jar546
Forum Coordinator
Question in Detail:
As per the 2021 IBC Section 1028.2, Exception 1.2, is it allowed for the interior level of exit discharge to have floor openings or exit access stairways leading to the level immediately below the exit discharge level, provided that the construction of the exit discharge floor and its supports meets the fire-resistance rating requirements of the exit stair enclosure?
For instance, in a Type IA building, can a two-story exit access stair between the exit discharge level and the floor immediately below be installed, considering one of the exit stairs discharges to the interior as per Section 1028.2 Exception 1?
Opinion: This opinion is also applicable to the 2024 IBC.
In general, the 2021 IBC Section 1028.2, Exception #1 outlines the conditions under which a "sprinklered lobby" can serve as the exit discharge component for a required means of egress.
One of the conditions specified in Item #1.2 of Exception #1 states that the entire area of the level of exit discharge must be separated from areas below the level of exit discharge by construction that complies with the required fire-resistance rating of the interior exit stairway discharging into the "sprinklered lobby." This aligns with the fundamental concept that an exit enclosure offers the necessary level of protection from all adjacent interior spaces.
Irrespective of the building construction type, it would not be permissible to have a two-story unenclosed exit access stair connecting the required level of exit discharge and the floor immediately below the level of exit discharge. The fire-resistance rating of the level of exit discharge floor is intended to uphold the required fire-resistance rating of the exit enclosure. Consequently, in my opinion, unprotected openings between the level of exit discharge and the floor below would not be allowed.
Do you agree?
As per the 2021 IBC Section 1028.2, Exception 1.2, is it allowed for the interior level of exit discharge to have floor openings or exit access stairways leading to the level immediately below the exit discharge level, provided that the construction of the exit discharge floor and its supports meets the fire-resistance rating requirements of the exit stair enclosure?
For instance, in a Type IA building, can a two-story exit access stair between the exit discharge level and the floor immediately below be installed, considering one of the exit stairs discharges to the interior as per Section 1028.2 Exception 1?
Opinion: This opinion is also applicable to the 2024 IBC.
In general, the 2021 IBC Section 1028.2, Exception #1 outlines the conditions under which a "sprinklered lobby" can serve as the exit discharge component for a required means of egress.
One of the conditions specified in Item #1.2 of Exception #1 states that the entire area of the level of exit discharge must be separated from areas below the level of exit discharge by construction that complies with the required fire-resistance rating of the interior exit stairway discharging into the "sprinklered lobby." This aligns with the fundamental concept that an exit enclosure offers the necessary level of protection from all adjacent interior spaces.
Irrespective of the building construction type, it would not be permissible to have a two-story unenclosed exit access stair connecting the required level of exit discharge and the floor immediately below the level of exit discharge. The fire-resistance rating of the level of exit discharge floor is intended to uphold the required fire-resistance rating of the exit enclosure. Consequently, in my opinion, unprotected openings between the level of exit discharge and the floor below would not be allowed.
Do you agree?
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