Commercial overhead door as egress component

[kurt999]

IBC 2024
IEBC 2024
Group B occupancy
Multistory office building with elevator
Building remodel project -- Level 3

Building has a partially exposed floor level that currently has only one existing egress path / door, plus the existing elevator.
We've proposed adding a new door in place of an existing window -- client doesn't like this idea due to some exterior grade issues, however this is actually feasible with a bit of extra work.
There is also a an existing commercial overhead door -- client wants to count this as an egress, and has suggested automatic opening upon fire alarm notification.

To my knowledge, this would not comply, and I'm not reading 1010.3.2 or 1010.3.3 as making this idea acceptable. Any thoughts?

Also, I'm aware of the commercial doors with an integrated person door -- never used them and am not sure of compliance as an egress component?

Thanks in advance.

 

[RLGA]

Overhead coiling or sectional doors do not comply with the egress door requirements of Section 1010, especially Section 1010.1.2, which includes a reference to Section 1010.3.2 in Exception 7 and Section 1010.3.3 in Exception 6.

As you noted, overhead coiling or sectional doors would not comply with Section 1010.3.2, and since they are not horizontally opening doors, Section 1010.3.3 would also not apply.

If the overhead door incorporated a pass-door that complies with the requirements of Section 1010 (and many do), then that would be acceptable.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Before you even get to 1010.3,2 or 1010.3.3, start at 1010.1.2:

1010.1.2 Egress door types. Egress doors shall be of the side-hinged
swinging door, pivoted door, or balanced door types

There is a list of nine exceptions. Overhead doors is not one of them.

 

[steveray]

Before you even get to 1010.3,2 or 1010.3.3, start at 1010.1.2:



There is a list of nine exceptions. Overhead doors is not one of them.

It's the first one...

1010.1.2​

Egress doors shall be of the side-hinged swinging door, pivoted door, or balanced door types.

Exceptions:

1. 1.Private garages, office areas, factory and storage areas with an occupant load of 10 or less.

 

[RLGA]

It's the first one...

1010.1.2​

Egress doors shall be of the side-hinged swinging door, pivoted door, or balanced door types.

Exceptions:

1. 1.Private garages, office areas, factory and storage areas with an occupant load of 10 or less.

@kurt999 does not mention an occupant load, but the description of "Multistory office building with elevator" suggests that it will be a lot more than 1,500 sq. ft. per story (150 sq. ft./occupant x 10 occupants).

 

[TheCommish]

IBC 2024
IEBC 2024
Group B occupancy
Multistory office building with elevator
Building remodel project -- Level 3

Congratulations on being on the 2024 codes
As other have pointed out overhead dors do not meet the code allowances.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

It's the first one...

1010.1.2​

Egress doors shall be of the side-hinged swinging door, pivoted door, or balanced door types.

Exceptions:

1. 1.Private garages, office areas, factory and storage areas with an occupant load of 10 or less.

Arrgghh. Back to remedial reading 101.

I knew that. We've seen it used. I doubt a multi-story office building has an occupant load of 10 or less.

 

[steveray]

I knew that. We've seen it used. I doubt a multi-story office building has an occupant load of 10 or less.

The building may not, the space might.....Only Kurt knows at this time....Bad part is that exception pretty much allows anything for a door and then we have to make sure it meets the other requirements...Small possibility of calling it a gate or security grille also, exterior would be a little tough on the security grille per the IECC...