Emergency escape and rescue

[Pais]

Second story casement window that opens to a 60 degree angle and just meets the 20 inch net clear opening. Should that window open to a fully open position as is suggested in 2009 IBC section 1029.5.1 or is that "fully opened" requirement only for window wells?

 

[Builder Bob]

I think that trying to place a ladder into the opening may answer the question....................

 

[JBI]

Pais, 1029.5 is titled 'Window Wells', therefore 1029.5 and its' subsections are only applicable to window wells. Also, 1029.5.1 only requires that the well be sized to provide the required dimensions with the window 'fully opened', meaning whatever position that particular window opens to not that any/every window open to a particular position.

1029.4 provides the operational constraints for ALL EEAR openings.

 

[Pais]

Yes I realize that 1029.5 is in reference to window wells. My question is does an egress window (casement) need to open to a fully opened position? 1029.5 has the words "fully opened" where section 1029 does not.

 

[FM William Burns]

If you meet the full criteria of 1029.2.1 you're Ok.

 

[mtlogcabin]

My question is does an egress window (casement) need to open to a fully opened position?

Yes IMHO

EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENING. An operable window, door or other similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency.

A casement window that does not open a full 90 degrees will obstruct the net clear opening for rescue. Where do you draw the line? 30, 45, 60, or 75 degree openings

104.1 General.

The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The building official shall have the authority to render interpretations of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations, policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.

Get with the fire marshal and render an interpretation of "net clear opening" as applicable to casement windows.

 

[fw.]

Could you get a 20" wide box through the opening and out into the yard? If yes then I would say it complies.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Could you get a 20" wide box through the opening and out into the yard? If yes then I would say it complies.

You can't because the width is reduced to about 17" when you draw a 60 degree line thru a 20" arch.

 

[fatboy]

That would be my position, is 20" clear width maintained through the opening, at any and all points?

If so, then I believe it complies.

 

[Msradell]

That would be my position, is 20" clear width maintained through the opening, at any and all points?If so, then I believe it complies.

That's how I've always thought that it was interpreted.

 

[mtlogcabin]

That would be my position, is 20" clear width maintained through the opening, at any and all points?

A casement window that only opens 60 degrees will reduce the opening by about an 1.5" at 4" from the face of the opening.

If a window is required to be a mimimum 24" tall to allow a firefighter to enter through a window wouldn't you logically want a minimum 24" of clear space on either side of the net clear opening to assure access by the FD personell.

 

[JBI]

As long as the net clear opening for that particular window in its' fully open position provides the minimum 20" the code is silent on how far the window must open. IF you get the 20" with a window that only opens to 60 degrees I do not see where it could be deemed non-compliant. I wouldn't like it, but I can't require something the code does not.

 

[fatboy]

"A casement window that only opens 60 degrees will reduce the opening by about an 1.5" at 4" from the face of the opening."

Hence my comment that it must maintain the 20" clear at all points.

 

[Pais]

This is a 36" wide casement window that is in the second story of a college dorm. The window has hardware on it to open to a 90 degree opening, however the college maintenance guys placed a restrictor on the window so it can only open to 60 degrees because they had a window get damaged by the wind when it was open all the way. It does meet the 20" minimum width, but now the window doesn't open all the way so if the fire department does try to put a ladder in the opening they will have to do it at an angle. Thanks for all of your replies!

 

[FM William Burns]

It does meet the 20" minimum width, but now the window doesn't open all the way so if the fire department does try to put a ladder in the opening they will have to do it at an angle. Thanks for all of your replies!

Really not a big issue because 9 out of 10 times the window opening would be full within seconds. If we decide to use any particular window opening it's a given by the time we hit the 6th rung from the top the various tools we carry will make the opening 100% clear width opening.......just saying....we don't really worry about access too much unless it's a blocked one.