• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

Stair requirements for storage mezzanine, S occupancy, less than 250sf

Keith

Member
Joined
Feb 17, 2011
Messages
36
Location
Bay Area, San Francisco, San Jose, CA
View attachment 911 Regarding 2010 CBC sections 1009 & 1012For a storage mezzanine in an S occupancy, can the stair dimensions, landing and railing requirements deviate in any way from the standard requirements?The only two exceptions I found were 1. 2010 CBC 1009.10 : alternating treads 2. 2010 CBC 1607.7.1 : hand/guard rail strength 20lbs/ft, (not 50).I couldn't really find when a ladder is acceptable except in I-3, but it seems to me that they might be allowed where the alternating treads are acceptable. Funny how the code mentions S for the alternating stair, but I've never seen them used for that occupancy, only residential.Does the code refer to OSHA at some point ? No requirement for handrail extensions only applies to residential units?Can I use the dimensions for the alternating treads in 1009.10 in regular steps for the conditions stated above?Is a ships ladder really only limited to I-3?If you look at the picture; despite it's code setbacks, the stair is well made and deserves all the help it can get from anyone who can come up with a way to save it.

View attachment 1528

View attachment 1528

/monthly_2011_04/auto-shop-stair.jpg.23a77826e5a19fcc9a5d8f1136121865.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Bump and run...

I'm looking for similar information as this post is too... BUT!!!

My occupancy involves a "B" occupancy...

There is less than 75 feet to an exit and the occupant load will be no more than 3 persons at any one time...

So,... Ladder, Stair, Alternating tread device...?

I am hung up on the language... "Where a stair is provided..."

Thanks

Bob
 
it requires two hands to climb a ladder. how effectice is a ladder going to be for moving whatever is being stored up and out of that mezzanine ? not being sarcastic, just asking the question
 
codeworks said:
it requires two hands to climb a ladder. how effectice is a ladder going to be for moving whatever is being stored up and out of that mezzanine ? not being sarcastic, just asking the question
Some of the one's I have seen without a stair have used a fork-lift to lift up and down from the mezzanine.
 
This is actually an auto repair garage... the front of the "drive on" car lift will stop at the level of the mezzanine and the engineer is proposing a "guard-ramp" from the mezzanine to the car lift. (ramp is hinged to the mezz. and when lowered nto the car lift, will have fall protection on both sides and solid walking surface...) BUT...

Access to the mezz is still in question...

With the new req's for stairs, the run would protrude into the workshop nearly 24 feet (with the depth of the mezz included)

Owner does not really want a "ladder" either... So, I'm looking for a compromise from stair req's...

Personally, I'm leaning toward allowing a mobile stair/ ladder (but, I need to meet the req's for egress...)
 
Keith said:
View attachment 911 If you look at the picture; despite it's code setbacks, the stair is well made and deserves all the help it can get from anyone who can come up with a way to save it.
Is there anybody named Winchester involved with this?

So you want to save the "well made" stairs.

The stairs are right, it's the building that's wrong.
 
There is nothing in the code that will allow a nonpermanent stair for a storage mezzanine

If it was a “mechanical only” mezzanine you will need a permanent ladder
 
mark handler said:
There is nothing in the code that will allow a nonpermanent stair for a storage mezzanineIf it was a “mechanical only” mezzanine you will need a permanent ladder
Mechanical only platform "at a height exceeding 16 feet (4877 mm), such access shall be provided by a permanent approved means of access".
 
Keith said:
View attachment 911 Regarding 2010 CBC sections 1009 & 1012For a storage mezzanine in an S occupancy, can the stair dimensions, landing and railing requirements deviate in any way from the standard requirements?

The only two exceptions I found were

1. 2010 CBC 1009.10 : alternating treads

2. 2010 CBC 1607.7.1 : hand/guard rail strength 20lbs/ft, (not 50).

I couldn't really find when a ladder is acceptable except in I-3, but it seems to me that they might be allowed where the alternating treads are acceptable.

Funny how the code mentions S for the alternating stair, but I've never seen them used for that occupancy, only residential.

Does the code refer to OSHA at some point ?

No requirement for handrail extensions only applies to residential units?

Can I use the dimensions for the alternating treads in 1009.10 in regular steps for the conditions stated above?

Is a ships ladder really only limited to I-3?

If you look at the picture; despite it's code setbacks, the stair is well made and deserves all the help it can get from anyone who can come up with a way to save it.
If it is an S use then travel distance & exits, stairs & landings, guards & handrails must comply with the code.
 
imhotep said:
Mechanical only platform "at a height exceeding 16 feet (4877 mm), such access shall be provided by a permanent approved means of access".
What code are you quoting, the OP is in CA, CA is nnot based on the IMC,,,,
 
Not only are permanent stairs required. If over 3000 square feet, an elevator or ramp may be required.
 
Back
Top