School Science Lab - 2 Exits?

[LGreene]

Does anyone know of a code-related reason why a science lab in a high school would require 2 exits? The occupant load is about 25.

 

[cda]

Not really

About his old is the building??

 

[LGreene]

It's brand new. I found something in NFPA 101 but still can't find anything in the IBC.

14.3.2.5 Educational occupancy laboratories using chemicals shall be in accordance with 8.7.4.

8.7.4.1 Laboratories that use chemicals shall comply with NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, unless otherwise modified by other provisions of this Code.

I bought a pdf copy of NFPA 45, but the NFPA website is down so I was not able to download it. I found an older version (2004), and read this:

5.4 Means of Access to an Exit

5.4.1* A second means of access to an exit shall be provided from a laboratory work area if any of the following situations exist:

(5) A compressed gas cylinder larger than lecture bottle size, located such that it could prevent safe egress in the event of accidental release of cylinder contents.

(6) A cryogenic container located such that it could prevent safe egress in the event of accidental release of container contents.

Annex A Explanatory Material

A.5.4.1 A door to an adjoining laboratory work area or laboratory unit is considered to be a second means of access to an exit, provided that the laboratory unit is not of a higher fire hazard classification.

 

[cda]

not sure if 45 would apply to a high school

2011 version

1.1.1 This standard shall apply to laboratory buildings, laboratory units, and laboratory work areas whether located above or below grade in which chemicals, as defined, are handled or stored.

1.1.2 This standard shall not apply to the following:

(1)*

Laboratories for which the following conditions apply:

(a)

Laboratory units that contain less than or equal to 4 L (1 gal) of flammable or combustible liquid

(b)

Laboratory units that contain less than 2.2 standard m3 (75 scf) of flammable gas, not including piped-in low-pressure utility gas installed in accordance with NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code

(2)*

Laboratories that are pilot plants

(3)

Laboratories that handle only chemicals with a hazard rating of 0 or 1, as defined by NFPA 704, Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response, for all of the following: health, flammability, and instability

(4)

Laboratories that are primarily manufacturing plants

(5)

Incidental testing facilities

(6)

Physical, electronic, instrument, laser, or similar laboratories that use chemicals only for incidental purposes, such as cleaning

(7)*

Hazards associated with radioactive materials, as covered by NFPA 801, Standard for Fire Protection for Facilities Handling Radioactive Materials

(8)

Laboratories that work only with explosive material, as covered by NFPA 495, Explosive Materials Code

It maybe the desinger added it for good measure, or the plan reviewer asked for it and got it, or misapplication of the code??

so I guess why the question, just trying to find out if it is actually required??

one other question to you know the dimensions of the room??? and I take it the building is sprinkled???

 

[steveray]

The state school board might require it......here they make them fire rate them 1 hr (lab rooms).....but only occ load for the 2 doors (or CPET)...

 

[LGreene]

Thanks Charles! I did not see anything specific to schools on the list of applications where the standard doesn't apply. Did I miss it? Let's just say that the science lab had more than a gallon of flammable liquid stored, does the standard apply then?

I don't know the dimensions of the room, but it's more of a general question at this point. Assume that it's not large enough for the occupant load to require another exit, and the building is sprinklered.

 

[LGreene]

The state school board might require it......here they make them fire rate them 1 hr (lab rooms).....but only occ load for the 2 doors (or CPET)...

I was wondering about the rating requirement too...I've seen science labs in schools with rated doors but I'm not sure what's driving that. Is it a local (state school board) requirement for your jurisdiction, or is there something in the code.

 

[Francis Vineyard]

IBC Chapter 5; Incidental Use Areas: 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system

Francis

 

[steveray]

It is above our code requirements....It comes from elsewhere at the state level, either from the School Board or whever they get their funding from.....

I was wondering about the rating requirement too...I've seen science labs in schools with rated doors but I'm not sure what's driving that. Is it a local (state school board) requirement for your jurisdiction, or is there something in the code.