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Equipment platform MOE?

Sifu

Sifu

SAWHORSE
Joined
Sep 3, 2011
Messages
3,315
I searched the many threads but didn't find it explicitly addressed. My thinking is that if a stair is provided it must meet the requirements for stairs. These don't. The risers and treads do not meet the requirements of 1011.5.2. I don't see any exceptions for the treads and risers.
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2021 IBC 505.3 clarifies this.
"Equipment platforms shall not be a part of any mezzanine and such platforms and the walkways, stairways, alternating tread devices and ladders providing access to an equipment platform shall not serve as a part of the means of egress from the building."

In assembly, 4.10.5 may also be relevant.
 
Not an expert on this part of the code but was at the hearings when this was discussed. No m.o.e. is required from equipment platforms, so I believe it doesn't have to comply. No different than setting up a portable ladder to access some HVAC gear or change a lightbulb. OSHA may apply. Here is whole section.

505.3Equipment platforms.​

Equipment platforms in buildings shall not be considered as a portion of the floor below. Such equipment platforms shall not contribute to either the building area or the number of stories as regulated by Section 503.1. The area of the equipment platform shall not be included in determining the fire area in accordance with Section 903. Equipment platforms shall not be a part of any mezzanine and such platforms and the walkways, stairways, alternating tread devices and ladders providing access to an equipment platform shall not serve as a part of the means of egress from the building.
apps

505.3.1Area limitation.​

The aggregate area of all equipment platforms within a room shall be not greater than two-thirds of the area of the room in which they are located. Where an equipment platform is located in the same room as a mezzanine, the area of the mezzanine shall be determined by Section 505.2.1 and the combined aggregate area of the equipment platforms and mezzanines shall be not greater than two-thirds of the room in which they are located. The area of the mezzanine shall not exceed the area determined in accordance with Section 505.2.1.
apps

505.3.2Automatic sprinkler system.​

Where located in a building that is required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system, equipment platforms shall be fully protected by sprinklers above and below the platform, where required by the standards referenced in Section 903.3.
apps

505.3.3Guards.​

Equipment platforms shall have guards where required by Section 1015.2.
 
Hmm, but if a stair is present, is there not an expectation that it meet code? There are very specific exceptions for guards, if the stairs were excepted wouldn't we expect a similar exception? I get the ladder option, but there is no expectation that it perform as a stair. It is clear that they aren't permitted to be part of the MOE from other areas, but does that get me there for the MOE from the platform? On the other hand, it is an unoccupied space?? I would like to find a definitive answer as an inspector has made the call. Unfortunately, this was all done without any plan review or permit, so now I am playing catch up with the project and the plans mysteriously leave out the riser and tread dimensions. Even if I go with the code, it will probably be accepted above my head, but I would like to provide an accurate assessment...and to just know.
 
I just tried to submit a request for a technical opinion but I am blocked from doing so. ICC website is so frustrating.
 
IBC 1011.1 says:
"Stairways serving occupied portions of a building shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1011.2 through 1011.13. Alternating tread devices shall comply with Section 1011.14. Ship’s ladders shall comply with Section 1011.15. Ladders shall comply with Section 1011.16."

If the platforms aren't normally occupied then the stairs don't have to comply with 1011.2 - 13. They should comply with OSHA, but that's not something for you to enforce.
 
Yet, from the commentary: (I know it isn't code, but it is informative for intent)


It is important for stairway safety that all stairways
meet the provisions in this section. This would include
all elevation changes using stairways: everything from
one riser to multiple flights and landings between stories
(see the definitions for “Stair” and “Stairway” in
Chapter 2). These provisions will be applicable for
interior exit access stairways, interior exit stairways
and exterior exit stairways, as well as any steps along
the paths for exit access or exit discharge. It is
intended that this section be applicable to required
stairways as well as what can be called “convenience”
stairways.
 
I'd rather use a ships ladder than a regular ladder any day....If you can, and it meets it, that is how I would go...

1011.15 Ship’s ladders. Ship’s ladders are permitted to be
used in Group I-3 as a component of a means of egress to
and from control rooms or elevated facility observation
stations not more than 250 square feet (23 m2) with not more
than three occupants and for access to unoccupied roofs. The
minimum clear width at and below the handrails shall be 20
inches (508 mm). Ship’s ladders shall be designed for the
live loads indicated in Section 1607.17.
1011.15.1 Handrails of ship’s ladders. Handrails shall
be provided on both sides of ship’s ladders.
1011.15.2 Treads of ship’s ladders. Ship’s ladders shall
have a minimum tread depth of 5 inches (127 mm). The
tread shall be projected such that the total of the tread
depth plus the nosing projection is not less than 81/2
inches (216 mm). The maximum riser height shall be 91/2
inches (241 mm).
 
One of the interesting things for me is that we have specific code for ladders, ships ladders, and alternating tread devices, but apparently no code whatsoever for stairs from an equipment platform. That makes me question if it is intended or not.
 
Sifu said:
One of the interesting things for me is that we have specific code for ladders, ships ladders, and alternating tread devices, but apparently no code whatsoever for stairs from an equipment platform. That makes me question if it is intended or not.
Click to expand...
And no requirement for any of them to or from an equipment platform.
 
My opinion is that it is equipment that isn't regulated by building code but OSHA. Much like a construction sites, factories, etc. are OSHA. Some may disagree but the building code doesn't regulate the equipment itself, anymore than the maintenance of the equipment which is generally what the platform is for. If the stairs meet OSHA requirements they should be fine. Or remove and use a ladder to access.
 
I proceeded without making them comply. Unless I learn definitively and differently that is the way I will approach it from now on.
 
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