Continuous means of travel—D2D14(1)

D2D14(1) requires that occupants in a required non-fire-isolated stairway or ramp are able to continue all the way down to the level from which egress to a road or open space is available.

D2D14(1) refers to a continuous means of travel comprising flights of stairs and landings. It would generally not be acceptable for an entire or substantial proportion of a storey to be called a “landing”.

The first diagram in Figure D2D14a illustrates non-compliance with D2D14(1) because the stair does not provide a continuous path of travel to the level providing egress to a road or open space. The second diagram in Figure D2D14a illustrates a method of compliance with D2D14(1).

Required stairways and ramps

The distances specified in D2D14 apply only to a required non-fire-isolated stairway or ramp. Figure D2D14b illustrates the method of measuring a travel distance down a stairway.

Distances for non-fire-isolated stairways—D2D14(2) and (3)

D2D14(2) and (3) provide requirements for the overall travel distances permitted on non-fire-isolated stairways. Figure D2D14c illustrates compliance with D2D14(2) and (3).

Distance from stairway to discharge point—D2D14(4) and (5)

D2D14(4) and (5) provide requirements for the travel distance permitted from the base of the non-fire-isolated stairway to the discharge point (note that this distance is part of the distances required under D2D14(2) and (3).

Figure D2D14d illustrates compliance with D2D14(4) and (5). 

D2D14(6) provides the additional requirements for Class 2 and Class 3 buildings which are required to have 2 or more exits.

Figure D2D14e illustrates one method of an exit system in a Class 5–9 building complying with Section D.

Figure D2D14a: Section showing compliance with D2D14(1)

Figure D2D14b: Method of measuring travel distance down a stairway

Figure D2D14c: Method of measuring overall distance of travel via non-fire- isolated stairways

Figure D2D14d: Plans showing compliance with D2D14(4) and (5) for the discharge of non-fire-isolated stairways

Figure D2D14e: One method of compliance with Section D