Mechanical Platforms vs Refrigeration Machinery Rooms

[AREexams]

Hello,

I have an elevated mechanical platform (which does not have walls but only chain link fence) that is about 1,500 SF and contains only air handlers. It does not contain any refrigeration equipment/machinery. Does IBC section quoted below apply to it or can I have one point of access/exit via a fixed ladder?

Building is New Construction. Classification is Mercantile.

Thanks, in advance, for your help!

1015.4 Refrigeration machinery rooms.

Machinery rooms larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) shall have not less than two exits or exit access doors. Where two exit access doorways are required, one such doorway is permitted to be served by a fixed ladder or an alternating tread device. Exit access doorways shall be separated by a horizontal distance equal to one-half the maximum horizontal dimension of room.

All portions of machinery rooms shall be within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of an exit or exit access doorway. An increase in travel distance is permitted in accordance with Section 1016.1.

Doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel, regardless of the occupant load served. Doors shall be tight fitting and self-closing.

 

[cda]

welcome,

how did you find us???

wait a little and you should get some answers

 

[cda]

what edition and code are you using???

 

[cda]

there are smarter IBC people on here, if you are using ibc this is from 09

Look at 1007.1 exception # 2 and the sections it references

 

[AREexams]

there are smarter IBC people on here, if you are using ibc this is from 09Look at 1007.1 exception # 2 and the sections it references

Hello CDA,

Thanks for the warm welcome! I googled "building code forums" and got a link to your site. I've been a member for about a year but this is my first post.

Yes. I am using IBC 2009.

I looked at the section you mentioned and the references but didn't find what can help in answering my question. Per 505.5, an equipment platform is not considered a mezzanine or part of a mezzanine. It is also, technically, not accessible.

IBC, Mechanical, Section 306.5 talks about equipment on elevated structures. http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/imc/2009/icod_imc_2009_3_sec006.htm?bu=IC-P-2009-000005&bu2=IC-P-2009-000019

and

The occupant load is 6 people, so one means of egress is permitted per table 1015.1.

It is not a refrigeration machinery room, so 1015.4 shouldn't apply.

I can't find a reference to support my theory of having a fixed ladder as the only means of egress, though.

 

[AREexams]

there are smarter IBC people on here, if you are using ibc this is from 09Look at 1007.1 exception # 2 and the sections it references

Hello CDA,

Thanks for the warm welcome! I googled "building code forums" and got a link to your site. I've been a member for about a year but this is my first post.

Yes. I am using IBC 2009.

I looked at the section you mentioned and the references but didn't find what can help in answering my question. Per 505.5, an equipment platform is not considered a mezzanine or part of a mezzanine. It is also, technically, not accessible.

IBC, Mechanical, Section 306.5 talks about equipment on elevated structures. http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/imc/2009/icod_imc_2009_3_sec006.htm?bu=IC-P-2009-000005&bu2=IC-P-2009-000019

The occupant load is 6 people, so one means of egress is permitted per table 1015.1.

It is not a refrigeration machinery room, so 1015.4 shouldn't apply.

I can't find a reference to support my theory of having a fixed ladder as the only means of egress, though.

 

[TheCommish]

i would look for the definition of a room, this seem to be an exterior fence to prevent vandals

 

[cda]

Looks like maybe the IMC section maybe what you are looking for

See what a few others have to say

Here is a link to the ibc commentary in case you do not have it

http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ibc/2009f2cc/index.htm

 

[mtlogcabin]

It does not contain any refrigeration equipment/machinery

Then 1015.4 is not applicable

 

[AREexams]

Thank you all for your input.

Yes. I am using IBC 2009.

I looked at the IBC 1007.1 and its references but didn't find what can help in answering my question. Per 505.5, an equipment platform is not considered a mezzanine or part of a mezzanine. It is also, technically, not accessible.

IBC, Mechanical, Section 306.5 talks about equipment on elevated structures. http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/imc/2009/icod_imc_2009_3_sec006.htm?bu=IC-P-2009-000005&bu2=IC-P-2009-000019

and

The occupant load is 6 people, so one means of egress is permitted per table 1015.1.

It is not a refrigeration machinery room, so 1015.4 shouldn't apply.

I can't find a reference to support my theory of having a fixed ladder as the only means of egress, though.

 

[AREexams]

Thank you all for your responses!

Yes. I am using IBC 2009.

I looked at the section you mentioned and the references but didn't find what can help in answering my question. Per 505.5, an equipment platform is not considered a mezzanine or part of a mezzanine. It is also, technically, not accessible.

IBC, Mechanical, Section 306.5 talks about equipment on elevated structures. http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/imc/2009/icod_imc_2009_3_sec006.htm?bu=IC-P-2009-000005&bu2=IC-P-2009-000019

and

The occupant load is 6 people, so one means of egress is permitted per table 1015.1.

It is not a refrigeration machinery room, so 1015.4 shouldn't apply.

I can't find a reference to support my theory of having a fixed ladder as the only means of egress, though.

 

[north star]

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AREexams,

What is the height of the floor area of your elevated platform ?





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[north star]

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From the `09 IMC, Section 306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevated structures: "Where equipment

requiring access and appliances are installed on roofs or elevated structures at a height exceeding 16 feet (4877 mm),

such access shall be provided by a permanent approved means of access, the extent of which shall be from grade or

floor level to the equipment and appliances' level service space............Such access shall not require climbing over

obstructions greater than 30 inches (762 mm) high or walking on roofs having a slope greater than four units vertical

in 12 units horizontal (33-percent slope)..........Where access involves climbing over parapet walls, the height shall be

measured to the top of the parapet wall."

IMO, ...a permanent ladder or access to the elevated platform would not be required [ by the Letter ] of the IMC,

if that platform were under 16 ft., however, ...the BO in your AHJ might have a different view..........Suggest that

you at least set up an appointment with them to discuss........Bring your documentation along with you [ just in

case ], and cordially, respectfully discuss your concerns to find out their guidance on this issue.



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