I initially posted this on the Building Codes Section when it probably would have been better to post it here.
Section 1007.2.1. In buildings where a required accessible floor is four or more stories above or below a level of exit discharge, at least one accessible means of egress shall be an elevator complying with Section 1007.4.
I realize there are a couple of exceptions. However assuming one chooses not to use the exceptions, and chooses instead to provide the elevator to satisfy the accessible means of egress issues, would you or wouldn’t you consider this elevator to be an “Occupant Evacuation Elevator” and subject to the provision of Section 3008.
I would agree that it isn't the intent of the code for able bodied persons to use the elevators. However it is pretty obvious that the codes feel that this service needs to be provided for the disabled when accessible floors are more than four floors above or below the grade level. It seems to me that the use of terms like accessible means of egress instead of avenue of assisted escape by first responders should be enough to show that it is intended to be used by the disabled without assistance. That typically is a big key in establishing equivalent access.
What is accessible means of egress for if it isn't evacuation for the disabled occupants? When items are provided for the disabled, it is with the intent to grant them equivalent access to amenities, in this case equal access to exit facilities. Just the fact that these elevators are required for means of egress (escape) of occupants ought to be enough to invoke Section 3008.
Why would they bother to reference Sections 403, 3007 and 3008 if it wasn't to direct you to elements of design that need to be taken into consideration?
The only other justification for not providing what is required for "occupancy evacuation" would be if you didn't consider the disabled to be occupants.
Thoughts on the subject?
Section 1007.2.1. In buildings where a required accessible floor is four or more stories above or below a level of exit discharge, at least one accessible means of egress shall be an elevator complying with Section 1007.4.
I realize there are a couple of exceptions. However assuming one chooses not to use the exceptions, and chooses instead to provide the elevator to satisfy the accessible means of egress issues, would you or wouldn’t you consider this elevator to be an “Occupant Evacuation Elevator” and subject to the provision of Section 3008.
I would agree that it isn't the intent of the code for able bodied persons to use the elevators. However it is pretty obvious that the codes feel that this service needs to be provided for the disabled when accessible floors are more than four floors above or below the grade level. It seems to me that the use of terms like accessible means of egress instead of avenue of assisted escape by first responders should be enough to show that it is intended to be used by the disabled without assistance. That typically is a big key in establishing equivalent access.
What is accessible means of egress for if it isn't evacuation for the disabled occupants? When items are provided for the disabled, it is with the intent to grant them equivalent access to amenities, in this case equal access to exit facilities. Just the fact that these elevators are required for means of egress (escape) of occupants ought to be enough to invoke Section 3008.
Why would they bother to reference Sections 403, 3007 and 3008 if it wasn't to direct you to elements of design that need to be taken into consideration?
The only other justification for not providing what is required for "occupancy evacuation" would be if you didn't consider the disabled to be occupants.
Thoughts on the subject?