Life Safety?

[DL CBO]

Folks,

This fixed window lies in plane with a floor which was stretched across an entry foyer. Also, there is 4”+ gap between the floor and the glass. It is just float glass.

Do you agree this is a life safety issue?

I requested, as building official, a barrier be installed across the opening while we figure out the next steps.

Please let me know your thoughts. D

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

It is certainly a hazard, the question is whether there's any code section that it violates. As a window, I think not:



Unless the glass measures more than 9 s.f., this section won't cover it. But, you wrote that the floor is infill over a former foyer. So there's a fall issue as well as a broken glass issue. And I see a child's toy there, so there must be at least one young child (or grandchild) around. The glass could be considered to be part of a a guard.


It's a bit of a stretch, but I can't imagine parents or grandparents NOT wanting to keep their kids/grandkids safe.

On the other hand, the glass apparently extends below the floor, so the actual pane is likely quite a bit larger than the portion exposed to this room.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

R312.2.1 Window sills. In dwelling units, where the top of
the sill of an operable window opening is located less than
24 inches (610 mm) above the finished floor and greater
than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade or
other surface below on the exterior of the building, the
operable window shall comply with one of the following:
1. Operable window openings will not allow a 4-inchdiameter
(102 mm) sphere to pass through where the
openings are in their largest opened position.
2. Operable windows are provided with window fall prevention
devices that comply with ASTM F2090.
3. Operable windows are provided with window opening
control devices that comply with Section
R312.2.2

 

[steveray]

Welcome to the forum!....As CC said likely does not need safety glazing, but could need fall protection per the MI section......

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Welcome to the forum!....As CC said likely does not need safety glazing, but could need fall protection per the MI section......

I didn't say it likely does not need safety glazing. I'm inclined to think that it does., based on either the size of the pane of glass or on the fact that it could be construed to be part of a guard for an elevated walking surface.