WSR 05-17-009

PROPOSED RULES

BUILDING CODE COUNCIL


[ Filed August 4, 2005, 8:16 a.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 5-16-145 [05-13-145.]

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 51-50 WAC, Adoption and amendment of the 2003 International Building Code, Sections 202, 903, 909, 1008, and 1101.

     Hearing Location(s): Renton Holiday Inn Select, One South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98055-2500, on October 14, 2005, at 10:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: November 4, 2005.

     Submit Written Comments to: John Neff, P.O. Box 42525, Olympia, WA 98504-2525, e-mail sbcc@cted.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-9383, by October 13, 2005.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Sue Mathers by September 30, 2005, TTY (360) 753-7427 or (360) 725-2966.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Chapter 148, Laws of 2005, requires the state Building Code Council (council) to adopt rules requiring automatic sprinkler systems in all buildings containing a nightclub as defined in the bill. This proposed language adds the requirements from ESHB 1401 to the building code.

     In addition, the council has adopted an emergency rule which requires that wired glass installed in hazardous locations meet the same safety requirements as other types of glass. This proposal would adopt that requirement as a permanent rule.

     This proposed rule also includes the following changes to published language in the IBC: Clarification of inspection requirements for elevator shaft pressurization; provide an exception to allow manually operated sliding doors in spaces with an occupant load less than ten; and deletion of the requirement for elevator button labeling to conform with the ICC/ANSI A117.1.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.074 and 19.27.031.

     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 issue proposed in the rule shown below.

     Name of Proponent: State Building Code Council, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Krista Braaksma, P.O. Box 42525, Olympia, WA 98504-2525, (360) 725-2964; and Enforcement: Local jurisdiction.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The sprinkler provision of this rule, in Section 903.2, would have an impact on small business; however, the effects are mitigated by a special property tax exemption provided through chapter 148, Laws of 2005, which would extend for ten years after the initial application by property owners.

     The remaining provisions would not have a cost impact on small businesses. The council has reviewed material stating that wired glass that meets the safety provisions of Section 2406 is available at the same cost. The remaining provisions provide clarification or cost savings.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The council is not one of the agencies required to comply with this statute.

August 3, 2005

John Neff

Council Chair

OTS-8211.3


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-01-108, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04)

WAC 51-50-0200   Chapter 2 -- Definitions.  


SECTION 202 -- DEFINITIONS.


ADULT FAMILY HOME. See Section 310.2.


CHILD DAY CARE. See Section 310.2.


CHILD DAY CARE HOME, FAMILY. See Section 310.2.


NIGHTCLUB. An establishment, other than a theater with fixed seating, which includes all of the following:

     1. Provides live entertainment by paid performing artists or by way of recorded music conducted by a person employed or engaged to do so;

     2. Has as its primary source of revenue the sale of beverages of any kind for consumption on the premises and/or cover charges;

     3. Has an occupant load of 100 or more; and

     4. Includes assembly space without fixed seats considered concentrated or standing space per Table 1004.1.2.


PORTABLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM. See Section 902.1.


RESIDENTIAL CARE/ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES. See Section 310.2.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-108, § 51-50-0200, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-01-108, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04)

WAC 51-50-0903   Section 903 -- Automatic sprinkler systems.  


903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 Occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:

     1. The fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet (464.5 m2).

     2. The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.

     3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.


903.2.1.6 Nightclub. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout an occupancy defined as a nightclub. Existing nightclubs constructed prior to July 1, 2006, shall be provided with automatic sprinklers not later than December 1, 2007. The occupant load of any nightclub shall be in accordance with Table 1004.1.2 as determined by the fire code official.


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

     1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 20,000 square feet (1858 m2) in area.

     2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the level of exit discharge.


EXCEPTION: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any fire area or area below the level of exit discharge where every classroom throughout the building has at least one exterior exit door at ground level.

     3. Throughout all newly constructed Group E Occupancies having an occupant load of 50 or more for more than 12 hours per week or four hours in any one day. A minimum water supply meeting the requirements of NFPA 13 shall be required. The fire code official may reduce fire flow requirements for buildings protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.

     For the purpose of this section, additions exceeding 60 percent of the value of such building or structure, or alterations and repairs to any portion of a building or structure within a twelve-month period that exceeds 100 percent of the value of such building or structure shall be considered new construction. In the case of additions, fire walls shall define separate buildings.


EXCEPTIONS: 1. Portable school classrooms, provided aggregate area of clusters 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 day care.

     When not required by other provisions of this chapter, a fire-extinguishing system installed in accordance with NFPA 13 may be used for increases and substitutions allowed in Section 504.2, 506.3, and Table 601 of the building code.


903.2.10.3 Buildings over 75 feet in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 75 feet (22 860 mm) or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.


EXCEPTIONS: 1. Airport control towers.
2. Open parking structures.
3. Occupancies in Group F-2.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-108, § 51-50-0903, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-01-108, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04)

WAC 51-50-0909   Section 909 -- Smoke control systems.  


909.6.3 Elevator shaft pressurization. Where elevator shaft pressurization is required to comply with Exception 5 of Section 707.14.1, the pressurization system shall comply with the following.


909.6.3.1 Standards and testing. Elevator shafts shall be pressurized to not less than 0.10 inch water column relative to atmospheric pressure. Elevator pressurization shall be measured with the elevator cars at the designated primary recall level with the doors in the open position. The test shall be conducted at the location of the calculated maximum positive stack effect in the elevator shaft. The measured pressure shall be sufficient to provide 0.10 inch of water column as well as accounting for the stack and wind effect expected on the mean low temperature January day.


909.6.3.2 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 chief. If the building has a fire alarm panel, detectors shall be connected to, with power supplied by, the fire alarm panel.


909.6.3.3 Separation. Elevator shaft pressurization equipment and its ductwork located within the building shall be separated from other portions of the building by construction equal to that required for the elevator shaft.


909.6.3.4 Location of intakes. Elevator shaft pressurization air intakes shall be located in accordance with Section 909.10.3. Such intakes shall be provided with smoke detectors which upon detection of smoke, shall deactivate the pressurization fan supplied by that air intake.


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


909.6.3.6 Hoistway venting. Hoistway venting required by Section 3004 need not be provided for pressurized elevator shafts.


909.6.3.7 Machine rooms. Elevator machine rooms required to be pressurized by Section 3006.3 need not be pressurized where separated from the hoistway shaft by construction in accordance with Section 707.


909.6.3.8 Special inspection. Special inspection for performance shall be required in accordance with Section 909.18.8((.3 and Section 1704)). System acceptance shall be in accordance with Section 909.19.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-108, § 51-50-0909, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-01-108, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04)

WAC 51-50-1008   Section 1008 -- Doors, gates and turnstiles.  


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. Doors within or serving a single dwelling unit in Groups R-2 and R-3 as applicable in Section 101.2.
4. In other than Group H Occupancies, revolving doors complying with Section 1008.1.3.1.
5. In other than Group H Occupancies, horizontal sliding doors complying with Section 1008.1.3.3 are permitted as a means of egress.
6. Power-operated doors in accordance with Section 1008.1.3.1.
7. In other than Group H Occupancies, manually operated horizontal sliding doors are permitted in a means of egress from occupied 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 force. For other side-swinging, sliding, and folding doors, the door latch shall release when subjected to a 15-pound force. The door shall be set in motion when subjected to a 30-pound force. The door shall swing to a full-open position when subjected to a 15-pound force. Forces shall be applied to the latch side. Within an accessible route, at exterior doors where environmental conditions require a closing pressure greater than 8.5 pounds, power operated doors shall be used within the accessible route of travel.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-108, § 51-50-1008, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-014, filed 12/2/04, effective 7/1/05)

WAC 51-50-1101   Section 1101 -- General.  


1101.2 Design. Buildings and facilities shall be designed and constructed to be accessible in accordance with this code and ICC A117.1, except those portions of ICC A117.1 amended by this section.


1101.2.1 (ICC A117.1 Section 403) Landings for walking surfaces. The maximum rise for any run is 30 inches (762 mm). Landings shall be provided at the top and bottom of any run. Landings shall be level and have a minimum dimension measured in the direction of travel of not less than 60 inches (1525 mm).


1101.2.2 (ICC A117.1 Section 403.5) Clear width of accessible route. Clear width of an accessible route shall comply with ICC A117.1 Table 403.5. For exterior routes of travel, the minimum clear width shall be 44 inches (1118 mm).


1101.2.3 (ICC A117.1 Section 404.2.9) Door-opening force. Fire doors shall have the minimum opening force allowable by the appropriate administrative authority. The maximum force for pushing open or pulling open doors other than fire doors shall be as follows:

     1. Interior hinged door: 5.0 pounds (22.2 N)

     2. Sliding or folding doors: 5.0 pounds (22.2 N)

     At exterior doors where environmental conditions require a closing pressure greater than 8.5 pounds, power operated doors shall be used within the accessible route of travel.

     These forces do not apply to the force required to retract latch bolts or disengage other devices that hold the door in a closed position.


1101.2.4 (ICC A117.1 Section 407.4.6.2.2) Arrangement. This section is not adopted.


1101.2.5 (ICC A117.1 Sections 603.4 and 604.11) Coat hooks, shelves, dispensers, and other fixtures. Coat hooks provided shall accommodate a forward reach or side reach complying with ICC A117.1 Section 308. Where provided, shelves shall be installed so that the top of the shelf is 40 inches (1015 mm) maximum above the floor or ground. Drying equipment, towel or other dispensers, and disposal fixtures shall be located 40 inches (1015 mm) maximum above the floor or ground to any rack, operating controls, receptacle or dispenser.


1101.2.6 (ICC A117.1 Section 604.6) Flush controls. Hand operated flush controls for water closets shall be mounted not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor.


1101.2.9 (ICC A117.1 Section 703.6.3.1) International Symbol of Accessibility. Where the International Symbol of Accessibility is required, it shall be proportioned complying with ICC A117.1 Figure 703.7.2.1. All interior and exterior signs depicting the International Symbol of Accessibility shall be white on a blue background.


1101.2.11 (ICC A117.1 Section 404.3.5) Control switches. Control switches shall be mounted 32 to 40 inches above the floor and not less than 18 inches nor more than 36 inches horizontally from the nearest point of travel of the moving doors.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.020, 19.27.031, 19.27.074 and chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW. 05-01-014, § 51-50-1101, filed 12/2/04, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. 04-01-108, § 51-50-1101, filed 12/17/03, effective 7/1/04.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 51-50-2406   Section 2406 -- Safety glazing.  


2406.1.2 Wired glass. This section is not adopted.

[]

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office