Accessible means of egress

[JordanK]

We have a four story (with basement) all concrete and brick building. Each floor is just under 10K S.F. There is one interior fire rated stairwell and a freight elevator. There are multiple exits on the main floor. It is not sprinkled but has a fire alarm system. I was told, and thought that I would need to add an external stairwell in order to have two means of egress to access floors 2-4 but, reading the IBC, I noticed section 1007.1 which gives an exemption for means of egress for existing buildings. Use will be changed from storage to mercantile. Can anyone here lend some insight on whether or not a second form of egress would need to be added? Also, if a second form is necessary, would an external elevator work instead of an external stairwell?

 

[steveray]

Unless you are adding new egress.....AMOE is typically not required in an existing building....And technically it is route not MOE..

806.2 Stairways and escalators in existing buildings. In
alterations where an escalator or stairway is added where
none existed previously, an accessible route shall be provided
in accordance with Sections 1104.4 and 1104.5 of the International
Building Code.

 

[Tim Mailloux]

I'm assuming you are under the IEBC for this project? If so you are changing use from a lower hazard S opccupancy to a higher hazard M occupancy, per 1012.4.1 of the IEBC the means of egress for the new occupancy must comply with the IBC. I would say you need to add an additional exit to serve the upper floors which will also need to be an accessible means of egress.

 

[JordanK]

I'm assuming you are under the IEBC for this project? If so you are changing use from a lower hazard S opccupancy to a higher hazard M occupancy, per 1012.4.1 of the IEBC the means of egress for the new occupancy must comply with the IBC. I would say you need to add an additional exit to serve the upper floors which will also need to be an accessible means of egress.

The city has adopted the 2015 IBC and the Uniform Code for Building Conservation may be applied by building official in their sole determination (so they have not really adopted the IEBC). Does that change things at all in your mind?
So one vote saying we would need to add an exit and one saying we would not. Any others with insight? Also, if it is determined that a second exit is necessary, would an elevator count?

 

[TheCommish]

Safety of the occupants is first when making a decision, elevator do not count

 

[mtlogcabin]

A jurisdiction does not have to specifically adopt the IEBC if they have adopted the IBC administration chapter. It can be used by reference

[A] 101.4.7 Existing buildings.
The provisions of the International Existing Building Code shall apply to matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.

 

[Tim Mailloux]

A jurisdiction does not have to specifically adopt the IEBC if they have adopted the IBC administration chapter. It can be used by reference

[A] 101.4.7 Existing buildings.
The provisions of the International Existing Building Code shall apply to matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.

I am going to file this one away for future reference.

 

[ADAguy]

Best practice to do so, especially with merchantile which will involve more people per floor. Are fire escapes still legal?

 

[JPohling]

your change in use will require a second exit be provided from those floors. stair or ramp

 

[mtlogcabin]

Are fire escapes still legal?

Short answer Yes
They are addressed throughout the IEBC
This is in the prescriptive compliance method

SECTION 504
FIRE ESCAPES

504.1 Where permitted.
Fire escapes shall be permitted only as provided for in Sections 504.1.1 through 504.1.4.

504.1.1 New buildings.
Fire escapes shall not constitute any part of the required means of egress in new buildings.

504.1.2 Existing fire escapes.
Existing fire escapes shall continue to be accepted as a component in the means of egress in existing buildings only.

504.1.3 New fire escapes.
New fire escapes for existing buildings shall be permitted only where exterior stairways cannot be utilized because of lot lines limiting stairway size or because of sidewalks, alleys or roads at grade level. New fire escapes shall not incorporate ladders or access by windows.

 

[ccollings]

with a change of use from storage to mercantile, that increases your occupancy and your hazard level. unless you can show compliance with table 1006.3.3, then you need a second means of egress.