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Egress into a shallow pit.

Was the fiberglass floor reinforced where the stair legs are sitting? The handhold is a hoot.
 
Was the fiberglass floor reinforced where the stair legs are sitting? The handhold is a hoot.

The hand hold wasn't my idea. We wanted not to have it because it may become an attraction to kids and destruction will ensue....

The fiberglass is plenty thick and the steps are wingnutted to the floor.
 
Not ada!!!

How is the city employee in the wheelchair supposed to work on it??
 
The hand hold wasn't my idea. We wanted not to have it because it may become an attraction to kids and destruction will ensue....

The fiberglass is plenty thick and the steps are wingnutted to the floor.
Wait... you didn't remove it as soon as the inspector left?
 
The saga continues...

In asking for futher clarification I received this portion of the code and this section was highlighted.

1009.7.2
Exceptions:

#7. In Group I-3 facilities, stairways providing access to guard towers, observation stations and control rooms, not more than 250 square feet (23 m2) in area, shall be permitted to have a maximum riser height of 8 inches (203 mm) and a minimum tread depth of 9 inches (229 mm).


I'm sure you're wondering....What is an I-3 facility?

Well an I-3 Facility is...

308.5 Institutional Group I-3.
This occupancy shall include buildings and structures that are inhabited by more than five persons who are under restraint or security. An I-3 facility is occupied by persons who are generally incapable of self-preservation due to security measures not under the occupants’ control. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Correctional centers, Detention centers, Jails, Prerelease centers, Prisons, Reformatories.

o_O
 
Unoccupiable space, similar to a manhole, ADA exempt.
As a workspace OSHA may have some concerns but it appears that the space is only "occupied" in the open position.
Even ships ladders have handrails so what is the big deal?
 
I would sue....And I can come up with a better section....

306.4 Appliances under floors. Underfloor spaces containing
appliances shall be provided with an access opening and
unobstructed passageway large enough to remove the largest
appliance. The passageway shall not be less than 30 inches
(762 mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide, nor more than
20 feet (6096 mm) in length measured along the centerline of
the passageway from the opening to the appliance. A level
service space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30
inches (762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or service
side of the appliance. If the depth of the passageway or the
service space exceeds 12 inches (305 mm) below the adjoining
grade, the walls of the passageway shall be lined with
concrete or masonry. Such concrete or masonry shall extend a
minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) above the adjoining grade
and shall have sufficient lateral-bearing capacity to resist collapse.
The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum
of 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm), and
large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.
 
This is an inspector on a power trip. Less than 4 risers means no required handrail. From an emergency egress standpoint, 44 inches is the maximum allowed - the stairs are not of even required.
 
@ ~ @

From the `14 FBC, Ch. 2 - Definitions:
"OCCUPIABLE SPACE: A room or enclosed space designed
for human occupancy in which individuals congregate for
amusement, educational or similar purposes or in which
occupants are engaged at labor, and which is equipped
with means of egress and light and ventilation facilities
meeting the requirements of this code."

With the lid open, it is no longer an enclosed space.
IMO, this type of "strong arm" tactics by an Inspector
should be brought to the attention of the BO, and
elevated higher up the Food Chain if not repealed.

This type of behavior is why Code Officials \ Inspectors
\ other government workers get a bad reputation.


Ponce, I would fight this tooth & nail ! :mad:

@ ~ @
 
The AHJ and the contractor seem to be lacking common sense. The equipment enclosure is a cabinet. Asking for stairs and a handhold is ridiculous. Acquiescence is worse.

How about a light for those stairs? An exit sign would be a nice touch.
 
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