Dwellinghouses - Introduction and height threshold

The provisions for means of escape in typical one and two storey dwellinghouses (i.e. those with no storey more than 4.5 m above ground level) are limited to the common provisions given in paragraphs 2.4 to 2.11. With increasing height, provisions additional to the common provisions are necessary, as stairs may become impassable before evacuation is complete and the use of emergency egress windows becomes increasingly hazardous. The additional provisions are given in paragraphs 2.12 to 2.16. Where an external escape route is provided the provisions contained in paragraphs 2.58, 2.59 and 2.76 should also apply.