Tug Allen sent me these Fixed-it Friday photos of a situation found by an electrician-friend at a state college. I’m curious whether any of you can come up with examples of when this “fix” would be acceptable. Leave your ideas in the reply box!
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theatre’s?
I would say never. Having the option to close the cover would make it available for someone to do so at a time when it absolutely would not be appropriate.
Maybe Special Entertainment Occupancy example: Escape rooms? What is the chain hanging from ceiling used for?
It looks like there is a UL/ULC label on the bottom of the light sign that may give a clue
In construction we cover exit signs often for ILSM purposes. Not sure how it would apply here – would need to see what’s on the other side of the doors.
I agree with zlocksa there may be a special occupancy that allows this.
In my world Healthcare this would never be allowed.
If this was a flexible space that might occasionally be used for assembly occupancy, such as a barn that is normally low occupancy, a 3rd exit could be required if stands were set up in for spectators due to occupant load or travel distances. Ideally this exit would be available for use at all times, but if it was blocked when used as a storage occupancy, it would be a violation. Covering the exit sign might have been approved as a means of taking this exit “out of service” when not needed.
I’d suggest the cover should be fully removable, or secured in a way to prevent accidental closure at times when the exit is required.
Life Safety code states if life safety item is obvious to the public it either needs to be removed or maintained. If this fixture is no longer needed or required then the exit sign needs to be removed.
It would be acceptable in a space that had more exit than required and could be reconfigured to facilitate the use of different exits based on the current layout. I have a “Black Box Theater” that is something like this. The seating and the stage can be swapped. It changes the ideal exiting.
Existing business that has a front door and a back door.
And both have exit signs.
Occupant load and other factors, rear door exit not needed.
Either take down exit sign or cover..
Covering is better when exit sign also has emergency lights.
When approved by the authority having jurisdiction as a part of a plan to meet code using alternate means and methods.
Hi Dwight –
Can you think of an example where this might be approved by the AHJ?
– Lori
If it’s an existing building and a remodel has reconfigured the egress system to where this is no longer required to be an exit….but if that was the case it would be best to remove the sign altogether.
Agree 100% with Bill Palmer. In construction this happens often when reconfiguring a spaces. The requirements of the applicable NFPA code for construction/alterations has less stringent requirements on posting and number of exits from spaces.
When the construction is over, pop the cover off and you’re back up and ready for occupancy.