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CHAPTER 5 MEANS OF EGRESS

SECTION 5-1 GENERAL

5-1.1* Application. Means of egress for both new and existingbuildings shall comply with this chapter. (See also Chapter 1.)

5-1.2 Definitions.

Accessible Area of Refuge. An area of refuge that complieswith the accessible route requirements of CABO/ANSI A117.1,American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildingsand Facilities.

Accessible Means of Egress.* A path of travel, usable by aperson with a severe mobility impairment, that leads to a publicway or an area of refuge. (See 5-5.4.)

Area of Refuge.* (See 5-2.12.) An area of refuge is either:

(a) A story in a building where such building is protectedthroughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler systeminstalled in accordance with Section 7-7 and has at least two acces-sible rooms or spaces separated from each other by smoke-resistingpartitions, or

Exception to (a): Two accessible rooms or spaces shall not be re-quired as permitted in Chapters 8 through 31.

(b) A space, in a path of travel leading to a public way, that isprotected from the effects of fire, either by means of separation fromother spaces in the same building or by virtue of location, therebypermitting a delay in egress travel from any level.

Common Path of Travel.* That portion of exit access that istraversed before two separate and distinct paths of travel to two ex-its are available. Paths that merge are common paths of travel.

Elevator Evacuation System. A system, including a verticalseries of elevator lobbies and the associated elevator lobby doors,an elevator shaft(s), and a machine room(s) that provides protectionfrom fire effects for elevator passengers, people waiting to use ele-vators, and elevator equipment, to allow use of elevators for egress.

Elevator Lobby. A space from which people directly enter anelevator car(s) and to which people directly leave an elevator car(s).

Elevator Lobby Door. A door between an elevator lobby andanother building space that is not the elevator shaft.

Exit.* That portion of a means of egress that is separated fromall other spaces of the building or structure by construction orequipment in accordance with 5-1.3.2 to provide a protected wayof travel to the exit discharge.

Exit Access. That portion of a means of egress that leads to anexit.

Exit Discharge. That portion of a means of egress betweenthe termination of an exit and a public way.

Horizontal Exit.* A way of passage from one building to anarea of refuge in another building on approximately the same level,or a way of passage through or around a fire barrier to an area ofrefuge on approximately the same level in the same building thataffords safety from fire and smoke originating from the area of in-cidence and areas communicating therewith. (See 5-2.4.)

Means of Egress.* A continuous and unobstructed way oftravel from any point in a building or structure to a public way con-sisting of three separate and distinct parts: (a) the exit access,(b) the exit, and (c) the exit discharge.

Ramp. A walking surface that has a slope steeper than 1 in

Severe Mobility Impairment. The ability to move to stairsbut not the ability to use the stairs.

Smokeproof Enclosure.* A stair enclosure designed to limitthe movement of products of combustion produced by a fire.

5-1.3 Separation of Means of Egress.(See also Section 6-2.)

5-1.3.1* Exit Access Corridors. Corridors used as exit accesand serving an area having an occupant load of more than 30 shaseparated from other parts of the building by walls having a 1-hr resistance rating in accordance with 6-2.3.

Exception No. 1: Existing buildings, provided the occupanclassification does not change.

Exception No. 2: As provided in Chapters 8 through 31.

5-1.3.2 Exits.

5-1.3.2.1 Where an exit is required in this Code to be separatedfrom other parts of the building, the separating construction shmeet the requirements of Section 6-2 and the following:

(a)* The separation has at least a 1-hr fire resistance rawhere the exit connects three stories or less; and

(b)* The separation has at least a 2-hr fire resistance ratwhere the exit connects four or more stories. It shall be construcof an assembly of noncombustible or limited-combustible mateals and shall be supported by construction having at least a 2-hrresistance rating; and

Exception No. 1 to (b): In existing non-high-rise buildings exising exit stair enclosures shall have not less than a 1-hr fire resistarating.

Exception No. 2 to (b): In existing buildings protected throughoby an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accdance with Section 7-7, existing exit stair enclosures shall haveless than a 1-hr fire resistance rating.

Exception No. 3 to (b): One-hr enclosures in accordance w16-2.2.1.2, 17-2.2.1.2, 18-2.2.1.2, and 19-2.2.1.2.

(c) Openings therein are protected by fire door assembequipped with door closers complying with 5-2.1.8; and

(d) Openings in exit enclosures are limited to those necessfor access to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces andridors, and for egress from the enclosure; and

Exception to (d): Exit passageways in covered mall buildingsprovided in Chapters 24 and 25.

(e) Penetrations into and openings through an exit enclosuresembly are prohibited except for electrical conduit serving tstairway, required exit doors, duct work and equipment necessfor independent stair pressurization, water or steam piping necsary for the heating or cooling of the exit enclosure, sprinkler ping, and standpipes; and

Exception No. 1 to (e): Existing penetrations protected in accodance with 6-2.3.2.4.

Exception No. 2 to (e): Penetrations for fire alarm circuits shabe permitted within enclosures where fire alarm circuits are istalled in metallic conduit and penetrations are protected in accodance with 6-2.3.2.4.

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(f) Penetrations or communicating openings are prohibited be-tween adjacent exit enclosures.

5-1.3.2.2 An exit enclosure shall provide a continuous protectedpath of travel to an exit discharge.

5-1.3.2.3* An exit enclosure shall not be used for any purposethat has the potential to interfere with its use as an exit and, if sodesignated, as an area of refuge. (See also 5-2.2.5.3.)

5-1.3.3 Exit Passageways.An exit passageway that serves as adischarge from a stair enclosure shall have the same fire resistancerating and opening protective fire protection rating as that requiredfor the stair enclosure, and shall be separated from other parts ofthe building in accordance with 5-1.3.2.

Exception No. 1: Fire windows in accordance with 6-2.3.2.3 in-stalled in such a separation in a building protected throughout byan approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed inaccordance with Section 7-7.

Exception No. 2: Existing fixed wired glass panels in steel sash insuch a separation in a building protected throughout by an ap-proved, automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance withSection 7-7.

5-1.4 Interior Finish in Exits. The flame spread of interior fin-ish on walls and ceilings shall be limited to Class A or Class B inexit enclosures in accordance with Section 6-5. (See Chapters 8through 31 for further limitations.)

5-1.5 Headroom. Means of egress shall be designed and main-tained to provide headroom as provided in other sections of thisCode, and shall be at least 7 ft 6 in. (2.3 m) with projections fromthe ceiling at least 6 ft 8 in. (2 m) nominal height above the finishedfloor. Headroom on stairs shall be a minimum of 6 ft 8 in. (2 m),and shall be measured vertically above a plane parallel to and tan-gent with the most forward projection of the stair tread.

Exception No. 1: In existing buildings, the ceiling height shallnot be less than 7 ft (2.1 m) from the floor with no projection belowa 6 ft 8 in. (2 m) nominal height from the floor.

Exception No. 2: Industrial equipment access as provided inChapter 28.

5-1.6 Changes in Level in Means of Egress.

5-1.6.1 Changes in level in means of egress shall be either by aramp or a stair where the elevation difference is more than 21 in.(53.3 cm).

5-1.6.2* Changes in level in means of egress not more than 21 in.(53.3 cm) shall be either by a ramp or by a stair complying with therequirements of 5-2.2. The presence and location of ramped por-tions of walkways shall be readily apparent. The minimum treaddepth of such stair shall be 13 in. (33 cm), and the presence and lo-cation of each step shall be readily apparent.

5-1.7 Guards. Guards in accordance with 5-2.2.4 shall be pro-vided at the open sides of means of egress that are more than 30 in.(76 cm) above the floor or grade below.

5-1.8 Construction Quality, Impediments to Egress.

5-1.8.1 Means of egress components shall be of substantial, reli-able construction and shall be built or installed in a skillful manner.

5-1.8.2 Any device or alarm installed to restrict the improper useof a means of egress shall be designed and installed so that it can-

not, even in case of failure, impede or prevent emergency ussuch means of egress.

Exception No. 1: As provided in 5-2.1.6.

Exception No. 2: As provided in Chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15.

5-1.9 Means of Egress Reliability.

5-1.9.1* Means of egress shall be continuously maintained frof all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the casefire or other emergency.

5-1.9.2 Furnishings and Decorations in Means of Egress.

5-1.9.2.1 No furnishings, decorations, or other objects shall placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom, or visity thereof.

5-1.9.2.2 There shall be no obstructions by railings, barriers, gates that divide the open space into sections appurtenant to vidual rooms, apartments, or other uses. Where the authority hing jurisdiction finds the required path of travel to be obstructedfurniture or other movable objects, the authority shall be permitto require that they be fastened out of the way or shall be permito require that railings or other permanent barriers be installedprotect the path of travel against encroachment.

5-1.9.2.3 Mirrors shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shanot be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to fuse the direction of egress.

SECTION 5-2 MEANS OF EGRESS COMPONENTS

5-2.1 Doors.

5-2.1.1 General.

5-2.1.1.1 A door assembly in a means of egress shall conformthe general requirements of Section 5-1 and to the special requments of this subsection. Such an assembly shall be designateddoor.

5-2.1.1.2 Every door and every principal entrance that is requirto serve as an exit shall be designed and constructed so that theof egress travel is obvious and direct. Windows that, becausetheir physical configuration or design and the materials usedtheir construction, have the potential to be mistaken for doors sbe made inaccessible to the occupants by barriers or railings.

5-2.1.1.3* For the purposes of Section 5-2, a building shall considered to be occupied at any time it is open for general ocpancy, open to the public, or at any other time it is occupied more than 10 persons.

5-2.1.2 Egress Width.

5-2.1.2.1* In determining the egress width for a doorway for puposes of calculating capacity, only the clear width of the doorwwhen the door is in the full open position shall be measured. Cwidth shall be the net, unobstructed width of the door openwithout projections into such width.

5-2.1.2.2 Door openings in means of egress shall be at least 32(81 cm) in clear width. Where a pair of doors is provided, at leone of the doors shall provide at least a 32-in. (81-cm) clear wiopening.

Exception No. 1: Exit access doors serving a room not largthan 70 sq ft (6.5 sq m) and not required to be accessible to perin wheelchairs shall be at least 24 in. (61 cm) in door width.

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Exception No. 2: In existing buildings, the door width shall be atleast 28 in. (71 cm).

Exception No. 3: As provided in Chapters 14 and 15.

Exception No. 4: Interior doors as provided in Chapter 21.

Exception No. 5: A power-operated door leaf located within atwo-leaf opening shall be exempt from the minimum 32-in. (81-cm)single-leaf requirement in accordance with Exception No. 2 to 5-2.1.9.

5-2.1.3 Floor Level. The elevation of the floor surfaces on bothsides of a door shall not vary by more than 1/2 in. (13 mm). The ele-vation shall be maintained on both sides of the doorway for a dis-tance at least equal to the width of the widest leaf. Thresholds atdoorways shall not be more than 1/2 in. (13 mm) in height. Raisedthresholds and floor level changes more than 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) atdoorways shall be bevelled with a slope not steeper than 1 in 2.

Exception No. 1: In one- and two-family dwellings and in exist-ing buildings where the door discharges to the outside or to an ex-terior balcony or exterior exit access, the floor level outside thedoor shall be permitted to be one step lower than the inside, but notmore than 8 in. (20.3 cm) lower.

Exception No. 2: In one- and two-family dwellings and existingbuildings, a door at the top of a stair shall be permitted to open di-rectly at a stair provided the door does not swing over the stair andthe door serves an area with an occupant load of fewer than 50persons.

5-2.1.4 Swing and Force to Open.

5-2.1.4.1* Any door in a means of egress shall be of the side-hinged or pivoted-swinging type. The door shall be designed andinstalled so that it is capable of swinging from any position to thefull use of the opening in which it is installed.

Exception No. 1: Sliding doors as provided in Chapters 14 and15, and doors as provided in Chapter 21.

Exception No. 2: Where permitted in Chapters 8 through 31, hor-izontal sliding or vertical rolling security grilles or doors that arepart of the required means of egress shall be permitted, providedthat

(a) They remain secured in the full open position during the pe-riod of occupancy by the general public; and

(b) On or adjacent to the door, there is a readily visible, durablesign in letters at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting back-ground that reads:

“THIS DOOR TO REMAIN OPEN WHENTHE BUILDING IS OCCUPIED”; and

(c) Doors or grilles are not brought to the closed position whenthe space is occupied; and

(d) Doors or grilles are operable from within the space withoutthe use of any special knowledge or effort; and

(e) Where two or more means of egress are required, not morethan half of the means of egress are equipped with horizontal slid-ing or vertical rolling grilles or doors.

Exception No. 3: Horizontal sliding doors complying with 52.1.14.

Exception No. 4: Doors to private garages and industrial anstorage areas with an occupant load of not more than 10, whsuch garages and industrial and storage areas contain low or ornary hazard contents.

Exception No. 5: Revolving doors complying with 5-2.1.10.

Exception No. 6: Existing fusible link-operated horizontal sliding or vertical rolling fire doors where permitted in Chapters through 31.

5-2.1.4.2 Doors required to be side-hinged or pivoted-swingintype shall swing in the direction of egress travel where servinroom or area with an occupant load of 50 or more.

Exception No. 1: Doors in horizontal exits shall not be requireto swing in the direction of egress travel where exempted in2.4.3.6.

Exception No. 2: Smoke barrier doors as provided in Chapter 1

5-2.1.4.3 Doors shall swing in the direction of egress travwhere used in an exit enclosure or where serving a high hazcontents area.

Exception: Doors from individual living units that open directlinto an exit enclosure.

5-2.1.4.4* During its swing, any door in a means of egress shleave unobstructed at least one half of the required width ofaisle, corridor, passageway, or landing, nor project more than 7(17.8 cm) into the required width of an aisle, corridor, passagewor landing, when fully open. Doors shall not open immediateonto a stair without a landing. The landing shall have a widthleast equal to the width of the door. (See 5-2.1.3.)

Exception: In existing buildings, a door providing access tostair shall maintain an unobstructed width of a stair or landing at least 22 in. (55.9 cm) and, when open, project not more thain. (17.8 cm) into the required width of a stair or landing.

5-2.1.4.5 The forces required to fully open any door manually a means of egress shall not be more than 15 lbf (67 N) to releaslatch, 30 lbf (133 N) to set the door in motion, and 15 lbf (67 N) open the door to the minimum required width. Opening forces interior side-hinged or pivoted-swinging doors without closeshall not be more than 5 lbf (22 N). These forces shall be appliethe latch stile.

Exception No. 1: The opening force for doors in existing builings shall not be more than 50 lbf (222 N) applied to the latch st

Exception No. 2: Horizontal sliding doors as provided in Chaters 14 and 15.

Exception No. 3: Power-operated doors as provided in 5-2.1.9

5-2.1.4.6 Screen doors and storm doors used in a means of egshall not swing against the direction of egress travel where doare required to swing in the direction of egress travel.

5-2.1.5 Locks, Latches, and Alarm Devices.

5-2.1.5.1 Doors shall be arranged to be opened readily from tegress side whenever the building is occupied. Locks, if providshall not require the use of a key, a tool, or special knowledge orfort for operation from the inside of the building.

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Exception No. 1: As provided in Chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15.

Exception No. 2: Exterior doors shall be permitted to have key-operated locks from the egress side, provided that

(a) This exception is permitted in Chapters 8 through 31 for thespecific occupancy; and

(b) On or adjacent to the door, there is a readily visible, durablesign in letters at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting back-ground that reads:

“THIS DOOR TO REMAIN OPEN WHENTHE BUILDING IS OCCUPIED”; and

(c) The locking device is of a type that is readily distinguishableas locked; and

(d) A key is immediately available to any occupant inside thebuilding when it is locked.

This exception shall be permitted to be revoked by the authorityhaving jurisdiction for cause.

Exception No. 3: Where permitted in Chapters 8 through 31, keyoperation shall be permitted, provided the key cannot be removedwhen the door is locked from the side from which egress is to bemade.

5-2.1.5.2* Every stair enclosure door shall permit reentry fromthe stair enclosure to the interior of the building, or an automaticrelease shall be provided to unlock all stair enclosure doors to per-mit reentry. Such automatic release shall be actuated with the initi-ation of the building fire alarm system.

Exception No. 1: Selected doors on stair enclosures shall be per-mitted to be equipped with hardware that prevents reentry into theinterior of the building, provided that

(a) There are at least two levels where it is possible to leave thestair enclosure; and

(b) There are not more than four stories intervening betweenstories where it is possible to leave the stair enclosure; and

(c) Reentry is possible on the top or next to top story permittingaccess to another exit; and

(d) Doors permitting reentry are identified as such on the stairside of the door; and

(e) Doors not permitting reentry shall be provided with a signon the stair side indicating the location of the nearest door, in eachdirection of travel, permitting reentry or exit.

Exception No. 2: Stairs serving not more than four stories.

Exception No. 3: Existing installations as permitted in Chapters 8through 31.

Exception No. 4: Stair enclosures serving a building permitted tohave a single exit in accordance with Chapters 8 through 32.


5-2.1.5.3* A latch or other fastening device on a door shall beprovided with a releasing device having an obvious method of op-eration under all lighting conditions. The releasing mechanism forany latch shall be located not more than 48 in. (122 cm) above thefinished floor. Doors shall be openable with not more than one re-leasing operation.

Exception:* Egress doors from individual living units and guerooms of residential occupancies shall be permitted to be providwith devices that require not more than one additional releasioperation, provided such device is operable from the inside withthe use of a key or tool and is mounted at a height not more thanin. (122 cm) above the finished floor. Existing security devices shbe permitted to have two additional releasing operations. Existisecurity devices other than automatic latching devices shall notlocated more than 60 in. (152 cm) in height above the finishfloor. Automatic latching devices shall not be located more thanin. (122 cm) above the finished floor.

5-2.1.5.4 Where pairs of doors are required in a means of egreeach leaf of the pair shall be provided with its own releasing vice. Devices that depend upon the release of one door beforeother shall not be used.

Exception: Where exit doors are used in pairs and approved tomatic flush bolts are used, the door leaf having the automaflush bolts shall have no doorknob or surface-mounted hardwaThe unlatching of any leaf shall not require more than one opetion.

5-2.1.5.5* Devices shall not be installed in connection with andoor on which panic hardware or fire exit hardware is requireprovided such device prevents or is intended to prevent the freeof the door for purposes of egress.

Exception: As otherwise provided in 5-2.1.6.

5-2.1.6 Special Locking Arrangements.

5-2.1.6.1 Delayed Egress Locks.Approved, listed, delayedegress locks shall be permitted to be installed on doors servingand ordinary hazard contents in buildings protected throughoutan approved, supervised automatic fire detection system instain accordance with Section 7-6, or an approved, supervised amatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7and where permitted in Chapters 8 through 31, provided that

(a) The doors unlock upon actuation of an approved, superviautomatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section7, or upon the actuation of any heat detector or not more than smoke detectors of an approved, supervised automatic fire detion system installed in accordance with Section 7-6; and

(b) The doors unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock locking mechanism; and

(c) The doors unlock upon disablement of the automatic fire dtection system, sprinkler system, or the means of sprinkler syssupervision protecting the building area served by the door(s); a

(d) An irreversible process releases the lock within 15 sec upapplication to the release device required in 5-2.1.5.3 of a force shall not be required to exceed 15 lbf (67 N) nor required to be ctinuously applied for more than 3 sec. The initiation of the releaprocess shall activate a signal in the vicinity of the door to ensthose attempting to egress that the system is functional. Oncedoor lock has been released by the application of force to theleasing device, relocking shall be by manual means only; and

Exception to (d): Where approved by the authority having jurdiction, a delay of not more than 30 sec shall be permitted provithat reasonable life safety is ensured.

(e)* On the door adjacent to the release device, there is a reavisible, durable sign in letters at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) high and

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“PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS.DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS”.

5-2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors.Where permitted inChapters 8 through 32, doors in the means of egress shall be per-mitted to be equipped with an approved entrance and egress accesscontrol system, provided that

(a) A sensor is provided on the egress side arranged to detect anoccupant approaching the doors and the doors are arranged to un-lock upon detection of approaching occupant or loss of power tothe sensor; and

(b) Loss of power to that part of the access control system thatlocks the doors automatically unlocks the doors; and

(c) The doors are arranged to unlock from a manual release de-vice located 40 in. (102 cm) to 48 in. (122 cm) vertically above thefloor and within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the secured doors. The manual re-lease device shall be readily accessible and clearly identified by asign that reads:

“PUSH TO EXIT”.

When operated, the manual release device shall result in directinterruption of power to the lock—independent of the access con-trol system electronics—and the doors shall remain unlocked for atleast 30 sec; and

(d) Activation of the building fire-protective signaling system,if provided, automatically unlocks the doors, and the doors remainunlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manu-ally reset; and

(e) Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or fire detec-tion system, if provided, automatically unlocks the doors and thedoors remain unlocked until the fire-protective signaling systemhas been manually reset.

5-2.1.7 Panic Hardware and Fire Exit Hardware.

5-2.1.7.1 Panic hardware and fire exit hardware consist of a door-latching assembly incorporating a device that releases the latchupon the application of a force in the direction of egress travel. Fireexit hardware additionally provides fire protection where used aspart of a fire door assembly.

5-2.1.7.2 Where a door is required to be equipped with panic orfire exit hardware, such releasing device shall

(a) Consist of bars or panels, the actuating portion of which ex-tends across at least one half of the width of the door leaf, at least30 in. (76 cm) and not more than 44 in. (112 cm) above the floor;and

(b) Cause the door latch to release when a force that shall not berequired to exceed 15 lbf (67 N) is applied.

5-2.1.7.3 Only approved panic hardware shall be used on doorsthat are not fire doors. Only approved fire exit hardware shall beused on fire doors.

5-2.1.7.4 Required panic hardware and fire exit hardware shallnot be equipped with any locking device, set screw, or other ar-rangement that prevents the release of the latch when pressure isapplied to the releasing device. Devices that hold the latch in the re-tracted position shall be prohibited on fire exit hardware.


Exception No. 2: Listed and approved devices that hold the lain the retracted position shall be permitted on fire exit hardware.

5-2.1.8* Self-Closing Devices. A door designed to normally bekept closed in a means of egress shall be a self-closing doorshall not be secured in the open position at any time.

Exception: In any building of low or ordinary hazard contents, adefined in 4-2.2.2 and 4-2.2.3, or where approved by the authohaving jurisdiction, doors shall be permitted to be automatic-cloing, provided that

(a) Upon release of the hold-open mechanism, the door comes self-closing; and

(b) The release device is designed so that the door instantlyleases manually and upon release becomes self-closing, ordoor closes by some simple or readily obvious operation; and

(c) The automatic releasing mechanism or medium is activaby (1) the operation of an approved, automatic smoke detectsystem installed in accordance with Section 7-6 to protect the tire building, designed and installed to provide for actuation of thsystem promptly so as to preclude the generation of heat or smsufficient to interfere with egress before the system operates(2) the operation of approved smoke detectors installed in sucway as to detect smoke on either side of the door opening, astailed in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. The above systeshall be permitted to be zoned where approved by the authohaving jurisdiction; and

(d) Any fire detection system or smoke detector is provided wsuch supervision and safeguards as are necessary to ensureability of operation in case of fire (see also Section 7-6); and

(e) Upon loss of power to the hold-open device, the hold-opmechanism is released and the door becomes self-closing; and

(f) The release by means of smoke detection of one door stair enclosure results in closing all doors serving that stair.

5-2.1.9* Power-Operated Doors. Where required doors are operated by power upon the approach of a person or doors wpower-assisted manual operation, the design shall be such ththe event of power failure, the door opens manually to permegress travel or closes where necessary to safeguard the meaegress. The forces required to open these doors manually shabe more than required in 5-2.1.4.5 except that the force requireset the door in motion shall not be more than 50 lbf (222 N). Tdoor shall be designed and installed so that when a force is appto the door on the side from which egress is made, it shall be cable of swinging from any position to the full use of the requirewidth of the opening in which it is installed. (See 5-2.1.4.) On theegress side of each door, there shall be a readily visible, dursign that reads:

“IN EMERGENCY PUSH TO OPEN”.

The sign shall be in letters not less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) high ocontrasting background.

Exception No. 1: Sliding, power-operated doors in exit acceserving an occupant load of fewer than 50 that manually opensthe direction of door travel with forces not more than required in 2.1.4.5 shall not be required to have a swing-out feature. The quired sign shall state “In Emergency Slide to Open”.

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Exception No. 2:* In the emergency break-out mode, a door leaflocated within a two-leaf opening shall be exempt from the mini-mum 32-in. (81-cm) single-leaf requirement of 5-2.1.2.2 providedthe clear width of the single leaf is at least 30 in. (76 cm).

Exception No. 3: For a biparting sliding door in the emergencybreak-out mode, a door leaf located within a multiple-leaf openingshall be exempt from the minimum 32 in. (81 cm) single-leaf re-quirement of 5-2.1.2.2 if a minimum of 32 in. (81 cm) clear openingis provided by all leafs broken out.

Exception No. 4: Doors complying with 5-2.1.14.


5-2.1.10 Revolving Doors.

5-2.1.10.1 Revolving doors shall comply with the following:

(a) Revolving doors shall be capable of being collapsed into abook-fold position; and

Exception to (a): Existing revolving doors where approved by theauthority having jurisdiction.

(b) When in the book-fold position, the parallel egress pathsformed shall provide an aggregate width of 36 in. (91 cm); and

Exception to (b): Existing revolving doors where approved by theauthority having jurisdiction.

(c) Revolving doors shall not be used within 10 ft (3 m) of thefoot or top of stairs, or escalators. Under all conditions, there shallbe a dispersal area acceptable to the authority having jurisdictionbetween the stairs or escalators and the revolving door; and

(d) The revolutions per minute (rpm) of revolving doors shallnot exceed values in the following table:

(e) Each revolving door shall have a conforming side-hingedswinging door in the same wall as the revolving door and within 10ft (3 m) of the revolving door.

Exception No. 1 to (e): Revolving doors shall be permitted with-out adjacent swinging doors for street floor elevator lobbies pro-vided no stairways or doors from other parts of the buildingdischarge through the lobby and the lobby has no occupancy otherthan as a means of travel between elevators and street.

Exception No. 2 to (e): Existing revolving doors where the num-ber of revolving doors is not more than the number of swingingdoors within 20 ft (6.1 m).

5-2.1.10.2 Where permitted in Chapters 8 through 31, revolvingdoors shall be permitted as a component in a means of egress, pro-vided that

(a) Revolving doors are not given credit for more than 50 pcent of the required egress capacity, and

(b) Each revolving door is credited with not more than 50 pesons capacity, and

Exception to (b): Revolving doors with at least a 9-ft (2.7-m) dameter shall be permitted egress capacity based on the clear oing width provided.

(c) Revolving doors are capable of being collapsed intobook-fold position when a force of not more than 130 lbf (578 Nis applied to wings within 3 in. (7.6 cm) of the outer edge.

5-2.1.10.3 Revolving doors not used as a component of a meaof egress shall have a collapsing force of not more than 180(800 N).

Exception: Revolving doors, provided the collapsing force is rduced to not more than 130 lbf (578 N) where:

(a) There is a power failure or power is removed to the devholding the wings in position, and

(b) There is an actuation of the automatic sprinkler systewhere such system is provided, and

(c) There is actuation of a smoke detection system that isstalled to provide coverage in all areas within the building that awithin 75 ft (23 m) of the revolving doors, and

(d) There is the actuation of a clearly identified manual contrswitch in an approved location that reduces the holding force to more than 130 lbf (578 N).

5-2.1.11 Turnstiles.

5-2.1.11.1 Turnstiles or similar devices that restrict travel to ondirection or are used to collect fares or admission charges shaplaced so as to obstruct any required means of egress.

Exception No. 1: Approved turnstiles not more than 39 in. (cm) high that turn freely in the direction of egress travel shall permitted where revolving doors are permitted in Chaptersthrough 31.

Exception No. 2: Where turnstiles are approved by the authohaving jurisdiction and permitted in Chapters 8 through 31, eaturnstile shall be credited for 50 persons capacity provided suturnstiles:

(a) Freewheel in the egress direction when primary powerlost, and freewheel in the direction of egress travel upon the mual release by an employee assigned in the area; and

(b) Are not given credit for more than 50 percent of the requiregress width; and

(c) Are not more than 39 in. (99 cm) high and have a clewidth of at least 161/2 in. (41.9 cm).

5-2.1.11.2 Turnstiles more than 39 in. (99 cm) high shall meet trequirements for revolving doors.

5-2.1.11.3 Turnstiles in or furnishing access to required exishall provide at least 161/2 in. (41.9 cm) clear width at and below aheight of 39 in. (99 cm) and at least 22 in. (55.9 cm) clear widthheights above 39 in. (99 cm).

5-2.1.12 Doors in Folding Partitions. Where permanentlymounted folding or movable partitions divide a room into smallspaces, a swinging door or open doorway shall be provided aexit access from each such space.

Inside DiameterPower Driven-Type

Speed Control (rpm)Manual-Type Speed

Control (rpm)

6 ft 6 in. (2 m) 11 127 ft 0 in. (2.1 m) 10 117 ft 6 in. (2.3 m) 9 118 ft 0 in. (2.4 m) 9 108 ft 6 in. (2.6 m) 8 99 ft 0 in. (2.7 m) 8 99 ft 6 in. (2.9 m) 7 810 ft 0 in. (3.0 m) 7 8

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Exception No. 1: The swinging door shall not be required, and thepartition shall be permitted to enclose the space completely, pro-vided that

(a) The subdivided space is not used by more than 20 persons atany time; and

(b) The use of the space is under adult supervision; and

(c) The partitions are arranged so that they do not extendacross any aisle or corridor used as an exit access to the requiredexits from the story; and

(d) The partitions conform to the interior finish and other re-quirements of this Code; and

(e) The partitions are of an approved type, have a simplemethod of release, and are capable of being opened quickly andeasily by experienced persons in case of emergency.

Exception No. 2: Where a subdivided space is provided with atleast two means of egress, the swinging door in the folding parti-tion shall not be required, and one such means of egress shall bepermitted to be equipped with a horizontal sliding door complyingwith 5-2.1.14.

5-2.1.13 Balanced Doors. If panic hardware is installed on bal-anced doors, the panic hardware shall be of the push-pad type, andthe pad shall not extend more than approximately one half thewidth of the door measured from the latch side. [See 5-2.1.7.2(a).]

5-2.1.14 Horizontal Sliding Doors. Horizontal sliding doorsshall be permitted in means of egress, provided that

(a) The door is operable by a simple method from either sidewithout special knowledge or effort; and

(b) The force, applied to the operating device in the direction ofegress, required to operate the door is not more than 15 lbf (67 N);and

(c) The force required to operate the door in the direction ofdoor travel is not more than 30 lbf (133 N) to set the door in motionand 15 lbf (67 N) to close the door or open it to the minimum re-quired width; and

(d) The door is operable with a force not more than 50 lbf (222N) when a force of 250 lbf (1110 N) is applied perpendicularly tothe door adjacent to the operating device; and

Exception to (d): Horizontal sliding exit access doors serving anarea having an occupant load of fewer than 50.

(e) The door assembly complies with the fire protection ratingand, where rated, is self-closing or automatic-closing by smokedetection in accordance with 5-2.1.8, and is installed in accor-dance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows.

5-2.2 Stairs.

5-2.2.1 General. Stairs used as a component in the means ofegress shall conform to the general requirements of Section 5-1 andto the special requirements of this subsection.

Exception No. 1: Aisle steps provided in Chapters 8 and 9.

Exception No. 2: Existing noncomplying stairs where approvedby the authority having jurisdiction.

5-2.2.2 Dimensional Criteria.

5-2.2.2.1 Standard Stairs. Stairs shall be in accordance withTable 5-2.2.2.1(a).

Exception No. 1:* Existing stairs in existing buildings shall bpermitted to remain in use provided they meet the requirementsexisting stairs shown in the table for existing stairs. Where aproved by the authority having jurisdiction, existing stairs shall bpermitted to be rebuilt in accordance with the Table 5-2.2.2.1(bdimensional criteria for existing stairs and in accordance wiother Code requirements in 5-2.2 for stairs.

Exception No. 2: Industrial equipment access as provided Chapter 28.

5-2.2.2.2 Monumental Stairs. Monumental stairs, either insideor outside, shall be permitted as a component in a means of egwhere all the requirements for stairs are met.

5-2.2.2.3 Curved Stairs. Curved stairs shall be permitted as component in a means of egress provided the minimum depthtread is 11 in. (27.9 cm) at a point 12 in. (30.5 cm) from the nrower end of the tread, and the smallest radius is at least twicestair width.

Exception: Existing curved stairs shall be permitted provided tminimum depth of tread is 10 in. (25.4 cm) and the smallest radis at least twice the stair width.

5-2.2.2.4 Spiral Stairs. Where permitted in Chapters 8 throug31, spiral stairs shall be permitted as a component in a meanegress, provided that

(a) The occupant load served is not more than 5, and

Table 5-2.2.2.1(a) New Stairs

Minimum width clear of all obstructions, except projections not more than 31/2 in. (8.9 cm) at or below handrail height on each side

44 in. (112 cm); 36 in. (91 cm) where total occupant load of all stories served by stairways is fewer than 50

Maximum height of risers 7 in. (17.8 cm)Minimum height of risers 4 in. (10.2 cm)Minimum tread depth 11 in. (27.9 cm)Minimum headroom 6 ft 8 in. (203 cm)Maximum height between landings 12 ft (3.7 m)Landing (See 5-2.1.3 and 5-2.1.4.4.)

Table 5-2.2.2.1(b) Existing Stairs

Class A Class B

Minimum width clear of all obstructions, except projections not more than 31/2 in. (8.9 cm) at or below handrail height on each side

44 in. (112 cm)

44 in. (112 cm)

36 in. (91 cm) where totaloccupant load of all stories served

by stairways is fewer than 50

Maximum height of risers 71/2 in. (19.1 cm)

8 in. (20.3 cm)

Minimum tread depth 10 in. (25.4 cm)

9 in. (22.9 cm)

Minimum headroom 6 ft 8 in. (203 cm)

6 ft 8 in. (203 cm)

Maximum height between landings 12 ft (3.7 m)

12 ft (3.7 m)

Landing (See 5-2.1.3 and 5-2.1.4.4 .)

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(b) The clear width of the stairs is at least 26 in. (66 cm), and(c) The height of risers is not more than 91/2 in. (24.1 cm), and(d) Headroom is at least 6 ft 6 in. (198 cm), and(e) Treads have a minimum depth of 71/2 in. (19.1 cm) at a point

12 in. (30.5 cm) from the narrower edge, and(f) All treads are identical.

5-2.2.2.5* Winders. Where permitted in Chapters 8 through 31,winders shall be permitted in stairs. Winders shall have a mini-mum tread depth of 6 in. (15.2 cm) and a minimum depth of treadof 11 in. (27.9 cm) at a point 12 in. (30.5 cm) from the narrowestedge.

Exception: Existing winders shall be permitted to remain pro-vided they have a minimum tread depth of 6 in. (15.2 cm) and aminimum depth of tread of 9 in. (22.9 cm) at a point 12 in. (30.5cm) from the narrowest edge.

5-2.2.3 Stair Details.

5-2.2.3.1 Construction.

5-2.2.3.1.1 All stairs serving as required means of egress shall beof permanent fixed construction.

Exception: Stairs serving seating that is designed to be reposi-tioned in accordance with Chapters 8 and 9.

5-2.2.3.1.2 Each stair, platform, and landing in buildings requiredin this Code to be of Type I or Type II construction shall be of non-combustible material throughout.

Exception No. 1: Handrails.

Exception No. 2: Existing stairs.

5-2.2.3.2 Landings. Stairs and intermediate landings shall con-tinue with no decrease in width along the direction of egress travel.In new buildings, every landing shall have a dimension measured indirection of travel equal to the width of the stair.

Exception: Landings shall be permitted to be not more than 4 ft(122 cm) in the direction of travel provided the stair has a straightrun.

5-2.2.3.3* Tread and Landing Surfaces. Stair treads and land-ings shall be solid, uniformly slip resistant, and free of projectionsor lips that could trip stair users. If not vertical, risers shall be per-mitted to slope under the tread at an angle of not more than 30 de-grees from vertical, however, the permitted projection of the nosingshall not be more than 11/2 in. (3.8 cm).

Exception: Noncombustible grated stair treads and landings asprovided in Chapters 8, 9, 14, 15, and 28.

5-2.2.3.4* Tread Slope. Tread slope shall not be more than 1/4 in.per ft (2 cm per m) (a slope of 1 in 48).

5-2.2.3.5* Riser Height and Tread Depth. Riser height shallbe measured as the vertical distance between tread nosings. Treaddepth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes ofthe foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to thetread’s leading edge, but shall not include bevelled or rounded treadsurfaces that slope more than 20 degrees (a slope of 1 in 2.75). Attread nosings, such bevelling or rounding shall not be more than 1/2in. (1.3 cm) in horizontal dimension.

5-2.2.3.6 Dimensional Uniformity. There shall be no variationmore than 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) in the depth of adjacent treads or in theheight of adjacent risers, and the tolerance between the largest and

smallest riser or between the largest and smallest tread shall nmore than 3/8 in. (1 cm) in any flight.

Exception: Where the bottom riser adjoins a sloping public wawalk, or driveway having an established grade and serving alanding, a variation in height of the bottom riser of not more thanin. (7.6 cm) in every 3 ft (91 cm) of stairway width shall be permted.

5-2.2.4 Guards and Handrails.

5-2.2.4.1* Guards. Means of egress that are more than 30 i(76 cm) above the floor or grade below shall be provided wguards to prevent falls over the open side.

5-2.2.4.2* Handrails. Stairs and ramps shall have handrails oboth sides. In addition, handrails shall be provided within 30 in. (cm) of all portions of the required egress width of stairs. The quired egress width shall be along the natural path of travel. (Seealso 5-2.2.4.5.)

Exception No. 1: On existing stairs, handrails shall be providewithin 44 in. (112 cm) of all portions of the required egress widthstairs.

Exception No. 2: If part of a curb separating a sidewalk fromvehicular way, a single step or a ramp shall not be required to haa handrail.

Exception No. 3: Existing stairs, existing ramps, stairs withdwelling units and within guest rooms, and ramps within dwelliunits and guest rooms shall have a handrail on at least one side

5-2.2.4.3 Continuity. Required guards and handrails shall continue for the full length of each flight of stairs. At turns of stairs, iside handrails shall be continuous between flights at landings.

Exception: On existing stairs, handrails shall not be required be continuous between flights of stairs at landings.

5-2.2.4.4 Projections. The design of guards and handrails anthe hardware for attaching handrails to guards, balusters, or wshall be such that there are no projections that might engage loclothing. Openings in guards shall be designed to prevent loclothing from becoming wedged in such openings.

5-2.2.4.5* Handrail Details.

(a) Handrails on stairs shall be at least 34 in. (86 cm) and more than 38 in. (96 cm) above the surface of the tread, measvertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread

Exception No. 1 to (a): The height of required handrails thform part of a guard shall be permitted to be not more than 42 (107 cm) measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leadiedge of the tread.

Exception No. 2 to (a): Existing required handrails shall be least 30 in. (76 cm) and not more than 38 in. (96 cm) above theper surface of the tread, measured vertically to the top of the from the leading edge of the tread.

Exception No. 3 to (a):* Additional handrails that are lower ohigher than the main handrail shall be permitted.

(b)* New handrails shall provide a clearance of at least 11/2 in.(3.8 cm) between the handrail and the wall to which it is fastene

(c)* Handrails shall have a circular cross section with an oside diameter of at least 11/4 in. (3.2 cm) and not more than 2 in. (5

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cm). New handrails shall be continuously graspable along the en-tire length.

Exception No. 1 to (c): Any other shape with a perimeter dimen-sion of at least 4 in. (10.2 cm), but not more than 61/4 in. (15.9 cm),and with the largest cross-sectional dimension not more than 21/4 in.(5.7 cm) shall be permitted provided that edges are rounded so asto provide a minimum radius of 1/8 in. (0.3 cm).

Exception No. 2 to (c): Handrail brackets or balusters attachedto the bottom surface of the handrail, which do not project horizon-tally beyond the sides of the handrail within 1 in. (2.5 cm) of thebottom of the handrail and which have edges with 1/8 in. (0.3 cm)minimum radius, shall not be considered to be obstructions tograspability.

(d) New handrail ends shall be returned to the wall or floor orshall terminate at newel posts.

(e) New handrails that are not continuous between flights shallextend horizontally, at the required height, at least 12 in. (30.5 cm)beyond the top riser and continue to slope for a depth of one treadbeyond the bottom riser.

Exception to (e): Where approved by the authority having juris-diction because of space limitations and within dwelling units, thehorizontal extension at the top of the flight shall not be requiredprovided that the handrail extends, at the required height, to apoint directly above the top riser.

5-2.2.4.6 Guard Details.

(a) The height of guards required in 5-2.2.4.1 shall be measuredvertically to the top of the guard from the surface adjacent thereto.

(b) Guards shall be at least 42 in. (107 cm) high.

Exception No. 1 to (b): Existing guards within dwelling unitsshall be at least 36 in. (91 cm) high.

Exception No. 2 to (b): As provided in Chapters 8 and 9.

Exception No. 3 to (b):* Existing guards on existing stairs shallbe at least 30 in. (76 cm) high.

(c)* Open guards shall have intermediate rails or an ornamentalpattern such that a sphere 4 in. (10.1 cm) in diameter shall not passthrough any opening up to a height of 34 in. (86 cm).

Exception No. 1 to (c): The triangular openings formed by theriser, tread, and bottom element of a guardrail at the open side of astair shall be of such size that a sphere 6 in. (15.2 cm) in diametershall not pass through the triangular opening.

Exception No. 2 to (c): In detention and correctional occupancies,in industrial occupancies, and in storage occupancies, the clear dis-tance between intermediate rails measured at right angles to therails shall not be more than 21 in. (53.3 cm).

Exception No. 3 to (c): Approved existing open guards.

5-2.2.5 Enclosure and Protection of Stairs.

5-2.2.5.1 Enclosures. All inside stairs serving as an exit or exitcomponent shall be enclosed in accordance with 5-1.3.2. All other in-side stairs shall be protected in accordance with 6-2.4.

Exception: In existing buildings, where a two-story exit enclosureconnects the story of exit discharge with an adjacent story, the exitshall be required only to be enclosed on the story of exit discharge

and at least 50 percent of the number and capacity of exits onstory of exit discharge shall be independent of such enclosures

5-2.2.5.2* Exposures. Where nonrated walls or unprotecteopenings enclose the exterior of a stairway and the walls or opings are exposed by other parts of the building at an angle ofmore than 180 degrees, the building enclosure walls within 10 fm) horizontally of the nonrated wall or unprotected opening shbe constructed as required for stairway enclosures including oping protectives. Construction shall extend vertically from thground to a point 10 ft (3 m) above the topmost landing of the staor to the roofline, whichever is lower.

Exception No. 1: Existing stairways.

Exception No. 2: The fire resistance rating of the separation etending 10 ft (3 m) from the stairs shall not be required to be mthan 1 hour with openings having a 3/4-hr fire protection rating.

5-2.2.5.3* Usable Space.There shall be no enclosed, usabspace within an exit enclosure, including under stairs, nor shall open space within the enclosure be used for any purpose thathe potential to interfere with egress.

Exception: Enclosed usable space shall be permitted under stprovided the space is separated from the stair enclosure by same fire resistance as the exit enclosure. Entrance to such closed usable space shall not be from within the stair enclosu(See also 5-1.3.2.3.)

5-2.2.5.4* Stair Identification Signs. Stairs serving five ormore stories shall be provided with signage within the enclosureach floor landing. The signage shall indicate the story, the ternus of the top and bottom of the stair enclosure, and the identiftion of the stair. The signage also shall state the story of, anddirection to, exit discharge. The signage shall be inside the ensure located approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) above the floor landing iposition that is readily visible when the door is in the open closed position.

5-2.2.5.5 Egress Direction Signs.Wherever an enclosed stairrequires travel in an upward direction to reach the level of exit dcharge, signs with directional indicators indicating the directionthe level of exit discharge shall be provided at each floor level laing from which upward direction of travel is required. Such sinage shall be readily visible when the door is in the open or cloposition.

Exception No. 1: Where signs required by 5-2.2.5.4 are provid

Exception No. 2: Stairs that extend not more than 1 story belthe level of exit discharge where the exit discharge is clearly obous.

5-2.2.6 Special Provisions for Outside Stairs.

5-2.2.6.1 Access. Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, outside stairs shall be permitted where leading to roofsother sections of the building or an adjoining building, where tconstruction is fire resistive, where there is a continuous and smeans of egress from the roof, and where all other reasonablequirements for life safety are maintained. (See also 5-7.6.)

5-2.2.6.2 Balconies. Balconies to which egress doors lead shabe approximately level with the floor of the building.

Exception: In existing buildings located in climates where balcnies are subject to accumulation of snow or ice, one step, not m

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than 8 in. (20.3 cm), shall be permitted below the level of the insidefloor.

5-2.2.6.3* Visual Protection. Outside stairs shall be arranged toavoid any impediments to the use of the stairs by persons having afear of high places. For stairs more than three stories in height, anyarrangement intended to meet this requirement shall be at least 4 ft(1.2 m) in height.

5-2.2.6.4 Separation and Protection of Outside Stairs.Out-side stairs shall be separated from the interior of the building bywalls with the fire resistance rating required for enclosed stairswith fixed or self-closing opening protectives. This constructionshall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 ft (3 m) abovethe topmost landing of the stairs or to the roofline, whichever is lower,and at least 10 ft (3 m) horizontally.

Exception No. 1: Outside stairs serving an exterior exit accessbalcony that has two remote outside stairways or ramps.

Exception No. 2: Outside stairs serving not more than two adja-cent stories, including the story of exit discharge, shall be permit-ted to be unprotected where there is a remotely located second exit.

Exception No. 3: In existing buildings, outside stairs serving notmore than three adjacent stories, including the story of exit dis-charge, shall be permitted to be unprotected where there is a re-motely located second exit.

Exception No. 4: The fire resistance rating of the separation ex-tending 10 ft (3 m) from the stairs shall not be required to be morethan 1 hr with openings having a 3/4-hr fire protection rating.

5-2.2.6.5 Protection of Openings. All openings below an out-side stair shall be protected with an assembly having a 3/4-hr fireprotection rating:

(a) Where located in a court, the smallest dimension of which isnot more than one third its height, or

(b) Where located in an alcove having a width not more thanone third its height and a depth more than one fourth its height.

5-2.2.6.6* Water Accumulation. Outside stairs and landingsshall be designed to minimize water accumulation on their sur-faces.

5-2.2.6.7 Openness. Outside stairs shall be at least 50 percentopen on one side and shall be arranged to restrict the accumulationof smoke.

5-2.3 Smokeproof Enclosures.

5-2.3.1 General. Where smokeproof enclosures are required inother sections of this Code, they shall comply with 5-2.3.

Exception: Existing smokeproof enclosures where approved bythe authority having jurisdiction.

5-2.3.2 Performance Design. The appropriate design methodshall be any system that meets the definition of smokeproof enclo-sure. The smokeproof enclosure shall be permitted to be created byusing natural ventilation, by using mechanical ventilation incorpo-rating a vestibule, or by pressurizing the stair enclosure.

5-2.3.3 Enclosure. A smokeproof enclosure shall consist of acontinuous stair enclosed from the highest point to the lowest pointby barriers having 2-hr fire resistance ratings. Where a vestibule isused, it shall be within the 2-hr rated enclosure and shall be consid-ered part of the smokeproof enclosure.

5-2.3.4 Vestibule. Where a vestibule is provided, the doorwainto the vestibule shall be protected with an approved fire door sembly having a 11/2-hr fire protection rating, and the fire door assembly from the vestibule to the stair shall have at least a 20-fire protection rating. Doors shall be designed to minimize air leaage and shall be self-closing or shall be automatic-closing by aation of a smoke detector within 10 ft (3 m) of the vestibule doo

5-2.3.5 Discharge. Every smokeproof enclosure shall discharginto a public way, into a yard or court having direct access to a plic way, or into an exit passageway. Such exit passageways shawithout openings other than the entrance from the smokeproofclosure and the door to the outside yard, court, or public way. Texit passageway shall be separated from the remainder of the bing by a 2-hr fire resistance rating.

5-2.3.6 Access. Access to the stair shall be by way of a vestibuor by way of an exterior balcony.

Exception: Smokeproof enclosures consisting of a pressuristair enclosure complying with 5-2.3.9.

5-2.3.7 Natural Ventilation. Smokeproof enclosures using natural ventilation shall comply with 5-2.3.3 and the following:

(a) Where access to the stair is by means of an open extebalcony, the door assembly to the stair shall have a 11/2-hr fire pro-tection rating and shall be self-closing or shall be automatic-cling by actuation of a smoke detector. Openings adjacent to sexterior balconies shall be protected in accordance with 5-2.2.6and

(b) Every vestibule shall have a minimum net area of 16 sq ft (sq m) of opening in an exterior wall facing an exterior court, yaor public space at least 20 ft (6.1 m) in width; and

(c) Every vestibule shall have a minimum dimension of at leathe required width of the corridor leading to it and a minimum dmension of 72 in. (183 cm) in the direction of travel.

5-2.3.8 Mechanical Ventilation. Smokeproof enclosures bymechanical ventilation shall comply with 5-2.3.3 and thfollowing:

(a) Vestibules shall have a minimum dimension of 44 in. (1cm) in width and 72 in. (183 cm) in direction of travel; and

(b) The vestibule shall be provided with at least one air chanper minute, and the exhaust shall be 150 percent of the supply. ply air shall enter and exhaust air shall discharge from the vestibthrough separate tightly constructed ducts used only for those poses. Supply air shall enter the vestibule within 6 in. (15.2 cm)the floor level. The top of the exhaust register shall be locatedmore than 6 in. (15.2 cm) down from the top of the trap and shalentirely within the smoke trap area. Doors, when in the open potion, shall not obstruct duct openings. Controlling dampers shalpermitted in duct openings if needed to meet the design requments; and

(c) To serve as a smoke and heat trap and to provide an upwmoving air column, the vestibule ceiling shall be at least 20 (50.8 cm) higher than the door opening into the vestibule. Theight shall be permitted to be decreased where justified by eneering design and field testing; and

(d) The stair shall be provided with a dampered relief openiat the top and supplied mechanically with sufficient air to dischaat least 2500 cu ft/min (70.8 cu m/min) through the relief openiwhile maintaining a minimum positive pressure of 0.10 in. watcolumn (25 Pa) in the stair relative to the vestibule with all dooclosed.

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5-2.3.9 Stair Pressurization.

5-2.3.9.1* Smokeproof enclosures by stair pressurization shallutilize an approved engineered system with a minimum designpressure difference across the barrier of 0.05 in. water column(12.5 Pa) in sprinklered buildings or 0.10 in. water column (25 Pa)in nonsprinklered buildings, and shall be capable of maintainingthese pressure differences under likely conditions of stack effect orwind. The pressure difference across doors shall not be more thanthat which permits the door to begin to be opened by a force of 30lbf (133 N) in accordance with 5-2.1.4.5.

5-2.3.9.2 Equipment and ductwork for stair pressurization shallbe located

(a) Exterior to the building and directly connected to the stair-way by ductwork enclosed in noncombustible construction; or

(b) Within the stair enclosure with intake and exhaust air di-rectly to the outside or through ductwork enclosed by a 2-hr fire-re-sistive rating; or

(c) Within the building if separated from the remainder of thebuilding, including other mechanical equipment, by a 2-hr fire-re-sistive rating.

Exception to (c): Where the building, including the stairway en-closure, is protected throughout by an approved, supervised auto-matic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7,the fire resistance rating shall be at least 1 hr.

In any case, openings into the required fire resistance ratingshall be limited to those needed for maintenance and operation andshall be protected by self-closing fire protection-rated devices inaccordance with 6-2.3.2.3.

5-2.3.10 Activation of Mechanical Ventilation Systems.

5-2.3.10.1 For both mechanical ventilation and pressurized stairenclosure systems, the activation of the systems shall be initiatedby a smoke detector installed in an approved location within 10 ft(3 m) of the entrance to the smokeproof enclosure.

5-2.3.10.2 The required mechanical systems shall operate at theactivation of the smoke detectors in 5-2.3.10.1 and by manual con-trols accessible to the fire department. The required system also shallbe initiated by the following, if provided:

(a) Water flow signal from a complete automatic sprinkler sys-tem, and

(b) General evacuation alarm signal. (See 7-6.3.5.)

5-2.3.11 Door Closers. The activation of an automatic-closingdevice on any door in the smokeproof enclosure shall activate allother automatic-closing devices on doors in the smokeproof enclo-sure.

5-2.3.12 Standby Power. Standby power for mechanical venti-lation equipment shall be provided by an approved, self-containedgenerator set to operate whenever there is a loss of power in thenormal house current. The generator shall be located in a roomhaving a minimum 1-hr fire resistance-rated separation from the re-mainder of the building. The generator shall have a minimum fuelsupply adequate to operate the equipment for two hours.

5-2.3.13 Testing. Before the mechanical equipment is acceptedby the authority having jurisdiction, it shall be tested to confirmthat the mechanical equipment is operating in compliance withthese requirements. All operating parts of the system shall be testedsemiannually by approved personnel, and a log shall be kept of theresults.

5-2.4 Horizontal Exits.

5-2.4.1* General. Horizontal exits shall be permitted to be substituted for other exits to the extent that the total egress capacitthe other exits (stairs, ramps, doors leading outside the buildshall be at least half that required for the entire area of the buildor connected buildings provided no horizontal exits exist.

Exception: As provided in Chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15.

5-2.4.2 Fire Compartments.

5-2.4.2.1 Every fire compartment for which credit is allowed inconnection with a horizontal exit shall have, in addition to the hoizontal exit or exits, at least one exit, but not less than 50 percenthe required number and capacity of exits, that is not a horizoexit. Any fire compartment not having an exit leading outside shbe considered as part of an adjoining compartment with an leading to the outside.


5-2.4.2.2 Every horizontal exit for which credit is given shall barranged so that there are continuously available paths of trleading from each side of the exit to stairways or other meansegress leading to outside the building.

5-2.4.2.3 Wherever either side of the horizontal exit is occupiethe doors used in connection with the horizontal exit shall be locked from the egress side.


5-2.4.2.4 The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit shabe sufficient to hold the occupants of both floor areas, providiat least 3 sq ft (0.28 sq m) clear floor area per person.

Exception: Special floor area requirements as provided in Chaters 12, 13, 14, and 15.

5-2.4.3 Fire Barriers.

5-2.4.3.1 Fire barriers separating buildings or areas betwewhich there are horizontal exits shall have a 2-hr fire resistanceing and shall provide a separation continuous to ground. (See also6-2.3.)

Exception: Where a fire barrier provides a horizontal exit in anstory of a building, such fire barrier shall not be required on othstories provided:

(a) The stories on which the fire barrier is omitted are separatfrom the story with the horizontal exit by construction having a fresistance rating at least equal to that of the horizontal exit fire brier; and

(b) Vertical openings between the story with the horizontal eand the open fire area story are enclosed with construction hava fire resistance rating at least equal to that of the horizontal efire barrier; and

(c) All required exits, other than horizontal exits, discharge drectly to the outside.

5-2.4.3.2 Where fire barriers serving horizontal exits terminate outside walls and the outside walls for a distance of 10 ft (3 m)each side of the horizontal exit are at an angle of less than 180grees, the outside walls shall have a 1-hr fire resistance rating 3/4-hr fire protection rating opening protectives for a distance of 10(3 m) on each side of the horizontal exit.

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Exception: Existing horizontal exits.

5-2.4.3.3 Fire barriers forming horizontal exits shall not be pene-trated by ducts.

Exception No. 1: Existing penetrations protected by approvedand listed fire dampers.

Exception No. 2: In buildings protected throughout by an ap-proved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accor-dance with Section 7-7.

Exception No. 3: Duct penetrations as permitted in Chapters 14and 15 that are protected by combination fire dampers/smoke leak-age-rated dampers that meet the smoke damper actuation require-ments of 6-3.5.

5-2.4.3.4 Any opening in such fire barriers, shall be protected asprovided in 6-2.3.2.3.

5-2.4.3.5 Doors in horizontal exits shall comply with 5-2.1.4.

Exception: Sliding doors as provided in Chapters 28 and 29.

5-2.4.3.6 Swinging fire doors shall be permitted in horizontal ex-its, provided:

(a) They swing in the direction of egress travel; and(b) Where a horizontal exit serves areas on both sides of a fire

barrier, there are adjacent openings with swinging doors, openingin opposite directions, with signs on each side of the fire barrier in-dicating the door that swings with the travel from that side; or

Exception to (b): Sleeping room areas in detention and correc-tional occupancies shall be exempt from the sign requirement.

(c) They are of any other approved arrangement provided thatdoors always swing with any possible egress travel.

Exception No. 1: Horizontal exit door swing as provided inChapters 13 and 15.

Exception No. 2: Horizontal exit doors in corridors no greaterthan 6 ft (183 cm) wide in existing buildings.

5-2.4.3.7* Doors in horizontal exits shall be designed and in-stalled to minimize air leakage.

5-2.4.3.8* All fire doors in horizontal exits shall be self-closingor automatic-closing in accordance with 5-2.1.8. Horizontal exitdoors located across a corridor shall be automatic-closing in accor-dance with 5-2.1.8.

Exception: Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction,existing doors in horizontal exits shall be permitted to be self-clos-ing.

5-2.4.4 Bridges and Balconies.

5-2.4.4.1 Each bridge or balcony utilized in conjunction withhorizontal exits shall have guards and handrails in conformity withthe requirements of 5-2.2.4.

5-2.4.4.2 Every bridge or balcony shall be at least as wide as thedoor leading to it and at least 44 in. (112 cm) wide for new con-struction.

5-2.4.4.3 Where the bridge or balcony serves as a horizontal exitin one direction, the door shall be required to swing only in the di-rection of egress travel.

Exception: Horizontal exit door swing as provided in Chapters13 and 15.

5-2.4.4.4 Where the bridge or balcony serves as a horizontal ein both directions, doors shall be provided in pairs, swinging in oposite directions. Only the door swinging in the direction of egretravel shall be counted in determination of egress capacity.

Exception No. 1: If the bridge or balcony has sufficient floor areto accommodate the occupant load of either connected buildingfire area on the basis of 3 sq ft (0.28 sq m) per person.

Exception No. 2: In existing buildings, doors on both ends of tbridge or balcony shall be permitted to swing out from the buildiwhere approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

Exception No. 3: Horizontal exit door swing as provided Chapters 13 and 15.

5-2.4.4.5 The bridge or balcony floor shall be approximatellevel with the building floor and, in climates subject to the accumlation of snow and ice, shall be protected to prevent the accumtion of snow and ice.

Exception: In existing buildings in climates where balconies bridges are subject to the accumulation of snow or ice, one snot more than 8 in. (20.3 cm), shall be permitted below the levethe inside floor.

5-2.4.4.6 All wall openings, in both of the connected buildings ofire areas, any part of which is within 10 ft (3 m) of any bridge balcony as measured horizontally or below, shall be protected wfire doors or fixed fire window assemblies having a 3/4-hr fire pro-tection rating.

Exception No. 1: Where bridges have solid sides at least 6 ft (cm) in height, such protection of wall openings shall not be quired.

Exception No. 2: Existing bridges and balconies where approvby the authority having jurisdiction.

5-2.5 Ramps.

5-2.5.1 General. Every ramp used as a component in a meansegress shall conform to the general requirements of Section 5-1to the special requirements of this subsection.

5-2.5.2 Dimensional Criteria. Ramps shall be in accordancewith Table 5-2.5.2.

Exception No. 1: Aisle ramps as permitted in Chapters 8 and

Exception No. 2: Existing ramps shall be permitted to remainuse or be rebuilt provided they meet the requirements shown intable for existing ramps.

Table 5-2.5.2 New Ramps

Minimum width clear of all obstructions, except projections not more than31/2 in. (8.9 cm) at or below handrail height on each side

44 in. (112 cm)

Maximum slope 1 in 12 for > 6 in. (>15.2 cm) rise 1 in 10 for > 3 in. (> 7.6 cm) and ≤ 6 in. (≤ 15.2 cm) rise 1 in 8 for ≤ 3 in. (≤ 7.6 cm) rise

Maximum cross slope 1 in 48

Maximum rise for a single ramp run 30 in. (76 cm)

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Exception No. 3: Existing Class B ramps with slopes not steeperthan 1 in 6 shall be permitted to remain in use where approved bythe authority having jurisdiction.

Exception No. 4: Existing ramps with slopes no steeper than 1 in10 shall not be required to be provided with landings.


Exception No. 6: Ramps providing access to vehicles, vessels,mobile structures, and aircraft shall not be required to comply withthe maximum slope or maximum rise for a single ramp run.

5-2.5.3 Ramp Details.

5-2.5.3.1 Construction.

(a) All ramps serving as required means of egress shall be ofpermanent fixed construction.

(b) A ramp used as a means of egress in a building more thanthree stories in height, or in a building of any height of noncom-bustible or fire-resistive construction, shall be constructed of anassembly of noncombustible or limited-combustible material. Theramp floor and landings shall be solid and without perforations.

5-2.5.3.2 Landings.

(a) Ramps shall have landings at the top, bottom, and at doorsopening onto the ramp. The slope of the landing shall not besteeper than 1 in 48. Every landing shall have a dimension mea-sured in the direction of travel at least the width of the ramp.

Exception to (a): Landings shall be permitted to be not more than 4ft (122 cm) in the direction of travel provided the ramp has a straightrun.

(b) Any changes in travel direction shall be made only at land-ings. Ramps and intermediate landings shall continue with no de-crease in width along the direction of egress travel.

Exception to (b): Existing ramps shall be permitted to change di-rection without a landing.

5-2.5.3.3 Slip Resistance.Ramps and landings shall have slip-resistant surfaces.

5-2.5.3.4 Drop-Offs. Ramps and landings with drop-offs shallhave curbs, walls, railings, or projecting surfaces that prevent peo-ple from traveling off the edge of the ramp. Curbs or barriers shallbe at least 4 in. (10.1 cm) in height.

5-2.5.4 Guards and Handrails. Guards complying with 5-2.2.4shall be provided for ramps. Handrails complying with 5-2.2.4shall be provided along both sides of a ramp segment steeper than 1in 20. The height of handrails and guards shall be measured verti-cally to the top of the guard or rail from the walking surface adja-cent thereto.

Exception: Guards and handrails provided for ramped aisles inaccordance with Chapters 8 and 9.

5-2.5.5 Enclosure and Protection of Ramps.Ramps in a re-quired means of egress shall be enclosed or protected as a staccordance with 5-2.2.5. The use of Exceptions No. 2 and 3 to2.2.6.4 shall be prohibited.

5-2.5.6 Special Provisions for Outside Ramps.

5-2.5.6.1 Floor Level. Balconies or landings to which doorslead shall be approximately level with the floor of the building.

Exception: In existing buildings located in climates where balcnies or landings are subject to accumulation of snow or ice, ostep, not more than 8 in. (20.3 cm), shall be permitted below level of the inside floor.

5-2.5.6.2* Visual Protection. Outside ramps shall be arrangeto avoid any impediments to their use by persons having a feahigh places. For ramps more than three stories in height, anyrangement intended to meet this requirement shall be at least(122 cm) in height.

5-2.5.6.3* Water Accumulation. Outside ramps and landingsshall be designed to minimize water accumulation on their sfaces.

5-2.6* Exit Passageways.

5-2.6.1* General. Exit passageways used as exit componenshall conform to the general requirements of Section 5-1 and tospecial requirements of this subsection.

5-2.6.2 Width. The width of an exit passageway shall be adquate to accommodate the aggregate required capacity of all edischarging through it.

Exception No. 1:* Where an exit passageway serves occupanthe level of exit discharge as well as other stories, capacity shnot be required to be aggregated.

Exception No. 2: As permitted in Chapters 24 and 25, an epassageway in a covered mall building shall be permitted to commodate occupant loads independently from the covered mand the tenant spaces. (See Exception to 24-2.2.7 and Exceptio25-2.2.7.)

5-2.6.3 Floor. The floor shall be solid and without perforations.

5-2.7 Escalators and Moving Walks. Escalators and movingwalks shall not constitute a part of the required means of egres

Exception: Previously approved escalators and moving walksexisting buildings.

5-2.8 Fire Escape Stairs.

5-2.8.1 General.

5-2.8.1.1 Fire escape stairs shall comply with the provisions of 2.8.

Exception: Existing noncomplying fire escape stairs shall be pmitted where approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

5-2.8.1.2 Fire escape stairs shall not constitute any of the quired means of egress.

Exception No. 1: Fire escape stairs shall be permitted on existbuildings as permitted in Chapters 8 through 32 but shall not costitute more than 50 percent of the required means of egress.

Existing Ramps

Class A Class B

Minimum width 44 in. (122 cm) 30 in. (76 cm)Maximum slope 1 in 10 1 in 8Maximum height between landings 12 ft (3.7 m) 12 ft (3.7 m)

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Exception No. 2: New fire escape stairs shall be permitted to beerected on existing buildings only where the authority having juris-diction has determined that outside stairs are impractical (see 5-2.2). New fire escape stairs shall not incorporate ladders or accesswindows, regardless of occupancy classification or occupant loadserved.

5-2.8.1.3 Fire escape stairs of the return platform-type with su-perimposed runs or the straight run-type with a platform that con-tinues in the same direction shall be permitted. Either type shall bepermitted to be parallel to or at right angles to buildings. Eithertype shall be permitted to be attached to buildings or erected inde-pendently of buildings and connected by walkways.

5-2.8.2 Protection of Openings. Fire escape stairs shall be ex-posed to the smallest possible number of window and door open-ings. Each opening shall be protected with approved fire door orfire window assemblies where the opening or any portion of theopening is located as follows.

(a) Horizontally. If within 15 ft (4.5 m) of any balcony, plat-form, or stairway constituting a component of the fire escape stair.

(b) Below. If within three stories or 35 ft (10 m) of any bal-cony, platform, walkway, or stairway constituting a component ofthe fire escape stair or within two stories or 20 ft (6 m) of a plat-form or walkway leading from any story to the fire escape stair.

(c) Above. If within 10 ft (3 m) of any balcony, platform, orwalkway as measured vertically or of any stair tread surface asmeasured vertically.

(d) Top Story. Protection for wall openings shall not be re-quired where stairs do not lead to the roof.

(e) Court. Any wall facing a court served by a fire escape stairwhere the least dimension of the court is not greater than one thirdof the height to the uppermost platform of the fire escape stair mea-sured from the ground.

(f) Alcove. Any wall facing an alcove served by a fire escapestair where the width of the alcove is not greater than one third orthe depth more than one fourth of the height to the uppermost plat-form of the fire escape stair measured from the ground.

Exception: The provisions of 5-2.8.2 shall be permitted to be mod-ified by the authority having jurisdiction in consideration of auto-matic sprinkler protection, low hazard occupancy, or other specialconditions.

5-2.8.3 Access.

5-2.8.3.1 Access to fire escape stairs shall be in accordance with5-2.8.4 and 5-5.1.2.

Exception: Where permitted in the existing occupancy chaptersof this Code, access to fire escape stairs shall be permitted by wayof windows. Screening or storm windows shall be prohibited wherethey restrict free access to the fire escape stair. Windows shall bearranged and maintained so as to be easily opened.

5-2.8.3.2 Fire escape stairs shall extend to the roof in all caseswhere the roof is subject to occupancy or provides an area of saferefuge.

Exception: If the roof has a pitch of 1 to 6 or less, fire escape lad-ders in accordance with 5-2.9 or alternating tread devices in ac-cordance with 5-2.11 shall be provided for access to the roof.

5-2.8.3.3 Access to a fire escape stair shall be directly to a bal-cony, landing, or platform and shall be no higher than the floor or

windowsill level and no lower than 8 in. (20.3 cm) below the flolevel or 18 in. (45.7 cm) below the windowsill.

5-2.8.4 Stair Details. Fire escape stairs shall comply with threquirements of Table 5-2.8.4(a) and subsequent sections. Repment of fire escape stairs shall comply with the requirements of ble 5-2.8.4(b).

Table 5-2.8.4(b) Replacement Fire Escape Stairs

Serving More Than10 Occupants

Serving 10 orFewer Occupants

Minimum widths 22 in. (55.9 cm) clear between rails

Same

Minimum horizontal dimension of any landing or platform

22 in. (55.9 cm) Same

Maximum riser height 9 in. (22.9 cm) Same

Minimum tread, exclusive of nosing

10 in. (25.4 cm) Same

Tread construction Solid, 1/2-in. (1.3-cm) dia. perforations permitted

Same

Winders None Permitted subject to 5-2.2.2.5

Spiral None Permitted subject to 5-2.2.2.4

Risers None None

Maximum height between landings

12 ft (3.7 m) Same

Headroom, minimum 6 ft 8 in. (203 cm) Same

Access to escape Door or casement windows 24 in. × 6 ft 6 in. (61 cm × 198 cm) or double hung windows 30 in. × 36 in. (7 cm × 91 cm) clear opening

Windows providing a clear opening of at least 20 in. (50.8 cm) in width, 24 in. (61 cm) in height, and 5.7 sq ft (0.53 sq m) in area

Level of access opening Not over 12 in. (30.5 cm) above floor; steps if higher

Same

Discharge to ground Swinging stair section permitted if approved by authority having jurisdiction

Same

Capacity, number of persons

0.5 in. (1.3 cm) per person, if access by door; 1.0 in. (2.5 cm) per person if access by climbing over windowsill

10

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5-2.8.5 Guards, Handrails, and Visual Enclosures.

5-2.8.5.1 All fire escape stairs shall have walls or guards andhandrails on both sides in accordance with 5-2.2.4.

Exception: Existing handrails on existing fire escape stairs shbe permitted provided the height is not be more than 42 in. (1cm).

5-2.8.5.2 Replacement fire escape stairs in occupancies servmore than 10 occupants shall have visual enclosures to avoidimpediments to stair use by persons having a fear of high plaFor stairs more than three stories in height, any arrangementended to meet this requirement shall be at least 42 in. (107 cmheight.

5-2.8.6 Materials and Strength.

5-2.8.6.1 Noncombustible materials shall be used for the costruction of all components of fire escape stairs.

5-2.8.6.2 The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted tapprove any existing fire escape stair that has been shown by test or other satisfactory evidence to have adequate strength.

5-2.8.7* Swinging Stairs.

5-2.8.7.1 A single swinging stair section shall be permitted to teminate fire escape stairs over sidewalks, alleys, or driveways whit is impractical to make the termination with fire escape stairs.

5-2.8.7.2 Swinging stair sections shall not be located over dooover the path of travel from any other exit, or in any locatiowhere there are likely to be obstructions.

5-2.8.7.3 Width of swinging stair sections shall be at least that the fire escape stairs above.

5-2.8.7.4 Pitch of swinging stair sections shall be no steeper ththat of the fire escape stairs above.

5-2.8.7.5 Guards and handrails, in accordance with 5-2.2.4, shbe provided and shall be similar in height and construction to thused with the fire escape stairs above. Guards and handrails be designed to prevent any possibility of injury to persons whstairs swing downward. Minimum clearance between moving stions and any other portion of the stair system where hands hthe potential to be caught shall be 4 in. (10.2 cm).

5-2.8.7.6 If the distance from the lowest platform to ground is least 12 ft (3.7 m), an intermediate balcony not more than 12 ft (m) from the ground and at least 7 ft (2.1 m) in the clear underneshall be provided, with width at least that of the stairs and lengthleast 4 ft (1.2 m).

5-2.8.7.7 Swinging stairs shall be counterbalanced about a pivand cables shall not be used. A weight of 150 lb (68 kg) located step from the pivot shall not cause the stairs to swing downwaand a weight of 150 lb (68 kg) located one quarter of the lengththe swinging stairs from the pivot shall positively cause the stairsswing down.

5-2.8.7.8 The pivot for swinging stairs shall be of a corrosion-resistant assembly or have clearances to prevent sticking due torosion.

5-2.8.7.9* Devices shall not be installed to lock a swinging stasection in the up position.

5-2.8.8 Intervening Spaces.

5-2.8.8.1 Where approved by the authority having jurisdictionfire escape stairs shall be permitted to lead to an adjoining rthat is crossed before continuing downward travel. The directof travel shall be clearly marked, and walkways with guards ahandrails complying with 5-2.2.4 shall be provided.

Table 5-2.8.4(a) Fire Escape Stairs

Serving More Than10 Occupants

Serving 10 orFewer Occupants

Minimum widths 22 in. (55.9 cm) clear between rails

18 in. (45.7 cm) clear between rails

Minimum horizontal dimension of any landing or platform

22 in. (55.9 cm) clear 18 in. (45.7 cm) clear

Maximum riser height

9 in. (22.9 cm) 12 in. (30.5 cm)

Minimum tread, exclusive of nosing

9 in. (22.9 cm) 6 in. (15.3 cm)

Minimum nosing or projection

1 in. (2.5 cm) No requirement

Tread construction Solid 1/2-in. (1.3-cm) diameter perforations permitted

Flat metal bars on edge or sq bars secured against turning, spaced 11/4 in. (3.2 cm) max. on centers

Winders None Permitted subject to capacity penalty

Risers None No requirement

Spiral None Permitted subject to capacity penalty

Maximum height between landings

12 ft (3.7 m) No requirement

Headroom, minimum 6 ft 8 in. (203 cm) Same

Handrail height 42 in. (107 cm) Same

Access to escape Door or casement windows 24 in. × 6 ft 6 in. (61 cm × 198 cm) or double hung windows 30 in. × 36 in. (76 cm × 91 cm) clear opening

Windows providing a clear opening of at least 20 in. (50.8 cm) in width, 24 in. (61 cm) in height, and 5.7 sq ft (0.53 sq m) in area

Level of access opening

Not over 12 in. (30.5 cm) above floor; steps if higher

Same

Discharge to ground Swinging stair section permitted if approved by authority having jurisdiction

Swinging stair, or ladder if approved by authority having jurisdiction

Capacity, number of persons

0.5 in. (1.3 cm) per person, if access by door; 1.0 in. (2.5 cm) per person if access by climbing over windowsill

10; if winders or ladder from bottom balcony, 5; if both, 1

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5-2.8.8.2 Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction,fire escape stairs shall be permitted to be used in combination withinside or outside stairs complying with 5-2.2, provided a continu-ous safe path of travel is maintained.

5-2.9 Fire Escape Ladders.

5-2.9.1 General. Fire escape ladders shall only be permitted ifproviding

(a) Access to unoccupied roof spaces as permitted in 5-2.8.3.2;or

(b) A second means of egress from storage elevators as permit-ted in Chapter 29; or

(c) A means of egress from towers and elevated platformsaround machinery or similar spaces subject to occupancy by nomore than three persons all capable of using the ladder; or

(d) A secondary means of egress from boiler rooms or similarspaces subject to occupancy by no more than three persons all ca-pable of using the ladder; or

(e) Access to the ground from the lowest balcony or landing ofa fire escape stair for very small buildings as permitted in 5-2.8.4where approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

5-2.9.2 Construction and Installation.

5-2.9.2.1 Fire escape ladders shall comply with ANSI A14.3,Safety Code for Fixed Ladders.

Exception No. 1: Existing ladders complying with the edition ofthis Code that was in effect when the ladders were installed shallbe permitted where approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

Exception No. 2: Fixed industrial stairs complying with ANSIA1264.1, Safety Requirements for Workplace Floor and Wall Open-ings, Stairs and Railing Systems, minimum requirements for fixedstairs shall be permitted where fire escape ladders are permitted inaccordance with Chapter 28.

5-2.9.2.2 Ladders installed with a pitch of not more than75 degrees shall be prohibited.

5-2.9.2.3 Combustible ladders shall be prohibited.

5-2.9.3 Access. The lowest rung of any ladder shall not be morethan 12 in. (30.5 cm) above the level of the surface beneath it.

5-2.10 Slide Escapes.

5-2.10.1 General.

5-2.10.1.1 A slide escape shall be permitted as a component in ameans of egress where permitted in Chapters 8 through 31.

5-2.10.1.2 Each slide escape shall be of an approved type.

5-2.10.2 Capacity.

5-2.10.2.1 Slide escapes, where permitted as required means ofegress, shall be rated at a capacity of 60 persons.

5-2.10.2.2 Slide escapes shall not constitute more than25 percent of the required egress capacity from any building orstructure or any individual story thereof.

Exception: As permitted in Chapter 28.

5-2.11* Alternating Tread Devices.

5-2.11.1 Alternating tread devices complying with 5-2.11.2 shallbe permitted if providing

(a) Access to unoccupied roof spaces as permitted in 5-2.8.3

(b) A second means of egress from storage elevators as peted in Chapter 29;

(c) A means of egress from towers and elevated platforaround machinery or similar spaces subject to occupancy bymore than three persons all capable of using the alternating trdevice; or

(d) A secondary means of egress from boiler rooms or simspaces subject to occupancy by no more than three persons apable of using the alternating tread device.

5-2.11.2 Alternating tread devices shall comply with thfollowing:

(a) Handrails provided on both sides of alternating tread dvices in accordance with 5-2.2.4.5; and

(b) The clear width between handrails at least 17 in. (43.2 cand not more than 24 in. (61 cm); and

(c) Headroom at least 6 ft 8 in. (2 m); and

(d) The angle of the device between 50 and 68 degrees to hzontal; and

(e) The height of the riser not more than 9.5 in. (24.1 cm); and

(f) Treads having a minimum projected tread depth of 5.8(14.7 cm) measured in accordance with 5-2.2 with each tread viding 9.5 in. (24.1 cm) of depth including tread overlap; and

(g) A minimum distance of 6 in. (15.2 cm) provided betweethe stair handrail and any other object; and

(h) The initial tread of the stair beginning at the same elevatas the platform, landing, or floor surface; and

(i) The alternating treads not laterally separated by more thain. (5.0 cm); and

(j) The occupant load served not more than three.

5-2.12 Areas of Refuge.

5-2.12.1 General. An area of refuge used as part of a requireaccessible means of egress in accordance with 5-5.4, or usedpart of any required means of egress, shall conform to

(a) The general requirements of Section 5-1, and

(b) The special requirements of 5-2.12.2 and 5-2.12.3.

Exception to (b): Areas of refuge consisting of stories of builings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automsprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7. (See1.2.)

5-2.12.2 Accessibility.

5-2.12.2.1 Required portions of an area of refuge shall be accsible from the space they serve by an accessible means of egre

5-2.12.2.2 Required portions of an area of refuge shall have acess to a public way, without requiring return to the building spathrough which travel to the area of refuge occurred, via an exitan elevator.

5-2.12.2.3* Where the exit providing egress from an area of reuge to a public way, in accordance with 5-2.12.2.2, includes stathe minimum clear width of landings and stair flights, measurbetween handrails and at all points below handrail height, shal48 in. (122 cm).

Exception No. 1: Areas of refuge created by horizontal exitsaccordance with 5-2.4.

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Exception No. 2: For stairs where egress is in the descending di-rection, a minimum 37-in. (94-cm) clear width, measured at andbelow handrail height, shall be permitted if approved alternativemeasures are provided that do not require carrying occupiedwheelchairs on the stairs.

Exception No. 3: Existing stairs and landings that provide a min-imum 37-in. (94-cm) clear width, measured at and below handrailheight, shall be permitted.

Exception No. 4: A minimum 37-in. (94-cm) clear width, mea-sured at and below handrail height, shall be permitted in buildingsprotected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprin-kler system in accordance with Section 7-7.

5-2.12.2.4* Where an elevator provides access from an area ofrefuge to a public way, in accordance with 5-2.12.2.2, the elevatorshall be approved for fire fighter service as provided in Section 211of ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.The power supply shall be protected against interruption from fireoccurring within the building but outside the area of refuge. The el-evator shall be located in a shaft system meeting the requirementsfor smokeproof enclosures in accordance with 5-2.3.

Exception No. 1: The smokeproof enclosure shall not be requiredfor areas of refuge that are more than 1000 sq ft (93 sq m) in sizeand are created by a horizontal exit meeting the requirements of 5-2.4.

Exception No. 2: The smokeproof enclosure shall not be requiredin a building that is protected throughout by an approved, super-vised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Sec-tion 7-7.

Exception No. 3: Elevators complying with 5-2.13.

5-2.12.2.5 The area of refuge shall be provided with a two-waycommunication system for communication between the area of ref-uge and a central control point. The door to the stair enclosure or theelevator door and the associated portion of the area of refuge thatthe stair enclosure door or elevator door serves shall be identifiedby signage. (See 5-2.12.3.5.)

5-2.12.2.6* Instructions for summoning assistance, via the two-way communication system, and written identification of the areaof refuge location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way commu-nication system.

5-2.12.3 Details.

5-2.12.3.1* Each area of refuge shall be sized to accommodate onewheelchair space of 30 in. × 48 in. (76 cm × 122 cm) for each 200 oc-cupants or portion thereof, based on the occupant load served by thearea of refuge. Such wheelchair spaces shall maintain the width of ameans of egress to at least that required for the occupant load served,and at least 36 in. (91 cm).

5-2.12.3.2* For any area of refuge no greater than 1000 sq ft (93sq m) in size, it shall be demonstrated by calculation or test thattenable conditions are maintained within the area of refuge for aperiod of 15 min when the exposing space on the other side of theseparation creating the area of refuge is subjected to the maximumexpected fire conditions.

5-2.12.3.3 Access to any designated wheelchair space in an areaof refuge shall not be through more than one adjoining wheelchairspace.

5-2.12.3.4* Each area of refuge shall be separated from the mainder of the story by a barrier with at least a 1-hr fire resistarating, unless a greater rating is required in other provisions of Code. Such barriers, and any openings in them, shall minimize leakage and retard the passage of smoke. Doors in such bashall have at least a 20-min fire protection rating, unless a grerating is required in other provisions of this Code, and shall be ei-ther self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with the Exction to 5-2.1.8. Ducts shall be permitted to penetrate such barriunless prohibited in other provisions of this Code, and shall be pro-vided with smoke-actuated dampers or other approved means tsist the transfer of smoke into the area of refuge.

Exception No. 1: Buildings protected throughout by an approvesupervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance wSection 7-7.

Exception No. 2: Existing barriers with a minimum 30-min firresistance rating shall be permitted.

5-2.12.3.5 Each area of refuge shall be identified by a sign sting: “AREA OF REFUGE” that conforms to the requirements oCABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessibland Usable Buildings and Facilities, for such signage and displaysthe international symbol of accessibility. Signs also shall be locaat each door providing access to the area of refuge. Signs also be installed at all exits not providing an accessible means of egras defined in 5-1.2, and where necessary to indicate clearly therection to an area of refuge. Signs shall be illuminated as requfor exit signs where exit sign illumination is required.

5-2.12.3.6 Tactile signage complying with CABO/ANSI A117.1,American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildinand Facilities, shall be located at each door to an area of refuge

5-2.13 Elevators.

5-2.13.1* General. An elevator complying with the require-ments of Section 7-4 and this subsection shall be permitted toused as a second means of egress from towers as defined in1.3.2, provided that

(a) The tower and any attached structure is protected throuout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system incordance with Section 7-7; and

(b) The tower is subject to occupancy by not more than 90 psons; and

(c) Primary egress discharges directly to the outside; and,

(d) There are no high hazard content areas in the tower ortached structure; and

(e) 100 percent of the egress capacity shall be provided inpendent of the elevators;

(f) An evacuation plan shall be implemented specifically including the elevator. As a part of that plan, staff personnel shaltrained in operation and procedures for elevator emergency usnormal operating mode prior to fire fighter recall.

5-2.13.2 Elevator Evacuation System Capacity.

5-2.13.2.1 The elevator car shall have a capacity of at least eipersons.

5-2.13.2.2 The elevator lobby shall have a capacity of at least percent of the occupant load of the area served by the lobby. capacity shall be calculated by using 3 sq ft (0.28 sq m) per perand shall also include one wheelchair space of 30 in. × 48 in.

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5-2.13.3 Elevator Lobby. On every floor served by the elevatorthere shall be an elevator lobby. Barriers forming the elevator lobbyshall have a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hr and shall be ar-ranged as a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 6-3.

5-2.13.4 Elevator Lobby Doors. Elevator lobby doors shallhave a fire protection rating of at least 1 hr and the maximum trans-mitted temperature end point shall not exceed 450°F (250°C)above ambient at the end of 30 min of the fire exposure specified in6-2.3.2.1, and shall be self-closing doors or automatic-closingdoors in accordance with 5-2.1.8.

5-2.13.5 Door Activation. The elevator lobby doors shall closein response to a signal from a smoke detector located directly out-side the elevator lobby adjacent to or on each door opening. Closingof lobby doors in response to a signal from the building fire alarmsystem shall be permitted. Closing of one elevator lobby door bymeans of smoke detector or a signal from the building fire alarm sys-tem shall result in closing of all elevator lobby doors serving that el-evator evacuation system.

5-2.13.6* Water Protection. Building elements shall be used torestrict water exposure of elevator equipment.

5-2.13.7* Power and Control Wiring. Elevator equipment, el-evator communications, elevator machine room cooling and eleva-tor controller cooling, shall be supplied by both normal andstandby power. Wiring for power and control shall be located andproperly protected to ensure at least 1 hr of operation in the eventof a fire.

5-2.13.8* Communications. Two-way communication systemsshall be provided between elevator lobbies and a central controlpoint and between elevator cars and a central control point. Com-munications wiring shall be protected to ensure at least 1 hr of op-eration in the event of fire.

5-2.13.9* Elevator Operation. Elevators shall be provided withfire fighter service in accordance with ASME/ANSI A17.1, SafetyCode for Elevators and Escalators.

5-2.13.10 Maintenance. Where an elevator lobby is served byonly one elevator car, the elevator evacuation system shall have aprogram of scheduled maintenance during times of building shut-down or low building activity. Repairs shall be performed within24 hr of breakdown.

5-2.13.11 Earthquake Protection. Elevators shall have the ca-pability of orderly shut downs during earthquakes at locationswhere such shutdown is an option of ASME/ANSI A17.1, SafetyCode for Elevators and Escalators.

5-2.13.12 Signage. (See 5-10.4.3.)

SECTION 5-3 CAPACITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS

5-3.1 Occupant Load.

5-3.1.1 The total capacity of the means of egress for any story,balcony, tier, or other occupied space shall be sufficient for the oc-cupant load thereof.

5-3.1.2* The occupant load in any building or portion thereofshall be at least the number determined by dividing the floor areaassigned to that use by the occupant load factor in accordancewith Chapters 8 through 28 and Chapter 30 and 31. Where bothgross and net area figures are given for the same occupancy, cal-

culations shall be made applying the gross area figure to gross area of the portion of the building devoted to the use which the gross area figure is specified and applying the net afigure to the net area of the specific use for which the net afigure is specified.

5-3.1.3 The occupant load permitted in any building or portiothereof shall be permitted to be increased from that number eslished for the given use in accordance with 5-3.1.2, where all otrequirements of this Code are also met, based on such increasnumber. The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to quire an approved aisle, seating, or fixed equipment diagramsubstantiate any increase in occupant load and shall be permitterequire that such diagram be posted in an approved location.

5-3.1.4 Where exits serve more than one story, only the occupload of each story considered individually need be used in comping the capacity of the exits at that story, provided required egrcapacity of the exit shall not be decreased in the direction of egtravel.

5-3.1.5 Where means of egress from stories above and beconverge at an intermediate story, the capacity of the meanegress from the point of convergence shall be at least the sum otwo.

5-3.1.6 Where any required egress capacity from a balconymezzanine passes through the room below, that required capashall be added to the required egress capacity of the room in wit is located.

5-3.2* Measurement of Means of Egress.Width of means ofegress shall be measured in the clear at the narrowest point oexit component under consideration.

Exception: Projections not more than 31/2 in. (8.9 cm) on eachside are permitted at and below handrail height.

5-3.3 Egress Capacity.

5-3.3.1 Egress capacity for approved components of meansegress shall be based on the following table:

5-3.3.2 The required capacity of a corridor is the occupant loutilizing the corridor for exit access divided by the required numbof exits to which the corridor connects, but shall be at least thequired capacity of the exit to which the corridor leads.

5-3.4 Minimum Width.

5-3.4.1 The minimum width of any means of egress shall be threquired for a given egress component in Chapter 5 or Chaptethrough 31, and shall be at least 36 in. (91 cm).

Exception No. 1:* The minimum width of exit access formed furniture and movable partitions, serving not more than six peop

Stairways(in. per person)[cm per person]

Level Componentsand Ramps

(in. per person)[cm per person]

Board and Care 0.4 [1.0] 0.2 [0.5]Health Care

Sprinklered 0.3 [0.8] 0.2 [0.5]Health Care

Nonsprinklered 0.6 [1.5] 0.5 [1.3]High Hazard Contents 0.7 [1.8] 0.4 [1.0]All Others 0.3 [0.8] 0.2 [0.5]

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Exception No. 2: Doors as provided for in 5-2.1.2.

Exception No. 3: In existing buildings, the minimum width shallbe at least 28 in. (71 cm).

Exception No. 4: Aisles and aisle accessways as provided inChapters 8 and 9.


5-3.4.2 Where a single exit access leads to an exit, its capacity interms of width shall be at least equal to the required capacity of theexit to which it leads. Where more than one exit access leads to anexit, each shall have a width adequate for the number of persons itaccommodates.

SECTION 5-4 NUMBER OF MEANS OF EGRESS

5-4.1 General.

5-4.1.1 The minimum number of means of egress from any bal-cony, mezzanine, story, or portion thereof shall be two.

Exception No. 1: Where a single means of egress is permitted inChapters 8 through 32.

Exception No. 2: A mezzanine or balcony shall be permitted tohave a single means of egress provided the common path of travellimitations of Chapters 8 through 31 are met.

5-4.1.2 The minimum number of separate means of egress fromany story or portion thereof shall be as follows:

Occupant load more than 500 but not more than 1000 — 3Occupant load more than 1000 — 4

Exception: Existing buildings as permitted in Chapters 8 through31.

5-4.1.3 Accessible means of egress, in accordance with 5-5.4, notutilizing elevators shall be permitted to serve as any or all of the re-quired minimum number of means of egress.

5-4.1.4 Only the occupant load of each story considered individ-ually shall be required to be used in computing the number ofmeans of egress at that story, provided that the required number ofmeans of egress shall not be decreased in the direction of egresstravel.

5-4.1.5 Doors other than the hoistway door and the elevator cardoor shall be prohibited at the point of access to an elevator car.

Exception: Doors that are readily openable from the car sidewithout a key, tool, special knowledge, or special effort.

5-4.1.6 Elevator lobbies shall have access to at least one exit.Such exit access shall not require the use of a key, tool, specialknowledge, or special effort.

SECTION 5-5 ARRANGEMENT OF MEANS OF EGRESS

5-5.1 General.

5-5.1.1 Exits shall be located and exit access shall be arrangethat exits are readily accessible at all times.

5-5.1.2* Where exits are not immediately accessible from an opfloor area, safe and continuous passageways, aisles, or corrleading directly to every exit shall be maintained and shall be ranged to provide access for each occupant to at least two exitseparate ways of travel. Exit access corridors shall provide acceat least two approved exits without passing through any intervenrooms other than corridors, lobbies, and other spaces permittebe open to the corridor.

Exception No. 1: Where a single exit is permitted in Chaptersthrough 31.

Exception No. 2: Where common paths of travel are permitfor an occupancy in Chapters 8 through 31, such common pathtravel shall be permitted but shall not be more than the limit spefied.

Exception No. 3: Existing corridors that require passage througa room to access an exit shall be permitted to continue to be uprovided that

(a) Such arrangement is approved by the authority having jurdiction; and

(b) The path of travel is marked in accordance with Section10; and

(c) Doors to such rooms comply with 5-2.1; and

(d) Such arrangement is not prohibited by the occupancy chter.

Exception No. 4: Corridors that are not required to be fire resitance-rated shall be permitted to discharge into open floor plan eas.

5-5.1.3 Where more than one exit is required from a building portion thereof, such exits shall be remotely located from eaother and shall be arranged and constructed to minimize the pobility that more than one has the potential to be blocked by any fire or other emergency condition.

5-5.1.4* Where two exits or exit access doors are required, thshall be placed at a distance from one another equal to and at one half the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimensionthe building or area to be served, measured in a straight linetween the nearest edge of the exit doors or exit access doors. Wexit enclosures are provided as the required exits and are internected by a corridor conforming to the requirements of 5-1.3.1, eseparation shall be permitted to be measured along the line of trwithin the corridor.

Where more than two exits or exit access doors are requiredleast two of the required exits or exit access doors shall be arranto comply with the above. The other exits or exit access doors sbe located so that if one becomes blocked, the others shall be aable.

Exception No. 1: In buildings protected throughout by an aproved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accdance with Section 7-7, the minimum separation distance betwtwo exits or exit access doors measured in accordance with 5-5

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Exception No. 2: In existing buildings, where more than one exitor exit access door is required, such exits or exit access doors shallbe permitted to be remotely located in accordance with 5-5.1.3.

5-5.1.5* Interlocking or scissor stairs shall be permitted to beconsidered separate exits if enclosed in accordance with 5-1.3.2and separated from each other by 2-hr fire resistance-rated non-combustible construction. There shall be no penetrations or com-municating openings, whether protected or not, between the stairenclosures.

5-5.1.6* Exit access shall be arranged so that there are no deadends in corridors.

Exception: Where dead ends are permitted in Chapters 8 through31, such dead ends shall be permitted but shall not be more thanthe limit specified.

5-5.1.7 Exit access from rooms or spaces shall be permitted to bethrough adjoining or intervening rooms or areas, provided such ad-joining rooms are accessory to the area served. Foyers, lobbies, andreception rooms constructed as required for corridors shall not beconstrued as intervening rooms. Exit access shall be arranged sothat it shall not be necessary to pass through any area identified un-der Protection from Hazards in Chapters 8 through 32.

5-5.2 Impediments to Egress. (See also 5-1.8.2 and 5-2.1.5.)

5-5.2.1 In no case shall access to an exit be through kitchens,storerooms, restrooms, workrooms, closets, bedrooms or similarspaces, or other rooms subject to locking.

Exception No. 1: Exit access shall be permitted to pass throughrooms or spaces subject to locking as provided in Chapters 12, 13,14, and 15.

Exception No. 2: Exit access shall be permitted to pass throughstorerooms as provided in Chapters 24 and 25.

5-5.2.2* Exit access and exit doors shall be designed and ar-ranged to be clearly recognizable. Hangings or draperies shall notbe placed over exit doors or located to conceal or obscure any exit.Mirrors shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not beplaced in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse thedirection of exit.

Exception: Curtains shall be permitted across means of egressopenings in tent walls if

(a) Distinctly marked in contrast to the tent wall so as to be rec-ognizable as means of egress, and

(b) Installed across an opening that is at least 6 ft (1.8 m) inwidth, and

(c) Hung from slide rings or equivalent hardware so as to bereadily moved to the side to create an unobstructed opening in thetent wall of the minimum width required of door openings.

5-5.3 Exterior Ways of Exit Access.

5-5.3.1 Exit access shall be permitted to be by means of any exte-rior balcony, porch, gallery, or roof that conforms to the require-ments of this chapter.

5-5.3.2 The long side of the balcony, porch, gallery, or similarspace shall be at least 50 percent open and shall be arranged to re-strict the accumulation of smoke.

5-5.3.3 Exterior exit access balconies shall be separated frominterior of the building by walls and opening protectives as requirfor corridors.

Exception No. 1: Where the exterior exit access balcony is serby at least two remote stairs that are accessed without any ocpant needing to travel past an unprotected opening to reach onthe stairs.

Exception No. 2: Where dead ends on the exterior exit accessnot exceed 20 ft (6.1 m).

5-5.3.4 A permanent, reasonably straight path of travel shall maintained throughout the required exterior exit access.

5-5.3.5 There shall be no obstructions of any kind that divide topen space into sections appurtenant to individual rooms, apments, or other subdivisions.

5-5.3.6 Exterior exit access shall be arranged so that there aredead ends in excess of those provided in Chapter 8 through 32

5-5.3.7 Exterior exit access shall comply with the requiremenof the Code as to width and arrangement.

5-5.3.8 An exterior exit access shall have solid, substantialevel floors and shall have guards that are at least equivalenthose required in 5-2.2.4 on unenclosed sides more than 30 in.cm) above the floor or grade below.

5-5.3.9 Where accumulation of snow or ice is likely because the climate, the exterior exit access shall be protected by a roof

5-5.3.10 The materials of construction shall be as permitted fthe building served.

5-5.4 Accessible Means of Egress.

5-5.4.1 Areas accessible to people with severe mobility impament shall have at least two accessible means of egress (see defini-tion of Accessible Means of Egress in 5-1.2). Access shall beprovided to a minimum of one accessible area of refuge or onecessible exit discharge within the allowable travel distance.

Exception No. 1: Existing buildings.

Exception No. 2: Exit access travel along the accessible meanegress shall be permitted to be common for the distances permas common paths of travel.

Exception No. 3: A single accessible means of egress shall be mitted from buildings or areas of buildings permitted to have a sgle exit.

Exception No. 4: The authority having jurisdiction shall be pemitted to allow a reduction in the number of accessible meansegress based on an analysis of the fire protection system, the phcal arrangement of the space, the facility operation, and determnation that such means provide the most direct route from accessible area.

Exception No. 5: Health care occupancies protected throughoby an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installeaccordance with Section 7-7.

5-5.4.2 If two accessible means of egress are required, the eserving these paths shall be placed at a distance from one annot less than one half the length of the maximum overall diagodimension of the building or area to be served, measured istraight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors or exitcess doors. Where exit enclosures are provided as the required

1997 Edition


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Exception No. 1: Buildings protected throughout by an approved,supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section7-7.

Exception No. 2: Where the physical arrangement of means ofegress prevents the possibility that access to both accessible meansof egress will be blocked by any one fire or other emergency condi-tion as approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

5-5.4.3 Each required accessible means of egress shall be contin-uous from each accessible occupied area to a public way or area ofrefuge in accordance with 5-2.12.2.2.

5-5.4.4 Where an exit stair is used in an accessible means ofegress, it shall comply with 5-2.12.2.3 and shall either incorporatean accessible area of refuge within an enlarged story-level landingor shall be accessed from an accessible area of refuge.

5-5.4.5 To be considered part of an accessible means of egress,an elevator shall be in accordance with 5-2.12.2.4

5-5.4.6 A smoke barrier, in accordance with Section 6-3, that ad-ditionally has a minimum 1-hr fire resistance rating, and a horizon-tal exit, in accordance with 5-2.4, to be considered part of anaccessible means of egress, shall discharge to an accessible area ofrefuge in accordance with 5-2.12.

5-5.4.7 Accessible stories that are four or more stories above orbelow a story of exit discharge shall have at least one elevator com-plying with 5-5.4.5.

SECTION 5-6 MEASUREMENTOF TRAVEL DISTANCE TO EXITS

5-6.1* The travel distance in any occupied space to at least oneexit, measured in accordance with the following requirements,shall not be more than the limits specified in this Code (see 5-6.4).

5-6.2* The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on thefloor or other walking surface along the centerline of the naturalpath of travel starting from the most remote point subject to occu-pancy, curving around any corners or obstructions with a 1-ft (0.3-m) clearance therefrom, and ending at the center of the doorway orother point at which the exit begins. Where measurement includesstairs, the measurement shall be taken in the plane of the tread nos-ing.

Exception: Travel distance measurement shall be permitted toterminate at a smoke barrier as provided in Chapter 15.

5-6.3* Where open stairways or ramps are permitted as a path oftravel to required exits, the distance shall include the travel on thestairway or ramp and the travel from the end of the stairway orramp to an outside door or other exit in addition to the distancetraveled to reach the stairway or ramp.

5-6.4 Travel distance limitations shall be as provided in Chapters8 through 32 and for high hazard areas in accordance with Section5-11.

5-6.5 Where any part of an exterior exit is within 10 ft (3 m) hor-izontal distance of any unprotected building opening, as permittedin the Exceptions to 5-2.2.6.4 for outside stairs, the travel distanceto the exit shall include the length of travel to ground level.

SECTION 5-7 DISCHARGE FROM EXITS

5-7.1* All exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at aexterior exit discharge. Yards, courts, open spaces, or other tions of the exit discharge shall be of required width and sizeprovide all occupants with a safe access to a public way.

Exception No. 1: Interior exit discharge as permitted in 5-7.2.

Exception No. 2: Rooftop exit discharge as permitted in 5-7.6.

Exception No. 3: Means of egress shall be permitted to terminin an exterior area of refuge as provided in Chapters 14 and 15.

5-7.2 Not more than 50 percent of the required number of exand not more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity, be permitted to discharge through areas on the level of exit charge, provided:

Exception: One hundred percent of the exits shall be permitteddischarge through areas on the level of exit discharge as providin Chapters 14 and 15.

(a) Such discharge leads to a free and unobstructed way toexterior of the building, and such way is readily visible and idenfiable from the point of discharge from the exit; and

(b) The level of discharge is protected throughout by an aproved, automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance wSection 7-7, or the portion of the level of discharge used for tpurpose is protected by an approved, automatic sprinkler sysinstalled in accordance with Section 7-7 and separated from nonsprinklered portion of the floor by a fire resistance rating meing the requirements for the enclosure of exits (see 5-1.3.2.1); and

Exception to (b): If the discharge area is a vestibule or foymeeting all of the following:

1. The depth from the exterior of the building shall not be mothan 10 ft (3 m) and the length shall not be more than 30 ft (9.1 and

2. The foyer shall be separated from the remainder of the leof discharge by construction providing protection at least thequivalent of wired glass in steel frames, and

3. The foyer serves only as means of egress and includes andirectly to the outside.

(c) The entire area on the level of discharge shall be separfrom areas below by construction having a fire resistance ratingleast that required for the exit enclosure.

Exception to (c): Levels below the level of discharge shall be pmitted to be open to the level of discharge in an atrium in accdance with 6-2.4.6.

5-7.3 The exit discharge shall be arranged and marked to mclear the direction of egress to a public way. Stairs shall be ranged so as to make clear the direction of egress to a public Stairs that continue beyond the level of exit discharge shall beterrupted at the level of exit discharge by partitions, doors, or oteffective means.

Exception: Stairs that continue one-half story beyond the leveexit discharge shall not be required to be so interrupted where exit discharge is obvious.

5-7.4 Doors, stairs, ramps, corridors, exit passageways, bridgbalconies, escalators, moving walks, and other components o

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exit discharge shall comply with the detailed requirements of thischapter for such components.

5-7.5 Signs. (See 5-2.2.5.4 and 5-2.2.5.5.)

5-7.6 Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, exitsshall be permitted to be accepted, provided that

(a) They discharge to the roof or other sections of the buildingor adjoining buildings, and

(b) The roof has a fire resistance rating at least the equivalent ofthat required for the exit enclosure, and

(c) There is a continuous and safe means of egress from theroof, and

(d) All other applicable requirements for life safety are main-tained.

SECTION 5-8 ILLUMINATION OF MEANS OF EGRESS

5-8.1 General.

5-8.1.1* Illumination of means of egress shall be provided in ac-cordance with this section for every building and structure whererequired in Chapters 8 through 32. For the purposes of this require-ment, exit access shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corri-dors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading to an exit. For thepurposes of this requirement, exit discharge shall include only des-ignated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, walkways, andexit passageways leading to a public way.

5-8.1.2 Illumination of means of egress shall be continuous dur-ing the time that the conditions of occupancy require that themeans of egress be available for use. Artificial lighting shall be em-ployed at such places and for such periods of time as required tomaintain the illumination to the minimum criteria values hereinspecified.

Exception: Automatic, motion sensor-type lighting switches shallbe permitted within the means of egress, provided that switch con-trollers are equipped for fail-safe operation, illumination timersare set for a minimum 15 min duration, and the motion sensor isactivated by any occupant movement in the area served by thelighting units.

5-8.1.3* The floors and other walking surfaces within an exit andwithin the portions of the exit access and exit discharge designatedin 5-8.1.1 shall be illuminated to values of at least 1 ft-candle (10lux) measured at the floor.

Exception: In assembly occupancies, the illumination of thefloors of exit access shall be at least 0.2 ft-candle (2 lux) during pe-riods of performances or projections involving directed light.

5-8.1.4* Any required illumination shall be arranged so that thefailure of any single lighting unit shall not leave any area in dark-ness.

5-8.1.5 The equipment or units installed to meet the requirementsof Section 5-10 shall be permitted also to serve the function of illu-mination of means of egress, provided that all requirements of Sec-tion 5-8 for such illumination are met.

5-8.2 Sources of Illumination.

5-8.2.1* Illumination of means of egress shall be from a sourceof reasonably ensured reliability.

5-8.2.2 Battery-operated electric lights and other types of porta-ble lamps or lanterns shall not be used for primary illumination ofmeans of egress. Battery-operated electric lights shall be permitted

to be used as an emergency source to the extent permitted uSection 5-9.

SECTION 5-9 EMERGENCY LIGHTING

5-9.1 General.

5-9.1.1* Emergency lighting facilities for means of egress shabe provided in accordance with this section for

(a) Every building or structure where required in Chaptersthrough 32, and

(b) At doors equipped with delayed egress locks, and(c) The stair shaft and vestibule of smokeproof enclosures

standby generator that is installed for the smokeproof enclosmechanical ventilation equipment shall be permitted to be usedsuch stair shaft and vestibule power supply.

For the purposes of this requirement, exit access shall inclonly designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, andsageways leading to an exit. For the purposes of this requiremexit discharge shall include only designated stairs, ramps, aiswalkways, and escalators leading to a public way.

5-9.1.2 Where maintenance of illumination depends upon chaning from one energy source to another, there shall be no appreble interruption of illumination during the changeover. Wheemergency lighting is provided by a prime mover-operated elecgenerator, a delay of not more than 10 sec shall be permitted.

5-9.2 Performance of System.

5-9.2.1* Emergency illumination shall be provided for a perioof 11/2 hr in the event of failure of normal lighting. Emergency lighing facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that at least an average of 1 ft-candle (10 lux) and a minimum at point of 0.1 ft-candle (1 lux) measured along the path of egresfloor level. Illumination levels shall be permitted to decline to 0ft-candle (6 lux) average and a minimum at any point of 0.06 candle (0.6 lux) at the end of the emergency lighting time duratiA maximum-to-minimum illumination uniformity ratio of 40 to 1shall not be exceeded.

5-9.2.2* The emergency lighting system shall be arranged to pvide the required illumination automatically in the event of any iterruption of normal lighting, such as any failure of public utility oother outside electrical power supply; opening of a circuit breaor fuse; or any manual act(s), including accidental opening oswitch controlling normal lighting facilities.

5-9.2.3 Emergency generators providing power to emergenlighting systems shall be installed, tested, and maintained in acdance with NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and StandbPower Systems. Stored electrical energy systems where requiredthis Code shall be installed and tested in accordance with NF111, Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and StandPower Systems.

5-9.2.4* Battery-operated emergency lights shall use only reable types of rechargeable batteries provided with suitable facilifor maintaining them in properly charged condition. Batteries usin such lights or units shall be approved for their intended use shall comply with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code®.

5-9.2.5 The emergency lighting system shall be either continously in operation or shall be capable of repeated automatic option without manual intervention.

5-9.3 Periodic Testing of Emergency Lighting Equipment.A functional test shall be conducted on every required batte

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powered emergency lighting system at 30-day intervals for a mini-mum of 30 sec. An annual test shall be conducted for a 11/2-hr dura-tion. Equipment shall be fully operational for the duration of thetest. Written records of visual inspections and tests shall be kept bythe owner for inspection by the authority having jurisdiction.

Exception: Self-testing/self-diagnostic, battery-operated emer-gency lighting equipment that automatically performs a minimum30-sec test and diagnostic routine at least once every 30 days and in-dicates failures by a status indicator shall be exempt from the 30-dayfunctional test, provided a visual inspection is performed at 30-dayintervals.

SECTION 5-10 MARKING OF MEANS OF EGRESS

5-10.1 General.

5-10.1.1 Means of egress shall be marked in accordance with thissection where required in Chapters 8 through 32.

5-10.1.2* Exits shall be marked by an approved sign readily visi-ble from any direction of exit access.

Exception: Main exterior exit doors that obviously and clearlyare identifiable as exits.

5-10.1.3 At each door into an exit stair enclosure, tactile signagestating and complying with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American Na-tional Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities,shall be installed adjacent to the latch side of the door 60 in. (152cm) above the finished floor to the centerline of the sign.

Exception: Existing buildings, provided the occupancy classifi-cation does not change.

5-10.1.4* Access to exits shall be marked by approved, readilyvisible signs in all cases where the exit or way to reach it is notreadily apparent to the occupants. Sign placement shall be suchthat no point in the exit access corridor is more than 100 ft (30 m)from the nearest sign.

Exception: Signs in exit access corridors in existing buildingsshall not be required to meet the 100-ft (30-m) distance require-ments.

5-10.1.5* Where floor proximity exit signs are required in Chap-ters 8 through 32, exit signs shall be placed near the floor level inaddition to those signs required for doors or corridors. These signsshall be sized and illuminated in accordance with 5-10.2 and 5-10.3. The bottom of the sign shall be at least 6 in. (15.2 cm) normore than 8 in. (20.3 cm) above the floor. For exit doors, the signshall be mounted on the door or adjacent to the door with the near-est edge of the sign within 4 in. (10.2 cm) of the door frame.

5-10.1.6* Every sign required in Section 5-10 shall be locatedand of such size, distinctive color, and design as to be readily visi-ble and shall provide contrast with decorations, interior finish, orother signs. No decorations, furnishings, or equipment that impairsvisibility of an exit sign shall be permitted, nor shall there be anybrightly illuminated sign (for other than exit purposes), display, orobject in or near the line of vision of the required exit sign of sucha character as to detract attention from the exit sign.

5-10.1.7* Where floor proximity egress path marking is requiredin Chapters 8 through 32, a listed and approved floor proximityegress path marking system that is internally illuminated shall beinstalled within 8 in. (20.3 cm) of the floor. The system shall pro-vide a visible delineation of the path of travel along the designated

exit access and shall be essentially continuous, except as inrupted by doorways, hallways, corridors, or other such archittural features. The system shall operate continuously or at any tthe building fire alarm system is activated. The activation, duratiand continuity of operation of the system shall be in accordawith 5-9.2.

5-10.2* Size of Signs.

5-10.2.1 Externally illuminated signs required by 5-10.1 and 510.4.1.1 shall have the word “EXIT” or other appropriate wordinin plainly legible letters not less than 6 in. (15.2 cm) high with tprincipal strokes of letters not less than 3/4 in. (1.9 cm) wide. Theword “EXIT” shall have letters of a width not less than 2 in. (5 cmexcept the letter “I,” and the minimum spacing between letteshall be not less than 3/8 in. (1 cm). Signs larger than the minimumestablished in this paragraph shall have letter widths, strokes, spacing in proportion to their height.

Exception No. 1: Approved existing signs.

Exception No. 2: Existing signs having the required wording plainly legible letters not less than 4 in. (10.2 cm) high.

Exception No. 3: Marking required by 5-10.1.3 and 5-10.1.7.

5-10.2.2* Internally illuminated signs required by 5-10.1 and 510.4.1.1 shall have the word “EXIT” or other appropriate wordinin letters legible from a distance of at least 100 ft (30 m) undernormal and emergency lighting conditions (30 ft-candle and 1 candle, respectively). Internally illuminated signs shall be listedaccordance with UL 924, Standard for Safety Emergency Lightinand Power Equipment.


Exception No. 2: Existing signs having the required wording legible letters not less than 4 in. (10.2 cm) high.

Exception No. 3: Marking required by 5-10.1.3 and 5-10.1.7.

5-10.3* Illumination of Signs.

5-10.3.1* Every sign required by 5-10.1.2 or 5-10.1.4 shall bsuitably illuminated by a reliable light source. Externally and intenally illuminated signs shall be legible in both the normal aemergency lighting mode.

5-10.3.2* Externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated bnot less than 5 ft-candles (54 lux) and shall employ a contrast rof not less than 0.5.

5-10.3.3* The visibility of an internally illuminated sign shall bethe equivalent of an externally illuminated sign that complies w5-10.3.2.


Exception No. 2:* Listed self-luminous or electroluminescesigns that provide evenly illuminated letters shall have a minimluminance of 0.06 footlamberts (0.21 cd/sq m) as measured bcolor-corrected photometer. New signs shall be located such tthe viewing distance along the path of egress is not more thansign’s marked rating.

5-10.3.4* Every sign required to be illuminated by 5-10.3 shabe continuously illuminated as required under the provisionsSection 5-8.

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Exception:* Illumination for signs shall be permitted to flash onand off upon activation of the fire alarm system.

5-10.3.5 Where emergency lighting facilities are required by theapplicable provisions of Chapters 8 through 32 for individual occu-pancies, the exit signs shall be illuminated by the emergency light-ing facilities. The level of illumination of the exit sign shall be atthe levels provided in accordance with 5-10.3.2 or 5-10.3.3 for therequired emergency lighting time duration as specified in 5-9.2.1,but shall be permitted to decline to 60 percent of the illuminationlevel at the end of the emergency lighting time duration.

Exception: Approved self-luminous signs.

5-10.4 Specific Requirements.

5-10.4.1 Directional Signs.

5-10.4.1.1* A sign complying with 5-10.2 reading “EXIT,” or asimilar designation with a directional indicator showing the direc-tion of travel shall be placed in every location where the directionof travel to reach the nearest exit is not apparent. Directional signsshall be listed.

5-10.4.1.2* Directional Indicator. The directional indicatorshall be located outside of the EXIT legend, not less than 3/8 in. (1 cm)from any letter, and shall be permitted to be integral to or separatefrom the sign body. The directional indicator shall be of a chevrontype as shown in Figure 5-10.4.1.2 and shall be identifiable as a di-rectional indicator at a minimum distance of 40 ft (12.2 m) at 30 ft-candle and 1 ft-candle average illumination on the floor representingnormal and emergency lighting levels respectively. The directionalindicators shall be located at the end of the sign for the direction in-dicated.

Exception: Approved existing signs.

5-10.4.2* Special Signs. Any door, passage, or stairway that isneither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or ar-ranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identi-fied by a sign reading “NO EXIT.” Such sign shall have the word“NO” in letters 2 in. (5 cm) high with stroke width of 3/8 in. (1 cm)and the word “EXIT” in letters 1 in. (2.5 cm) high, with the word“EXIT” below the word “NO.”

Exception: Approved existing signs.

5-10.4.3 Elevator Signs. Elevators that are a part of a means ofegress (see 5-2.13.1) shall have the following signs, with minimumletter height of 5/8 in. (1.6 cm), in every elevator lobby:

(a)* Signs that indicate that the elevator can be used for egressincluding any restrictions on use, and

(b)* Signs that indicate the operational status of elevators.

5-10.5 Testing and Maintenance.

5-10.5.1 Exit signs shall be visually inspected at maximum 3day intervals for operation of the illumination sources.

5-10.5.2 Exit signs connected to or provided with a battery-opeated emergency illumination source, where required in 5-10.3shall be tested and maintained in accordance with 5-9.3.

SECTION 5-11 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR OCCUPANCIES WITH HIGH HAZARD CONTENTS

(See Section 4-2.)

5-11.1* In all cases where the contents are classified as high hard, exits of such types and numbers shall be provided andranged to permit all occupants to escape from the buildingstructure or from the hazardous area thereof to the outside or place of safety with a travel distance of not more than 75 ft (23 measured as required in 5-6.2.

5-11.2 Egress capacity for high hazard contents areas shallbased on 0.7 in./person (1.8 cm/person) for stairs or 0.4 in./per(1.0 cm/person) for level components and ramps in accordawith 5-3.3.1.

5-11.3 At least two means of egress shall be provided from eabuilding or hazardous area thereof.

Exception: Rooms or spaces not more than 200 sq ft (18.6 sqand having an occupant load of not more than three persons antravel distance to the room door of not more than 25 ft (7.6 m).

5-11.4 Means of egress shall be arranged so that there aredead ends in corridors.

Exception: Spaces meeting the requirements of the Exception 11.3.

5-11.5 Doors serving high hazard contents areas with occuploads of more than five shall be permitted to be provided withlatch or lock only if it is panic hardware or fire exit hardware complying with 5-2.1.7.

SECTION 5-12 MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ROOMS, BOILER ROOMS, AND FURNACE ROOMS

5-12.1 Mechanical equipment rooms, boiler rooms, furnacrooms, and similar spaces shall be arranged to limit common pof travel to not more than 50 ft (15 m).

Exception: A common path of travel not more than 100 ft (30 shall be permitted:

(a) In buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervisautomatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7or

(b) In mechanical equipment rooms with no fuel-fired equipmeor

(c) In existing buildings.

5-12.2 Stories used exclusively for mechanical equipment, funaces, or boilers shall be permitted to have a single means of egwhere the travel distance to an exit on that story is not more thancommon path of travel limitations of 5-12.1.

Figure 5-10.4.1.2 Chevron-type indicator.

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1997 Edition

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