A)

A horizontal exit is a protected passage that allows occupants to move from one building to an area of refuge in an adjacent building on the same floor. It is a specific means of egress designed to cross a fire-rated barrier between buildings so people can reach a safe space on the same level without descending stairs or using elevators. This differs from an exit stair, which provides vertical travel between floors, and from elevator lobbies, which involve elevators and are not relied upon for routine fire egress. While means of egress is the broad concept of a path to safety, a horizontal exit describes the particular cross-building, same-floor connection to refuge.