Are stairs designed as a means of egress required to run from the uppermost floor down to the ground floor?

The statement that stairs designed as a means of egress are required to run from the uppermost floor down to the ground floor is indeed correct. In building codes, stairs serving as a means of egress provide the necessary escape route for occupants in the case of an emergency.

By mandating that these stairs extend from the highest occupied level down to the ground floor, safety is prioritized, ensuring that individuals can exit the building safely and efficiently regardless of where they are located within the structure. This requirement is particularly crucial in multi-story buildings, where occupants on higher floors need a direct path to egress that does not terminate at any intermediate level.

The design is intended to provide immediate access to a safe area and to facilitate a swift evacuation. It’s not limited to just commercial buildings or those of a certain height, as means of egress are foundational to safety in any building with multiple levels. Thus, the design requirement applies universally to all buildings with upper floors, enhancing the overall safety of the structure for all occupants.