What is an area of rescue assistance?
The short answer
An area of rescue assistance is a protected space in a multi-story building where people who can't use stairs can wait for emergency responders during an evacuation. Building codes require them in many multi-story facilities, along with two-way communication to a monitored point and illuminated signage. Exact requirements come from the IBC, NFPA 72, ADA, and your local AHJ.
Answered by Jim Mazzarella, CEO & Managing Partner
What an area includes
- A fire-rated or otherwise protected space sized for wheelchair users
- A two-way communication station connecting to a monitored location
- Illuminated signage and posted instructions
- Identification in the building's emergency plans
The communication system is the part we build
The two-way communication piece is a life-safety system with its own standards (UL 2525 for the equipment). It has to work during the emergency — which means supervised wiring, backup power, and testing. That's the layer Nexus designs, installs, and maintains.
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