Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

In a single family dwelling, is a sliding patio door permitted as a required means of egress?

1. No

2. Yes

3. Only if it opens outward

4. Only if it is at least 36 inches wide

The correct answer is: Yes

A sliding patio door can serve as a required means of egress in a single-family dwelling under certain conditions, which makes the answer correct. For it to be considered an acceptable means of egress, the door must meet specific dimensional and operational standards outlined in building codes. These standards ensure that the door provides safe and adequate access for occupants in case of an emergency. To qualify as a means of egress, the sliding patio door must typically have a minimum width to allow for passage, often set at 32 inches in many building codes. Additionally, the door must be operable without the need for special knowledge, tools, or effort, which is generally achievable with a properly designed sliding door. While certain conditions may restrict other options, such as operational direction or size parameters, the inherent function of a sliding patio door meets the definition of a means of egress when these specific requirements are followed. Therefore, it is permissible as a means of egress in a single-family dwelling.