-
Welcome to The Building Code Forum
Your premier resource for building code knowledge.
This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.
Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.
Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.
Accessible Exits
- Thread starter Phil B
- Start date
steveray
SAWHORSE
New building?
1009.1 Accessible means of egress required. Accessible means of egress shall comply with this section. Accessible spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible means of egress. Where more than one means of egress are required by Section 1006.2 or 1006.3 from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by not less than two accessible means of egress. Exceptions: 1. Accessible means of egress are not required to be provided in existing buildings. 2. One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1009.3, 1009.4 or 1009.5. 3. In assembly areas with ramped aisles or stepped aisles, one accessible means of egress is permitted where the common path of egress travel is accessible and meets the requirements in Section 1029.8.
1009.1 Accessible means of egress required. Accessible means of egress shall comply with this section. Accessible spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible means of egress. Where more than one means of egress are required by Section 1006.2 or 1006.3 from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by not less than two accessible means of egress. Exceptions: 1. Accessible means of egress are not required to be provided in existing buildings. 2. One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1009.3, 1009.4 or 1009.5. 3. In assembly areas with ramped aisles or stepped aisles, one accessible means of egress is permitted where the common path of egress travel is accessible and meets the requirements in Section 1029.8.
Thanks!
Would 2 steps with 7" risers and handrails b allowed in a means of egress leading to a public way? The stairs are ADA compliant, but wheelchairs would have to go farther to be able to get to a flat (2%) path to the public way.
steveray
SAWHORSE
Look at 1009.2 and 1028
10. Exterior areas for assisted rescue complying with Section 1009.7 serving exits at the level of exit discharge
1028.5 Access to a public way. The exit discharge shall provide a direct and unobstructed access to a public way. Exception: Where access to a public way cannot be provided, a safe dispersal area shall be provided where all of the following are met: 1. The area shall be of a size to accommodate not less than 5 square feet (0.46 m2 ) for each person. 2. The area shall be located on the same lot not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) away from the building requiring egress. 3. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area. 4. The area shall be provided with a safe and unobstructed path of travel from the building.
10. Exterior areas for assisted rescue complying with Section 1009.7 serving exits at the level of exit discharge
1028.5 Access to a public way. The exit discharge shall provide a direct and unobstructed access to a public way. Exception: Where access to a public way cannot be provided, a safe dispersal area shall be provided where all of the following are met: 1. The area shall be of a size to accommodate not less than 5 square feet (0.46 m2 ) for each person. 2. The area shall be located on the same lot not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) away from the building requiring egress. 3. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area. 4. The area shall be provided with a safe and unobstructed path of travel from the building.
Steveray - I have the access to the public way so I don't need the exceptions. My question is more of seeking confirmation: I believe the accessway needs to be fully ADA complaint, i.e. wheelchair accessible, and that accessible compliant steps would not comply. Correct?
Paul Sweet
SAWHORSE
Do you have space for a 5% sloped walk? If not, provide an area of refuge at the top of the steps.
steveray
SAWHORSE
How far away from the building are the stairs...? Use safe dispersal or assisted rescue to get there....Stupid that we can strand people in stairs in a building, but not on stairs outside a building X distance...., although at 50' away you can....
The steps would be within 20 feet of the main exit from an assembly occupancy, and are in the path of the closest and most logical way to get away from the building in an emergency. There is also a direct route to another public way access, but it forces a wheelchair to travel 100' or so along what could be a burning building to get to safety. There is not enough space for a 5% sloped walkway.
steveray
SAWHORSE
I don't think we really regulate that.....Like any other sidewalk that leads to a public way....I'm sure we will soon....
Mr. Inspector
SAWHORSE
Is this an existing or new building?
New
Mr. Inspector
SAWHORSE
60% of public entrances are to be accessible. Doors that are only exits, loading and service doors, or are not public don't count. Entrance doors that are not accessible need to have a directional sign to the accessible entrance(s). An accessible entrance should be near the accessible parking.
Only 1 accessible means of egress is required here. Other exits that are not accessible will need directional signs to the accessible exit(s).
Only 1 accessible means of egress is required here. Other exits that are not accessible will need directional signs to the accessible exit(s).
Last edited:
What code section are you getting the 60% figure from please? I can't find it.
Mr. Inspector
SAWHORSE
In the 2015 IBC it is in Section 1105 "Accessible Entrances".
steveray
SAWHORSE
Not necessarily true...
1105.1.3 Restricted entrances. Where restricted entrances are provided to a building or facility, at least one restricted entrance to the building or facility shall be accessible.
ADAguy
REGISTERED
The key word in Chapter 10 is "required" exits (for new buildings) as determined by the number of occupants. If not required it must be signed as "Not an Exit"