To ensure quick egress during emergencies, how should doors be operable?

• A. From the inside without keys
• B. From the inside with keys required
• C. From the outside with keys
• D. From the inside without keys

Answer: (D)

Emergency egress relies on quick, effortless exit from inside the building. Doors used for means of egress must be operable from the inside without keys or special knowledge so occupants can leave immediately when an emergency occurs. Requiring a key or access from the outside would slow people down and create a dangerous delay. In practice, doors in egress paths are equipped with easy-to-use hardware like push bars or levers that open with a simple action. So the correct approach is to ensure doors work from the inside without keys.