Zoo Egress Code - The Lion Enclosure

[Mark Kuhn]

I just wrapped-up a meeting with an architect and a zookeeper. Where the zookeeper is wanting to violate every egress code there is
There are 3 swinging man doors entering a Lion enclosure. Inside this enclosure there are 6 separate "dens" each den has it's own animal door leading outside to the habitat area. and the den area is separate from the human area with gates (a main gate enter the den area and each den has it's own gate). However there are times when they bring lions through the man doors (typically crated).
The zookeeper wants the following:
1) Door knobs not levers (violating accessibility code...no pinching, grasping or twisting of the wrist)
2) Locks that are keyed inside and out (violating egress code... egress without key or special knowledge or effort)
3) Additional bolt locks (violating egress code ...one motion to egress)

They are referencing NFPA150...but I don't see anything pertaining to this in NFPA150.

Does anyone know if there are special exceptions for Lion enclosure to the egress code?

 

[ICE]

Well how about that! I get the no lever handles with huge cats. If there are access codes for a lions den that should involve a rifle rack.

 

[walker.t]

Does anyone know if there are special exceptions for Lion enclosure to the egress code?

I would approach the lion enclosure by comparing it with a prison…

2021 IBC 1103.2.13 Detention and Correctional Facilities
In detention and correctional facilities, common use areas that are used only by inmates or detainees and security personnel, and that do not serve holding cells or housing cells required to be Accessible units, are not required to comply with this chapter.

“This chapter” is Chapter 11, the chapter on accessibility.

A117.1-2017 404.1 General
Doors, doorways and gates that are part of an accessible route shall comply with Section 404.
Exception: Doors, doorways and gates designed to be operated only by security personnel shall not be required to comply with Sections 404.2.3, 404.2.6, 404.2.7, 404.2.8, 404.3.1, 404.3.2, 404.3.4, 404.3.7 and 404.3.8.

The titles of those sections are…

404.2.3 Maneuvering Clearances.
404.2.6 Door and Gate Hardware
404.2.7 Closing Speed
404.2.8 Door and Gate Opening Force
404.3.1 Public Entrances
404.3.2 Vestibules
404.3.4 Maneuvering Clearances
404.3.7 Controls
404.3.8 Door and Gate Hardware

Only qualified animal handlers will be in this area, part of the risk of the job is dealing with the security measures necessary to keep the lions in their cages and away from the public.

I don’t know anything about the architect or your role in the project, but might be worth finding a consultant with experience designing wild animal enclosures.

 

[ICE]

The breadth and depth of of the knowledge available here for free is astounding.

 

[Yikes]

Well how about that! I get the no lever handles with huge cats. If there are access codes for a lions den that should involve a rifle rack.

When it comes to lion enclosures, our opposable digits are a feature, not a bug.

 

[Yikes]

 

[e hilton]

Here kitty kitty …

 

[bill1952]

Does a lion enclosure have to meet the IBC egress requirements? It's like an elevator pit or utility tunnel, rarely occupied by people. It's like a dog house or pig sty.