The egress system, as defined by the International Building Code (IBC), consists of three parts: exit access, exit, and exit discharge. The exit access is the portion of the egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a building to an exit, such as corridors, stairways, or ramps. A non-rated stairway (one without a fire-resistance rating) is typically part of the exit access because it is not enclosed or protected as a rated exit would be. Option A (exit) refers to the protected portion, like an enclosed stairway with a fire rating. Option B (exit path) is not a standard term in the IBC. Option D (exit discharge) is the path from the exit to the public way, typically outside the building.

Verified Answer from Official Source:

The correct answer is verified using NCIDQ IDFX content on life safety and egress systems.

Exact Extract:TheNCIDQ IDFX Reference Manualreferences IBC standards, stating, “A non-rated stairway is part of the exit access, which leads from occupied spaces to an exit, as it does not require fire-resistance ratings.”

The NCIDQ IDFX curriculum requires understanding egress systems, with non-rated stairways being part of the exit access, as they are not protected like rated exits.

Objectives:

Understand components of the egress system (IDFX Objective: Codes and Standards).