More Egress Problems

[LGreene]

One of my blog readers sent in these photos of the exit doors for an "auction house" (I use the term loosely - more like a junk store). With all of the past tragedies in mercantile occupancies, these make me nervous. For any of the fire marshals reading this, what would happen if you received a tip regarding this facility. Would you check it out? How would you enforce the fire code - ie. how quickly would it have to be resolved, would you require the facility to close until the exits were clear, would there be fines for repeat issues? If you'd like to respond on my blog, please feel free: http://idighardware.com/2011/08/ww-auction-house-egress/

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[cda]

Depending on if other exits were available, and where located, the next day early.

More than likely would not shut them down

Automatic ticket, if it happens again

 

[Mac]

Looks like every other "auction house". I would go right over and have them clear the exits. Then everything would be fine.

 

[permitguy]

I would absolutely check it out. Unfortunately, we don't fine for repeat violations. Once a violation is fixed, you basically have a clean slate unless we had to take you to court to get it fixed and the judge imposed probation (rare).

If this area is open to the public, I'd have it fixed before I left. I would only shut it down if they were refusing cooperation. If it's a warehouse open only to employees, I'd give it until the next day. In either case, I'd work with them on a plan to avoid repeat issues. I'll help tape off aisles and accessways on the floor if they are open to the input and willing to abide by what we come up with . . .

 

[Oldfieldguy]

So long as the exit access travel distance and exit width is not reduced, they are golden in my book. I don't have enough information to make a educated guess. We see this every day. Our rules of engagement for a notice of violation is exit width, exit access travel distance and required exits.

 

[Darren Emery]

So long as the exit access travel distance and exit width is not reduced, they are golden in my book. I don't have enough information to make a educated guess. We see this every day. Our rules of engagement for a notice of violation is exit width, exit access travel distance and required exits.

Seems to me that even with all other conditions sited code compliant, the idea of a marked exit, in this condition is a problem. In an emergancy, in panic mode, in limited sight conditions, do we really want the occupants heading towards this door in it's current condition?

 

[steveray]

Seems to me that even with all other conditions sited code compliant, the idea of a marked exit, in this condition is a problem. In an emergancy, in panic mode, in limited sight conditions, do we really want the occupants heading towards this door in it's current condition?

Agree with Darren....if it is not a required exit,(or at least maintained) get rid of the sign...

 

[FM William Burns]

Similar to Permit......24 hours if non-public access, right now if public access. If it's a problem child...fines will accumulate as necessary. I have some photos for you of exit and access doors and associated hardware I've been collecting lately for furture training

 

[LGreene]

Thanks everyone! This auction house is open to the public, and I believe the doors in the photos are required exits which are almost impossible to reach.

FMWB - I'd love to see your photos and if you need any of the 1,000+ photos on my blog for training (or your own personal enjoyment), feel free to use them.

 

[FM William Burns]

Thanks LG! I am collecting ones in my bubble since I can recall the deficiency and comment on it specifically as it relates to the codes I'll reference. I've taken more pictures in the last month during inspection on schools, healthcare and industry that I have enough to fill more than a 4 hour module on egress doors, rated assemblies and NFPA 80 to generate discussions. I've been busy on various types of suppression system technology also that cover the gambit of selection and installation.

I have decided to include a specific module on "Inspecting Means of Egress" since that is the meat of essential code enforcement. Once I finalize the re-inspection phase on the various deficiencies encountered, I'll be happy to share. ICE has inspired me

 

[Marshal Chris]

While there's some discretion, our policy says obstructed/locked or otherwise inoperable marked exit door is an immediate ticket for each exit.