(1) The following general requirements shall apply to exit:—
(a) all vertical exits or horizontal exits shall be free from obstructions;
(b) no building shall be altered so as to reduce the number, width or protection of exits to less than what is required under these rules;
(c) exits shall be clearly visible and routes to reach each exit shall be clearly marked;
(d) all exits shall be properly illuminated;
(e) fire-fighting equipment shall, where provided along exits, be suitably located and clearly marked so as not to obstruct the exit way and there shall be clear indication about its location from either side of the exit;
(f) alarm devices shall be installed to ensure prompt evacuation through exits;
(g) all exits shall provide continuous means of access to the exterior of a building or to an exterior open space leading to a street or means of access;
(h) exits shall be so arranged that may be reached without passing through another occupied unit, except in the case of a building for residential and educational uses.
(2) An exit may be a door-way, corridor, passage-way to staircase, ramp or a varandah or terrace which has access to the street or to the roof of a building. An exit may also include a horizontal exit leading to an adjoining building at the same level.
(3) Lifts and escalators shall not be considered as exits:
Provided that if the lift, lobby and shaft is provided as per requirement of West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services, it shall be considered as fire escape route.
(4) All basements shall have a minimum of two exits.
Explanation.—Ramps to the basement shall be considered as exits.