Question re: storage under stair landing on lowest level

[palikona]

Can the space under the landing of a stair on lowest level be used for storing any items, in a commercial space? The stair is not enclosed and the space underneath doesn't get in the way of egress.
Thanks for the help.

 

[e hilton]

Can’t quote chapter & verse ... but my experience has been that we had to install a guard rail to prevent access to that space. Might be different if it has sprinkler coverage.

 

[Paul Sweet]

The space can only be used for storage if it is separated from the stair enclosure with construction of the same fire rating as the stair enclosure (at least 1 hour), and the door to the space can't into the stair enclosure. (IBC 1011.7.3)

 

[Beniah Naylor]

Can’t quote chapter & verse ... but my experience has been that we had to install a guard rail to prevent access to that space. Might be different if it has sprinkler coverage.

My only experience with a guardrail blocking that space was for ADA, if the ceiling slopes down below 80", then you need a rail (or something) for a blind person's cane to hit before they hit their head.

There also may be NFPA 101 requirements in play if this is a question brought on by a visit from the Fire Marshal.

 

[IJHumberson]

"The stair is not enclosed and the space underneath doesn't get in the way of egress." ... So, there are no walls around the stair? Is this a convenience stair, or perhaps a stair to a mezzanine? If so, what is the occupancy of the 'commercial space'? If the stair is not enclosed, storage may require separation from other areas, depending on the occupancy classification of the space.

 

[e hilton]

My only experience with a guardrail blocking that space was for ADA, if the ceiling slopes down below 80", then you need a rail (or something) for a blind person's cane to hit before they hit their head.

Effectively prevents storing stuff too. :}

 

[Yikes]

The space can only be used for storage if it is separated from the stair enclosure with construction of the same fire rating as the stair enclosure (at least 1 hour), and the door to the space can't into the stair enclosure. (IBC 1011.7.3)

It appears that since the commercial space's stair is not enclosed, IBC 1011.7.3 has no applicability, because it only addresses interior stairs that have enclosures.

But that's if the stair in question is an interior stair. If it's an exterior stair that is open, then no use is allowed underneath.

 

[palikona]

Thanks for the replies. Currently the stsir comes down from level 2 of a two story building that the client owns. It’s not enclosed but does act as egress (one of two stairs) down from above, to the nearby exterior door.

This space would be accessed from the space adjacent to the landing, where the client is looking to store some xray equipment (this is a vet clinic). The building is non-sprinklered.

It sounds like we can build a small room under the landing with 1 hour rated construction and a rated door?

Should we discuss with the fire dept sooner than later?

Thank you all!!

 

[Paul Sweet]

I missed the "not enclosed" in your original post.

A rated room & door sounds like it should meet code, but it would be best to confirm it with the building & fire officials sooner rather than later.