Blazer
Registered User
I want to use an interior exit stairway, that doesn't extend to the level of exit discharge, on level 3 to ascend to level 4 where the exit discharge is through a horizontal exit. Those on level 4 wont have access to the stair (Permitted to lock doors: 1010.2.7 Ex.1) There is no language in the code that specifies direction of travel to an exit discharge. No definition or code indicates that portions of means of egress must descend levels. Its much quicker to reach safety going up (by horizontal exit and refuge area) than it would be going down.
Commentary from 1028.2 Ex. 3 (Reference 2021 IBC):
Exception 3 acknowledges that horizontal exits offer
refuge areas that will have access to an exit on the
other side; therefore, a stairway that exits through a
horizontal exit is not required to exit to the exterior.
Construction is Type IA
Commentary from 1028.2 Ex. 3 (Reference 2021 IBC):
Exception 3 acknowledges that horizontal exits offer
refuge areas that will have access to an exit on the
other side; therefore, a stairway that exits through a
horizontal exit is not required to exit to the exterior.
Construction is Type IA