Poistumistie

Poistumistie is the route that people can use to evacuate a building or area in an emergency. It consists of the spaces and means of travel—such as corridors, doors, stairs, and other passageways—that lead occupants from occupied areas to a safe area or outdoors. Poistumistie is designed to enable rapid, orderly egress while minimizing exposure to hazards.

A po istumistie typically includes primary and secondary escape routes and may offer alternative paths if a primary route is blocked. The routes must be clearly marked, unobstructed, and continuous from any occupied space to an exterior exit or safe area. Doors along evacuation routes should open easily in the direction of escape, have appropriate hardware, and not require unnecessary actions to operate.

Signage and lighting are essential elements. Evacuation routes should be properly signed and illuminated so they remain visible under normal and emergency conditions. In Finnish practice, signs may display the term po istumistie and directional arrows, in line with applicable national and international standards.

Regulatory and planning aspects emphasize that buildings provide safe evacuation routes proportional to occupancy, with regular maintenance, inspections, and drills. Design considerations address accessibility for people with reduced mobility, including stairways, ramps, and, where applicable, equipment for safe evacuation to a sheltered area. Elevators are generally not used for fire-related evacuation.

Maintenance best practices include keeping corridors clear of obstructing items, ensuring fire doors are unobstructed and properly functioning, and maintaining emergency lighting. Regular drills help ensure that occupants can evacuate quickly and safely.