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Can an Occupant Evacuation Elevator be the only means of egress?

E

es_schemmel

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Joined
Aug 11, 2022
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Location
Illinois
I'm currently working on a 2019 IBC code analysis for a 100' observation tower. It's established that its a type B occupancy class and that it complies with 1006.2 for egress. What is tripping me up is whether 1006.3 will allow for a single exit or not. It is a singular, open air platform (story?) served by one set of stairs (run length < 300') and an Occupant Evacuation elevator (1009.4 and 1009.6.4 compliant). From my understanding, 1006.3 allows a single exit if the common path of egress is < 100' for our use. 1003.7 allows for our elevator to act as a means of egress - will this satisfy the requirement on its own?
 
I ASSUME that an evac elevator qualifies as an exit, but I have never done one......If not, I would ask for a modification based on the unique type and use of the structure.....Observation tower for......?
 
Makes me think of the space needle in Seattle. I haven't been there in a long time, I'd love to go again and look at it with codes and engineering in mind...
 
I read a long article in NFPA Journal on this subject regarding the Stratosphere in Las Vegas. Might be some help.
 
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