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Question re: new RTUs on exist. roof with no parapet

P

palikona

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Joined
Jan 8, 2022
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93
Location
Colorado
Hi,

I'm doing a commercial TI where we are adding RTUs to the roof. The existing mechanical equipment is being moved from the mech room on the ground level, up to the roof. Currently, the building has no parapet and the new RTUs will be located in the center of the footprint, about 20' from all building edges.
We cannot "cut" a roof hatch into the existing roof to allow for access near the units; I assume I need to add a new metal ladder fixed to the side of the building (1 story)? Do I also need to add fixed guardrails that follow the pathway from the ladder to the units, for protection? Mandated by IBC and OSHA?
Thanks for any help.
 
I have never seen extra guard rail. I have seen designated pathways with a beefed up surface. I am not sure about Colorado code but here in California we have:

LA County 2020 Mechanical code based ob 2018 UMC
304.3.1 Access. Buildings exceeding 15 feet (4572 mm) in height shall have an inside means of access to the roof unless other means acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction are used.
 
Last edited:
Check out 2018 IMC 306.5 Equipment and Appliances on roofs or elevated structures. Summarized - If someone must climb higher than 16 ft above grade to access the equipment, a permanent interior or exterior means of access is required. This section covers permanent ladder requirements.
 
fatboy said:
Yes, we would require the access ladder, and the guards, you have created the new location.
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Like I said, I am not familiar with Colorado code but fatboy was a Colorado BO for many years.
 
ICE said:
Like I said, I am not familiar with Colorado code but fatboy was a Colorado BO for many years.
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The following post, I should have specified, guards as required by IMC, as amended locally. Colorado does not adopt a State code. Jurisdictions adopt and amend locally.
 
fatboy said:
The following post, I should have specified, guards as required by IMC, as amended locally. Colorado does not adopt a State code. Jurisdictions adopt and amend locally.
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So palikona should ask the local AHJ because the code is anybody’s guess?
 
ICE said:
So palikona should ask the local AHJ because the code is anybody’s guess?
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Yes, check their website, or ask for local amendments. Many AHJ's have the authority to amend locally, any contractor working there should check into those amendments.
 
fatboy said:
Yes, check their website, or ask for local amendments. Many AHJ's have the authority to amend locally, any contractor working there should check into those amendments.
Click to expand...
I guess contractors don’t stray far from home.
 
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