EMERGENCY RULES
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately.
Purpose: To renew the emergency rule filed under WSR 11-24-037 and since renewed under WSR 12-09-054; this was originally filed to correct certain errata contained in model code language; to provide an exception for certain markings for existing buildings.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 51-54-4600.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 19.27 RCW.
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: An error in the model code (2009 International Fire Code) was inadvertently carried over into the state Fire Code in WAC 51-54-4600, and has resulted in unintended economic impacts on certain existing building owners. The council is currently engaged in the 2012 permanent rule-making process. Continuing this emergency rule will provide time for all of the issues and impacts to be fully vetted while delaying potential economic impacts on building owners.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: July 13, 2012 (second renewal).
C. Ray Allshouse
Chair
OTS-4726.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 12-01-099, filed 12/20/11,
effective 4/1/12)
WAC 51-54-4600
Chapter 46 -- Existing buildings.
CHAPTER 46 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
SECTION 4601 GENERAL
4601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to
existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this
Code.
4601.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to provide a
minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying
buildings by providing for alterations to such existing
buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of
the International Building Code.
4601.3 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in
Section 105.7 and the International Building Code and this
Code.
4601.4 Owner notification. Where a building is found to be in
noncompliance, the fire code official shall duly notify the
owner of the building. Upon receipt of such notice, the owner
shall, subject to the following time limits, take necessary
actions to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
4601.4.1 Construction documents. Construction documents for
the necessary alterations shall be completed within a time
schedule approved by the fire code official.
4601.4.2 Completion of work. Work on the required alterations
to the building shall be completed within a time schedule
approved by the fire code official.
4601.4.3 Extension of time. The fire code official is
authorized to grant necessary extensions of time when it can
be shown that the specified time periods are not physically
practical or pose an undue hardship. The granting of an
extension of time for compliance shall be based on the showing
of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable
systematic plan of correction with the fire code official.
SECTION 4602 DEFINITIONS
4602.1 Definitions. The following word and term shall, for
the purpose of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this
Code, have the meaning shown herein.
EXISTING. Buildings, facilities or conditions that are already
in existence, constructed or officially authorized prior to
the adoption of this Code.
SECTION 4603 FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
4603.1 Required construction. Existing buildings shall comply
with not less than the minimum provisions specified in Table
4603.1 and as further enumerated in Sections 4603.2 through
4603.7.3.
The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to allow the elimination of fire protection systems or a reduction in the level of fire safety provided in buildings constructed in accordance with previously adopted codes.
EXCEPTION: | Group U occupancies. |
4603.3 Vertical openings. Interior vertical shafts,
including, but not limited to, stairways, elevator hoistways,
service and utility shafts, that connect two or more stories
of a building, shall be enclosed or protected as specified in
Sections 4603.3.1 through 4603.3.7.
4603.3.1 Group I occupancies. In Group I occupancies,
interior vertical openings connecting two or more stories
shall be protected with 1-hour fire-resistance-rated
construction.
4603.3.2 Three to five stories. In other than Group I
occupancies, interior vertical openings connecting three to
five stories shall be protected by either 1-hour
fire-resistance-rated construction or an automatic sprinkler
system shall be installed throughout the building in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Vertical opening protection is not required for Group R-3 occupancies. |
2. Vertical opening protection is not required for open parking garages and ramps. | |
3. Vertical opening protection is not required for escalators. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Vertical opening protection is not required for Group R-3 occupancies. |
2. Vertical opening protection is not required for open parking garages and ramps. | |
3. Vertical opening protection is not required for escalators. |
|
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Vertical opening protection is not required for Group R-3 occupancies. |
2. Vertical opening protection is not required for open parking garages and ramps. |
4603.3.6 Escalators connecting four or fewer stories. In
other than Group B and M occupancies, escalators creating
vertical openings connecting four or fewer stories shall be
protected by either 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction
or an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall be installed throughout the
building, and a draft curtain with closely spaced sprinklers
shall be installed around the escalator opening.
4603.3.7 Escalators connecting more than four stories. In
other than Group B and M occupancies, escalators creating
vertical openings connecting five or more stories shall be
protected by 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
4603.4 Sprinkler systems. An automatic sprinkler system shall
be provided in all existing buildings in accordance with
Sections 4603.4.1 and 4603.4.2.
4603.4.1 Pyroxylin plastics. An automatic sprinkler system
shall be provided throughout existing buildings where
cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured,
stored or handled in quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg).
Vaults located within buildings for the storage of raw
pyroxylin shall be protected with an approved automatic
sprinkler system capable of discharging 1.66 gallons per
minute per square foot (68 L/min/m2) over the area of the
vault.
4603.4.2 Group I-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided throughout existing Group I-2 fire areas. The
sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the floor where
the Group I-2 occupancy is located, and in all floors between
the Group I-2 occupancy and the level of exit discharge.
4603.4.3 Nightclub. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided throughout Group A-2 nightclubs as defined in this
code. No building shall be constructed for, used for, or
converted to occupancy as a nightclub except in accordance
with this section.
4603.5 Standpipes. Existing structures with occupied floors
located more than 50 feet (15,240 mm) above or below the
lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be
equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section
905. The standpipes shall have an approved fire department
connection with hose connections at each floor level above or
below the lowest level of fire department access. The fire
code official is authorized to approve the installation of
manual standpipe systems to achieve compliance with this
section where the responding fire department is capable of
providing the required hose flow at the highest standpipe
outlet.
4603.6 Fire alarm systems. An approved fire alarm system
shall be installed in existing buildings and structures in
accordance with Sections 4603.6.1 through 4603.6.7 and provide
occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.6 unless
other requirements are provided by other sections of this
code.
EXCEPTION: | Occupancies with an existing, previously approved fire alarm system. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in a building with a maximum area of 1,000 square feet (93 m2) that contains a single classroom and is located no closer than 50 feet (15,240 mm) from another building. |
2. A manual fire alarm system is not required in Group E occupancies with an occupant load less than 50. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Manual fire alarm boxes in resident or patient sleeping areas shall not be required at exits if located at all nurses' control stations or other constantly attended staff locations, provided such stations are visible and continuously accessible and that travel distances required in Section 907.5.2 are not exceeded. |
2. Where each sleeping room has a means of egress door opening directly to an exterior egress balcony that leads directly to the exits in accordance with WAC 51-50-1019, and the building is not more than three stories in height. |
EXCEPTION: | Manual fire alarm boxes in resident or patient sleeping areas shall not be required at exits if located at all nurses' control stations or other constantly attended staff locations, provided such stations are visible and continuously accessible and that travel distances required in Section 907.5.2.1 are not exceeded. |
4603.6.5 Group R-1. A fire alarm system and smoke alarms
shall be installed in existing Group R-1 occupancies in
accordance with Sections 4603.6.5.1 through 4603.6.5.2.1.
4603.6.5.1 Group R-1 hotel and motel manual fire alarm system.
A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant
notification system in accordance with Section 907.6 shall be
installed in existing Group R-1 hotels and motels more than
three stories or with more than 20 sleeping units.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Buildings less than two stories in height where all sleeping units, attics and crawl spaces are separated by 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction and each sleeping unit has direct access to a public way, exit court or yard. |
2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required throughout the building when the following conditions are met: | |
2.1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2; | |
2.2. The notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow; and | |
2.3. At least one manual fire alarm box is installed at an approved location. |
EXCEPTION: | An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving sleeping units and where each sleeping unit has a means of egress door opening directly to an exit or to an exterior exit access that leads directly to an exit. |
EXCEPTION: | Buildings less than two stories in height where all sleeping units, attics and crawl spaces are separated by 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction and each sleeping unit has direct access to a public way, exit court or yard. |
EXCEPTION: | Buildings equipped with single-station smoke alarms meeting or exceeding the requirements of Section 907.2.10.1 and where the fire alarm system includes at least one manual fire alarm box per floor arranged to initiate the alarm. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Where each living unit is separated from other contiguous living units by fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 0.75 hour, and where each living unit has either its own independent exit or its own independent stairway or ramp discharging at grade. |
2. A separate fire alarm system is not required in buildings that are equipped throughout with an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and having a local alarm to notify all occupants. | |
3. A fire alarm system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving dwelling units and are protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, provided that dwelling units either have a means of egress door opening directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly to the exits or are served by open-ended corridors designed in accordance with Section 1023.6, Exception 4. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Where there are interconnected smoke alarms meeting the requirements of Section 907.2.11 and there is at least one manual fire alarm box per floor arranged to continuously sound the smoke alarms. |
2. Other manually activated, continuously sounding alarms approved by the fire code official. |
4603.7.1 Where required. Existing Group R occupancies and
dwellings not classified as Group R occupancies not already
provided with single-station smoke alarms shall be provided
with single-station smoke alarms. Installation shall be in
accordance with Section 907.2.10, except as provided in
Sections 4603.7.2 and 4603.7.3.
4603.7.2 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is
required to be installed within an individual dwelling or
sleeping unit, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in
such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate
all of the alarms in the individual unit. The alarm shall be
clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels
with all intervening doors closed.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Interconnection is not required in buildings that are not undergoing alterations, repairs or construction of any kind. |
2. Smoke alarms in existing areas are not required to be interconnected where alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in existing buildings where no construction is taking place. |
2. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in buildings that are not served from a commercial power source. | |
3. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in existing areas of buildings undergoing alterations or repairs that do not result in the removal of interior walls or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for building wiring without the removal of interior finishes. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, or electrical permits. |
2. Installation, alteration or repairs of noncombustion plumbing or mechanical systems. | |
3. Sleeping units or dwelling units in R-1 occupancies and R-2 college dormitories, hotel, and DSHS licensed boarding home and residential treatment facility occupancies which do not themselves contain a fuel-burning appliance, a fuel-burning fireplace, or have an attached garage, but which are located in a building with a fuel-burning appliance, a fuel-burning fireplace, or an attached garage, need not be provided with carbon monoxide alarms provided that: | |
a. The sleeping units or dwelling unit is not adjacent to any room which contains a fuel-burning appliance, a fuel-burning fireplace, or an attached garage; and | |
b. The sleeping units or dwelling unit is not connected by duct work or ventilation shafts with a supply or return register in the same room to any room containing a fuel-burning appliance, a fuel-burning fireplace, or to an attached garage; and | |
c. The building is provided with a common area carbon monoxide detection system. | |
d. An open parking garage, as defined in the International Building Code, or enclosed parking garage ventilated in accordance with Section 404 of the International Mechanical Code shall not be deemed to be an attached garage. |
4604.1 General. Means of egress in existing buildings shall
comply with Section 1030 and 4604.2 through 4604.23.
EXCEPTION: | Means of egress conforming to the requirements of the building code under which they were
constructed and Section 1030 shall not be required to comply with 4604.2 through (( |
4604.2 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Elevators,
escalators and moving walks shall not be used as a component
of a required means of egress.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Elevators used as an accessible means of egress where allowed by Section 1007.4. |
2. Previously approved escalators and moving walks in existing buildings. |
EXCEPTION: | Approved self-luminous signs that provide evenly illuminated letters shall have a minimum luminance of 0.06 foot-lamberts (0.21 cd/m2). |
EXCEPTION: | Approved signs that provide continuous illumination independent of external power sources are not required to be connected to an emergency electrical system. |
1. Group A having 50 or more occupants.
EXCEPTION: | Assembly occupancies used exclusively as a place of worship and having an occupant load of less than 300. |
3. Group E in interior stairs, corridors, windowless areas with student occupancy, shops and laboratories.
4. Group F having more than 100 occupants.
EXCEPTION: | Buildings used only during daylight hours which are provided with windows for natural light in accordance with the International Building Code. |
6. Group M.
EXCEPTION: | Buildings less than 3,000 square feet (279 m2) in gross sales area on one story only, excluding mezzanines. |
EXCEPTION: | Where each sleeping unit has direct access to the outside of the building at grade. |
EXCEPTION: | Where each dwelling unit or sleeping unit has direct access to the outside of the building at grade. |
EXCEPTION: | Where each sleeping unit has direct access to the outside of the building at ground level. |
4604.6 Guards. Guards complying with this section shall be
provided at the open sides of means of egress that are more
than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below.
4604.6.1 Height of guards. Guards shall form a protective
barrier not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Existing guards on the open side of stairs shall be not less than 30 inches (760 mm) high. |
2. Existing guards within dwelling units shall be not less than 36 inches (910 mm) high. | |
3. Existing guards in assembly seating areas. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. 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. |
2. In occupancies in Group I-3, F, H or S, the clear distance between intermediate rails measured at right angles to the rails shall not exceed 21 inches (533 mm). | |
3. Approved existing open guards. |
TABLE 4604.7
EGRESS WIDTH PER OCCUPANT SERVED
WITHOUT SPRINKLER SYSTEM | WITH SPRINKLER SYSTEMa | ||||
OCCUPANCY | Stairways (inches per occupant) |
Other egress
components (inches per occupant) |
Stairways (inches per occupant) | Other egress components (inches per occupant) | |
Occupancies other than those listed below | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.15 | |
Hazardous: H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 | Not permitted | Not permitted | 0.3 | 0.2 | |
Institutional: I-2 | Not permitted | Not permitted | 0.3 | 0.2 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm. | |
a. Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. The minimum and maximum width shall not apply to door openings that are not part of the required means of egress in occupancies in Groups R-2 and R-3. |
2. Door openings to storage closets less than 10 square feet (0.93 m2) in area shall not be limited by the minimum width. | |
3. Width of door leaves in revolving doors that comply with Section 1008.1.4.1 shall not be limited. | |
4. Door openings within a dwelling unit shall not be less than 78 inches (1981 mm) in height. | |
5. Exterior door openings in dwelling units, other than the required exit door, shall not be less than 76 inches (1930 mm) in height. | |
6. Exit access doors serving a room not larger than 70 square feet (6.5 m2) shall be not less than 24 inches (610 mm) in door width. |
4604.10 Revolving doors. Revolving doors shall comply with
the following:
1. A revolving door shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the foot or top of stairs or escalators. A dispersal area shall be provided between the stairs or escalators and the revolving doors.
2. The revolutions per minute for a revolving door shall not exceed those shown in Table 4604.10.
3. Each revolving door shall have a conforming side-hinged swinging door in the same wall as the revolving door and within 10 feet (3048 mm).
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. A revolving door is permitted to be used without an adjacent swinging door for street-floor elevator lobbies provided a stairway, escalator or door from other parts of the building does not discharge through the lobby and the lobby does not have any occupancy or use other than as a means of travel between elevators and a street. |
2. Existing revolving doors where the number of revolving doors does not exceed the number of swinging doors within 20 feet (6096 mm). |
1. Revolving doors shall not be given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity.
2. Each revolving door shall be credited with not more than a 50-person capacity.
3. Revolving doors shall be capable of being collapsed when a force of not more than 130 pounds (578 N) is applied within 3 inches (76 mm) of the outer edge of a wing.
4604.11 Stair dimensions for existing stairs. Existing stairs
in buildings shall be permitted to remain if the rise does not
exceed 8 1/4 inches (210 mm) and the run is not less than 9
inches (229 mm). Existing stairs can be rebuilt.
EXCEPTION: | Other stairs approved by the fire code official. |
TABLE 4604.10
REVOLVING DOOR SPEEDS
INSIDE DIAMETER | POWER-DRIVEN- TYPE SPEED CONTROL (RPM) |
MANUAL-TYPE
SPEED CONTROL (RPM) |
||
6' 6" | 11 | 12 | ||
7' 0" | 10 | 11 | ||
7' 6" | 9 | 11 | ||
8' 0" | 9 | 10 | ||
8' 6" | 8 | 9 | ||
9' 0" | 8 | 9 | ||
9' 6" | 7 | 8 | ||
10' 0" | 7 | 8 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm. |
4604.12 Winders. Existing winders shall be allowed to remain
in use if they have a minimum tread depth of 6 inches (152 mm)
and a minimum tread depth of 9 inches (229 mm) at a point 12
inches (305 mm) from the narrowest edge.
4604.13 Circular stairways. Existing circular stairs shall be
allowed to continue in use provided the minimum depth of tread
is 10 inches (254 mm) and the smallest radius shall not be
less than twice the width of the stairway.
4604.14 Stairway handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on
at least one side. Handrails shall be located so that all
portions of the stairway width required for egress capacity
are within 44 inches (1118 mm) of a handrail.
EXCEPTION: | Aisle stairs provided with a center handrail are not required to have additional handrails. |
4604.15 Slope of ramps. Ramp runs utilized as part of a means
of egress shall have a running slope not steeper than one unit
vertical in 10 units horizontal (10 percent slope). The slope
of other ramps shall not be steeper than one unit vertical in
8 units horizontal (12.5 percent slope).
4604.16 Width of ramps. Existing ramps are permitted to have
a minimum width of 30 inches (762 mm) but not less than the
width required for the number of occupants served as
determined by Section 1005.1.
4604.17 Fire escape stairs. Fire escape stairs shall comply
with Sections 4604.17.1 through 4604.17.7.
4604.17.1 Existing means of egress. Fire escape stairs shall
be permitted in existing buildings but shall not constitute
more than 50 percent of the required exit capacity.
4604.17.2 Protection of openings. Openings within 10 feet
(3048 mm) of fire escape stairs shall be protected by fire
door assemblies having a minimum 3/4-hour fire-resistance
rating.
EXCEPTION: | In buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, opening protection is not required. |
4604.17.4 Access. Access to a fire escape from a corridor
shall not be through an intervening room. Access to a fire
escape stair shall be from a door or window meeting the
criteria of Section 1005.1. Access to a fire escape stair
shall be directly to a balcony, landing or platform. These
shall be no higher than the floor or window sill level and no
lower than 8 inches (203 mm) below the floor level or 18
inches (457 mm) below the window sill.
4604.17.5 Materials and strength. Components of fire escape
stairs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Fire
escape stairs and balconies shall support the dead load plus a
live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.78
kN/m2). Fire escape stairs and balconies shall be provided
with a top and intermediate handrail on each side. The fire
code official is authorized to require testing or other
satisfactory evidence that an existing fire escape stair meets
the requirements of this section.
4604.17.6 Termination. The lowest balcony shall not be more
than 18 feet (5486 mm) from the ground. Fire escape stairs
shall extend to the ground or be provided with counterbalanced
stairs reaching the ground.
EXCEPTION: | For fire escape stairs serving 10 or fewer occupants, an approved fire escape ladder is allowed to serve as the termination. |
4604.18 Corridors. Corridors serving an occupant load greater
than 30 and the openings therein shall provide an effective
barrier to resist the movement of smoke. Transoms, louvers,
doors and other openings shall be kept closed or self-closing.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Corridors in occupancies other than in Group H, which are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system. |
2. Patient room doors in corridors in occupancies in Group I-2 where smoke barriers are provided in accordance with the International Building Code. | |
3. Corridors in occupancies in Group E where each room utilized for instruction or assembly has at least one-half of the required means of egress doors opening directly to the exterior of the building at ground level. | |
4. Corridors that are in accordance with the International Building Code. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Where 20-minute fire door assemblies are required, solid wood doors at least 1.75 inches (44 mm) thick or insulated steel doors are allowed. |
2. Openings protected with fixed wire glass set in steel frames. | |
3. Openings covered with 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard or 0.75-inch (19.1 mm) plywood on the room side. | |
4. Opening protection is not required when the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system. |
EXCEPTION: | A dead-end passageway or corridor shall not be limited in length where the length of the dead-end passageway or corridor is less than 2.5 times the least width of the dead-end passageway or corridor. |
4604.18.4 Common path of egress travel. The common path of
egress travel shall not exceed the distances given in Table
4604.18.2.
4604.19 Stairway discharge identification. A stairway in an
exit enclosure which continues below its level of exit
discharge shall be arranged and marked to make the direction
of egress to a public way readily identifiable.
EXCEPTION: | Stairs that continue one-half story beyond their levels of exit discharge need not be provided with barriers where the exit discharge is obvious. |
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Separation from the interior of the building is not required for buildings that are two stories or less above grade where the level of exit discharge serving such occupancies is the first story above grade. |
2. Separation from the interior of the building is not required where the exterior stairway is served by an exterior balcony that connects two remote exterior stairways or other approved exits, with a perimeter that is not less than 50 percent open. To be considered open, the opening shall be a minimum of 50 percent of the height of the enclosing wall, with the top of the opening not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the top of the balcony. | |
3. Separation from the interior of the building is not required for an exterior stairway located in a building or structure that is permitted to have unenclosed interior stairways in accordance with Section 1022. | |
4. Separation from the interior of the building is not required for exterior stairways connected to open-ended corridors, provided that: | |
4.1. The building, including corridors and stairs, is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. | |
4.2. The open-ended corridors comply with Section 1018. | |
4.3. The open-ended corridors are connected on each end to an exterior exit stairway complying with Section 1026. | |
4.4. At any location in an open-ended corridor where a change of direction exceeding 45 degrees occurs, a clear opening of not less than 35 square feet (3 m2) or an exterior stairway shall be provided. Where clear openings are provided, they shall be located so as to minimize the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases. |
TABLE 4604.18.2
COMMON PATH, DEAD-END AND TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMITS (by occupancy)
OCCUPANCY | COMMON PATH LIMIT | DEAD-END LIMIT | TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMIT | |||
Unsprinklered (feet) |
Sprinklered (feet) |
Unsprinklered (feet) |
Sprinklered (feet) |
Unsprinklered (feet) |
Sprinklered (feet) |
|
Group A | 20/75a | 20/75a | 20b | 20b | 200 | 250 |
Group B | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
Group E | 75 | 75 | 20 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
Group F-1, S-1d | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
Group F-2, S-2d | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 300 | 400 |
Group H-1 | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 75 | 75 |
Group H-2 | 50 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 75 | 100 |
Group H-3 | 50 | 100 | 20 | 20 | 100 | 150 |
Group H-4 | 75 | 75 | 20 | 20 | 150 | 175 |
Group H-5 | 75 | 75 | 20 | 20 | 150 | 200 |
Group I-1 | 75 | 75 | 20 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
Group I-2 (Health Care) | NRe | NRe | NR | NR | 150 | 200c |
Group I-3 (Detention and Correctional -- Use Conditions II, III, IV, V) | 100 | 100 | NR | NR | 150c | 200c |
Group I-4 (Day Care Centers) | NR | NR | 20 | 20 | 200 | 250 |
Group M (Covered Mall) | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 400 |
Group M (Mercantile) | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
Group R-1 (Hotels) | 75 | 75 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
Group R-2 (Apartments) | 75 | 75 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
Group R-3 (One- and Two-Family) | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
Group R-4 (Residential Care/Assisted Living) | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
Group U | 75 | 75 | 20 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. | |
a. 20 feet for common path serving 50 or more persons; 75 feet for common path serving less than 50 persons. | |
b. See Section 1028.9.5 for dead-end aisles in Group A occupancies. | |
c. This dimension is for the total travel distance, assuming incremental portions have fully utilized their allowable maximums. For travel distance within the room, and from the room exit access door to the exit, see the appropriate occupancy chapter. | |
d. See the International Building Code for special requirements on spacing of doors in aircraft hangars. | |
e. 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 placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-third of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the patient sleeping room or suite to be served, measured in a straight line between exit access doors. | |
NR = No requirements. |
1. Forty-two inches (1067 mm) for aisle stairs having seating on each side.
EXCEPTION: | Thirty-six inches (914 mm) where the aisle serves less than 50 seats. |
EXCEPTION: | Thirty inches (760 mm) for catchment areas serving not more than 60 seats. |
4. Forty-two inches (1067 mm) for level or ramped aisles having seating on both sides.
EXCEPTION: | Thirty-six inches (914 mm) where the aisle serves less than 50 seats. |
EXCEPTION: | Thirty inches (760 mm) for catchment areas serving not more than 60 seats. |
4604.22 Stairway floor number signs. Existing stairs shall be
marked in accordance with Section 1022.8.
4604.23 Egress path markings. Existing buildings of Group A,
B, E, I, M and R-1 having occupied floors located more than 75
feet (22,860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department
vehicle access shall be provided with luminous egress path
markings in accordance with Section 1024.
EXCEPTION: | Open, unenclosed stairwells in historic buildings designated as historic under a state or local historic preservation program. |
4605.1 Tire storage yards. Existing tire storage yards shall
be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance
with Sections 4605.1.1 and 4605.1.2.
4605.1.1 Access to piles. Access roadways shall be within 150
feet (45,720 mm) of any point in the storage yard where
storage piles are located, at least 20 feet (6096 mm) from any
storage pile.
4605.1.2 Location within piles. Fire apparatus access roads
shall be located within all pile clearances identified in
Section 2505.4 and within all fire breaks required in Section
2505.5.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.074 and 19.27.530. 12-01-099, § 51-54-4600, filed 12/20/11, effective 4/1/12. Statutory Authority: Chapter 19.27 RCW. 10-24-059, § 51-54-4600, filed 11/29/10, effective 7/1/11. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 10-03-100, § 51-54-4600, filed 1/20/10, effective 7/1/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074, and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 07-01-093, § 51-54-4600, 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, § 51-54-4600, filed 12/2/04, effective 7/1/05.]