• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

Doors through firewalls for 'Access' only. No exit

JENLO

Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2014
Messages
8
Location
dallas
Has anyone had an issue with having 'access' doors being required to be called 'exits' when no signage, panic hardware, etc. is provided.
 
Depends

1008.1 Doors. Means of egress doors shall meet the requirements of this section. Doors serving a means of egress system shall meet the requirements of this section and Section 1020.2. Doors provided for egress purposes in numbers greater than required by this code shall meet the requirements of this section.

"The great debate"
 
I am sure there are some who would say that if it qualifies (could be used as) as an exit....why not make it so.....but they only "have to" have proper signage and panic hardware on a "required" exit component....
 
Yep. I am running into some one who would say, "make it so", however I am then left with more horizontal exits than allowed. And I'd rather not force people to walk the entire garage on a daily basis.

Is there anywhere in the code, commentary or handbook saying that it's the designers decision if doors are required to be called an exit?

Thanks for your input.
 
We'll make sure that there is enough legal exiting

Than label any extra doors on the plans as no access , blocked, not an exit

And also indicate on the plans there will be similar signage attached to or near the door

If it is not on the plans or not indicated, I consider it fair hunting season
 
On your code information or life safety sheet, list the required # of exit (or exit access) doors from each area if necessary and detail them specifically. Anything more than the ones you specify have no "special" egress requirements...
 
steveray said:
On your code information or life safety sheet, list the required # of exit (or exit access) doors from each area if necessary and detail them specifically. Anything more than the ones you specify have no "special" egress requirements...
forgot that one, show paths of egress, exit Analysis
 
From the 2009 IFC, not sure if it is in the IBC

1030.5 Nonexit identification. Where a door is adjacent to, constructed similar to and can be confused with a means of egress door, that door shall be identified with an approved sign that identifies the room name or use of the room.
 
Back
Top