Excerpts from 2000 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®

COPYRIGHT© 2000 by INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.

Thirteenth Printing: December 2005

Accessible Means of Egress Excerpts

SECTION 101
GENERAL

101.2 Scope.

The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, re- pair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Exception: Detached one-and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories high with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.

101.2.1 Appendices.

Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

CHAPTER 6
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

TABLE 601

FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS (hours)

For SI:   1 foot = 304.8 mm.

a. The structural frame shall be considered to be the columns and the girders, beams, trusses and spandrels having direct connections to the columns and bracing members designed to carry gravity loads. The members of floor or roof panels which have no connection to the columns shall be considered secondary members and not a part of the structural frame.

b. Roof supports: Fire-resistance ratings of structural frame and bearing walls are permitted to be reduced by 1 hour where supporting a roof only.

c.   1. Except in Factory-Industrial (F-I), Hazardous (H), Mercantile (M) and Moderate-Hazard Storage (S-1) occupancies, fire protection of structural members shall not be required, including protection of roof framing and decking where every part of the roof construction is 20 feet or more above any floor immediately below. Fire-retardant-treated wood members shall be allowed to be used for such unprotected members.

2. In all occupancies, heavy timber shall be allowed where a 1-hour or less fire-resistance rating is required.

3. In Type I and Type II construction, fire-retardant-treated wood shall be allowed in buildings not over two stories including girders and trusses as part of the roof construction.

d. An approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be allowed to be substituted for 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction, pro- vided such system is not otherwise required by other provisions of the code or used for an allowable area increase in accordance with Section 506.3 or an allowable height increase in accordance with Section 504.2. The 1-hour substitution for the fire resistance of exterior walls shall not be permitted.

e. For interior nonbearing partitions in Type IV construction, also see Section 602.4.6.

f.  Not less than the fire-resistance rating based on fire separation distance (see Table 602).

SECTION 704

EXTERIOR WALLS

704.1 General.

Exterior walls shall be fire-resistance rated and have opening protection as required by this section.

704.2 Projections.

Cornices, eave overhangs, exterior balconies and similar architectural appendages extending beyond the floor area shall conform to the requirements of this section or Section 1406. Exterior egress balconies and exterior exit stair- ways shall also comply with Sections 1004.3.3 and 1005.3.6. Projections shall not extend beyond the distance determined by the following two methods, whichever results in the lesser projection:

1. A point one-third the distance to the property line from an assumed vertical plane located where protected openings are required in accordance with Section 704.8.2. More than 12 inches (305 mm) into areas where openings are prohibited.

704.2.1 Types I and II construction.

Projections from walls of Type I or II construction shall be of noncombustible materials or combustible materials as allowed by Sections 1406.3 and 1406.4.

704.2.2 Types III, IV and V construction.

Projections from walls of Type III, IV or V construction shall be of any approved material.

704.2.3 Combustible projections.

Combustible projections located where openings are not permitted or where protection of openings is required shall be of at least 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction, Type IV construction or as required by Section 1406.3.

Exception: Type V construction shall be allowed for R-3 occupancies, as applicable in Section 101.2.

704.3 Buildings on the same property and buildings containing courts.

For the purposes of determining the required wall and opening protection and roof-covering requirements, buildings on the same property and court walls of buildings over one story in height shall be assumed to have a property line between them.

Exception: In court walls where opening protection is required, such protection is not required provided:

1. Not more than two levels open into the court;

2. The aggregate area of the building, including the court, is within the allowable area; and

3. The building is not classified as Group I.

Where a new building is to be erected on the same property as an existing building, the location of the assumed property line with relation to the existing building shall be such that the exterior wall and opening protection of the existing building meet the criteria as set forth in Sections 704.5 and 704.8.

Exception: Two or more buildings on the same property shall either be regulated as separate buildings or shall be considered as portions of one building if the aggregate area of such buildings is within the limits specified in Chapter 5 for a single building. Where the buildings contain different occupancy groups or are of different types of construction, the area shall be that allowed for the most restrictive occupancy or construction.

704.4 Materials.

Exterior walls shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.

704.5 Fire-resistance rating.

Exterior walls shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Tables 601 and 602. The fire-resistance rating of exterior walls with a fire separation distance of greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) shall be rated for exposure to fire from the inside. The fire-resistance rating of exterior walls with a fire separation distance of 5 feet (1524 mm) or less shall be rated for exposure to fire from both sides.

704.6 Structural stability.

The wall shall extend to the height required by Section 704.11 and shall have sufficient structural stability such that it will remain in place for the duration of time indicated by the required fire-resistance rating.

704.7 Unexposed surface temperature.

Where protected openings are not limited by Section 704.8, the limitation on the rise of temperature on the unexposed surface of exterior walls the exterior wall in any story, the total area of the openings shall comply with the following formula:

A_e = A + (A_f X F_eo)                                                           

(Equation 7-1)

where:

A_e    = Equivalent area of protected openings.

A     = Actual area of protected openings.

A_f    = Area of exterior wall surface in the story under consideration exclusive of openings, on which the temperature limitations of ASTM E 119 for walls are exceeded.

F_eo  = An "equivalent opening factor" derived from Figure 704.7 base on average temperature of the unexposed wall surface and the fire-resistance rating of the wall.

FIGURE 704.7

EQUIVALENT OPENING FACTOR

For SI:  ⁰C = [(⁰F) - 32] /1.8

704.8 Allowable area of openings.

The maximum area of unprotected or protected openings permitted in an exterior wall in any story shall not exceed the values set forth in Table 704.8. Where both unprotected and protected openings are located in the exterior wall in any story, the total area of the openings shall comply with the following formula:

(Equation 7-2)

where:

A     =  Actual area of protected openings, or the equivalent area of protected openings, A_e (see Section 704.7).

a     =  Allowable area of protected openings.

A_^u    =  Actual area of unprotected openings.

a_u    =  Allowable area of unprotected openings.

TABLE 704.8 MAXIMUM AREA OF EXTERIOR WALL OPENINGS^a

For SI:   1 foot = 304.8 mm.

a. Values given are percentage of the area of the exterior wall.

b. For occupancies in Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2, the maximum percentage of unprotected and protected exterior wall openings shall be 25 percent.

c. The area of openings in an open parking structure with a fire separation distance of greater than 10 feet shall not be limited.

d. For occupancies in Group H-2 or H-3, unprotected openings shall not be permitted for openings with a fire separation distance of 15 feet or less.

e. For requirements for fire walls for buildings with differing roof heights, see Section 705.6.1.

f.  The area of unprotected and protected openings is not limited for occupancies in Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2, with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet.

g. Buildings whose exterior bearing wall, exterior nonbearing wall and exterior structural frame are not required to be fire-resistance rated shall be permitted to have unlimited unprotected openings.

h. Includes accessory buildings to Group R-3 as applicable in Section 101.2.

704.8.1 Automatic sprinkler system.

In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the maximum allowable area of unprotected openings in occupancies other than Groups H-1, H-2 and H-3 shall be the same as the tabulated limitations for protected openings.

704.8.2 First story.

In occupancies other than Group H, unlimited unprotected openings are permitted in the first story of exterior walls facing a street that have a fire separation distance of greater than 15 feet (4572 mm), or facing an unoccupied space. The unoccupied space shall be on the same lot or dedicated for public use, shall not be less than 30 feet (9144 mm) in width, and shall have access from a street by a posted fire lane in accordance with the International Fire Code.

704.9 Vertical separation of openings.

Openings in exterior walls in adjacent stories shall be separated vertically to protect against fire spread on the exterior of the buildings where the openings are within 5 feet (1524 mm) of each other horizontally and the opening in the lower story is not a protected opening in accordance with Section 714.3.7. Such openings shall be separated vertically at least 3 feet (914 mm) by spandrel girders, exterior walls or other similar assemblies that have a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour or by flame barriers that extend horizontally at least 30 inches (762 mm) beyond the exterior wall. Flame barriers shall also have a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 hour. The unexposed surface temperature limitations specified in ASTM E 119 shall not apply to the flame barriers or vertical separation unless otherwise required by the provisions of this code.

Exceptions:

1. This section shall not apply to buildings that are three stories or less in height.

2. This section shall not apply to buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

3. Open parking garages.

704.10 Vertical exposure.

For buildings on the same lot, approved protectives shall be provided in every opening that is less than 15 feet (4572 mm) vertically above the roof of an adjoining building or adjacent structure that is within a horizontal fire separation distance of 15 feet (4572 mm) of the wall in which the opening is located.

Exception: Opening protectives are not required where the roof construction has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour for a minimum distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the adjoining building and the entire length and span of the supporting elements for the fire-resistance-rated roof assembly has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

704.11 Parapets.

Parapets shall be provided on exterior walls of buildings.

Exception: A parapet need not be provided on an exterior wall where any of the following conditions exist:

5.1. The roof sheathing or deck is constructed of approved noncombustible materials or of fire-retardant-treated wood, for a distance of 4 feet (1220 mm); or

5.2. The roof is protected with 0.625-inch Type X gypsum board directly beneath the underside of the roof sheathing or deck, supported by a minimum of nominal 2-inch (51 mm) ledgers attached to the sides of the roof framing members, for a minimum distance of 4 feet (1220 mm).

6. Where the wall is permitted to have at least 25 percent of the exterior wall areas containing unprotected openings based on the location from a lot line as determined in accordance with Section 704.8.

704.11.1 Parapet construction.

Parapets shall have the same fire-resistance rating as that required for the supporting wall, and on any side adjacent to a roof surface, shall have noncombustible faces for the uppermost 18 inches (457 mm), including counterflashing and coping materials. The height of the parapet shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the point where the roof surface and the wall intersect. Where the roof slopes toward a parapet at a slope greater than two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (16.7-percent slope), the parapet shall extend to the same height as any portion of the roof within a fire separation distance where protection of wall openings is required, but in no case shall the height be less than 30 inches (762 mm).

SECTION 709

SMOKE BARRIERS

709.1 General.

Smoke barriers shall comply with this section.

709.2 Materials.

Smoke barriers shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.

709.3 Fire-resistance rating.

A 1-hour fire-resistance rating is required for smoke barriers.

Exception: Smoke barriers constructed of minimum 0.10-inch thick (2.5 mm) steel in Group I-3 buildings.

709.4 Continuity.

Smoke barriers shall form an effective membrane continuous from outside wall to outside wall and from floor slab to floor or roof deck above, including continuity through concealed spaces, such as those found above suspended ceilings, and including interstitial structural and mechanical spaces. The supporting construction shall be protected to afford the required fire-resistance rating of the wall or floor supported in buildings of other than Type IIB, IIIB or VB construction.

Exception: Smoke barrier walls are not required in interstitial spaces where such spaces are designed and constructed with ceilings that provide resistance to the passage of fire and smoke equivalent to that provided by the smoke barrier walls.

709.5 Openings.

Openings in a smoke barrier shall be protected in accordance with Section 714. Opening protectives shall have a minimum fire-protection rating of 20 minutes.

Exception: In Group I-2, where such doors are installed across corridors, a pair of opposite swinging doors without a center mullion shall be installed having vision panels with approved fire-resistance-rated glazing materials in approved fire-resistance-rated frames, the area of which shall not exceed that tested. The doors shall be close fitting within operational tolerances, and shall not have undercuts, louvers or grilles. The doors shall have head and jamb stops, astragals or rabbets at meeting edges and automatic-closing devices. Positive-latching devices are not required.

709.6 Penetrations.

Penetrations through smoke barriers shall comply with Section 711.

709.7 Joints.

Joints made in or between smoke barriers shall comply with Section 712.

709.8 Duct and air transfer openings.

Penetrations by duct and air transfer openings shall comply with Sections 711 and 715.

Section 711

Penetrations

711.1 Scope.

The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction used to protect through penetrations and membrane penetrations.

711.2 Installation details.

Where sleeves are used, they shall be securely fastened to the assembly penetrated. The space between the item contained in the sleeve and the sleeve itself and any space between the sleeve and the assembly penetrated shall be protected in accordance with this section. Insulation and coverings on or in the penetrating item shall not penetrate the assembly unless the specific material used has been tested as part of the assembly in accordance with this section.

711.3 Fire-resistance-rated walls.

Penetrations into or through fire walls, fire barriers, smoke barrier walls, and fire partitions shall comply with this section.

711.3.1 Through penetrations.

Through penetrations of fire-resistance-rated  walls  shall  comply  with Section 711.3.1.1 or 711.3.1.2.

Exception: Where the penetrating items are steel, fer- rous or copper pipes or steel conduits, the annular space between the penetrating item and the fire-resistance- rated wall shall be permitted to be protected as follows:

1. In concrete or masonry walls where the penetrating item is a maximum 6-inch (152 mm) nominal diameter and the opening is a maximum 144 square inches (0.0929 m2), concrete, grout or mortar shall be permitted where installed the full thickness of the wall or the thickness required to maintain the fire-resistance rating; or

2. The material used to fill the annular space shall prevent the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste where subjected to ASTM E 119 time temperature fire conditions under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch (2.49 Pa) of water at the location of the penetration for the time period equivalent to the fire-resistance rating of the construction penetrated.

711.3.1.1 Fire-resistance-rated assemblies.

Penetrations shall be installed as tested in an approved fire-resistance-rated assembly.

711.3.1.2 Through-penetration firestop system.

Through penetrations shall be protected by an approved penetration firestop system installed as tested in accordance with ASTM E 814, with a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch (2.49 Pa) of water and shall have an F rating of not less than the required fire-resistance rating of the wall penetrated.

711.3.2 Membrane penetrations.

Membrane penetrations shall comply with Section 711.3.1. Where walls and partitions are required to have a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.

Exceptions:

1. Steel electrical boxes that do not exceed 16 square inches (0.0103 m²) in area provided the total area of such openings does not exceed 100 square inches (0.0645 m²) for any 100 square feet (9.29 m²) of wall area. Outlet boxes on opposite sides of the wall shall be separated as follows:

1.1. By a horizontal distance of not less than 24 inches (610 mm);

1.2. By a horizontal distance of not less than the depth of the wall cavity where the wall cavity is filled with cellulose loose-fill or mineral fiber insulation;

1.3. By solid fire-blocking in accordance with Section 716.2.1; or

1.4. By other listed materials and methods.

2. Membrane penetrations for listed electrical outlet boxes of any material are permitted provided such boxes have been tested for use in fire-resistance rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with the instructions included in the listing.

3. The annular space created by the penetration of a fire sprinkler provided it is covered by a metal escutcheon plate.

711.3.3 Ducts and air transfer openings.

Penetrations of fire-resistance-rated walls by ducts and air transfer openings that are not protected with fire dampers shall comply with this section.

711.3.4 Dissimilar materials.

Noncombustible penetrating items shall not connect to combustible items beyond the point of firestopping unless it can be demonstrated that the fire-resistance integrity of the wall is maintained.

711.4

711.4.1 Through penetrations.

711.4.1.1 Fire-resistance-rated assemblies.

Penetrations shall be installed as tested in the approved fire-resistance-rated assembly.

711.4.1.2 Through-penetration firestop system.

Through penetrations shall be protected by an approved through-penetration firestop system installed and tested in accordance with ASTM E 814, with a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch (2.49 Pa) of water. The system shall have an F rating and a T rating of not less than 1 hour but not less than the required rating of the floor penetrated.

Exception: Floor penetrations contained and located within the cavity of a wall do not require a T rating.

711.4.2 Membrane penetrations.

Penetrations of membranes that are part of a fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly shall comply with Section 711.4.1.1 or 711.4.1.2. Where floor/ceiling assemblies are required to have a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.

Exceptions:

1. Membrane penetrations by steel, ferrous or copper conduits, electrical outlet boxes, pipes, tubes, vents, concrete, or masonry penetrating items where the annular space is protected in accordance with Section 711.4.1 or is protected to prevent the free passage of flame and the products of combustion. Such penetrations shall not exceed an aggregate area of 100 square inches (64 500 mm²) in any 100 square feet (9.3 m²) of ceiling area in assemblies tested without penetrations.

2. Membrane penetrations by listed electrical outlet boxes of any material are permitted provided such boxes have been tested for use in fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with the instructions included in the listing.

3. The annular space created by the penetration of a fire sprinkler provided it is covered by a metal escutcheon plate.

711.4.3 Nonfire-resistance-rated assemblies.

Penetrations of horizontal assemblies without a required fire-resistance rating shall meet the requirements of Section 707 or shall comply with Sections 711.4.3.1 through 711.4.3.2.

711.4.3.1 Noncombustible penetrating items.

Noncombustible penetrating items that connect not more than three stories are permitted provided that the annular space is filled with an approved noncombustible material to resist the free passage of flame and the products of combustion.

711.4.3.2 Penetrating items.

Penetrating items that connect not more than two stories are permitted provided that the annular space is filled with an approved material to resist the free passage of flame and the products of combustion.

711.4.4 Ducts and air transfer openings.

Penetrations of horizontal assemblies by ducts and air transfer openings that are not required to have dampers shall comply with this section. Ducts and air transfer openings that are protected with dampers shall comply with Section 715.

711.4.5 Dissimilar materials.

Noncombustible penetrating items shall not connect to combustible materials beyond the point of firestopping unless it can be demonstrated that the fire-resistance integrity of the horizontal assembly is maintained.

711.4.6 Floor fire doors.

Floor fire doors used to protect openings in fire-resistance-rated floors shall be tested in the horizontal position in accordance with ASTM E 119, and shall achieve a fire-resistance rating not less than the assembly being penetrated. Floor fire doors shall be labeled by an approved agency.

[F] SECTION 903
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

903.3.1 Standards.

Sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.

903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems.

Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 except as provided in Sections 903.3.1.1.1, 903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3.

903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations.

Automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from any room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment.

1. Any room where the application of water, or flame and water, constitutes a serious life or fire hazard.

2. Any room or space where sprinklers are considered undesirable because of the nature of the contents, when approved by the building official.

3. Generator and transformer rooms separated from the remainder of the building by walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

4. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided  those  spaces  or  areas are equipped throughout with an automatic fire alarm system and are separated from the remainder of the building by a wall with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour and a floor/ceiling assembly with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

5. In rooms or areas that are of noncombustible construction with wholly noncombustible contents.

903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems.

Where allowed in buildings of Group R, up to and including four stories in height, automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13R.

[F] SECTION 907
FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS

907.1.2 Equipment.

Systems and their components shall be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are installed.

907.2 Where required.

An approved manual, automatic, or manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through Section 907.2.23. Where automatic sprinkler protection, installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, is provided and connected to the building fire alarm system, automatic heat detection required by this section shall not be required. An approved automatic fire detection systems shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 72. Devices, combinations of devices, appliances and equipment shall comply with Section 907.1.2. The automatic fire detectors shall be smoke detectors, except that an approved alternative type of detector shall be installed in spaces such as boiler rooms where, during normal operation, products of combustion are present in sufficient quantity to actuate a smoke detector.

907.2.1 Group A.

A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 in Group A occupancies having an occupant load of 300 or more. Portions of Group E occupancies occupied for assembly purposes shall be provided with a fire alarm system as required for the Group E occupancy.

Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and the notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.

907.2.1.1 System initiation in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or more.

Activation of the fire alarm in Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 1,000 or more shall initiate a signal using an emergency voice/alarm communications system in accordance with NFPA 72.

Exception: Where approved, the prerecorded announcement is allowed to be manually deactivated for a period of time, not to exceed 3 minutes, for the sole purpose of allowing a live voice announcement from an approved, constantly attended location.

907.2.1.2 Emergency power.

Emergency voice/alarm communications systems shall be provided with an approved emergency power source.

907.2.2 Group B.

A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group B occupancies having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and the alarm notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.

907.2.3 Group E.

A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.

Exceptions:

1. Group E occupancies with an occupant load of less than 50.

2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required in Group occupancies where all the following apply:

2.1. Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors with alarm verification.

2.2. Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums and the like are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.

2.3. Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat detectors or other approved detection devices.

2.4. Off-premises monitoring is provided.

2.5. The capability to activate the evacuation signal from a central point is provided.

2.6. In buildings  where  normally  occupied spaces are provided with a two-way communication system between such spaces and a constantly attended receiving station from where a general evacuation alarm can be sounded, except in locations specifically designated by the building official.

907.2.4 Group F.

A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group F occupancies that are two or more stories in height and have an occupant load of 500 or more above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required if the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and the notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.

907.2.5 Group H.

A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group H-5 occupancies and in occupancies used for the manufacture of organic coatings. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed for highly toxic gases, organic peroxides and oxidizers in accordance with Chapters 37, 39 and 40 respectively of the International Fire Code.

907.2.6 Group I.

A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed in Group I occupancies. An electrically supervised, automatic smoke detection system shall be provided in waiting areas that are open to corridors.

Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes in patient sleeping areas of Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies shall not be required at exits if located at all nurse’s control stations or other constantly attended staff locations, provided such stations are visible and continuously accessible and that travel distances required in Section 907.3.1 are not exceeded.

907.2.6.1 Group I-2.

Corridors in nursing homes (both intermediate care and skilled nursing facilities), detoxification facilities and spaces open to the corridors shall be equipped with an automatic fire detection system.

Exceptions:

1. Corridor smoke detection is not required where patient sleeping rooms are provided with smoke detectors that comply with UL 268. Such detectors shall provide a visual display on the corridor side of each patient room and shall provide an audible and visual alarm at the nursing station attending each room.

2. Corridor smoke detection is not required where patient room doors are equipped with automatic door-closing devices with integral smoke detectors on the room sides installed in accordance with their listing, provided that the integral detectors perform the required alerting function.

907.2.6.2 Group I-3.

Group I-3 occupancies shall be equipped with a manual and automatic fire alarm system installed for alerting staff.

907.2.6.2.1 System initiation.

Actuation of an automatic fire-extinguishing system, a manual fire alarm box or a fire detector shall initiate an approved fire alarm signal which automatically notifies staff. Presignal systems shall not be used.

907.2.6.2.2 Manual fire alarm boxes.

Manual fire alarm boxes are not required to be located in accordance with Section 907.3 where the fire alarm boxes are provided at staff-attended locations having direct supervision over areas where manual fire alarm boxes have been omitted. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be permitted to be locked in areas occupied by detainees, provided that staff members are present within the subject area and have keys readily available to operate the manual fire alarm boxes

907.2.6.2.3 Smoke detectors.

An approved automatic smoke detection system shall be installed throughout resident housing areas, including sleeping areas and contiguous day rooms, group activity spaces and other common spaces normally accessible to residents.

Exceptions:

1. Other approved smoke-detection arrangements providing equivalent protection including, but not limited to, placing detectors in exhaust ducts from cells or behind protective guards listed for the purpose are allowed when necessary to prevent damage or tampering.

2. Sleeping rooms in Use Conditions II and III.

3. Smoke detectors are not required in sleeping rooms with four or fewer occupants in smoke compartments that are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

907.2.7 Group M.

A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group M occupancies having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required if the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and the alarm notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.

907.2.7.1 Occupant notification.

During times that the building is occupied, in lieu of the automatic activation of alarm notification appliances, the manual fire alarm system shall be allowed to activate an alarm signal at a constantly attended location from which evacuation instructions shall be initiated over an emergency voice/alarm communication system installed in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.The emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be allowed to be used for other announcements, provided the manual fire alarm use takes precedence over any other use.

907.2.8 Group R-1.

A manual fire alarm system and an automatic fire detection system shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies.

Exceptions:

1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in buildings not over two stories in height where all individual guestrooms and contiguous attic and crawl spaces are separated from each other and public or common areas by at least 1-hour fire partitions and each individual guestroom has an exit directly to a public way, exit court or yard.

2. An automatic fire detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving guestrooms and where guestrooms have a means of egress door opening directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly to the exits.

3. A separate fire alarm system is not required in buildings that are equipped throughout with an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system and which have a local fire alarm that meets the notification requirements of Section 907.9.2.

907.2.8.1 Fire detection system.

System smoke detectors are not required in guestrooms provided that the single-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.10 are connected to the emergency electrical system and are annunciated by guestroom at a constantly attended location from which the fire alarm system is capable of being manually activated.

907.2.9 Group R-2.

907.2.10 Single-and multiple-station smoke alarms.

Listed single-and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of  this code and the household fire-warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72.

907.2.10.1 Where required.

Single-or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in the locations described in Sections 907.2.10.1.1 through 907.2.10.1.4.

SECTION 1003
GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS

1003.2.12.1 Height.

Guards shall form a protective barrier not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically above the leading edge of the tread, adjacent walking surface or adjacent seatboard.

Exception: For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, both as applicable in Section 101.2, guards whose top rail also serves as a handrail shall have a height not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from the leading edge of the stair tread nosing.

1003.2.12.2 Opening limitations.

Open guards shall have balusters or ornamental patterns such that a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere cannot pass through any opening up to a height of 34 inches (864 mm). From a height of 34 inches (864 mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm) above the adjacent walking surfaces, a sphere 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter shall not pass.

Exceptions:

1. The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail at the open side of a stair- way shall be of a maximum size such that a sphere of 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter cannot pass through the opening.

2. At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems or equipment, guards shall have balusters or be of solid materials such that a sphere with a diameter of 21 inches (533 mm) cannot pass through any opening.

3. In occupancies in Group I-3, F, H or S, balusters, horizontal intermediate rails or other construction shall not permit a sphere with a diameter of 21 inches (533 mm) to pass through any opening

1003.2.13 Accessible means of egress.

Accessible means of egress shall comply with Sections 1003.2.13.1 through 1003.2.13.7.1. Accessible spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible means of egress. Where more than one means of egress is required from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by not less than two accessible means of egress.

Exception: Accessible means of egress are not required in alterations to existing buildings.

1003.2.13.1 General.

Each required accessible means of egress shall be continuous to a public way and shall consist of one or more of the following components:

1. Accessible routes complying with Section 1104.

2. Stairways within exit enclosures complying with Sections 1003.2.13.2 and 1005.3.2.

3. Elevators complying with Section 1003.2.13.3.

4. Horizontal exits.

5. Smoke barriers.

Exceptions:

1. Where the exit discharge is not accessible, an exterior area for assisted rescue must be provided in accordance with Section 1003.2.13.7.

2. Where the exit stairway is open to the exterior, the accessible means of egress shall include either an area of refuge in accordance with Section 1003.2.13.5 or an exterior area for assisted rescue in accordance with Section 1003.2.13.7.

1003.2.13.1.1 Buildings with four or more stories.

In buildings where a required accessible floor is four or more stories above or below a level of exit discharge, at least one required accessible means of egress shall be an elevator complying with Section 1003.2.13.3.

Exceptions:

1. In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the elevator shall not be required on floors provided with a horizontal exit and located at or above the level of exit discharge.

2. In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the elevator shall not be required on floors provided with a ramp conforming to the provisions of Section 1003.3.4.

1003.2.13.2 Enclosed stairways.

An enclosed stairway, to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, shall have a clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum between handrails and shall either incorporate an area of refuge within an enlarged floor-level landing or shall be accessed from either an area of refuge complying with Section 1003.2.13.5 or a horizontal exit.

Exceptions:

1. Stairways serving a single guestroom or dwelling unit.

2.  Stairways in buildings or facilities equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

3. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for enclosed stairways accessed from a horizontal exit.

4. Stairways serving open parking garages.

1003.2.13.3 Elevators.

An elevator to be considered part of an accessible means of egress shall comply with the emergency operation and signaling devices requirements of Section 211 of ASME A17.1. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with Sections 2702 and 3003. The elevator shall be accessed from either an area of refuge complying with Section 1003.2.13.5 or a horizontal exit.

Exceptions:

1. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit in open parking garages.

2. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit in buildings and facilities equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

1003.2.13.4 Platform lifts.

Platform (wheelchair) lifts shall not serve as part of an accessible means of egress, except where allowed as part of a required accessible route in Section 1108.7. Platform lifts shall be installed in accordance with ASME A17.1.

1003.2.13.5 Areas of refuge.

Every required area of refuge shall be accessible from the space it serves by an accessible means of egress. The maximum travel distance from any accessible space to an area of refuge shall not exceed the travel distance permitted for the occupancy in accordance with Section 1004.2.4. Every required area of refuge shall have direct access to an enclosed stairway complying with Sections 1003.2.13.2 and 1005.3.2 or an elevator complying with Section 1003.2.13.3. Where an elevator lobby is used as an area of refuge, the shaft and lobby shall comply with Section 1005.3.2.5 for smokeproof enclosures except where the elevators are in an area of refuge formed by a horizontal exit or smoke barrier.

1003.2.13.5.1 Size.

Each area of refuge shall be sized to accommodate one wheelchair space of 30 inches (762 mm) by 48 inches (1219 mm) for each 200 occupants or portion thereof, based on the occupant load of the area of refuge and areas served by the area of refuge. Such wheelchair spaces shall not reduce the required means of egress width. Access to any of the required wheelchair spaces in an area of refuge shall not be obstructed by more than one adjoining wheelchair space.

1003.2.13.5.2 Separation.

Each area of refuge shall be separated from the remainder of the story by a smoke barrier complying with Section 709. Each area of refuge shall be designed to minimize the intrusion of smoke.

Exceptions:

1. Areas of refuge located within a stairway enclosure.

2. Areas of refuge where the area of refuge and areas served by the area of refuge are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

1003.2.13.5.3 Two-way communication.

Areas of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system between the area of refuge and a central control point. If the central control point is not constantly attended, the area of refuge shall also have controlled access to a public telephone system. Location of the central control point shall be approved by the fire department. The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.

1003.2.13.5.4 Instructions.

In areas of refuge that have a two-way emergency communications system, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted adjoining the communications system. The instructions shall include all of the following:

1. Directions to find other means of egress.

2. Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.

3. Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of stairs or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.

4. Directions for use of the emergency communications system.

1003.2.13.5.5 Identification.

Each door providing access to an area of refuge from an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sign complying with ICC A117.1, stating: AREA OF REFUGE, and including the International Symbol of Accessibility. Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1003.2.10.4, the area of refuge sign shall be illuminated. Additionally, tactile signage complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each door to an area of refuge.

1003.2.13.6 Signage.

At exits and elevators serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress, signage shall be installed indicating the location of accessible means of egress.

1003.2.13.7 Exterior area for assisted rescue.

The exterior area for assisted rescue must be open to the outside air and meet the requirements of Section 1003.2.13.5.1. Separation walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 704 for exterior walls. Where walls or openings are between the area for assisted rescue and the interior of the building, the building exterior walls within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of a nonrated wall or unprotected opening shall be constructed as required for a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating with 0.75-hour opening protectives. This construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor level of the area for assisted rescue or to the roof line, whichever is lower.

1003.2.13.7.1 Openness.

The exterior area of refuge shall be at least 50 percent open, and the open area above the guards shall be so distributed as to minimize the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases.

SECTION 1004
EXIT ACCESS

1004.2.1 Exit or exit access doorways required.

Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall be provided where one of the following conditions exists:

1. The occupant load of the space exceeds the values in Table 1004.2.1.

2. The common path of egress travel exceeds the limitations of Section 1004.2.5.

Exception: Exit access doors required by Section 1004.2.3.2 for Group I-2 occupancies.

TABLE 1004.2.1
SPACES WITH ONE MEANS OF EGRESS