rsm
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Hello, first time poster.
I am a designer working with an architect in Pennsyvania. We have a project in an existing commercial building (18 foot ceilings), which has a mezzanine dividing half of the space into two levels (with the mezzanine open and overlooking the other double height space. The space was built in 2005. There is currenly 1 enclosed fire rated stair and two other "open" stairs between the main level and the mezzanine.
The intent is to wall off the mezzanine and divide it into some classrooms. The architect has stated that a second floor requires two enclosed fire rated stairs and the two open ones don't count. Is this correct? I see an exemption in 1005.3.2, Exeption 8 that seems applicable, but I don't see it in newer versions:
"8. In other than occupancy Groups H and I, a maximum of 50 percent of egress stairways serving one adjacent floor are not required to be envlosed, provided at lasst two means of egress are provided from both floors served by the unenclosed stairwars. Any two such interocnnected floors shall not be open to other floors."
Has the code changed?
Do we really need to add a fourth staircase to serve this space?
Thank you for your assistance!
I am a designer working with an architect in Pennsyvania. We have a project in an existing commercial building (18 foot ceilings), which has a mezzanine dividing half of the space into two levels (with the mezzanine open and overlooking the other double height space. The space was built in 2005. There is currenly 1 enclosed fire rated stair and two other "open" stairs between the main level and the mezzanine.
The intent is to wall off the mezzanine and divide it into some classrooms. The architect has stated that a second floor requires two enclosed fire rated stairs and the two open ones don't count. Is this correct? I see an exemption in 1005.3.2, Exeption 8 that seems applicable, but I don't see it in newer versions:
"8. In other than occupancy Groups H and I, a maximum of 50 percent of egress stairways serving one adjacent floor are not required to be envlosed, provided at lasst two means of egress are provided from both floors served by the unenclosed stairwars. Any two such interocnnected floors shall not be open to other floors."
Has the code changed?
Do we really need to add a fourth staircase to serve this space?
Thank you for your assistance!