Exit From Plumbing Chase

[Phil B]

The area highlighted in yellow in the sketch below is a 3’ wide plumbing chase behind toilet walls. The distance from point A at the back of the chase exceeds 50’. The distance to B is less than 75’. A to C exceeds 100’. The chase isn’t a corridor, but if someone is at the far end of the chase, they can’t get to the exterior within the 100’ required for a space with one exit in a sprinklered B Occupancy space. I believe a door is required at point A and would like other’s opinions on that. Thanks!

 

[ICE]

Is a plumbing chase a definable area and therefor a space or even part of a space?

SPACE. A definable area, such as, a room, toilet room, hall, assembly area, entrance, storage room, alcove, courtyard, or lobby.

All of the examples provided in the definition are related to an activity. If a door is added at point A the "space" will soon be used as a storage room. Then of course it will fit with the definition of a space.

 

[Phil B]

Is a plumbing chase a definable area and therefor a space or even part of a space?

SPACE. A definable area, such as, a room, toilet room, hall, assembly area, entrance, storage room, alcove, courtyard, or lobby.

All of the examples provided in the definition are related to an activity. If a door is added at point A the "space" will soon be used as a storage room. Then of course it will fit with the definition of a space.

The point I was trying to make is that even if it can be argued that a plumbing chase doesn't meet the code definition of an occupiable space, someone at sometime could (will) be working at the far end of the chase. They would be trapped if something ever happened at the entrance end. Even if the code doesn't require a 2nd door, I think one is needed. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[steveray]

1006.2.1 Egress Based on Occupant Load and Common Path of Egress Travel Distance​

Diagram
Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall be provided where the design occupant load or the common path of egress travel distance exceeds the values listed in Table 1006.2.1. The cumulative occupant load from adjacent rooms, areas or spaces shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004.2.
Exceptions:

1. The number of exits from foyers, lobbies, vestibules or similar spaces need not be based on cumulative occupant loads for areas discharging through such spaces, but the capacity of the exits from such spaces shall be based on applicable cumulative occupant loads.
2. Care suites in Group I-2 occupancies complying with Section 407.4.
3. Unoccupied mechanical rooms and penthouses are not required to comply with the common path of egress travel distance measurement.

 

[Phil B]

1006.2.1 Egress Based on Occupant Load and Common Path of Egress Travel Distance​

Diagram
Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall be provided where the design occupant load or the common path of egress travel distance exceeds the values listed in Table 1006.2.1. The cumulative occupant load from adjacent rooms, areas or spaces shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004.2.
Exceptions:

1. The number of exits from foyers, lobbies, vestibules or similar spaces need not be based on cumulative occupant loads for areas discharging through such spaces, but the capacity of the exits from such spaces shall be based on applicable cumulative occupant loads.
2. Care suites in Group I-2 occupancies complying with Section 407.4.
3. Unoccupied mechanical rooms and penthouses are not required to comply with the common path of egress travel distance measurement.

Unfortunately, Florida Building Code does not list Exception 3.