Door Safety Issues

Egress Door Every house should have at least one side-hinged door that is accessible from all parts of the house and opens directly to the outside, not through the garage. The door should be at least 36 inches wide and 80 inches tall. A landing or finished floor at least 36 inches wide by 36 inches deep should exist on both sides of the door; however, one step down is allowed on the exterior side. The egress door is usually the front door. Other exterior doors usually do not need to comply with these conditions.

Landings at Doors A landing or finished floor should exist on both sides of every exterior door. The landing should be at least as wide as the door and at least 36 inches deep in the direction of travel. The exterior landing may be not more than two risers below the door threshold if the door does not swing over the steps. Doors, except for screen and storm doors, should not swing over steps.

Two diagrams side by side. Leftmost diagram depicts egress door landing specifications. Rightmost depicts exterior door landing specifications.

Safety Glazing In and Near Doors Most glazing in and near doors should be safety glazing. Glazing in all doors should be safety glazing, except for stained glass and similar decorative glass. Most glazing within 24 inches of either vertical edge of the door and less than 60 inches above a walking surface should be safety glazing; note that this applies to approach from the interior and exterior side of the door. Exceptions to the 24 inch rule include glazing near the fixed panel of a glass door and glazing in a window that is separated from the door by a permanent barrier on both sides of the door. Safety glazing should be identified with a permanent label etched in to one corner of the glazing.

Diagram depicts hazardous locations in and near doors

Diagram depicts safety glazing near glass doors.