When is an area of refuge required?

Answer 1

The best way to find out is to ask your State Fire Marshal's office. The final call on an Area Of Rescue (AOR) requirement is made by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) - typically the local Fire Chief, who typically defers to the State Fire Marshal's office. There are ADA guidelines regarding what an Area Of Rescue should be; regarding door size, room capacity, 2-way communications, proximity to stairs, signing, etc. Example: I am from Minnesota. Area Of Rescue (aka Area Of Refuge) is not required. However, when an Area Of Rescue is designed into a project (usually a hospital or healthcare facility) it must meet the ADA criteria for capacity, door size, etc., PLUS- 2-way voice communication available 24/7 is required. The State Building Code in Minnesota is very clear on this, so, in Minnesota, intercom-based Area Of Rescue systems are NOT acceptable unless they are staffed 24/7 for 2-way voice communications. In Minnesota, the voice communications part of the AOR room MUST be telephony-based if it is not staffed 24/7 by an AOR operator. In other states, that may not be the case. Call your State's Fire Marshal. Another consideration regarding whether or not your facility creates an Area Of Rescue might be insurance. If an AOR is in the plans for your facility, your insurnace provider may deem the property a lower risk, resulting in a lower rate. I am guessing that is a primary driver behind healthcare facilities of more than one level designing an AOR into their plans. May 20, 2009