EXIT ACCESS STAIRS

[nealderidder]

Theoretically then:

You can have a vertical opening for any two stories, with or without stairs. Agreed

You can have a vertical opening for stairs up to four stories with size limitation, sprinklers, and draft stops. Agreed

Not codified as such but probably you could go at least four, maybe more, if enclosed in a "shaft" composed of opening protectives, theoretically, if you can afford it. If it's enclosed in a shaft with opening protectives it's an interior exit stair, not sure what you're saying here...

I don't think the fact they are exit access stairs, required or not required, is a factor. Disagree. If an EAS is "required" it is serving as a path of egress travel to an exit. I tried to illustrate my point on the attached.

bill1952 - thank you for engaging on this. Some comments in blue above. Attached are two scenarios that show why an EAS can't really serve as required egress (over two stories). Plan A works, Plan B not so much.

 

[bill1952]

bill1952 - thank you for engaging on this. Some comments in blue above. Attached are two scenarios that show why an EAS can't really serve as required egress (over two stories). Plan A works, Plan B not so much.

You're of course correct on the enclosed shaft of opening protectives on every floor. Kind of wondered if it could be open on two floors......theoretically.....in which case they wouldn't be an exit stair.

As far as stairs, if an occupant can use them - occupy them - and they are not exit stairs, they are required exit access stairs. Or, if you design stairs into a building, even just 2 steps that go nowhere and I can use them, you have to design in egress from that second tread. I agree they may not be required for egress from a floor. BUT I was more focused on limitations of openings between floors, and I don't believe if there are stairs through those openings that it makes any difference if not required for egress from a floor.

Iirc, the 4 storey - sprinkler - draft stop - stair openings was originally included in the code to accommodate the once typical multi storey downtown department store. I don't recall seeing them much recently. Curious if the 3 story Ikea stores do this around escalators. It appears they might. (This is what happens from attending code hearings and committee meetings for one or two issues, and paying attention to the entire proceedings. Near worthless to me information.)