I received today’s Wordless Wednesday photo from Joel Niemi Architect. Who can tell me a section from any code that prohibits the situation shown here? This is a fire rated exit enclosure (stairwell) in a hotel.
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The door opens in?
CBC 1022.1 exits shall not be used for any other purpose.
This violation of building code requirements, the threat to the safety of building occupants, and the accompanying severity are really beyond description. Those individuals responsible for allowing this should be jailed.
2012 NFPA 101 – 7.2.2.5.3.1
NFPA 101 Section 7.2.2.5.3 is called Usable Space and states: “Open space within the exit enclosure shall not be used for any purpose that has the potential to interfere with egress.”
Fire in the stairwell. Small chance but it could happen. Isn’t that what the codes are about. In case of!
I will start in 2005 IBC
1009.6.3 Enclosures Under Stairways
The walls and soffits within enclosed usable spaces under enclosed and unenclosed stairways shall be protected by 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction or the fire-resistance rating of the stairway enclosure, whichever is greater. Access to the enclosed space shall not be directly from within the stair enclosure.
Exception: Spaces under stairways serving and contained within a single residential dwelling unit in Group R-2 or R-3 shall be permitted to be protected on the enclosed side with 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board.
There shall be no enclosed usable space under exterior exit stairways unless the space is completely enclosed in 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. The open space under exterior stairways shall not be used for any purpose.
And throw in 2018 Florida Fire code
14.6.3* Usable Space
Enclosed, usable spaces, within exit enclosures shall be prohibited, including under stairs, unless otherwise permitted by 14.6.3.2. [101:7.2.2.5.3]
Than since no specific code stated
The good old Fire Marshal code:::
“Because I said no”
The door should be swinging out of the stairway, not in. Depending on the occupant load, it would probably need panic hardware as well.
Unfortunately, there is a high likelihood that the AHC (authority having cluelessness) needs some help here. Does no one ever call these problems to attention and get them actually fixed?
I would think it’s not safe due to the fact that if there were a fire it would take over the stairwell
NFPA 101, Chapter 7, (7.1.3.2.3) ” An exit enclosure shall not be used for any purpose that has the potential to interfere with its use as an exit and, if also designated, as an area of refuge.
7.2.2.5.3 Usable Space
Lori,
There are a number of sections!! 2018 IFC section 315.3.2 states: Combustible material shall not be stored in exits or enclosures for stairways and ramps. Section 1031.2 of the same code states: Required exits accesses, exits and exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in case of a fire or other emergency……. A fire in the dryer would make that stairway unusable and here is the more important thing……We can prevent that from happening by removing the POTENTIAL for the fire.
Good morning. My name is Cristian, I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am dedicated to health and safety in my country.
According to what I have read about NFPA 101, the ornament on the stair railing seems inappropriate to me, given that NFPA in section 7.2.2.4.3 establishes that there should be no elements with the potential to catch a user’s clothing in emergency situation, which in my opinion, it is very likely that someone could get hooked on that ornament.
That’s a great point, Christian! I looked at that section of NFPA 101, and you are absolutely right!
– Lori