Fall Protection and Clear Opening in a 2020 built R2 structure which is sprinklered

[Rebecca Davis]

We're having a healthy debate here in my rental inspection office in regards to whether a window that is installed in a location requiring fall protection must be able to bypass fire protection to open fully as intended if it is in a sprinklered building ( 3 exits). I'm in Indiana so we are still working with the 2012 IBC adopted and amended in 2014 in Indiana. I was originally looking at 1013.8 titled Window sills for justification that the window should still be able to open to entirety. However, another collegue is pointing to Tables 1021.2(1) and 1021.2(2) and section 1029.1 to support their interpretation that the window does not need to open fully and may only open 4 inches or less. I'd love to hear some feedback and maybe gain a clearer understanding of this subject.

 

[steveray]

This is what 2021 says...​

1031.2.1​

Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from inside the room without the use of keys or tools. Window-opening control devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be permitted for use on windows serving as a required emergency escape and rescue opening.