Mech deck has large upturned beams passing through it

[gnarkill283]

We just discovered due to our structural engineer's passivity, that we have upturned beams passing through our mechanical deck areas. These areas have the entire buildings mechanical equipment and are only accessible by special personnel. Can we just apply insulation and waterproofing membranes around the beams and by code be ok or what will we have to do to make these spaces work?

 

[gnarkill283]

Should mention the upturn beam is 2' in height from the top of slab and runs mostly at the perimeter of the mechanical deck area

 

[steveray]

What code requirement are you concerned about?

 

[gnarkill283]

Do these beams cause a tripping hazard? We have an emergency stair entrance near the mech area - does that have to be fenced off?

 

[steveray]

If it is like a roof you can climb over 30"

306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated
structures. Where equipment requiring access or appliances
are located on an elevated structure or the roof of a building
such that personnel will have to climb higher than 16 feet
(4877 mm) above grade to access such equipment or appliances,
an interior or exterior means of access shall be provided.
Such access shall not require climbing over
obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) in height or
walking on roofs having a slope greater than 4 units vertical
in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope).

 

[gnarkill283]

Thanks. I still don't understand if these mechanical areas need to be fenced off from the roof deck occupants - this is residential penthouse suite roof deck. Occupants need to pass near the mechanical areas at one of the 3 entrances to fire stairs.