Balconies & Mezzanines Means of Egress

[jar546]

If we look at NFPA 101 we see the following verbiage. How does this differ from the IBC?

12.2.4.5
Balconies or mezzanines having an occupant load not exceeding 50 shall be permitted to be served by a single means of egress, and such means of egress shall be permitted to lead to the floor below.

12.2.4.6
Balconies or mezzanines having an occupant load exceeding 50, but not exceeding 100, shall have not less than two remote means of egress, but both such means of egress shall be permitted to lead to the floor below.

 

[bill1952]

Well, as a participant in the code development on both, I've tried to harmonize these. As a designer I don't find them differing enough to matter. Without looking, I think IBC allows more than 100 occupants in a mezzanine.

Does NFPA permit egress to floor below and IBC require it?

 

[Yikes]

The IBC requires 2 exits from a mezzanine when the occupant load exceeds 49 (or lower in some occupancies). The NFPA section you quoted starts at 50+, so the 50th person is the difference. Also note the IBC CPET limitations.

IBC 1006.1 General
The number of exits or exit access doorways required within the means of egress system shall comply with the provisions of Section 1006.2 for spaces, including mezzanines, and Section 1006.3 for stories or occupied roofs.

1006.2.1 Egress Based on Occupant Load and Common Path of Egress Travel Distance​

Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall be provided where the design occupant load or the common path of egress travel distance exceeds the values listed in Table 1006.2.1. The cumulative occupant load from adjacent rooms, areas or spaces shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004.2.

 

[bill1952]

I believe 50 or less in NFPA has 75' CPET.

Really need to look at 101 chapter 10 on Egress, not just assembly, or likewise IBC 10.30 (I think - was like 10.25 when I started). Assembly varies a little from other occupancies.

 

[Paul Sweet]

The "means of egress" in NFPA sound more like exit access stairs.

 

[steveray]

And you also have to look at openness to determine MOE for a mezz....Seems like IBC is tighter...