Exit passageway ceiling rating

[Chris_Sanders]

Good morning-

I'm working on a project with an interior exit stairway, connected to an exterior door via a 20' long exit passageway. The stair only serves two stories, so the exit passageway only requires a 1-hour rating (I believe). Per IBC 2009:

1023.3 Construction. Exit passageway enclosures shall have walls, floors and ceilings of not less than 1-hour fire-resistance rating, and not less than that required for any connecting exit enclosure. Exit passageways shall be constructed as fire barriers in accordance with Section 707 of the International Building Code or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712 of the International Building Code, or both.

But when I look at the code discussion on fire barriers, I see this:

707.5 Continuity. Fire barriers shall extend from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, slab or deck above and shall be securely attached thereto. Such fire barriers shall be continuous through concealed spaces, such as the space above a suspended ceiling.

So...do I need to provide a rated ceiling membrane (or any indication of a 1-hour horizontal assembly) if the fire barrier extends to the metal deck/floor slab above? I would assume so, but am a bit confused. Can anyone set me straight?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[RLGA]

If there is occupied space above the exit passageway (i.e., a roof and not a floor), then, yes, a 1-hour horizontal assembly is required over the exit passageway per Section 1023.3.

 

[Chris_Sanders]

Thanks very much!