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Commercial Building Codes

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carl z

Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2015
Messages
8
Location
PNW
New to this forum so excuse the post if it has been answered before. I don't see anything in the 2012 code book that restricts the distance from the leading edge of a roof with respect to the placement of a roof access hatch. What I find is if it is 10' from the leading edge of a roof it requires a handrail with specific spacing on the railings.

I have situation where a contractor has placed a roof hatch 10" from the leading edge of a roof and says it meets code. Even with railings this would appear to be a dangerous situation to me.

Also in the past I have seen access ladders for roof hatches that pop up 30" or 36" beyond the roof level . He has indicated that is not a code requirement either. I cannot find a reference to this in the 2012 code either.

Can anyone tell me if either of these issues are in the code as spoken to ?

Thanks

carl
 
I am going to move you to the building code threads.

Sorry did not mean to change the title of your thread

Also, I take it you are under the international codes???
 
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the is this out of the mechanical code:::

306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures. Where equipment requiring access and appliances are installed on roofs or elevated structures at a height exceeding 16 feet (4877 mm), such access shall be provided by a permanent approved means of access, the extent of which shall be from grade or floor level to the equipment and appliances' level service space. Such access shall not require climbing over obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) high or walking on roofs having a slope greater than four units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope). Where access involves climbing over parapet walls, the height shall be measured to the top of the parapet wall.

Permanent ladders installed to provide the required access shall comply with the following minimum design criteria:

1. The side railing shall extend above the parapet or roof edge not less than 30 inches (762 mm).

2. Ladders shall have rung spacing not to exceed 14 inches (356 mm) on center.

3. Ladders shall have a toe spacing not less than 6 inches (152 mm) deep.

4. There shall be a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) between rails.

5. Rungs shall have a minimum 0.75-inch (19 mm) diameter and be capable of withstanding a 300-pound (136.1 kg) load.

6. Ladders over 30 feet (9144 mm) in height shall be provided with offset sections and landings capable of withstanding 100 pounds per square foot (488.2 kg/m2). Landing dimensions shall be not less than 18 inches (457 mm) and not less than the width of the ladder served. A guard rail shall be provided on all open sides of the landing.

7. Ladders shall be protected against corrosion by approved means.

Catwalks installed to provide the required access shall be not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide and shall have railings as required for service platforms.

Exception: This section shall not apply to Group R-3 occupancies.
 
I would have to approve it with proper guards, the extensions above the roof should make the user comfortable when climbing up and out and the guard should save the off chance of a slip or stumble...
 
cda said:
I am going to move you to the building code threads.Sorry did not mean to change the title of your thread

Also, I take it you are under the international codes???
Click to expand...
Yes I am 2012 IBC
 
In Washington State we have WISHA and they meet and exceed OSHA . That was my first call. They replied that they did not have a code that defined distance from the leading edge . Which I thought was quite strange . SO I looked up in their regs, and sure enough nothing about this.
 
Welcome

1013.7 Roof access.

Guards shall be provided where the roof hatch opening is located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.

1009.16.2 Protection at roof hatch openings.

Where the roof hatch opening providing the required access is located within 10 feet (3049 mm) of the roof edge, such roof access or roof edge shall be protected by guards installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 1013.

A 42" high guardrail would eliminate any concerns of someone falling off the roof while using the roof hatch. OSHA does have their requirements also.

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3124.pdf

https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=23740
 
Thanks Sawhorse this is helpful and confirms what I found also . I did seem odd to me that a roof hatch set with 10" of a leading edge would be allowed but it appears unless we get a response that refutes this that is allowed .
 
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