In a past Decoded article I wrote about “doors provided for egress purposes.” Typically, doors that are provided for egress must be compliant with the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC), even if the quantity of doors provided exceeds the number of exits required.
So if you have a door that looks a lot like an egress door, but for whatever reason you don’t want it to be code-compliant, how do you prove that the door is not provided for egress purposes? I’m guessing that the signage on the doors in today’s Fixed-it Friday photo was required by the code official, to help set the expectation with building occupants that these doors are not provided for egress purposes and the vestibule may not allow unrestricted egress.
What do you think?
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Nope
Security checkpoint, to enter the building, and they do not want people using those doors.
Government building, do as I say,,, Not as I do.
So my answer, is if it looks like an exit, it shall be an exit. But, if more doors are provided than required, and I would say not near other exit doors, no exit sign/ or remove it, and mark it as Not an exit.
Not code but seen too many places where if there was a door, there was an exit sign. No exit analysis done.
If you look closely at the top of the picture there is a green “glow” probably from an exit sign. If this is NOT a required exit and they don’t want to use it as one, as a code official, I would have the sign removed.
You’re right, Ed! I see the green glow now!
– Lori
I don’t hate it. In my view the signage is advisory and meant to steer routine traffic, but if the doors are functional, they will work in case of emergency. I guess that one issue may be that we don’t know why it’s not an exit? If this is because the actual MOE is blocked further beyond those doors, ignoring the signs could be to one peril, but if its merely routine operational convenience, then the availability of another exit has not be removed. All this assumes that this is no longer or was never part of the required means of egress.
I was walking a project one day with the AHJ, and I asked him what doors he considers a fire exit. He answered flatly and seriously….”every door”.
I agree, Jim! With limited exceptions.
– Lori