An exit discharge holds paramount importance within an exit route or egress pathway in a building. During emergencies, it guarantees occupants a secure and efficient route from the interior of the building to a designated safe area outside. The regulations governing exit discharge standards are set forth by OSHA, the International Building Code (IBC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code. These codes collaborate to establish a unified framework and terminology for defining, purpose, and designing exit discharge requirements.

The International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code requires an egress interruption device to guide occupants out of the building at the exit level within the stairwell in the event of an emergency. The purpose is to direct occupants to the final exit, more importantly to stop occupants from continuing down the stairs, into the basement or parking garage where it is difficult or impossible to escape from the emergency.

International Building Code (IBC 2021)
1023.8 DISCHARGE IDENTIFICATION. AN INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY AND RAMP SHALL NOT CONTINUE BELOW ITS LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE UNLESS AN APPROVED BARRIER IS PROVIDED AT THE LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE TO PREVENT PERSONS FROM UNINTENTIONALLY CONTINUING INTO LEVELS BELOW. DIRECTIONAL EXIT SIGNS SHALL BE PROVIDED AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 1013.

NFPA 101 (2018)
7.7.3.3* Arrangement and Marking of Exit Discharge. Stairs and ramps that continue more than one-half story below the level of discharge shall be provided with an approved means to prevent or dissuade occupants from traveling past the level of discharge during emergency building evacuation.

OSHA
1910.36(d) Exit Routes and Emergency Planning. Exit stairs that continue beyond the level on which the exit discharge is located must be interrupted at that level by doors, partitions, or other effective means that clearly indicate the direction of travel leading to the exit discharge.

The location and placement of the often comes down to practicality. The most appropriate location and where commonly installed is at the top of the stair flight which continues past the exit level. Mounted inline with the first stair nose. Mounted inline or just below the wall rail height to avoid obstruction or creating a pinch point when opened. Wall mounted, swinging open into the floor level. Alternative locations are possible, however the intent is to minimize impeding on the clear walking path as much as possible. Consult with the projects Architect and Code Official as all buildings are unique.

The gate swings into the landing, against the wall. Avoiding obstructions such as wall rails, rail brackets, door openings, and the walls.

A single swing gate is the most common for openings up to 60 inches. When the swing does not block doorways, or interfere with walls, a single swing gate is often preferred.

Double swing gates are utilized when a single swing gate interferes with a doorway or wall. Otherwise when the stair width is so large, a double swing is more practical.

International Building Code (IBC) section 1023.8 describes: “an exit enclosure shall not continue below its level of exit discharge unless an approved barrier is provided at the level of exit discharge”. The code does not specify in a closed position or held open. The common interpretation is that the gate must remain in its closed position, forcing occupants to stop and think before continuing down regardless of panic situations. However, certain jurisdictions may prefer that the gate be held open with a mag lock tied to the fire alarm, releasing when the alarm sounds. It is best to consult with your local code official for their building code interpretation.