The safety requirements for emergency exits in a building include:
1. Number and Location: The building must have adequate number of emergency exits, located at strategic points and well-signed, to ensure fast and easy evacuation. The number of exits required depends on the size, layout and type of building.
2. Size and Capacity: The emergency exits must be wide enough to accommodate the expected number of people evacuating the building. The dimensions of the doors, the width of hallway, and the stairways, should be in compliance with building codes and standards.
3. Functionality: The emergency exit doors must be easy to open and should be equipped with panic bars, handles, push-buttons or other devices to facilitate escape. They should not be blocked or locked and should open outwards or have a push-bar that opens the door when pressure is applied to the inside.
4. Illumination and Signage: The emergency exit routes must be clearly marked with illuminated signs that can be seen in low light conditions. Indicators such as directional arrows, Exit signs, and emergency lights should be installed to avoid confusion during evacuation.
5. Accessibility: The emergency exits should be easily accessible to people with disabilities such as hearing, mobility, or vision impairments, and should be equipped with special devices to facilitate their safe use.
6. Maintenance and Training: The emergency exits and their components should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are functional and safe. The occupants of the building should be given information on building evacuation instructions, procedures, and training on how to use the emergency exits.
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