Logan Piburn sent me these photos the other day and asked for my opinion. Based on the model code excerpts below, would you consider these egress doors code-compliant? Remember, the IBC requirements apply to doors required for egress as well as doors provided for egress purposes.
WWYD?
IBC: Doors in the means of egress shall be readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction and finishes such that the doors are easily recognizable as doors. Mirrors or similar reflecting materials shall not be used on means of egress doors. Means of egress doors shall not be concealed by curtains, drapes, decorations or similar materials.
NFPA 101: Exit access and exit doors shall be designed and arranged to be clearly recognizable. Hangings or draperies shall not be placed over exit doors or located so that they conceal or obscure any exit, unless otherwise provided in 7.5.2.2.2. [The referenced section – 7.5.2.2.2 – has to do with tent doors.]
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I don’t have a problem with shades on the door per se, but they shouldn’t cover the exit device like that. I have seen other solutions that involve blinds integrated with the glazing. Or just use more deeply tinted or fritted glass.
Most of the time I have no problem with sun screens or similar.
It is sometimes case by case.
I would not allow it to cover the panic hardware or other door hardware
2015 ifc
1031.2 Reliability
Required exit accesses, exits and exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency where the building area served by the means of egress is occupied. An exit or exit passageway shall not be used for any purpose that interferes with a means of egress.
1031.6 Finishes, Furnishings and Decorations
Means of egress doors shall be maintained in such a manner as to be distinguishable from the adjacent construction and finishes such that the doors are easily recognizable as doors. Furnishings, decorations or other objects shall not be placed so as to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom, or visibility thereof. Hangings and draperies shall not be placed over exit doors or otherwise be located to conceal or obstruct an exit. Mirrors shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction of exit.
I know for a fact it is not compliant. Been there done that kind of thing. Easy fix though. Frost the bottom up to the bar trim the shade so it stops right above the bar.
By the way the cylinder is missing from the mullion so don’t use that installer to trim the shade LOL
No, there’s a cylinder there, it’s just durotactic and hard to see.
Thank you I missed that!
I wouldn’t want to see any type of blind of any length on an exit door. An exit door needs to be readily identifiable as well as visible. Obscuring a door in any defeats defeats these needs. Unfortunately, when the architectural design creates situations like this the owner is usually left holding the bag on how to “fix” it. In the vast majority of cases applying film is a far better solution and over the long haul is usually less expensive than blinds or shades.
Two additional comments on this arrangement:
1. The length of the chain and the mounting height of the chain tensioner appear to be too low to comply with ADA.
2. It is rare for a shade installer to cut and trim the shade to a defined maximum length and a lot of excess material is usually just left wound up on the roller tube. A full length shade laying over the panic device could lead to occupants grabbing and pulling at the shade to access the panic device during an emergency could result in unspooling of more of the shade thus create a tripping hazard or even jamb up the operation of the door.
I have read all the comments up to this point and as an AHJ, It is not code compliant. One more way of looking at it is to have this situation at night, when the background is dark. That door, without an exit sign, would NOT be recognizable as an egress door. If the shades are needed for a sun screen, I would assume that the shades are probably down more than they are up. I would make them alter the sun shade so it does not block or interfere with the sight or operation of the egress door. Without seeing more of the room and fence/gates, it’s kind of hard to determine if the exit leads to a public way and therefore would need an exit sign.