What is the purpose of an area of refuge?

The purpose of an area of refuge is to allow persons who are unable to use stairways, such as individuals with disabilities or those requiring mobility assistance, to wait in a safe location until help arrives. This designated space is specifically designed to provide a secure environment where these individuals can remain protected from hazards during an emergency, allowing them to receive support without trying to evacuate through stairwells or exit routes that may not be accessible to them.

This emphasizes the critical role of areas of refuge in ensuring safety and compliance with accessibility standards within buildings, as they provide a necessary solution for the needs of all building occupants during emergencies.