Question about exit (code)

[gmozafari]

Hi all

Do you know if exterior exit stairway is an "exit" or "exit discharge"?!
It is confusing in Ballast says it is "exit discharge" but again it says IBC considers it as "exit"??!!!

TIA

[mattcwest]

An exit route is a continuous and unobstructed path of exit travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety. An exit route consists of three parts:
■ Exit access – portion of an exit route that leads
to an exit.
■ Exit – portion of an exit route that is generally
separated from other areas to provide a
protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
■ Exit discharge – part of the exit route that
leads directly outside or to a street, walkway,
refuge area, public way, or open space with
access to the outside.

[markarch]

yea it really depends where the stairs leave ya. if the doors exit into a public way (by definition) like a clear alley, then i'd consider them exit discharge. know the difference between all 3. Ching's Building Construction Illustrated explains these concepts beautifully.