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Un enclosed stairway as an exit
- Thread starter cda
- Start date
steveray
SAWHORSE
SECTION 1022 EXIT ENCLOSURES
1022.1 Enclosures required. Interior exit stairways and interior exit ramps shall be enclosed with fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both. Exit enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected by the exit enclosure shall include any basements but not any mezzanines. Exit enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than the floor assembly penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours. Exit enclosures shall lead directly to the exterior of the building or shall be extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway conforming to the requirements of Section 1023, except as permitted in Section 1027.1. An exit enclosure shall not be used for any purpose other than means of egress.
Exceptions:
1. In all occupancies, other than Group H and I occupancies, a stairway is not required to be enclosed when the stairway serves an occupant load of less than 10 and the stairway complies with either Item 1.1 or 1.2. In all cases, the maximum number of connecting open stories shall not exceed two.
1.1. The stairway is open to not more than one story above its level of exit discharge; or
1.2. The stairway is open to not more than one story below its level of exit discharge.
2. Exits in buildings of Group A-5 where all portions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside need not be enclosed.
3. Stairways serving and contained within a single residential dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies are not required to be enclosed.
4. Stairways in open parking structures that serve only the parking structure are not required to be enclosed.
5. Stairways in Group I-3 occupancies, as provided for in Section 408.3.8, are not required to be enclosed.
6. Means of egress stairways as required by Sections 410.5.3 and 1015.6.1 are not required to be enclosed.
7. Means of egress stairways from balconies, galleries or press boxes as provided for in Section 1028.5.1 are not required to be enclosed.
Pretty sure it is in 2012 where the open stair become readily allowed....
1022.1 Enclosures required. Interior exit stairways and interior exit ramps shall be enclosed with fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both. Exit enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected by the exit enclosure shall include any basements but not any mezzanines. Exit enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than the floor assembly penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours. Exit enclosures shall lead directly to the exterior of the building or shall be extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway conforming to the requirements of Section 1023, except as permitted in Section 1027.1. An exit enclosure shall not be used for any purpose other than means of egress.
Exceptions:
1. In all occupancies, other than Group H and I occupancies, a stairway is not required to be enclosed when the stairway serves an occupant load of less than 10 and the stairway complies with either Item 1.1 or 1.2. In all cases, the maximum number of connecting open stories shall not exceed two.
1.1. The stairway is open to not more than one story above its level of exit discharge; or
1.2. The stairway is open to not more than one story below its level of exit discharge.
2. Exits in buildings of Group A-5 where all portions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside need not be enclosed.
3. Stairways serving and contained within a single residential dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies are not required to be enclosed.
4. Stairways in open parking structures that serve only the parking structure are not required to be enclosed.
5. Stairways in Group I-3 occupancies, as provided for in Section 408.3.8, are not required to be enclosed.
6. Means of egress stairways as required by Sections 410.5.3 and 1015.6.1 are not required to be enclosed.
7. Means of egress stairways from balconies, galleries or press boxes as provided for in Section 1028.5.1 are not required to be enclosed.
Pretty sure it is in 2012 where the open stair become readily allowed....
steveray
SAWHORSE
The other question to ask is: Does it need to be an "exit"? Or can it be exit access? It may be able to be treated as an atrium and what is the point in protecting the stair if the top and bottom are in the same environment? I know our fire guys have been struggling with that here. Exit access stair Is what I was thinking of for the newer terminology...Now for my second cup of coffee...
steveray
SAWHORSE
So you are back to: Is it an EXIT stair or not? Is it required for egress or just convenience?
Kind of the real question, because of a remodel, they are blocking access for some to a second stairwell.
But there is a third open stair connections only two floors, that if it is a legal exit, than no problem.
But by 2009 ibc does not appear it is legal open exit
But there is a third open stair connections only two floors, that if it is a legal exit, than no problem.
But by 2009 ibc does not appear it is legal open exit
Hi all.....
I am reviewing a commercial structure where the lower half of a flight of stairs to the main level is no longer in a rated shaft, the shaft begins at the first landing. The sitar then exits through a Lobby (exit passageway) to the exterior. Does the following phrase from (2015 IBC BS1024 - NYS) allow the open flight by saying "or shall be extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway" ?? I cannot see any other part of the code that would allow this in plain English. The exit passageway is required to be rated as the stair is which it is (sort of). That's another discussion.
Thanks
I am reviewing a commercial structure where the lower half of a flight of stairs to the main level is no longer in a rated shaft, the shaft begins at the first landing. The sitar then exits through a Lobby (exit passageway) to the exterior. Does the following phrase from (2015 IBC BS1024 - NYS) allow the open flight by saying "or shall be extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway" ?? I cannot see any other part of the code that would allow this in plain English. The exit passageway is required to be rated as the stair is which it is (sort of). That's another discussion.
Thanks
tmurray
SAWHORSE
The ultimate questions is, is the lobby an exit passageway? To me it would depend on the lobby. I think the intent is to provide a rated corridor to the exit, if the lobby meets that intent, I would be willing to approve it.
I am also mentioning to the designer a few details to make sure the lobby is an exit passageway. So I was thinking the same thing and agree that it would meet the intent.
Thanks for your responses.
mountainarch
REGISTERED
I am working on a remodel of a restaurant on the 2nd floor of a two-story building an was looking for clarification on this very issue in the IEBC which defers to the IBC on if enclosure at stairs (currently not enclosed) are required on a two-story building. 1022.1 Appears to be the same but 1027.1 doesn't have any exceptions. I am not finding much clarification in the Commentary. I would love some input on this from someone with more knowledge of the 2015 code.
steveray
SAWHORSE
Not necessarily a simple answer, but food for thought from the 2012 IBC...
1009.2 Interior exit stairways. Interior exit stairways shall
lead directly to the exterior of the building or shall be
extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway
conforming to the requirements of Section 1023, except
as permitted in Section 1027.1.
1009.3 Exit access stairways. Floor openings between stories
created by exit access stairways shall be enclosed.
Exceptions:
1. In other than Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies, exit
access stairways that serve, or atmospherically
communicate between, only two stories are not
required to be enclosed.
1027.1 General. Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior
of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall
provide direct access to grade. The exit discharge shall not
reenter a building. The combined use of Exceptions 1 and 2
shall not exceed 50 percent of the number and capacity of the
required exits.
Exceptions:
1. A maximum of 50 percent of the number and capacity
of interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted
to egress through areas on the level of exit discharge
provided all of the following are met:
1.1. Such enclosures egress to a free and unobstructed
path of travel to an exterior exit
door and such exit is readily visible and
identifiable from the point of termination
of the enclosure.
1.2. The entire area of the level of exit discharge
is separated from areas below by
construction conforming to the fire-resistance
rating for the enclosure.
1.3. The egress path from the interior exit stairway
and ramp on the level of exit discharge
is protected throughout by an approved
automatic sprinkler system. All portions of
the level of exit discharge with access to
the egress path shall either be protected
throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, or separated from
the egress path in accordance with the
requirements for the enclosure of interior
exit stairways or ramps.
2. A maximum of 50 percent of the number and capacity
of the interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted
to egress through a vestibule provided all of
the following are met:
2.1. The entire area of the vestibule is separated
from areas below by construction conforming
to the fire-resistance rating for the
enclosure.
2.2. The depth from the exterior of the building
is not greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) and
the length is not greater than 30 feet (9144
mm).
2.3. The area is separated from the remainder of
the level of exit discharge by construction
providing protection at least the equivalent
of approved wired glass in steel frames.
2.4. The area is used only for means
1009.2 Interior exit stairways. Interior exit stairways shall
lead directly to the exterior of the building or shall be
extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway
conforming to the requirements of Section 1023, except
as permitted in Section 1027.1.
1009.3 Exit access stairways. Floor openings between stories
created by exit access stairways shall be enclosed.
Exceptions:
1. In other than Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies, exit
access stairways that serve, or atmospherically
communicate between, only two stories are not
required to be enclosed.
1027.1 General. Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior
of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall
provide direct access to grade. The exit discharge shall not
reenter a building. The combined use of Exceptions 1 and 2
shall not exceed 50 percent of the number and capacity of the
required exits.
Exceptions:
1. A maximum of 50 percent of the number and capacity
of interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted
to egress through areas on the level of exit discharge
provided all of the following are met:
1.1. Such enclosures egress to a free and unobstructed
path of travel to an exterior exit
door and such exit is readily visible and
identifiable from the point of termination
of the enclosure.
1.2. The entire area of the level of exit discharge
is separated from areas below by
construction conforming to the fire-resistance
rating for the enclosure.
1.3. The egress path from the interior exit stairway
and ramp on the level of exit discharge
is protected throughout by an approved
automatic sprinkler system. All portions of
the level of exit discharge with access to
the egress path shall either be protected
throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, or separated from
the egress path in accordance with the
requirements for the enclosure of interior
exit stairways or ramps.
2. A maximum of 50 percent of the number and capacity
of the interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted
to egress through a vestibule provided all of
the following are met:
2.1. The entire area of the vestibule is separated
from areas below by construction conforming
to the fire-resistance rating for the
enclosure.
2.2. The depth from the exterior of the building
is not greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) and
the length is not greater than 30 feet (9144
mm).
2.3. The area is separated from the remainder of
the level of exit discharge by construction
providing protection at least the equivalent
of approved wired glass in steel frames.
2.4. The area is used only for means
mountainarch
REGISTERED
Thanks for the thoughts but it doesn't appear to be the same in the 15' IBC. We are looking at this project as a Level 2 Alteration in the 15' IEBC. Our Work Area is more than 50% so I am trying to clarify if, under the exception in IEBC 803.2.3, that the enclosure is required. It doesn't appear so in the 12' code but the exceptions in the 15' code have changed.
IEBC 803.2.3 Supplemental Stairway Enclosure Requirements
Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, stairways that are part of the means of egress serving the work area shall, at a minimum, be enclosed with smoke-tight construction on the highest work area floor and all floors below.
Exception: Where stairway enclosure is not required by the International Building Code or the International Fire Code.
Both stairs currently discharge pretty much directly onto the street and have no enclosure at the second floor. Under the current configuration and our inability to alter the suite below enclosures would probably be technically infeasible...
IEBC 803.2.3 Supplemental Stairway Enclosure Requirements
Where the work area on any floor exceeds 50 percent of that floor area, stairways that are part of the means of egress serving the work area shall, at a minimum, be enclosed with smoke-tight construction on the highest work area floor and all floors below.
Exception: Where stairway enclosure is not required by the International Building Code or the International Fire Code.
Both stairs currently discharge pretty much directly onto the street and have no enclosure at the second floor. Under the current configuration and our inability to alter the suite below enclosures would probably be technically infeasible...
WELCOME
This does not help you?
Sorry maybe this is moved to 1019 in the 2015::
1009.3 Exit access stairways. Floor openings between stories
created by exit access stairways shall be enclosed.
Exceptions:
1. In other than Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies, exit
access stairways that serve, or atmospherically
communicate between, only two stories are not
required to be enclosed.
Last edited:
steveray
SAWHORSE
2015..it's there....Not saying this works for you, but it is possible, a drawing with a code analysis would be beneficial...
EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS
1019.1 General. Exit access stairways and ramps serving as
an exit access component in a means of egress system shall
comply with the requirements of this section. The number of
stories connected by exit access stairways and ramps shall
include basements, but not mezzanines.
1019.2 All occupancies. Exit access stairways and ramps
that serve floor levels within a single story are not required to
be enclosed
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. Exit access stairways and ramps that serve or atmospherically
communicate between only two stories.
Such interconnected stories shall not be open to other
stories.
1028.1 General. Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior
of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall
provide a direct path of egress travel to grade. The exit discharge
shall not reenter a building. The combined use of
Exceptions 1 and 2 shall not exceed 50 percent of the number
and minimum width or required capacity of the required
exits.
Exceptions:
1. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum
width or required capacity of interior exit
stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through
areas on the level of discharge provided all of the
following conditions are met:
1.1. Discharge of interior exit stairways and
ramps shall be provided with a free and
unobstructed path of travel to an exterior
exit door and such exit is readily visible
and identifiable from the point of termination
of the enclosure.
EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS
1019.1 General. Exit access stairways and ramps serving as
an exit access component in a means of egress system shall
comply with the requirements of this section. The number of
stories connected by exit access stairways and ramps shall
include basements, but not mezzanines.
1019.2 All occupancies. Exit access stairways and ramps
that serve floor levels within a single story are not required to
be enclosed
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. Exit access stairways and ramps that serve or atmospherically
communicate between only two stories.
Such interconnected stories shall not be open to other
stories.
1028.1 General. Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior
of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall
provide a direct path of egress travel to grade. The exit discharge
shall not reenter a building. The combined use of
Exceptions 1 and 2 shall not exceed 50 percent of the number
and minimum width or required capacity of the required
exits.
Exceptions:
1. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum
width or required capacity of interior exit
stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through
areas on the level of discharge provided all of the
following conditions are met:
1.1. Discharge of interior exit stairways and
ramps shall be provided with a free and
unobstructed path of travel to an exterior
exit door and such exit is readily visible
and identifiable from the point of termination
of the enclosure.
Francis Vineyard
REGISTERED
And as a reminder the enclosure need not provide any fire-resistance rating; only be smoke tight.
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
The best part about the IEBC for a designer is the option to use one of three different methods to make your project code compliant.
I suggest looking at the third part Chapter 14 and do a performance evaluation and see if it can remain as is
Chapter 4 of this code in buildings complying with the International Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
5 through 13 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Chapter 14 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
I suggest looking at the third part Chapter 14 and do a performance evaluation and see if it can remain as is
Chapter 4 of this code in buildings complying with the International Fire Code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
5 through 13 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Chapter 14 of this code shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this code.
Francis Vineyard
REGISTERED
Could use the code that was in existence at the time when the restaurant was permitted with open stairs in accordance with the exception in 301.1
mountainarch
REGISTERED
Francis Vineyard
REGISTERED
In accordance with the Virginia Administrative Code the Code Official does not have the authority to deny provisions or exceptions allowed in the code.
If it was a restaurant “A” before and is still an “A”.
And it met the code adopted at time it became a restaurant, normally the building is allowed to exist as is.
There are exceptions.
IBC 2015. 102.6
See the exception to IEBC Section 301.1.