What is "readily visible" according to IBC 2018 Section 1028.1, ex. 1.1?

[NEArchitect]

I have a new construction where we have 2 stairs, 1 of which reenters the building. This is allowed per IBC 2018, Section 1028.1, exception 1. I'm getting flagged on exception 1, item 1.1 because they're saying my exit is not "readily visible". There is an exit sign directly in front of you when you pass through the stair doors and exit signs directing you to the exterior exit door. Is there some definition to "readily visible"?




........... .

 

[arwat23]

The way I read that section, the exit itself must be visible from the doors at the stairs. Based on your plan, it isn't.

"Readily visible" has no code definition that I see, but it's similar to "obvious" or "easily perceived".

 

[steveray]

The way I read that section, the exit itself must be visible from the doors at the stairs. Based on your plan, it isn't.

"Readily visible" has no code definition that I see, but it's similar to "obvious" or "easily perceived".

Agreed...looks like there are walls in the way...

 

[NEArchitect]

The way I read that section, the exit itself must be visible from the doors at the stairs. Based on your plan, it isn't.

"Readily visible" has no code definition that I see, but it's similar to "obvious" or "easily perceived".

So, you would interpret that to mean direct line of sight?

Does IBC Section 1013.1 give allowance here? it says in part "...The path of egress travel to exits and within exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs to clearly indicate the direction of egress travel in cases where the exit or the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. ..."

 

[arwat23]

So, you would interpret that to mean direct line of sight.

Essentially, yeah.

Exception 1.1: "Discharge of interior exit stairways and ramps shall be provided with a free and unobstructed path of travel to an exterior exit door and such exit is readily visible and identifiable from the point of termination of the enclosure."

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

So, you would interpret that to mean direct line of sight?

Yes. How else could you interpret it?

Does IBC Section 1013.1 give allowance here? it says in part "...The path of egress travel to exits and within exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs to clearly indicate the direction of egress travel in cases where the exit or the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. ..."

No. 1013.1 addresses the path to exits and within exits. Your problem is that your exit terminates at the doors leading out of the stair enclosure. That corridor between the stair enclosure and the exit doors is not exit access or exit, it is exit discharge.

 

[Gregg Harris]

Yes. How else could you interpret it?



No. 1013.1 addresses the path to exits and within exits. Your problem is that your exit terminates at the doors leading out of the stair enclosure. That corridor between the stair enclosure and the exit doors is not exit access or exit, it is exit discharge.

Is the exit discharge not the final point of exit from the building to grade?

 

[arwat23]

Is the exit discharge not the final point of exit from the building to grade?

An "Exit" is often what leads from the interior of a building to the exterior of the building. The "Exit Discharge" is what's between that exit (let's say an exterior door) and the "public way".


Exit: "That portion of a means of egress system between the exit access and the exit discharge or public way. Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways and ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and ramps and horizontal exits."

Exit Discharge: "That portion of a means of egress system between the termination of an exit and a public way."

Public Way: "A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm)."

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Is the exit discharge not the final point of exit from the building to grade?

No.

IBC definition:



So what's an exit?



The enclosed, protected stairway is your exit. That "exit" terminates at the doors leading out of the stair enclosure into the grade floor corridor. From that point to the exterior doors is exit discharge.



What's probably confusing you is that the same corridor is exit access for occupants on the ground floor. You show an exit access path from the loading dock through a pair of doors immediately adjacent to the stair doors. For people coming through those doors and along that path, the corridor is exit access. For people coming down the stair, the same corridor is exit discharge.

Why is it different? Because the underlying premise of the IBC is that "exits" are intended to provide a path of travel that is enclosed in and protected by fire-resistance rated construction. The basic requirement is that exits must discharge directly to the exterior -- and then there are a few, limited exceptions under which not more than 50% of the exits may discharge through portions of the building rather than directly to the exterior. If you're going to avail yourself of the exception, you must be prepared to conform to the requirements it establishes.

 

[Gregg Harris]

Same meaning but different verbiage.