Two-way communication system

[Dallas Colwell]

Hello!! First I read this every week and love the help everyone gets.

My question is I have a 2-story building with 2 stairwells in the plans. Per IBC Section 1006.3.3.1 only 1 stairwell is required (and this is the accessible means of egress with area of refuge), the builder and architect want to take the two way communication system out of the second stairway and post signs on the second saying exit stairway/ NO Area of Refuge......Any thoughts?? Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts!!

 

[Msradell]

Code probably agrees with what they want to do however best practice would certainly require the communications devices to be available in both stairwells. Depending on how the building is laid out I'm sure people would go to both of them also. If it's a private building with limited public access even get away with it because the people working there would know this, if it's a public building it would certainly be hard to get away with IMO.

 

[RLGA]

The code will support their request--only one accessible means of egress is required if only one means of egress is required. However, I would provide egress signage directing occupants to the stairway with the area of refuge. It does not make sense to direct them to an exit only to then tell them to go back to the other exit for the area of refuge.

 

[steveray]

Directional signage to the AMOE required.....

1111.2 Directional signage. Directional signage indicating the route to the nearest like accessible element shall be provided at the following locations. These directional signs shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility and sign characters shall meet the visual character requirements in accordance with ICC A117.1. 1. Inaccessible building entrances. 2. Inaccessible public toilets and bathing facilities. 3. Elevators not serving an accessible route. 4. At each separate-sex toilet and bathing room indicating the location of the nearest family/assisted use toilet or bathing room where provided in accordance with Section 1109.2.1.

5. At exits and exit stairways serving a required accessible space, but not providing an approved accessible means of egress, signage shall be provided in accordance with Section 1009.10.

 

[Dallas Colwell]

Directional signage to the AMOE required.....

1111.2 Directional signage. Directional signage indicating the route to the nearest like accessible element shall be provided at the following locations. These directional signs shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility and sign characters shall meet the visual character requirements in accordance with ICC A117.1. 1. Inaccessible building entrances. 2. Inaccessible public toilets and bathing facilities. 3. Elevators not serving an accessible route. 4. At each separate-sex toilet and bathing room indicating the location of the nearest family/assisted use toilet or bathing room where provided in accordance with Section 1109.2.1.

5. At exits and exit stairways serving a required accessible space, but not providing an approved accessible means of egress, signage shall be provided in accordance with Section 1009.10.

Directional signage to the AMOE required.....

1111.2 Directional signage. Directional signage indicating the route to the nearest like accessible element shall be provided at the following locations. These directional signs shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility and sign characters shall meet the visual character requirements in accordance with ICC A117.1. 1. Inaccessible building entrances. 2. Inaccessible public toilets and bathing facilities. 3. Elevators not serving an accessible route. 4. At each separate-sex toilet and bathing room indicating the location of the nearest family/assisted use toilet or bathing room where provided in accordance with Section 1109.2.1.

5. At exits and exit stairways serving a required accessible space, but not providing an approved accessible means of egress, signage shall be provided in accordance with Section 1009.10.

Thank you all for the information!