Väljapääsud

Väljapääsud are designated routes and doors intended to provide rapid and safe egress from a building during a fire or other emergency. They are a core part of a building’s evacuation plan, guiding occupants from interior spaces to the outside or to a secure area. In Estonian building practice, they are closely linked with evacuation routes (evakuatsiooniteed) and must function reliably under stress.

Key design and safety features include unobstructed passage width, doors that are easy to operate without a key or special knowledge, and often doors that open outward or have panic hardware. Väljapääsud should remain free of obstacles, and corridors leading to them must be well maintained and clearly illuminated. In many buildings, protected stairwells and external exits form the primary components of these routes, with secondary exits providing alternative egress paths.

Signage and lighting are essential. Exit signs, typically green with a running person symbol, must be clearly visible and continuously illuminated, including during power failures, thanks to emergency backup systems. Evacuation routes are marked with directional indicators and floor plans to assist occupants in locating the nearest exit.

Regulatory framework and maintenance: In Estonia, väljapääsud are governed by fire safety regulations and building codes. Requirements cover minimum exit width, number and placement of exits, fire resistance of doors, accessibility, emergency lighting, and signage. Regular inspections, testing of emergency illumination, and evacuation drills are commonly required for workplaces and public buildings. Compliance is enforced by national fire safety authorities.

Practical considerations: Effective evacuation planning considers occupant load, accessibility for people with disabilities, and ongoing maintenance to prevent obstructions or failures. Regular drills help ensure that väljapääsud function as intended in real emergencies.