IRC 308.4.5 Glazing and wet surfaces

[Sifu]

2018 IRC 308.4.5 had language that changed in the 2021/2024 code. The difference is in the "facing" of a wet area in the 2018 edition, which is now "adjacent to" a wet area in the 2021/24 edition. For me it is simple and makes more sense. However, as a person who tries desperately to cling to the codes as written I ask what you would do. The submittal is to the 2018 IRC, which requires glazing that "faces" a wet area (shower). The installation of a window in the wall "adjacent to" a wet area (shower) would not be covered by this if using the 2018 IRC, but would be if using the 2021/24 IRC. I would like to believe the intent has always been the same, but I can't get into the heads of the code writers. This code has changed multiple times to get to where it is in the 2021/2024 codes. The 2024 doesn't appear to have changed it, only moved it for some reason.

A typical comment would be to provide safety glazing in accordance with IRC 308.4.5. But, in a wall adjacent to the shower they would be in compliance with the language of the 2018 IRC without safety glazing. What would you do?

 

[Mr. Inspector]

We are using the 2018 now and I always go by the "facing" rule which to me it means a window directly across facing the opening of the shower or front of a bathtub of at less than 90 degrees. When we go to the 2021 next summer i would then think it would mean a window anywhere within 60" of the shower opening or front of a bathtub. To me the intent has changed because after testing they found out that people don't always fall forward but could fall in any direction.

 

[Sifu]

We are using the 2018 now and I always go by the "facing" rule which to me it means a window directly across facing the opening of the shower or front of a bathtub of at less than 90 degrees. When we go to the 2021 next summer i would then think it would mean a window anywhere within 60" of the shower opening or front of a bathtub. To me the intent has changed because after testing they found out that people don't always fall forward but could fall in any direction.

I have been told that was the intent, but apparently it didn't get translated to the code very well since it's inception. Just an oddity they have corrected that has been understood differently in the pre-'21 editions. It is interesting that what seems easy has had to be revised so many times. Maybe it will have some staying power now.

 

[ICE]

Could someone please post the actual code?

Just as dangerous as falling to the floor is flailing arms when a person looses their footing on a wet floor.

When I started inspecting in 1997 the code required safety glazing within five feet of a swimming pool deck. There was no definition of a swimming pool deck. Some decks started at the pool and went all the way to the house. Some decks were four feet from the pool. I wrote corrections that LA County was not used to. I got a letter from John Kelley, the SOB, that the next code cycle would change to "within five feet of the water's edge". I was instructed to institute that code immediately. That was my first code change.

 

[Sifu]

2018 IRC:
R308.4.5 Glazing and wet surfaces. Glazing in walls,
enclosures or fences containing or facing hot tubs, spas,
whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs, showers and
indoor or outdoor swimming pools where the bottom
exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60 inches (1524
mm) measured vertically above any standing or walking
surface shall be considered to be a hazardous location. This
shall apply to single glazing and each pane in multiple glazing.

Exception: Glazing that is more than 60 inches (1524
mm), measured horizontally and in a straight line, from
the water’s edge of a bathtub, hot tub, spa, whirlpool or
swimming pool or from the edge of a shower, sauna or
steam room.

2021 IRC:
R308.4.5 Glazing and wet surfaces. Glazing in walls,
enclosures or fences containing or adjacent to hot tubs,
spas, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs, showers
and indoor or outdoor swimming pools where the bottom
exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60 inches (1524
mm) measured vertically above any standing or walking
surface shall be considered to be a hazardous location.
This shall apply to single glazing and each pane in multiple
glazing.
Exception: Glazing that is more than 60 inches (1524
mm), measured horizontally, from the water’s edge of
a bathtub, hot tub, spa, whirlpool or swimming pool or
from the edge of a shower, sauna or steam room.