What is an area of rescue assistance?
The short answer
An area of rescue assistance, often called an area of refuge, is a designated protected location where people unable to use stairs can request and await evacuation assistance. Whether a building needs one, and its location, communication and signage requirements, depends on the applicable code and project conditions. Have the qualified design team confirm those requirements with the authority having jurisdiction.
Sources reviewed October 28, 2026.
Answered by Jim Mazzarella, CEO & Managing Partner
Confirm the building requirements before selecting equipment
The Access Board's guide explains areas of refuge, communication and signs under the ADA Standards and the IBC editions those standards reference. It is useful context, not a substitute for checking the codes applicable to your particular building. Do not assume every multistory building requires the same arrangement or that every sign has the same illumination requirement.
For Illinois projects, review Section 506 of the Illinois Accessibility Code with the design team, including the separate conditions for areas of refuge and two-way communication. Identifying a communication device does not establish that the entire evacuation arrangement is suitable.
Define the communication and operating scope
- Document approved locations, station identification and the intended destination for assistance calls
- Have the designer specify applicable accessibility, equipment, power and fault-monitoring requirements
- Assign responsibility for answering calls and for coordinating the building's emergency procedures
- Confirm required signs and posted instructions with the project reviewers
- Agree on acceptance checks, operating instruction, maintenance and service records
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