I can't find anything so I need to ask. This is under the IMC-2009. There are three RTU's that are accessed by way of a stair to the roof. Are obstructions, e.g. gas lines installed on wood blocking, permitted to cross the path of the roof membrane walkway pads that connect the roof access to the equipment? Thanks.
-
Welcome to The Building Code Forum
Your premier resource for building code knowledge.
This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.
Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.
Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.
Obstructions to rooftop equipment
- Thread starter pmarx
- Start date
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Sound like a POT issue, not "Obstructions to rooftop equipment" issue.
It's not an obstruction until you need a bridge to get over it. Even then, it's not a code violation.
north star
MODERATOR
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2009
- Messages
- 4,596
= = =
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........Permanent ladders installed to
provide the required access shall comply with the following minimum design criteria:
1. The side railing shall extend above the parapet or roof edge not less than 30 inches
(762 mm).
2. Ladders shall have rung spacing not to exceed 14 inches (356 mm) on center.
3. Ladders shall have a toe spacing not less than 6 inches (152 mm) deep.
4. There shall be a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) between rails.
5. Rungs shall have a minimum 0.75-inch (19 mm) diameter and be capable of withstanding
a 300-pound (136.1 kg) load.
6. Ladders over 30 feet (9144 mm) in height shall be provided with offset sections and
landings capable of withstanding 100 pounds per square foot (488.2 kg/m2)........Landing
dimensions shall be not less than 18 inches (457 mm) and not less than the width of the
ladder served.......A guard rail shall be provided on all open sides of the landing.
7. Ladders shall be protected against corrosion by approved means.
Catwalks installed to provide the required access shall be not less than 24 inches
(610 mm) wide and shall have railings as required for service platforms.
Exception: This section shall not apply to Group R-3 occupancies."
= = =
"Yes".....From the `09 IMC, Section 306.5 Equipment and appliances on roofs or elevatedstructures. "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........Permanent ladders installed to
provide the required access shall comply with the following minimum design criteria:
1. The side railing shall extend above the parapet or roof edge not less than 30 inches
(762 mm).
2. Ladders shall have rung spacing not to exceed 14 inches (356 mm) on center.
3. Ladders shall have a toe spacing not less than 6 inches (152 mm) deep.
4. There shall be a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) between rails.
5. Rungs shall have a minimum 0.75-inch (19 mm) diameter and be capable of withstanding
a 300-pound (136.1 kg) load.
6. Ladders over 30 feet (9144 mm) in height shall be provided with offset sections and
landings capable of withstanding 100 pounds per square foot (488.2 kg/m2)........Landing
dimensions shall be not less than 18 inches (457 mm) and not less than the width of the
ladder served.......A guard rail shall be provided on all open sides of the landing.
7. Ladders shall be protected against corrosion by approved means.
Catwalks installed to provide the required access shall be not less than 24 inches
(610 mm) wide and shall have railings as required for service platforms.
Exception: This section shall not apply to Group R-3 occupancies."
= = =
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Not a violation
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Many violations
mark handler
SAWHORSE
No Problem....
steveray
SAWHORSE
Mark....How did you get a picture of our elementary school roof? 
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Google earth
You would be surprised what you see in peoples backyards
You would be surprised what you see in peoples backyards
mark handler
SAWHORSE
TJacobs said:
