What is the term for the pathway from the exit to the public way?

The term "exit discharge" refers specifically to the part of an exit route that is the pathway from the exit to the public way. This term underscores the final portion of egress, where occupants leave a building's exit and proceed directly to a safe area outside, typically leading to a public street, parking lot, or other safe place.

Understanding this term is crucial for fire safety and building codes, as it emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the area beyond the exit is accessible, well-marked, and maintained free of obstructions. This ensures that individuals can safely escape from a building in the event of an emergency.

The other options do not specifically capture this concept. "Exit route" generally encompasses the entire path, including both exit access and discharge; "exit access" refers to the part of the exit route that leads up to the exit; and "building egress" is a broader term that can refer to any means of exiting a building, but it does not specifically define the pathway from the exit to the public way.