Chapter 2
Means of Escape
Chapter 2 governs the design, construction, and maintenance of all exit facilities required to provide safe means of escape from buildings in Singapore. It covers how to determine exit requirements based on occupancy type, occupant load, travel distance, and exit capacity, and sets specific numeric thresholds drawn from Table 2.2A. Special provisions address smoke-free approaches to staircases, exit door requirements, remoteness of exits, and dedicated requirements for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Scope: Applies to all buildings erected, altered, or changed in occupancy in Singapore, across all purpose groups (PG I–VIII). Specific sub-clauses address residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, assembly, and basement occupancies.
Source: SCDF Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings 2023. This is a guidance summary — always verify against the full Fire Code clause text.
Critical points
All areas designated as means of escape (exit staircases, smoke-free lobbies, fire lift lobbies, exit passageways, escape corridors) shall never be converted to or used for any other purpose.
CriticalClause 2.1Required exits shall be kept readily accessible and unobstructed at all times during building occupancy. Doors must remain openable at all times.
CriticalClause 2.3.1aAccess and exit facilities not specifically covered in the Code shall not be used without prior SCDF approval.
ImportantClause 2.3.1aAny future grille gate or door swing from units or service shafts into common areas shall be indicated with dotted lines on building plans to show egress requirements are met.
ImportantClause 2.3.1aA fire escape plan shall be provided for all buildings except PG I and displayed in common lobbies or lift lobbies, showing escape routes, exit staircases, fire lifts, evacuation lifts, PWD holding points, hose reels, fire extinguishers, manual alarm call points, and rising mains.
ImportantClause 2.3.1cExit staircase signage (minimum 300 × 300 mm) showing storey number (≥125 mm height) and staircase identifier (≥25 mm height) shall be provided at each storey landing for all buildings except PG I.
NoteClause 2.3.1b
Compliance thresholds
| Parameter | Value | Condition | Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exit staircase signage minimum size | 300 mm × 300 mm | All buildings except PG I, at each storey landing within stairwell | Clause 2.3.1b(1) |
| Storey number lettering height on staircase sign | ≥ 125 mm | Exit staircase signage | Clause 2.3.1b(2)(a) |
| Staircase identifier lettering height on sign | ≥ 25 mm | Exit staircase signage | Clause 2.3.1b(2)(b) |
Interactive decision tree
Begin: Is this a new building, alteration, or change of occupancy?