PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amendment of chapter 51-50 WAC, Washington State Building Code and chapter 51-54 WAC, Washington State Fire Code.
Hearing Location(s): Spokane City Council Chambers, West 808 Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA, on September 10, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.; and at the Senate Hearing Room 2, Cherberg Building, Washington State Capitol Campus, Olympia, Washington, on September 24, 2010, at 10:00 a.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: October 15, 2010.
Submit Written Comments to: John Cochran, Council Chair, P.O. Box 41014, Olympia, WA 98504-1014, e-mail joanne.mccaughan@ga.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-9383, by September 24, 2010.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Peggy Bryden by August 26, 2010, TTY (360) 753-7427 or (360) 725-2966.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Chapter 51-50 WAC, Washington State Building Code and chapter 51-54 WAC, Washington State Fire Code.
WAC 51-50-1005.1: Will provide consistency between past and future egress width requirements in the Building Code.
IFC Section 1005.1: Will provide consistency between past and future egress width requirements in the Fire Code.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The council finds that enforcement of the 2009 IBC section 1005 Egress Width would be extremely problematic and cause extensive confusion in the application of the building code statewide. The exception provided in the emergency rule makes the requirement consistent with the latest standard for health and safety. Enforcing the code as published in 2009 would require building designs to meet a significantly expanded prescriptive width requirement. The design changes would result in a period of time in which buildings use a radically different egress system, resulting in major economic impacts for building owners and designers and confusion resulting in a lack of compliance compromising public health and safety. The latest code as adopted by the International Code Council for publication in 2012 requires alternative safety systems which provide greater safety without radical and costly design changes.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.074.
Statute Being Implemented: Chapter 19.27 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: Will provide continuity and prevent future confusion and fiscal impacts due to inconsistent egress width requirements over time.
Name of Proponent: State building code council, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Joanne McCaughan, P.O. Box 41014, Olympia, WA 98504-1014, (360) 725-2970; and Enforcement: Local jurisdictions.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The changes will clarify existing rules and will have no disproportionate impact on small businesses.
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.
July 26, 2010
John C. Cochran
Chair
OTS-3352.1
NEW SECTION
WAC 51-50-1005
Section 1005 -- Egress width.
1005.1 Minimum required egress width. The means of egress
width shall not be less than required by this section. The
total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be
less than the total occupant load served by the means of
egress multiplied by 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) per occupant for
stairways and by 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) per occupant for other
egress components. The width shall not be less than specified
elsewhere in this code. Multiple means of egress shall be
sized such that the loss of any one means of egress shall not
reduce the available capacity to less than 50 percent of the
required capacity. The maximum capacity required from any
story of a building shall be maintained to the termination of
the means of egress.
| EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Means of egress complying with Section 1028. |
| 2. For other than H and I-2 occupancies, the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.2 inches (5.1 mm) per occupant for stairways and by 0.15 inches (3.8 mm) per occupant for other egress components in buildings that are provided with sprinkler protection in accordance with 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with 907.5.2.2. |
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OTS-3337.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 09-04-027, filed 1/28/09,
effective 7/1/10)
WAC 51-54-1000
Chapter 10 -- Means of egress.
Section 1005-Egress width.
1005.1 Minimum required egress width. The means of egress
width shall not be less than required by this section. The
total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be
less than the total occupant load served by the means of
egress multiplied by 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) per occupant for
stairways and by 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) per occupant for other
egress components. The width shall not be less than specified
elsewhere in this code. Multiple means of egress shall be
sized such that the loss of any one means of egress shall not
reduce the available capacity to less than 50 percent of the
required capacity. The maximum capacity required from any
story of a building shall be maintained to the termination of
the means of egress.
| EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Means of egress complying with Section 1028. |
| 2. For other than H and I-2 occupancies, the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.2 inches (5.1 mm) per occupant for stairways and by 0.15 inches (3.8 mm) per occupant for other egress components in buildings that are provided with sprinkler protection in accordance with 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with 907.5.2.2. |
| EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Accessible means of egress are not required in alterations to existing buildings. |
| 2. One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1007.3, 1007.4 or 1007.5. | |
| 3. In assembly areas with sloped or stepped aisles, one accessible means of egress is permitted where the common path of travel is accessible and meets the requirements in Section 1028.8. | |
| 4. In parking garages, accessible means of egress are not required to serve parking areas that do not contain accessible parking spaces. |
| EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Two-way communication systems are not required at the elevator landing where two-way communication is provided within the areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1007.6.3. |
| 2. Two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with exit ramps conforming to provisions of Section 1010. |
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. |
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.
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 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.
3. Where required by Sections 1015.3, 1015.4, 1015.5, 1015.6 or 1015.6.1.
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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.
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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.
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1. Places of detention or restraint.
2. In buildings in occupancy Group A having an occupant load of 300 or less, Groups 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 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 building 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 a tool.
5. Fire doors after the minimum elevated temperature has disabled the unlatching mechanism in accordance with listed fire door test procedures.
6. Approved, listed locks without delayed egress shall be permitted in Group R-2 boarding homes licensed by Washington state, provided that:
6.1. The clinical needs of one or more patients require specialized security measures for their safety.
6.2. The doors unlock upon actuation of the automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system.
6.3. The doors unlock upon loss of electrical power controlling the lock or lock mechanism.
6.4. The lock shall be capable of being deactivated by a signal from a switch located in an approved location.
6.5. 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.
1008.1.9.6 Special locking arrangements in Group I-2.
Approved locks shall be permitted in a Group I-2 Occupancy
where the clinical needs of persons receiving care require
such locking. Locks shall be permitted in such occupancies
where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or an
approved automatic smoke or heat detection system installed in
accordance with Section 907, provided that the doors unlock in
accordance with Items 1 through 6 below.
1. The doors unlock upon actuation of the automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system.
2. The doors unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock or lock mechanism.
3. The door locks shall have the capability of being unlocked by a signal from the fire command center, a nursing station or other approved location.
4. The procedures for the operation(s) of the unlocking system shall be described and approved as part of the emergency planning and preparedness required by Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code.
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.
6. Emergency lighting shall be provided at the door.
| EXCEPTION: | Items 1, 2, 3, and 5 shall not apply to doors to areas where persons which because of clinical needs require restraint or containment as part of the function of a Group I-2 mental hospital provided that all clinical staff shall have the keys, codes or other means necessary to operate the locking devices. |
1010.1 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to
ramps used as a component of a means of egress.
| EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Other than ramps that are part of the accessible routes providing access in accordance with Sections 1108.2 through 1108.2.4 and 1108.2.6, ramped aisles within assembly rooms or spaces shall conform with the provisions in Section 1028.11. |
| 2. Curb ramps shall comply with ICC A117.1. | |
| 3. Vehicle ramps in parking garages for pedestrian exit access shall not be required to comply with Sections 1010.3 through 1010.9 when they are not an accessible route serving accessible parking spaces or other required accessible elements. | |
| 4. In a parking garage where one accessible means of egress serving accessible parking spaces or other accessible elements is provided, a second accessible means of egress serving that area may include a vehicle ramp that does not comply with Sections 1010.4 through 1010.8. |
1014.2.2.1 Exit access doors. Habitable spaces and 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. |
1014.2.2.3 Separation. Suites in Group I-2 Occupancies shall
be separated from other portions of the building by a smoke
partition complying with Section 711. Partitions within
suites are not required to be smoke-resistant or
fire-resistance-rated unless required by another section of
this Code.
1014.2.2.4 Suites containing patient sleeping areas. Patient
sleeping areas in Group I-2 Occupancies shall be permitted to
be divided into suites with one intervening room 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.
1014.2.2.4.1 Area. Suites of sleeping rooms shall not exceed
5,000 square feet (465 m2).
1014.2.2.4.2 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
located in accordance with Section 1015.2.
1014.2.2.4.3 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). The travel
distance between any point in a Group I-2 Occupancy patient
sleeping room and an exit access door in that room shall not
exceed 50 feet (15,240 mm).
1014.2.2.5 Suites not containing patient sleeping areas.
Areas other than patient sleeping areas in Group I-2
Occupancies shall be permitted to be divided into suites that
comply with Sections 1014.2.2.5.1 through 1014.2.2.5.4.
1014.2.2.5.1 Area. Suites of rooms, other than patient
sleeping rooms, shall not exceed 10,000 square feet (929 m2).
1014.2.2.5.2 Exit access. Any room 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 located in
accordance with Section 1015.2.
1014.2.2.5.3 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
to the exit access door is not greater than 100 feet (30,480
mm).
1014.2.2.5.4 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).
1018.5 Air movement in corridors. Corridors shall not serve
as supply, return, exhaust, relief or ventilation air ducts.
| EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Use of a corridor as a source of makeup air for exhaust systems in rooms that open directly onto such corridors, including toilet rooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, smoking lounges and janitor closets, shall be permitted, provided that each such corridor is directly supplied with outdoor air at a rate greater than the rate of makeup air taken from the corridor. |
| 2. Where located within a dwelling unit, the use of corridors for conveying return air shall not be prohibited. | |
| 3. Where located within tenant spaces of one thousand square feet (93 m2) or less in area, utilization of corridors for conveying return air is permitted. | |
| 4. Incidental air movement from pressurized rooms within health care facilities, provided that a corridor is not the primary source of supply or return to the room. | |
| 5. Where such air is part of an engineered smoke control system. | |
| 6. Air supplied to corridors serving residential occupancies shall not be considered as providing ventilation air to the dwelling units subject to the following: | |
| 6.1 The air supplied to the corridor is one hundred percent outside air; and | |
| 6.2 The units served by the corridor have conforming ventilation air independent of the air supplied to the corridor; and | |
| 6.3 For other than high-rise buildings, the supply fan will automatically shut off upon activation of corridor smoke detectors which shall be spaced at no more than thirty feet (9,144 mm) on center along the corridor; or | |
| 6.4 For high-rise buildings, corridor smoke detector activation will close required smoke/fire dampers at the supply inlet to the corridor at the floor receiving the alarm. |
| EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Foyers, lobbies or reception rooms constructed as required for corridors shall not be construed as intervening rooms. |
| 2. In Group R-2 boarding homes and residential treatment facilities licensed by Washington state, seating areas shall be allowed to be open to the corridor provided: | |
| 2.1 The seating area is constructed as required for the corridor; | |
| 2.2 The floor is separated into at least two compartments complying with Section 407.4; | |
| 2.3 Each individual seating area does not exceed 150 square feet, excluding the corridor width; | |
| 2.4 The combined total space of seating areas per compartment does not exceed 300 square feet, excluding the corridor width; | |
| 2.5 Combustible furnishings located within the seating area shall be in accordance with the International Fire Code Section 805; and | |
| 2.6 Emergency means of egress lighting is provided as required by Section 1006 to illuminate the area. |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.190, 19.27.020, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 09-04-027, § 51-54-1000, filed 1/28/09, effective 7/1/10. 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.]