WSR 08-17-090

PROPOSED RULES

BUILDING CODE COUNCIL


[ Filed August 19, 2008, 3:47 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 08-14-040.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amendment of chapter 51-54 WAC, further amendment of the 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code (IFC).

     Hearing Location(s): Holiday Inn Select Renton, One Grady Way South, Renton, WA, on October 10, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: November 14, 2008.

     Submit Written Comments to: John Neff, Council Chair, P.O. Box 42525, Olympia, WA 98504-2525, e-mail sbcc@cted.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-9383, by October 10, 2008.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Sue Mathers by October 3, 2008, TTY (360) 586-0772 or (360) 725-2966.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rules make changes to the state amendments to 2006 Edition of the International Fire Code. The proposals include changes to Chapter 4 regarding procedures for emergency lock-down and shelter-in-place currently adopted as an emergency rule under WSR 08-09-001, and changes to requirements for boarding homes licensed through the department of social and health services. The latter category includes changes to Section 1008.1.8.3 for door locks, Section 903.2.7 for automatic fire sprinkler systems, and Section 907.2.9 for manual fire alarm systems.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074.

     Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: The council is seeking comments on the issues proposed in the rules shown below.

     Name of Proponent: Washington state building code council, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Tim Nogler, P.O. Box 42525, Olympia, WA 98504-2525, (360) 725-2969; and Enforcement: Local jurisdictions.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. No disproportionate economic impact on small business was identified.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The state building code council is not listed in this section as one of the agencies required to comply with this statute.

August 19, 2008

John P. Neff

Council Chair

OTS-1816.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-01-093, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07)

WAC 51-54-0400   Chapter 4 -- Emergency planning and preparedness.  


401.2 Approval. Where required by the fire code official, fire safety plans, emergency procedures, and employee training programs shall be approved.


SECTION 402 DEFINITIONS


EMERGENCY DRILL. An exercise performed to train staff and occupants and to evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out emergency procedures.


LOCKDOWN. An action used to position occupants behind secured openings and isolated from threats.

     Full lockdown. Occupants remain out of sight and as quiet as possible, with only limited authorized entry, exit, or movement within the building. Occupants in corridors, common areas, or unsecured areas move quickly to the nearest secured area.

     Modified lockdown. Occupants of a facility are isolated from potential outside threats by remaining within a building with exterior doors and other exits secured, and that entry and exit from the building is limited to that which is authorized. During a modified lockdown, interior movement and other activities within the building may be allowed or restricted in accordance to the lockdown plan.


SHELTER-IN-PLACE. An emergency response used to minimize exposure of facility occupants to chemical or environmental hazards by taking refuge in predetermined interior rooms or areas where actions are taken to isolate the interior environment from the exterior hazard.


SECTION 404 EMERGENCY PLANS


404.1 General. Fire safety, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and lockdown plans shall comply with the requirements of this section.


404.2 Fire safety and evacuation plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall comply with the requirements of Sections 404.2.1 through 404.2.4.


404.2.1
Where required. A fire safety and evacuation plan shall be prepared and maintained in accordance with this chapter for the following occupancies and buildings when required by the fire code official.

     1. Group A having an occupant load of 100 or more.

     2. Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

     3. Group E.

     4. Group H.

     5. Group I.

     6. Group R-1.

     7. Group R-2 college and university buildings. Boarding homes, group homes, and residential treatment facilities licensed by the state of Washington.

     8. High-rise buildings.

     9. Group M buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

     10. Covered malls exceeding 50,000 sf in aggregate floor area.

     11. Underground buildings.

     12. Buildings with an atrium and having an occupancy in Group A, E, or M.


((404.4 Maintenance. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be reviewed by the owner or occupant annually or as necessitated by changes in staff assignments, occupancy, or the physical arrangement of the building.)) 404.2.2 Contents. Fire safety and evacuation plan contents shall be in accordance with Sections 404.2.2.1 and 404.2.2.2.


404.2.2.1 Fire evacuation plans. Fire evacuation plans shall include the following:

     1. Emergency egress or escape routes and whether evacuation of the building is to be complete or, where approved, by selected floors or areas only.

     2. Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before evacuating.

     3. Procedures for accounting for employees and occupants after evacuation has been completed.

     4. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for rescue or emergency medical aid.

     5. The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency.

     6. The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire department or designated emergency response organization.

     7. Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.

     8. A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and preprogrammed voice messages, where provided.


404.2.2.2 Fire safety plans. Fire safety plans shall include the following:

     1. The procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.

     2. The life safety strategy and procedures for notifying, relocating, or evacuating occupants.

     3. Site plans indicating the following:

     3.1 The occupancy assembly point.

     3.2 The locations of fire hydrants.

     3.3 The normal routes of fire department vehicle access.

     4. Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:

     4.1 Exits.

     4.2 Primary evacuation routes.

     4.3 Secondary evacuation routes.

     4.4 Accessible egress routes.

     4.5 Areas of refuge.

     4.6 Manual fire alarm boxes.

     4.7 Portable fire extinguishers.

     4.8 Occupant-use hose stations.

     4.9 Fire alarm annunciators and controls.

     5. A list of major fire hazards associated with the normal use and occupancy of the premises, including maintenance and housekeeping procedures.

     6. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance of systems and equipment installed to prevent or control fires.

     7. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance, housekeeping and controlling fuel hazard sources.


404.2.3 Maintenance. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be reviewed by the owner or occupant annually or more often, as necessitated by changes in staff assignments, occupancy, or the physical arrangement of the building.


404.2.4 Availability. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be available in the workplace for reference and review by employees, and copies shall be furnished to the fire code official for review upon request.


404.3 Shelter-in-place and lockdown plans. Shelter-in-place and lockdown plans shall comply with the requirements of Sections 404.3.1 through 404.3.4.


404.3.1 Where required. A shelter-in-place and lockdown plan shall be prepared and maintained for all Group E occupancies.


EXCEPTION: Daycares not colocated on a Group E campus.

404.3.2 Contents. Shelter-in-place and lockdown plan contents shall be in accordance with Sections 404.3.2.1 and 404.3.2.2.


404.3.2.1 Shelter-in-place plans. Shelter-in-place plans shall include the following:

     1. Identification of the procedures of initiating the shelter-in-place plan throughout the facility or campus.

     2. Identification of prearranged alert and recall signals to notify all occupants.

     3. Identification of procedures for reporting the facility is sheltering-in-place to the local emergency dispatch center.

     4. A means of two-way communication between a central location and each secure area.

     5. Identification of protective security measures.

     6. Location of emergency supplies.

     7. Accountability procedures for staff to report the presence or absence of occupants.

     8. Identification of crisis response team members in accordance with the National Incident Management System.

     9. Actions to be taken in the event of a fire or medical emergency while sheltering-in-place.


404.3.2.2 Lockdown plans. Lockdown plans shall include the following:

     1. Identification of the procedures of initiating the lockdown plan throughout the facility or campus.

     2. Identification of prearranged alert and recall signals to notify all occupants.

     3. Identification of procedure for access to facility for emergency responders.

     4. Identification of procedures for reporting the facility is in lockdown to the local emergency dispatch center.

     5. A means of two-way communication between a central location and each secure area.

     6. Identification of protective security measures.

     7. Location of emergency supplies.

     8. Accountability procedures for staff to report the presence or absence of occupants.

     9. Identification of crisis response team members in accordance with the National Incident Management System.

     10. Actions to be taken in the event of a fire or medical emergency while in lockdown.


404.3.3 Maintenance. Shelter-in-place and lockdown plans shall be reviewed by the owner or occupant annually or more often, as necessitated by changes in staff assignments, occupancy, or the physical arrangement of the building.


404.3.4 Availability. Shelter-in-place and lockdown plans shall be available in the workplace for reference and review by employees, and copies shall be furnished to the fire code official for review upon request.


Sections 404.4 and 404.5 are not adopted.


SECTION 405 EMERGENCY DRILLS


405.1 General. Emergency drills shall comply with the requirements of this section.


405.2 Emergency evacuation drills. Emergency evacuation drills complying with the provisions of this section shall be conducted at least annually in the occupancies listed in Section 404.2.1 or when required by the fire code official. Drills shall be designed in cooperation with the local authorities.


405.2.1 Frequency. Required emergency evacuation drills shall be held at the intervals specified in Table 405.2.1 or more frequently where necessary to familiarize all occupants with the drill procedure.


TABLE 405.2.1
     FIRE AND EVACUATION DRILL
     FREQUENCY AND PARTICIPATION

GROUP OR OCCUPANCY FREQUENCY PARTICIPATION
Group A Quarterly Employees
Group Bc Annually Employees
Group E Monthlya,e All occupants
Group I Quarterly on each shift Employeesb
Group R-1 Quarterly on each shift Employees
Group R-2f Quarterly on each shift Employees
Group R-2d Four annually All occupants
High-rise buildings Annually Employees
a. The frequency shall be allowed to be modified in accordance with Section 408.3.2.

b. Fire and evacuation drills in residential care assisted living facilities shall include complete evacuation of the premises in accordance with Section 408.10.5. Where occupants receive habilitation or rehabilitation training, fire prevention and fire safety practices shall be included as part of the training program.

c. Group B buildings having an occupant load of five hundred or more persons or more than one hundred persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

d. Applicable to Group R-2 college and university buildings in accordance with Section 408.3.

e. Group E and daycares colocated on a Group E campus shall jointly perform at least six fire and evacuation drills per school year.

f. Applicable to boarding homes, group homes, and residential treatment facilities licensed by the state of Washington.
405.2.2 Leadership. Responsibility for the planning and conduct of drills shall be assigned to competent persons designated to exercise leadership.


405.2.3 Time. Drills shall be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire.


405.2.4 Recordkeeping. Records shall be maintained of required emergency evacuation drills and include the following information:

     1. Identity of the person conducting the drill.

     2. Date and time of the drill.

     3. Notification method used.

     4. Staff members on duty and participating.

     5. Number of occupants evacuated.

     6. Special conditions simulated.

     7. Problems encountered and corrective action taken.

     8. Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.

     9. Time required to accomplish complete evacuation.


405.2.5 Notification. Where required by the fire code official, prior notification of emergency evacuation drills shall be given to the fire code official.


405.2.6 Initiation. Where a fire alarm system is provided, emergency evacuation drills shall be initiated by activating the fire alarm system. The fire alarm monitoring company shall be notified prior to the activation of the fire alarm system for drill purposes and again at the conclusion of the transmission and restoration of the fire alarm system to normal mode.


EXCEPTION: Drills conducted between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., in Group R-2 boarding homes, group homes and residential treatment facilities licensed by the state of Washington, are allowed to utilize a coded announcement.

405.2.7 Accountability. As building occupants arrive at the assembly point, efforts shall be made to determine if all occupants have been successfully evacuated or have been accounted for.


405.2.8 Recall and reentry. An electrically or mechanically operated signal used to recall occupants after an evacuation shall be separate and distinct from the signal used to initiate the evacuation. The recall signal initiation means shall be manually operated and under the control of the person in charge of the premises or the official in charge of the incident. No one shall reenter the premises until authorized to do so by the official in charge.


405.3 Shelter-in-place and lockdown drills. Shelter-in-place and lockdown drills complying with the provisions of this section shall be conducted in the occupancies listed in Section 404.3.1 or when required by the fire code official. Drills shall be designed in cooperation with local authorities.


405.3.1 Frequency. Shelter-in-place and lockdown drills required by this section shall each be held at least annually to familiarize all occupants with the emergency procedures. Group E and colocated daycares shall drill jointly.


405.3.2 Leadership. Responsibility for the planning and conduct of drills shall be assigned to competent persons designated to exercise leadership.


405.3.3 Time. Drills shall be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of an emergency.


405.3.4 Recordkeeping. Records shall be maintained of required shelter-in-place and lockdown drills and include the following information:

     1. Identity of the person conducting the drill.

     2. Date and time of the drill.

     3. Notification method used.

     4. Staff members on duty and participating.

     5. Number of occupants sheltered and unaccounted for.

     6. Special conditions simulated.

     7. Problems encountered and corrective actions taken.

     8. Time required to accomplish complete sheltering.


405.3.5 Notification. Where required by the fire code official, prior notification of shelter-in-place and lockdown drills shall be given to appropriate emergency response agencies.


405.3.6 Signals. Alerting signals shall be separate and distinct from the fire alarm and other signals.


405.3.7 Accountability. Efforts shall be made to determine if all occupants have been successfully sheltered and accounted for.


SECTION 406 EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND RESPONSE PROCEDURES


406.1 General. Employees in the occupancies listed in Sections 404.2.1 and 404.3.1 shall be trained in the procedures described in their emergency plans. Training shall be based on these plans and as described in Sections 404.2.2 and 404.3.2.


406.3 Employee training program. Employees shall be trained in fire prevention, evacuation, fire safety, shelter-in-place, and lockdown in accordance with Sections 406.3.1 through 406.3.4.


406.3.4 Shelter-in-place and lockdown training. Employees shall be familiarized with the alert and recall signals, their assigned duties in the event of an alarm or emergency, communication system, location of emergency supplies, and the use of the incident notification and alert system.


SECTION 408 USE AND OCCUPANCY-RELATED REQUIREMENTS


408.2.1 Seating plan. The fire safety and evacuation plans for assembly occupancies shall include the information required by Section 404.2.2 and a detailed seating plan, occupant load, and occupant load limit. Deviations from the approved plans shall be allowed provided the occupant load limit for the occupancy is not exceeded and the aisles and exit accessways remain unobstructed.


408.3.2 Emergency evacuation drill deferral. In severe climates, the fire code official shall have the authority to modify the emergency evacuation drill frequency specified in Section 405.2.1.


408.5.4 Drill frequency. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted at least six times per year, two times per year on each shift. Twelve drills shall be conducted in the first year of operation. Drills are not required to comply with the time requirements of Section 405.2.3.


408.6 Group I-2 occupancies. Group I-2 occupancies shall comply with the requirements of Sections 408.6.1 and 408.6.2 and Sections 401 through 406. Drills are not required to comply with the time requirements of Section 405.2.3.


Section 408.10 is not adopted.


408.11.1 Lease plan. A lease plan shall be prepared for each covered mall building. The plan shall include the following information in addition to that required by Section 404.2.2.2:

     1. Each occupancy, including identification of tenant.

     2. Exits from each tenant space.

     3. Fire protection features, including the following:

     3.1 Fire department connections.

     3.2 Fire command center.

     3.3 Smoke management system controls.

     3.4 Elevators and elevator controls.

     3.5 Hose valves outlets.

     3.6 Sprinkler and standpipe control valves.

     3.7 Automatic fire-extinguishing system areas.

     3.8 Automatic fire detector zones.

     3.9 Fire barriers.


408.11.1.1 Submittal. The lease plan shall be submitted to the fire code official, and shall be maintained on-site for immediate reference by responding fire service personnel.


408.11.1.2 Revisions. The lease plan shall be reviewed and revised annually or as often as necessary to keep them current. Modifications or changes in occupancies shall not be made without prior approval of the fire code official and building official.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-093, § 51-54-0400, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.020, 19.27.031, 19.27.074 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 05-01-016, § 51-54-0400, filed 12/2/04, effective 7/1/05.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-01-101, filed 12/18/07, effective 4/1/08)

WAC 51-54-0900   Chapter 9 -- Fire protection systems.  


902.1 Definitions.

PORTABLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which requires a chassis to be transported, and is designed to be used as an educational space with or without a permanent foundation. The structure shall be trailerable and capable of being demounted and relocated to other locations as needs arise.


903.2.2 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E Occupancies.


EXCEPTIONS: 1. Portable school classrooms, provided aggregate area of any cluster or portion of a cluster of portable school classrooms does not exceed 5,000 square feet (1465 m2); and clusters of portable school classrooms shall be separated as required in Chapter 5 of the building code.
2. Group E Occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less.

903.2.7 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area. Sprinkler systems in boarding homes licensed by the state of Washington shall comply with Section 903.3.1.1.


EXCEPTION: Group R-1 if all of the following conditions apply:
1. The Group R fire area is no more than 500 square feet and is used for recreational use only.
2. The Group R fire area is on only one story.
3. The Group R fire area does not include a basement.
4. The Group R fire area is no closer than 30 feet from another structure.
5. Cooking is not allowed within the Group R fire area.
6. The Group R fire area has an occupant load of no more than 8.
7. A hand held (portable) fire extinguisher is in every Group R fire area.

903.6.2 Nightclub. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout Group A-2 nightclubs as defined in this code. An existing nightclub constructed prior to July 1, 2006, shall be provided with automatic sprinklers not later than December 1, 2009.


907.2.9.1 Group R-2 boarding homes. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group R-2 occupancies where the building contains a boarding home licensed by the state of Washington.


EXCEPTION: In boarding homes licensed by the state of Washington, manual fire alarm boxes in resident sleeping areas shall not be required at exits if located at all constantly attended staff locations, provided such staff locations are visible, continuously accessible, located on each floor, and positioned so no portion of the story exceeds a horizontal travel distance of 200 feet to a manual fire alarm box.

909.6.3 Elevator shaft pressurization. Where elevator shaft pressurization is required to comply with Exception 6 of IBC Section 707.14.1, the pressurization system shall comply with and be maintained in accordance with IBC 707.14.2.


909.6.3.1 Activation. The elevator shaft pressurization system shall be activated by a fire alarm system which shall include smoke detectors or other approved detectors located near the elevator shaft on each floor as approved by the building official and fire code official. If the building has a fire alarm panel, detectors shall be connected to, with power supplied by, the fire alarm panel.


909.6.3.2 Power system. The power source for the fire alarm system and the elevator shaft pressurization system shall be in accordance with Section 909.11.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.190, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 08-01-101, § 51-54-0900, filed 12/18/07, effective 4/1/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-093, § 51-54-0900, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.020, 19.27.031, 19.27.074 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 05-24-071, § 51-54-0900, filed 12/5/05, effective 7/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-105, § 51-54-0900, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-01-093, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07)

WAC 51-54-1000   Chapter 10 -- Means of egress.  


1008.1.2 Door swing. Egress doors shall be side-hinged swinging.


EXCEPTIONS: 1. Private garages, office areas, factory and storage areas with an occupant load of 10 or less.
2. Group I-3 Occupancies used as a place of detention.
3. Critical or intensive care patient rooms within suites of health care facilities.
4. Doors within or serving a single dwelling unit in Groups R-2 and R-3 as applicable in Section 101.2.
5. In other than Group H Occupancies, revolving doors complying with Section 1008.1.3.1.
6. In other than Group H Occupancies, horizontal sliding doors complying with Section 1008.1.3.3 are permitted in a means of egress.
7. Power-operated doors in accordance with Section 1008.1.3.2.
8. Doors serving a bathroom within an individual sleeping unit in Group R-1.
9. In other than Group H Occupancies, manually operated horizontal sliding doors are permitted in a means of egress from spaces with an occupant load of 10 or less.

     Doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel where serving an occupant load of 50 or more persons or a Group H Occupancy.

     The opening force for interior side-swinging doors without closers shall not exceed a 5-pound (22 N) force. For other side-swinging, sliding, and folding doors, the door latch shall release when subjected to a 15-pound (67 N) force. The door shall be set in motion when subjected to a 30-pound (133 N) force. The door shall swing to a full-open position when subjected to a 15-pound (67 N) force. Forces shall be applied to the latch side.


1008.1.8.3 Locks and latches. Locks and latches shall be permitted to prevent operation of doors where any of the following exists:

     1. Places of detention or restraint.

     2. In buildings in occupancy Group A having an occupant load of 300 or less, Group B, F, M and S, and in places of religious worship, the main exterior door or doors are permitted to be equipped with key-operated locking devices from the egress side provided:

     2.1 The locking device is readily distinguishable as locked.

     2.2 A readily visible durable sign is posted on the egress side on or adjacent to the door stating: THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN BUILDING IS OCCUPIED. The sign shall be in letters 1 inch (25 mm) high on a contrasting background; and

     2.3 The use of the key-operated locking device is revocable by the fire code official for due cause.

     3. Where egress doors are used in pairs, approved automatic flush bolts shall be permitted to be used, provided that the door leaf having the automatic flush bolts has no doorknob or surface-mounted hardware.

     4. Doors from individual dwelling or sleeping units of Group R occupancies having an occupant load of 10 or less are permitted to be equipped with a night latch, dead bolt or security chain, provided such devices are openable from the inside without the use of a key or tool.

     5. Approved, listed locks without delayed egress shall be permitted in nursing homes or portions of nursing homes, and boarding homes licensed by the state of Washington, provided that:

     5.1 The clinical needs of one or more patients require specialized security measures for their safety;

     5.2 The doors unlock upon actuation of the automatic sprinkler systems or automatic fire detection system;

     5.3 The doors unlock upon loss of electrical power controlling the lock or lock mechanism;

     5.4 The lock shall be capable of being deactivated by a signal from a switch located in an approved location; and

     5.5 There is a system, such as a keypad and code, in place that allows visitors, staff persons and appropriate residents to exit. Instructions for exiting shall be posted within six feet of the door.


1009.12 Stairways in individual dwelling units. Stairs or ladders within an individual dwelling unit used for access to areas of 200 square feet (18.6 m2) or less, and not containing the primary bathroom or kitchen, are exempt from the requirements of Section 1009.


1014.2.2 Group I-2. Habitable rooms or suites in Group I-2 Occupancies shall have an exit access door leading directly to a corridor.


EXCEPTION: Rooms with exit doors opening directly to the outside at ground level.

1014.2.2.1 Definition. For the purposes of this section, a suite is defined as a cluster of rooms or spaces sharing common circulation. Partitions within a suite are not required to have smoke or fire-resistance-rated construction unless required by another section of this Code.


1014.2.3 Suites in patient sleeping areas. Patient sleeping areas in Group I-2 Occupancies shall be permitted to be divided into suites if one of the following conditions is met:

     1. The intervening room within the suite is not used as an exit access for more than eight patient beds.

     2. The arrangement of the suite allows for direct and constant visual supervision by nursing personnel.


1014.2.3.1 Area. Suites of sleeping rooms shall not exceed 5,000 square feet (465 m2).


1014.2.3.2 Exit access. Any patient sleeping room, or any suite that includes patient sleeping rooms, of more than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) shall have at least two exit access doors remotely located from each other.


1014.2.3.3 Travel distance. The travel distance between any point in a suite of sleeping rooms and an exit access door of that suite shall not exceed 100 feet (30,480 mm).


1014.2.4 Suites in areas other than patient sleeping areas. Areas other than patient sleeping areas in Group I-2 Occupancies shall be permitted to be divided into suites.


1014.2.4.1 Area. Suites of rooms, other than patient rooms, shall not exceed 10,000 square feet (929 m2).


1014.2.4.2 Exit access. Any rooms or suite of rooms, other than patient sleeping rooms, of more than 2,500 square feet (232 m2) shall have at least two exit access doors remotely located from each other.


1014.2.4.3 One intervening room. For rooms other than patient sleeping rooms, suites of rooms are permitted to have one intervening room if the travel distance within the suite is not greater than 100 feet (30,480 mm).


1014.2.4.4 Two intervening rooms. For rooms other than patient sleeping rooms located within a suite, exit access travel from within the suite shall be permitted through two intervening rooms where the travel distance to the exit access door is not greater than 50 feet (15,240 mm).


1014.2.5 Travel distance. The travel distance between any point in a Group I-2 Occupancy patient room and an exit access door in that room shall not exceed 50 feet (15,240 mm).


1014.2.6 Separation. Suites in Group I-2 Occupancies shall be separated from other portions of the building by a smoke partition complying with Section 710.


1015.1 (((IFC 1015.1))) Exits or exit access doorways from spaces. 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 one of the values in Table 1015.1.


EXCEPTION: One means of egress is permitted within and from dwelling units with a maximum occupant load of 20 where the dwelling unit is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

     2. The common path of egress travel exceeds one of the limitations of Section 1014.3.

     3. Where required by Sections 1015.3, 1015.4, 1015.5, 1015.6 or 1015.6.1.


EXCEPTION: Group I-2 Occupancies shall comply with Section 1014.2.2.

TABLE 1015.1 (((IFC 1015.1)))
     SPACES WITH ONE MEANS OF EGRESS

OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM OCCUPANT LOAD
A, B, Ea, F, M, U 49
H-1, H-2, H-3 3
H-4, H-5, I-1, I-3, I-4, R 10
S 29
a. Day care maximum occupant load is 10.

1015.1.1 (((IFC 1015.1.1))) Three or more exits or exit access doorways. Three exits or exit access doorways shall be provided from any space with an occupant load of 501-1,000. Four exits or exit access doorways shall be provided from any space with an occupant load greater than 1,000.


((1017.1 Construction. Corridors shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Table 1017.1. The corridor walls required to be fire-resistance rated shall comply with Section 708 for fire partitions.


EXCEPTIONS: 1. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in an occupancy in Group E where each room that is used for instruction has at least one door directly to the exterior and rooms for assembly purposes have at least one-half of the required means of egress doors opening directly to the exterior. Exterior doors specified in this exception are required to be at ground level.
2. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors contained within a dwelling or sleeping unit in an occupancy in Group R.
3. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in open parking garages.
4. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in an occupancy in Group B which is a space requiring only a single means of egress complying with Section 1015.1.
5. In Group R-2 boarding homes and residential treatment facilities licensed by Washington state, rest areas constructed as required for corridors shall be allowed to be open to the corridor provided:
5.1 The area does not exceed 150 square feet, excluding the corridor width;
5.2 The floor is separated into at least two compartments complying with Section 407.4;
5.3 Combustible furnishings located within the rest area shall be in accordance with the International Fire Code, Section 805;
5.4 Emergency means of egress lighting is provided as required by Section 1006 to illuminate the area.

1017.6 Subdivision of building spaces -- Smoke barriers. Smoke barriers complying with Section 709 shall be installed on floors other than the level of exit discharge of a Group R-2 boarding home or residential treatment facility licensed by Washington state, where a fire-resistance rated corridor is required by Table 1017.1 The smoke barrier shall subdivide the floor into at least two compartments complying with Section 407.4.))


1019.1 (((IFC 1019.1))) Exits from stories. All spaces within each story shall have access to the minimum number of exits as specified in Table 1019.1 based on the occupant load of the story, except as modified in Section 1019.2. For the purposes of this chapter, occupied roofs shall be provided with exits as required for stories. The required number of exits from any story, including basements, shall be maintained until arrival at grade or the public way.


EXCEPTION: One means of egress is permitted within and from dwelling units with a maximum occupant load of 20 where the dwelling unit is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

TABLE 1019.1 (((IFC 1019.1)))
     MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS FOR OCCUPANT LOAD

OCCUPANT LOAD (persons per story) MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS (per story)
1-500 2
501-1,000 3
More than 1,000 4

1019.2 (((IFC 1019.2))) Buildings with one exit. Only one exit shall be required in buildings as specified below:

     1. Buildings meeting the limitations of Table 1019.2, provided the building has not more than one level below the first story above grade plane.

     2. Buildings of Group R-3 Occupancy.

     3. Single-level buildings with occupied spaces at the level of exit discharge provided each space complies with Section 1015.1 as a space with one exit or exit access doorway.


TABLE 1019.2 (((IFC 1019.2)))
     BUILDINGS WITH ONE EXIT

OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF BUILDING ABOVE GRADE PLANE MAXIMUM OCCUPANTS (OR DWELLING UNITS) PER FLOOR AND TRAVEL DISTANCE
A, Bd, Ee, F, M, U 1 Story 49 occupants and 75 feet travel distance
H-2, H-3 1 Story 3 occupants and 25 feet travel distance
H-4, H-5, I, R 1 Story 10 occupants and 75 feet travel distance
Sa 1 Story 29 occupants and 100 feet travel distance
Bb, F, M, Sa 2 Stories 30 occupants and 75 feet travel distance
R-2 2 Storiesc 4 dwelling units and 50 feet travel distance

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. For the required number of exits for open parking structures, see Section 1019.1.1.
b. For the required number of exits for air traffic control towers, see Section 412.1.
c. Buildings classified as Group R-2 equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and provided with emergency escape and rescue openings in accordance with Section 1026 shall have a maximum height of three stories above grade plane.
d. Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 with an occupancy in Group B shall have a maximum travel distance of 100 feet.
e. Day care maximum occupant load is 10.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-093, § 51-54-1000, filed 12/19/06, effective 7/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-105, § 51-54-1000, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]

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