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Turnstiles

Codegeek

Codegeek

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Joined
Jun 17, 2011
Messages
717
Location
Kansas
Does anyone have any experience with accepting turnstiles located at a means of egress? They meet the exceptions in Section 1008.3 however my comfort level isn't there. I'm just curious if anyone has ever run across them before.

Thanks.
 
* * * *

Codegeek,

For clarity to all, which code edition are you using?

Also, if they meet all of the exception requirements, why is

your comfort level not achieved?.....Trying to better

understand this issue!....Are there any ADA issues?

Thanks!

* * * *

 
north star said:
* * * *Codegeek,

For clarity to all, which code edition are you using?

Also, if they meet all of the exception requirements, why is

your comfort level not achieved?.....Trying to better

understand this issue!....Are there any ADA issues?

Thanks!

* * * *

Click to expand...
I'm referring to the 2009 IBC. In this particular case they are using turnstiles at all of the egress doors. That's where my discomfort lies. Since this is my first experience with them, I'm not sure if that's acceptable, even if they meet the requirements.
 
Only place I've ever seen them is in industrial situations where they used for access control. When they lose power or a fire alarm occurs they are set up to freewheel not sure how they fit into the code these days, these were installed quite a while ago.
 
Msradell said:
Only place I've ever seen them is in industrial situations where they used for access control. When they lose power or a fire alarm occurs they are set up to freewheel not sure how they fit into the code these days, these were installed quite a while ago.
Click to expand...
Ah I was wrong earlier, we do have them at industrial site. I go through them all the time, just slipped my mind.
 
Do not see how they can be used at "every" exit

""Exception: Each turnstile or similar device shall be credited with no more than a 50-person capacity where all of the following provisions are met: """"

What is the occupancy/ type of business????
 
* * * *

Agree with cda!....Cannot be more than 50% of the occupant

load of your call center, when all of the exception provisions

are met.

* * * *
 
2012 International Fire Code

Chapter 10 - Means of Egress

1008.3 Turnstiles.

Turnstiles or similar devices that restrict travel to one direction shall not be placed so as to obstruct any required means of egress.

Exception: Each turnstile or similar device shall be credited with no more than a 50-person capacity where all of the following provisions are met:

1. Each device shall turn free in the direction of egress travel when primary power is lost, and upon the manual release by an employee in the area.

2. Such devices are not given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity.

3. Each device is not more than 39 inches high.

4. Each device has at least 16 1/2 inches clear width at and below a height of 39 inches and at least 22 inches clear width at heights above 39 inches.

Where located as part of an accessible route, turnstiles shall have at least 36 inches clear at and below a height of 34 inches, at least 32 inches clear width between 34 inches and 80 inches and shall consist of a mechanism other than a revolving device.
 
mark handler said:
2012 International Fire CodeChapter 10 - Means of Egress

2. Such devices are not given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity.
Click to expand...
Given there are multiple devices of this design and their aggregate is significantly greater than the required capacity does this mean the code given everything else needs the code? I realize each one can't be credited with more than 50% but can a bank of them be credited for 100%.
 
At the casinos they will have turnstiles on each side of an exit, and a large open space in the middle with a ribbon that comes down in the event of an emergency. of course these spaces are constantly attended.
 
As I read the 2012 Section 1008.3 posted by Mark; each turnstile can take no more than 50-people. I assume this means your occupant load divided by 50 equates to the number of turnstiles you are allowed at that one exit. Of course in an emergency you do not know which way people are going to egress. Then 50% of them cannot give credit to the required egress capacity and you will have to have other means of egress nearby. Is that right?
 
exam

I do not think the code states how many you can havwe at an exit,

just that with them there they cut the number of people that can go through that exit in half

so yes you would have to provide a added code complying exit without a turnstile to make up for that half lost
 
Then 50% of them cannot give credit to the required egress capacity and you will have to have other means of egress nearby. Is that right?
Click to expand...
If I have 2 exit building with an OL of 200 and a 3/0 door (150 OL) with 3 turnstiles (150 OL) 50% credit is 75 OL are you saying I will need 1 more turnstile to meet an exit OL of 100?
 
mtl

if you only have two exits

and one has a turnstile blocking it

you need another door, or three total in my opinion
 
cda said:
mtlif you only have two exits

and one has a turnstile blocking it

you need another door, or three total in my opinion
Click to expand...
Not until you have an OL of 300

1008.3.2 Additional door.

Where serving an occupant load greater than 300, each turnstile that is not portable shall have a side-hinged swinging door which conforms to Section 1008.1 within 50 feet (15 240 mm).
 
Trick question

Do not have the code book in front of me

Looks like though base would be still if a turnstile is part of the exit in only gives you fifty per cent and you have to make up for that other fifty

This scenario is wrong no matter what I'm my oP:::

If I have 2 exit building with an OL of 200 and a 3/0 door (150 OL) with 3 turnstiles (150 OL) 50% credit is 75 OL are you saying I will need 1 more turnstile
 
Based on the number of turnstiles and the 50 occupants per turnstile, the turnstiles will allow for approximately 350 people for egress. So, based on what I've seen here with the discussion most of you seem to agree that if the occupant load of the space is more than 350, then more egress will be required and that egress must be provided without turnstiles. Correct?
 
I think it is a little hard to answer the question without seeing a floor plan

As long as it meets all the provisions for turnstiles
 
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