Mich. Admin. Code R. 400.8525 - Exits

Rule 525.

(1) Except as referenced in R 400.8515(5)(b), each occupied floor must have not less than 2 approved exits directly to the outside with proper termination to grade, remote from each other by 50% of the longest dimension of the floor or area served, and occupied rooms within the center must be located between means of egress, unless a first floor, self-contained, occupied room has an approved exit direct to the outside with proper termination to grade with a maximum travel distance of 50 feet from the most remote point in the room to the exit.

(2) Travel distance to an exit must be as follows:

(a) For infants and toddlers, travel must be 50 feet or less from the door of the occupied room to the exit.

(b) For preschoolers and school-aged, travel must be 100 feet or less from the door of the occupied room to the exit.

(c) Buildings with a complete fire suppression system may increase their travel distances by 50 feet if the fire suppression system plan is submitted and approved by the bureau of fire safety.

(d) Those areas approved before July 1, 2000 are exempt from the requirements of this rule.

(3) For all centers initially licensed after December 6, 2006, programs with infants and toddlers must have exits with proper termination and within 30 inches of grade or exits properly ramped to grade.

(4) Exit doors and all doors in the means of egress must be side-hinged and equipped with knob, lever-type, non-locking-against-egress, or panic-type hardware.

(5) Exit doors and doors in rooms occupied by 21 or more children must swing in the direction of egress.

(6) Means of egress must be maintained in an accessible, free, and unobstructed manner while a center is in operation.

(7) In new construction, additions, remodeling, and conversions, there must be a floor or landing on each side of an exit door. The floor or landing must be at the same elevation on each side of the door, except for variations in elevation due to differences in finish materials, which must not exceed 1/2 inch.

(8) In conversions, landings must have a width not less than the width of the stairway or the width of the door, whichever is greater. Landings must have a length not less than the width of the door.

(9) In new construction, additions, and remodeling, landings must comply with the latch-side clearance requirements of sections 404.2.3 to 404.2.3.5 of the International Code Council standard A117.1,-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, American National Standard, which is adopted by reference and only applies to this subrule. The A117.1,-2017 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, American National Standard, can be purchased from the International Code Council for $36.60 at https://shop.iccsafe.org/icc-a117-1-2017-standard-for-accessible-and-usable-buildings-and-facilities-1.html, or from the International Code Council, 200 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Suite 250, Washington DC 20001, or by calling (888) 422 7233. They are also available for inspection and distribution at no charge at the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, Child Care Licensing Bureau, 105 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933.

(10) For new construction, additions, and remodeling, an exit door must be not less than 36 inches wide. Doors to multiple-use bathrooms must not be less than 32 inches wide.

(11) For the conversion of an existing building, exterior exit doors must be not less than 36 inches wide. Existing interior doors must be not less than 28 inches wide. Singleuse toilet room doors must not be less than 24 inches wide. Any remodeled door openings, other than the door swing, must comply with subrule (10) of this rule.

(12) Centers licensed before December 7, 2006 may retain previously approved door widths.

(13) Exterior exits must be marked or denoted by an approved exit sign. All exit signs must be distinctive in color and provide contrast with decorations, interior finish, or other signs. Each exit sign must have the word "EXIT" in plain, legible letters not less than 6 inches high, on a background of contrasting color, with strokes not less than 3/4-inch wide. The word "EXIT" must have letters that are not less than 2 inches wide, except the letter "I".

(14) Exit signs must be internally or externally illuminated at all times. To ensure continued illumination for a duration of not less than 90 minutes, in case of primary power loss, the sign illumination means must be connected to an emergency power system provided from storage batteries, unit equipment, or an on-site generator.

(15) When nighttime care is provided, the center must have exits with proper termination and within 30 inches of grade or exits properly ramped to grade.

(16) When nighttime care is provided, all exit signs must be illuminated, and emergency lighting provided at the interior and exterior of the exits.

Notes

Mich. Admin. Code R. 400.8525

2013 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2025 MR 10, Eff. 5/7/2025