Accessible means of egress

[righter101]

Good day to all, hope summer is treating you well.

I have an F1 on a lower floor. They have revised the project to add a second floor. The upstairs will be offices & employee lunchroom. It will be classified as a "B".

The owner deliberately kept the sq.ft of the upstairs <3000 to avoid placing an elevator.

Using IBC 1104.4, this 2000 sqft office use, appears to not need an "accessible route", or basically an elevator, using exception 1.

Looking at 1007.3, the accessible means of egress, however, am I correct that they would still need a 48" wide set of stairs??

as a "accessible means of egress".

Thanks to all for consideration.

 

[globe trekker]

righter101,

There are exceptions to this code section.

From the 2006 IBC, Section 1007.3, Exceptions:

1. Unenclosed exit stairways as permitted by :Next('./icod_ibc_2006f2_10_sec020.htm')'>Section 1020.1 are permitted to

be considered part of an accessible means of egress.

2. The area of refuge is not required at unenclosed exit stairways as permitted

by :Next('./icod_ibc_2006f2_10_sec020.htm')'>Section 1020.1 in buildings or facilities that are equipped throughout with

an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with :Next('./icod_ibc_2006f2_9_sec003_par039.htm')'>Section 903.3.1.1.

3. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required at

exit stairways in buildings or facilities equipped throughout with an automatic

sprinkler system installed in accordance with :Next('./icod_ibc_2006f2_9_sec003_par039.htm')'>Section 903.3.1.1 or :Next('./icod_ibc_2006f2_9_sec003_par041.htm')'>903.3.1.2.

4. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for

exit stairways accessed from a horizontal exit.

5. Areas of refuge are not required at exit stairways serving open parking garages.

.

 

[righter101]

They are unsprinkled, the upstairs has an occupant load greater than 10 so it needs to be enlcosed.

I am not clear what exception 4 would apply to.

They have shown on the revised plans, simply a stairway to the second floor, from basically the middle inside of the building.

 

[DwightB]

"a set of 48" stairs? How could you possibly have the required 2 exitways with only one set of stairs if more than 10 people up there? Table 1019.1, minimum number of exits per story, 1-500 people: 2

Width of stair determined by .3"/person (unsprinkled) or .2"/person (sprinkled), minimum 44" (Sec 1009.1) (would have been minimum 36" if less than 50 people - exception 1).

2,000 sf offices / 100 sf/person = 20 people (Table 1004.1.1) Max area per person

Will the BO accept the concept that this employer will never hire a handicapped person. Staff in the ADA crowd will not like that idea. My experience is that if there is an office on an upper floor, there is the possibility that a person with mobility challenges will be hired and will need access. No access = discrimination = lawsuit.

 

[Francis Vineyard]

They are unsprinkled, the upstairs has an occupant load greater than 10 so it needs to be enlcosed.I am not clear what exception 4 would apply to.

They have shown on the revised plans, simply a stairway to the second floor, from basically the middle inside of the building.

Yes, agreed it needs to be 48 inches.

The 48” required width is to provide increase space to maneuver the wheelchair down the stairs in less time than otherwise if sprinklered.

The horizontal exit exception is a unique design that has a fire barrier separation between other exits on the same level, so generally moves the area of refuge from the stairway enclosure to the side of this barrier where there is another exit.

Careful the rated enclosure has to continue to an exit discharge, not terminate inside of the building.