In the context of the IRC, what does the term "egress" refer to?

The term "egress" in the context of the International Residential Code (IRC) specifically refers to emergency exit routes. It signifies the safe and unobstructed path that occupants must use to exit a building in case of an emergency. The IRC places great emphasis on egress to ensure that individuals can safely evacuate a structure in situations such as fire, earthquake, or other emergencies.

These egress routes include doors, windows, and stairways that lead to the outside of the building or to an area of safety. Building codes require that egress components meet specific standards regarding size, accessibility, and clearance to ensure they are functional and safe for use when needed.

Access to storage areas, entrance pathways, and natural light sources do not align with the definition of egress. While they are important for various aspects of building design and functionality, they do not specifically address the requirements or considerations for emergency exits, which is the primary concern of the term "egress" in the IRC context.