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What defines a space/room?

manifold

manifold

Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2015
Messages
55
Location
Denver, CO
IBC 2015. A question has come up whether or not we can use high (8'+) shelving to define an egress path past/through a storage room. The owner wants to install shelving with a solid backing (drywall or plywood) to create a hall to access an exit door and restroom. Corridors are not required to be rated. Would the shelving & backing be adequate to delineate the path or would a permanent wall & door be required?
 
I would not allow it, as at some point the shelves will have to be stocked with merchandise set in front of shelves.... Now if the owner wanted to use solid back shelves that were accessed only from the non-required egress side, I might entertain the idea as long as path is marked, labeled "no storage allowed - keep clear at all times" and kept clear at all times.
 
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Would the back of the shelving be on the hallway side so it's a smooth wall with no obstructions? Can the "Man with cane" maneuver to the exit?
 
Builder Bob said:
I would not allow it, as at some point the shelves will have to be stocked with merchandise set in front of shelves.... Now if the owner wanted to use solid back shelves that were accessed only from the non-required egress side, I might entertain the idea as long as path is marked, labeled "no storage allowed - keep clear at all times" and kept clear at all times.
Click to expand...

The shelves would only be stocked from the storage side, the side facing the path to the exit/restroom would be solid. Marking the path as "no storage, keep clear..." is doable.

Pcinspector1 said:
Would the back of the shelving be on the hallway side so it's a smooth wall with no obstructions? Can the "Man with cane" maneuver to the exit?
Click to expand...

Yes to both.
 
That is a minimum requirement........

I would allow it......

if it changes, hopefully the Fire Inspectors catch it on the annuals!

2.4. There is a demarcated, minimum 44-
inch-wide (1118 mm) aisle defined by
full- or partial-height fixed walls or
similar construction that will maintain
the required width and lead directly
from the retail area to the exit without
obstructions.
 
"""minimum 44-
inch-wide (1118 mm) aisle """"


Will he have this???

I go see the set up allowable, basically you are creating a corridor.

I hate that section, not sure why it was raised from the dead???
 
manifold,
Just a few more review comments that I would have concerns with:
1) Can you see the exit sign from the existing room that's being blocked by the shelving,
2) Any emergency lighting being affected by the change and
3) Does the shelving block you from reaching the exit and
4) Has it created any maximum travel distance issues from the furthermost part of the room?
 
fatboy said:
That is a minimum requirement........

I would allow it......

if it changes, hopefully the Fire Inspectors catch it on the annuals!

2.4. There is a demarcated, minimum 44-
inch-wide (1118 mm) aisle defined by
full- or partial-height fixed walls or
similar construction that will maintain
the required width and lead directly
from the retail area to the exit without
obstructions.
Click to expand...
Does not sound to me like it would be fixed walls if the walls are attached to the shelving unless the shelving is affixed in some fashion.
 
Pcinspector1 said:
manifold,
Just a few more review comments that I would have concerns with:
1) Can you see the exit sign from the existing room that's being blocked by the shelving,
2) Any emergency lighting being affected by the change and
3) Does the shelving block you from reaching the exit and
4) Has it created any maximum travel distance issues from the furthermost part of the room?
Click to expand...

1: Exit signs will be visible
2: Emergency lighting will be installed to coordinate with aisle
3: No
4: No

tmurray said:
I think it would depend on how easy it is to move the shelving. If the shelving is fixed, no issue.
Click to expand...

It is fairly heavy duty shelving, based on these comments I am planning to call it out as being fixed to the floor.
 
""
manifold said:
1: Exit signs will be visible
2: Emergency lighting will be installed to coordinate with aisle
3: No
4: No



It is fairly heavy duty shelving, based on these comments I am planning to call it out as being fixed to the floor.
Click to expand...



Min 44 inches wide?
 
Ok give it shot and see if it fly’s

I know some store stockrooms are not set up to have a divider. Does not work for thier operation plan or layout
 
Wheel chair clearance to get around and into the restroom

What else

Lighting heating, etc
 
I'll have to check on how the shelving units are stabilized.

We are good on all of the other items above.

Thanks to everyone for your input!!!
 
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