two story openings versus stair enclosures - CT

[Hyrax4978]

In CT per 1019.3 stairs between stories that are not enclosed (that meet exit travel distances) are allowed to be unenclosed only if serving less than ten occupants. If you can maintain all travel distances to first floor exits, and have openings between a first floor and second floor for other purposes (common air), why do you need rated stair enclosures? Again, assuming we meet travel distances from all areas of the second floor, down the diagonal stair plain to an exit, as far as i can tell in CT you would need to rate the enclosure if it serves more than ten occupants.

 

[RLGA]

That is Connecticut's amendment and is not part of the IBC as published. What the logic is behind that decision is unknown.

 

[Tim Mailloux]

In CT per 1019.3 stairs between stories that are not enclosed (that meet exit travel distances) are allowed to be unenclosed only if serving less than ten occupants. If you can maintain all travel distances to first floor exits, and have openings between a first floor and second floor for other purposes (common air), why do you need rated stair enclosures? Again, assuming we meet travel distances from all areas of the second floor, down the diagonal stair plain to an exit, as far as i can tell in CT you would need to rate the enclosure if it serves more than ten occupants.

CT has not yet gotten on board with open exit stairs (aka Exit Access Stairways) and only allows them in VERY limited circumstances. Here in CT we have one of the toughest building codes in the country, especially when it comes to egress and fire protection.

 

[ADAguy]

What if the "story" was in fact a mezzanine, would enclosuer of the stair serving the Mezzanine be required?
Can the stair to a new mezzanine in an existing retail building be the only means of egress if one uses the "existing building code (IEBC)" vs the IBC.

 

[Tim Mailloux]

What if the "story" was in fact a mezzanine, would enclosuer of the stair serving the Mezzanine be required?
Can the stair to a new mezzanine in an existing retail building be the only means of egress if one uses the "existing building code (IEBC)" vs the IBC.

Open Exit Access Stairs are allowed in CT when serving a mezzanine complying with the provisions of section 505.

 

[steveray]

That is Connecticut's amendment and is not part of the IBC as published. What the logic is behind that decision is unknown.

The Fire Marshals.......

Yep...IF it is REQUIRED for egress, you have to rate it......If it is not required for egress, now you have a discussion....

 

[steveray]

(Amd) 1019.3 Occupancies other than Groups I-2 and I-3. In other than Group I-2 and I-3
occupancies, floor openings containing exit access stairways or ramps that do not comply with
one of the conditions listed in this section shall be enclosed with a shaft enclosure constructed in
accordance with Section 713.
1. In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
Section 903.3.1 with other than Group H or I occupancies, an exit access stairway serving
an occupant load of less than 10 not more than one story above the level of exit discharge.