Exterior Exit Stairway

[Mech]

2009 IBC

Existing two story building with proposed Exterior Exit Stairway; No separation required between building interior and exit stairway (1026.6 exception 1.)

Section 1026.6 states "Openings shall be limited to those necessary for egress from normally occupied spaces." Are openings still limited if no separation is required? The proposed exterior exit stairs is routed adjacent to an existing window and a proposed bathroom exhaust duct. The window / duct openings would occur in the stairway run, not at the landings, if this makes a difference.

1026.6 Exterior ramps and stairway protection. Exterior exit ramps and stairways shall be separated from the interior of the building as required in Section 1022.1. Openings shall be limited to those necessary for egress from normally occupied spaces.

Exceptions:

1. Separation from the interior of the building is not required for occupancies, other than those in Group R-1 or R-2, in buildings that are no more than two stories above grade plane where a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies is the first story above grade plane.

2. Omitted

3. Omitted

4. Omitted

 

[cda]

Exception 1 indicates that opening protectives are not required for occupancies (other than Groups R-1 and R-2) that are two stories or less above grade when the level of exit discharge is at the lower story. The reason for this exception is that in cases of fire in low buildings, the occupants are usually able to evacuate the premises before the fire can emerge through exterior wall openings and endanger the exit ramp or stairways. In hotels and apartments, however, the occupants' response to a fire emergency could be significantly reduced because they may be either unfamiliar with the surroundings or sleeping.

 

[steveray]

If it doesn't need to be rated, I don't think I would worry about windows and such.....maybe if there was some type of special hazard in the room with the opening (gasoline, gunpowder, etc...)