Staircase width

[Jay]

Hello, I am having some confusion reviewing required staircase width when comparing sections 1009.3 (min 48" width required, with exceptions), and section 1011.2 (min. 44" width, with exceptions) and it seems it all has to do with being "accessible".

2-Story mixed use, first floor 6,000 sf, second floor 3,000 sf. I have determined two exit staircases are required. I have an interior staircase which complies as an "accessible" means of egress and I also have an exterior exit stair design underway, for which I am trying to determine the required width. As part of 1011.2, there is an exception for OL's less than 50 to have a minimum width staircase of 36".

How would I go about determining if the exterior exit stair must be considered "accessible", thus designed per 1009.3?
Thanks

 

[RLGA]

If a story is required to have two or more means of egress, then you are required to have at least two accessible means of egress. If the elevator is not used as an accessible means of egress, then your two stairways are required to comply with the accessible means of egress requirements.

 

[steveray]

Yeah^^^^^^^^^^What he said...1007

1007.1 Accessible means of egress required. Accessible
means of egress shall comply with this section. Accessible
spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible
means of egress. Where more than one means of egress are
required by Section 1015.1 or 1021.1 from any accessible
space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by
not less than two accessible means of egress.
Exceptions:
1. Accessible means of egress are not required in alterations
to existing buildings.
2. One accessible means of egress is required from an
accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section
1007.3, 1007.4 or 1007.5.
3. In assembly areas with sloped or stepped aisles, one
accessible means of egress is permitted where the
common path of travel is accessible and meets the
requirements in Section 1028.8.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Unless your elevator is on a standby power source it is not an accessible means of egress so follow 1009.3

2012 IBC
1007.4 Elevators.
In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, an elevator shall comply with the emergency operation and signaling device requirements of Section 2.27 of ASME A17.1. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 27 and Section 3003. The elevator shall be accessed from either an area of refuge complying with Section 1007.6 or a horizontal exit.

Exceptions:

1. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit in open parking garages.

2. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit in buildings and facilities equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

3. Elevators not required to be located in a shaft in accordance with Section 712 are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit.

4. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit for smoke protected seating areas complying with Section 1028.6.2.

 

[Jay]

Thanks all!