Does an elevated concrete platform (12" AFF) used for floor malting in an F-2 building need to be accessible or have a stair?

[phamster]

We are planning to build a large elevated concrete platform to be used for floor malting. In order to maximize the floor space we were hoping to exclude any stairs or ramps, the reason being that it is a work area and someone could just step up onto the 12" tall platform to do their work. There will be an 18" tall curb surrounding the floor, except for where the "exit/entrance" is. I'm pretty sure this is just a pipe dream and that at minimum we would need to add a stair. Are any of you aware of an exception that would allow for this to happen? Thank you.

 

[phamster]

Sorry, it should say "F-1" occupancy.

 

[Sifu]

So you spread barley on the floor and let it sit for a period of time and turned by hand? (I googled it). If it is less than 300ft² then a IBC 1103.2.2 (2018) exempts it. If you exceed that area limit you may have an issue, but I would speak with the building official.

 

[phamster]

So you spread barley on the floor and let it sit for a period of time and turned by hand? (I googled it). If it is less than 300ft² then a IBC 1103.2.2 (2018) exempts it. If you exceed that area limit you may have an issue, but I would speak with the building official.

That is correct. The floor area is much larger than 300sf though, about 10x that. It seems that we will need to speak to a building official to get exemption, thanks.

 

[cda]

So a stair is not a problem? , just if you have to do a ramp??!

 

[tbz]

So if I am reading this right, on the non-elevated platform side you have an 18" riser/curb which is only 6" high on the platform side.

you note that you will have an opening for walking through, I guess my thought process is different than everyone else, but why the opening, why not just keep it closed off and call it a tank and add a rung as a step with some type of pole/handrail.

By labeling it a floor and opening a side I am guessing you will need a step, but if it is a tank, what would the mechanical code require for access?

Just a thought

 

[mark handler]

There is No exemption in the CA code.
Put in a ramp, which you may find helpful "carting" the barley up there

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Can you call the platform an integral component of equipment?

1104.3.1 Employee work areas. Common use circulation
paths within employee work areas shall be accessible
routes.
Exceptions:
1. Common use circulation paths, located within
employee work areas that are less than 1,000
square feet (93 m2) in size and defined by permanently
installed partitions, counters, casework or
furnishings, shall not be required to be accessible
routes.
2. Common use circulation paths, located within
employee work areas, that are an integral component
of equipment, shall not be required to be
accessible routes.
3. Common use circulation paths, located within
exterior employee work areas that are fully
exposed to the weather, shall not be required to
be accessible routes.

 

[cda]

How about a portable ramp,,, to accommodate,,,

That is never used ???

 

[Paul Sweet]

The area of a 12 foot long ramp to go up 12" plus a 5 ft. x 5 ft. landing is negligible compared to the 3000 SF or so raised area.

 

[cda]

The area of a 12 foot long ramp to go up 12" plus a 5 ft. x 5 ft. landing is negligible compared to the 3000 SF or so raised area.

Maybe build the ramp into the square of the floor, so it is inside the perimeter and does not stick out??

Would a landing still be needed, or would it be the floor of the malting?

 

[ADAguy]

Inset the steps or ramp into the area of the raised floor?
What does OSHA say?
How is barley placed and removed from the floor, overhead gondola?

 

[tbz]

My thought is maybe they don't want that floor level having a direct sloped surface attachment for sanitary reasons.

And by putting in the slop surface you are allowing contaminates to trace in along the adjoining floor run, thus the reason for the curb and break in level, other wise why not just keep it all the same level? Why change level....

You are all thinking general public access, food preparation needs to be in your head, what if the surface needs the break to keep sanitary conditions in place? and lets face it this is as close as it gets to Lucy in bare feet stomping on the grapes in the barrel....

Sometimes things are what they are for a reason, its a working surface, not a warehouse floor, per say, label it a tank or other than a floor and note the restriction for sanitary reasons.

Really people common sense tells us we probably don't want people and vehicles accessing this floor surface, that's why it is raised and has a curb....

JMO...

 

[cda]

My thought is maybe they don't want that floor level having a direct sloped surface attachment for sanitary reasons.

And by putting in the slop surface you are allowing contaminates to trace in along the adjoining floor run, thus the reason for the curb and break in level, other wise why not just keep it all the same level? Why change level....

You are all thinking general public access, food preparation needs to be in your head, what if the surface needs the break to keep sanitary conditions in place? and lets face it this is as close as it gets to Lucy in bare feet stomping on the grapes in the barrel....

Sometimes things are what they are for a reason, its a working surface, not a warehouse floor, per say, label it a tank or other than a floor and note the restriction for sanitary reasons.

Really people common sense tells us we probably don't want people and vehicles accessing this floor surface, that's why it is raised and has a curb....

JMO...

Hate to say it but most of the YouTube videos are not in Clean food grade level rooms, with people in lab coats, masks and gloves

 

[mark handler]