What is an Area of Rescue Assistance (Area of Refuge) and when is it required?

• A. A protected space with two-way communication for occupants who cannot use stairs; required in certain high-rise or multi-story buildings
• B. A storage space on each floor
• C. A room for staff only
• D. A break room near elevators

Answer: (A)

An Area of Rescue Assistance (Area of Refuge) is a protected space located along the vertical exit path that lets occupants who cannot use stairs stay safely and communicate with responders during an emergency. It includes two-way communication so someone can summon help and coordinate rescue, and it is built to a fire- and smoke-rated standard to provide temporary safety until help arrives. This is required in certain high-rise or multi-story buildings where some occupants cannot evacuate via stairs, ensuring there is a safe place on each floor or at strategic points for those individuals to wait for assisted evacuation.

The other options don’t fit this purpose. A storage space on each floor is not a safety refuge and has no function in evacuation. A room for staff only isn’t about facilitating occupant rescue during emergencies. A break room near elevators is a comfort space, not a life-safety refuge used during evacuations.