Hi all, 

I've always thought the best way to interpret code is to understand why it exists. That said, I'm having a hard time with some of the employee work area provisions that I'm hoping some of you can help clarify for me. Thanks in advance!

Q1) why do common use areas (break rooms, bathrooms) that serve or are accessory to employee work Areas (EWAs)  need to be FULLY accessible? Why not just require “approach, entry & exit” like other EWAs? I understand how approach, entry & exit helps to facilitate future individual accommodations and provides access for non-employees who would not be covered under Title I (ie inspectors, volunteers, etc) but it seems like in areas that are exclusively used by employees the same provisions would apply.  I’m speaking specifically about areas that are not used by the public.

Q2) would you consider a conference room a common use area? They can be used for non-work (ie lunch and can be used by outside individuals such as presenters or clients so I would assume they are common use but I have yet to find anywhere in the Standards or guides that explicitly mention conference rooms.

Q3) Common use circulation paths in EWAs (over 1000sf) are required to comply with 402. What about other circulation related provisions such as protruding objects (307)? Further, what about storage areas (ie lockers or hat/coat storage areas) located along the common path? Section 225.2 states “where storage is provided in accessible spaces...” Does being a common use circulation path mean that route is technically an accessible space?