David Degenkolb, Degenkolb Engr, NV...Harold E. "Chip ~. Ulich, Herberger Theater Center, AZ (Alt....

Report of the Committee on

Safety to Life

Technical Correlating Committee (AAC)

J. Kenneth Richardson, Chair Nat'lResearch Council of Canada, ON

Ron Cott, Nonvoting Secretary Nat'l Fire Protection Assn.

John F. Behrens, Huntington Beach, CA Rep. Council of American Bldg. Officials

JLOhn L. Bryan, Frederick, MD eeJ. Dosedio, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL

Gene B. Endthoff, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., IL AndrewJ. Fowell, NIST/Center for Fire Research, MD Thomas W. Jaeger, Gage Babcock & Assoc. Inc., VA

Rep. American Heaith Care Assn. Ronaid K. Mengel, Pittway Systems Technology Group, IL Rep. Nat'l Electrical Mfrs. Assn.

Kirby W. Perry, Kirby W. Perry Architects & Assoc. Inc., TX Rep. American Inst. of Architects

Lawrence G. Perry, Bldg. Owners & Managers Assn. Int'l, MD a~es R. Quiter, RolfJensen & Assoc., Inc., CA

ter Smittle III, West Virginia State Fire Marshal, WV Rep. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America

David W. Stroup, U.S. General Services Administration, DC

Gregory W. Thomas, Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., NY Rep. The Alliance of American Insurers

Robert H. Woodcock Jr., Aetna Life & Casualty, CT Rep. American Insurance Services Group, Inc.

Alternates

Alastair J. M. Alkman, Nat'l. Research Council of Canada, ON (.Alt. toJ. K. Richardson)

Frederick C. Bradley, Gage-Babcock & Assoc. Inc., GA

~ Alt. to T. W.Jaeger) chard W. Bukowski, U.S. Nat'l. Inst. of Standards & Technology,

MD

~t " Nat'l Fire Alarm Code Committee • to A.J. Fowell)

J. Thomas Carter, Chloride Systems, NC (AlL to 1L K. Mengel)

L. Darl Cross, West Virginia State Fire Marshals Office, WV (Alt. to W. Smitfle)

James C. Dinegar, Bldg. Owners & Managers Assn. Int'l., DC (/kit. to L. G. Perry)

Glenn A. Erickson, Hastings, MN (Alt toJ. F. Behrens)

Russell P. Fleming, Nat'l Fire Sprinkler Assn., NY (Alt to G. Endthoft)

RobertJ. Pollock, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL (Alt. to L.J. Dosedlo)

Martin H. Reiss, RolfJensen & Assoc., Inc., MA (Alt. toJ. Quiter)

Michael D.Tomy, Heery Int'l. Inc_, GA (Alt to K. W. Perry)

Nonvoting

Wayne G. (Chip) Carson, Chair HEA Carson Assoc., Inc., VA John G. Degenkolb, Chair TEN Carson City, NV Philip C. Favro, Chair BCF Fawo Assoc., CA William Hiotaky, Chair MER The Taubman Co., MI Richard A. Hudnut, Chair DET Builders Hardware Mfrs. Assn., NY Joseph M. Jardin, Chair RES New York City Fire Dept., NY Rolf H. Jensen, RolfJensen & Assoc., Inc., IL

Rep. T /C Automatic Sprinklers William E. KoffelJr., Chair MEA Koffel Assoc. Inc., MD Gerald E. Lingenfelter, Chair FUR American Insurance Services Group Inc., NY John W. McCormick, Chair FIR RolfJensen &Assoc., Inc., NJ

Jonas L. Morehart, Punta Gorda, FL (Member Emeritus)

Harold E. Nelson, Chair ALS Hughes Assoc. Inc., MD Richard R. Osman, Chair BSF Schirmer Engr Cow., IL Thomas V. Rodante, Chair IND Caitex Services Corp., TX John A. Sharry, Chair AXE Lawrence Livermore Nat'l. Laboratory, CA John M. Watts Jr., Chair FUN Fire Safety Inst., VT

Staff Liaison: Ron Cot6

This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have occurred.

Committee Scope: ThLs Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on the protection of human life from fire and other circumstances capable of producing similar consequences and for the nonemergency and emergency movement of people.

Technical Committee on

Assembly and Educational Occupancies (AXE)

(Chapters 8 to 11, Sections 31-2 and B1-3, and associated portions of Appendix A)

John A. Sharry, Chair Lawrence Livermore Nat'l. Laboratory, CA

Ron Cot6, Nonvoting Secretary Nat'l Fire Protection Assn.

Weston E. Bacon Jr., Marvin Park &Assn. Inc., IL Rep. Nat'l Assn. of Exposition Managers

Scott IL Bartlett, Simplex Time Recorder Co., NH Rep. Nat'l Electrical Mfrs. Assn.

William Conner, Jerit-Boys Inc., IL Rep. American Society of Theater Consultants

Randall W. A. Davidson, Risk InCl. & Assoc., CA Rep. U.S. Inst. for Theatre Technology

Robert W. Davis, Ervin & Davis, Architects, FL John G. Degenkolb, Carson City, NV

Rep. Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers Bhola Dhame, New Orleans Dept. of Safety & Permits, LA

Rep. Southern Bldg. Code Congress Int'l Inc. Gene B. Endthoff, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., IL Rep. Nat'l Fire Sprinkler Assn.

Robert D. Hedler, Lincoln Bureau of Fire Prevention, NE William E. Fitch, Omega Point Laboratories Inc., TX Jerrold Gorre'll, Phoenix Civic Plaza, AZ

Rep. American Society of Safety Engr Alfred J. Hogan, Reedy Creek Improvement District Wait Disney World, FL John K. Landry, USF&G Insurance Co., MD

Rep. American Insurance Services Group Richard F. Lattey, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, MA

Rep. The Alliance of American Insurers RobertJ. Little, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, UT RobertD. McAninch, Prestonburg Community College, KY Gregory R. Miller, Code Consultants Inc., MO

Rep. Nat'l Assn. of Theatre Owners John Morris, Loss Control Services, CA

Rep. T /C Cultural Resources Jake Pauls, Bldg. Use & Safety Inst. (BUSI), MD Frank Poe, City of Dailas, TX

Rep. Int'l Assn. of Auditorium Managers Philip R. Sherman, Sherman Inc., MA Catherine L. Stashak, Des Plaines Fire Dept., IL David L. Sutter, Hussey Seating Co., ME Rep. Nat'l School Supply & Equipment Assn.

Henry Teague, Rosser Fabrap, GA Paul L. Wertheimer, Crowd Management Strategies, IL

Alternates

Robert D. Barnes, Wheaton, IL (Alt. toJ. Morris)

William O. Beard, Des Moines Convention Center, IA (Air. to F. Poe)

David Degenkolb, Degenkolb Engr, NV (Alt. toJ. G. Degenkolb)

Victor L. Dubrowski, Code Consultants Inc.. MO (Alt. to G. IL Miller)

LanceJ. Ewing, School District of Philadelphia, PA (Alt. toJ. GorreIl)

James a . Lake, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., NY (Alt. to G. Endthoff)

Vern L. Martindale, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, UT (Alt. to R.J. Litde)

Leslie Strull, RoifJensen & Assoc., Inc., IL (Vot. Alt. to RJA Rep.)

Harold E. "Chip ~. Ulich, Herberger Theater Center, AZ (Alt. to IL Davidson)

Daniel IL Victor, Interkal, Inc., MI (Alt. to D Sutter)


This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have o(~urred~

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on protection of human life from fire andod le r circumstances capable of producing similar consequences, and on the nonemergency and emergency movement of people, in assembly mad educational occupancies.


Board and Care Facilities (BCF)

(Chapters 22 and 23, Section 31-7, and associated portions of Appendix A)

Philip C. Favro, Chair Fawo ASsoc., CA

Greg Austin, Gentex Corp., M I Rep. Nat'l Electrical Mfrs. Assn.

James IL Bell, Marriott Corp., DC Rep. American Hotel & Motel Assn.

L. Darl Cross, West Virginia State Fire Marshals Office, WV Rep. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America

Mary Ellen Early, Florida Assn. of Homes for the Aging, FL Rep. American Assn. of Homes for the Aging

Stephen E. Embry, Brown, Todd & Heyburn, KY Russell P. Fleming+ Nat'l Fire Sprinkler Assn., NY Thomas W. Gardner, Gage-Babcock & Assoc., VA

Rep. American Health Care Assn. Norman E. Groner, Santa Cruz, CA Philip It. Jose, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, NY David Ray Kiely, Community Resource Center of Sullivan County, NY

Rep. American Network of Community Options & Resources James K. Lathrop, Koffel Assoc., CT Bernard M. Levln, Rockville, MD Paul E. Patty, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL Francis G. Reuer, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Health Care Financing Admin., CO Peter Sajevic, Snelling Park Place, MN

Rep. Assn. of Residential Resources in Minnesota Gerald L. Schappe, TX Dept. of Mental Health & Mental Retarda- tion, TX

Alternates

Kerry M. Bell, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL (Alt. to P. E. Patty)

Warren D. Boniseh, Schirmer Engr Corp., TX (Vot. Alt. to SEC Rep.)

Harry L. Bradley, Maryland State Fire Marshals Office, MD (Alt. to L. D. Cross)

Gene B. Endthoff, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., IL (Ah. to IL P. Fleming)

Jonl Fritz, American Network of Community Options & Resources, VA

(Alt. to D. 1L Kiely) Harold E. Nelson, Hughes Assoc. Inc., MD

(Alt. to B. M. Levin) DanielJ. Schoeps, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, DC

(Alt. to P.Jose)

James F. Woodford, Simplex Time Recorder Co., MA (Alt. to G. Austin)

Mayer D. Zimmerman, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Health Care Financing Admin., MD

(Alt. to F. G. Reuer)

Staff Liaison: Steven F. Sawyer

This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the raembership may have occ~rre(L

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on protection of human life from fire ando the r circumstances prodndng similar consequences, and on the emergency movement of people, in residential board and care facilities.


Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment (BSF)

(Chapter 7, 31-1.3.8, 31-1.39, and associated portions of Appendix A)

Richard IL Osman, Ghair Schirmer Engr Corp., IL

Harry L. Bradley, Maryland State Fire Marshals Office, MD Rep. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America

Pat D. Brock, Oklahoma State University, OK Edward A. Donoghue, Edward A Donoghue Assoc., Inc., NY

Rep. Nat'l Elevator Industry Inc. Joseph M. Jardin, New York City Fire Dept., NY

Rep. NFPA Fire Service Section Ronald Kirby, Simplex Time Recorder Co., MA

Rep. Nat'l Electrical Mfrs. Assn. David P. Klein, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, MD Richard L. Klinker, Klinker &Assoc. Inc., MD JRames D. Lake, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., NY

oger L. McDaniel, Florida Dept. of Corrections, FL L. L (Larry) Neibauer, Automatic Fire Alarm Assn., FL

Rep. Automatic Fire Alarm Assn., Inc. Joseph A. NicoUiJr., Rochester Fire Dept., NY Martin H. Reiss, RolfJensen & Assoc., Inc., MA John T. Wandell, Town of Palm Beach Fire/Rescue, FL

Alternates

Ronald S. Berger, SJS Signal & Communication Corp., NJ (Alt. to L. L. Neibauer)

Greg Gottlieh, Hanppauge Fire District, NY (Alt. toJ. M. Jardin)

Claudia Hagood, Klinker & Assoc.,. Inc., MD (/kit. to R. L. Klinker)

Kenneth E. Isman, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., 1VY (Air. toJ. D. Lake)

Rolf H. Jensen, RoffJensen & Assoc., Inc., IL (Alt. to M. H. Reiss)

Peter A. Larrimer, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, PA (Alt. to D. P. Klein)

Eugene A. LaVaile, Sentrol, Inc., GA (Alt. to IL Kirby)

StaffLiaison: Ron Cot6


Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on protection of human life from fire ando the r circumstances capable of producing similar consequences and on the emergency movement of people.


Detention and Correctional Occupancies (DET)


Richard A. Hudnut, Chair Builders Hardware Mfrs. Assn., NY


J F a m e s R. Ambrose, Code Consultants Inc., MO rancis C. Barbaro, Hampden County Sheriff's Dept., MA

Michael DiMascio, Solutions Engr Inc., MA Edward Larry Earles, U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, DC Randy Caw, Correctional Service of Canada, ON Larry Harrison, (Mtice of Illinois State Fire Marshal, IL James if. Lake, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., NY AlfredJ. Longhitano, Gage-Babcock & Assoc. Inc., NY Roger L. McDaniel, Dept. of Corrections, FL Robert McNeely, Honeywell, Inc., IL

Rep. Nat'l Electrical Mfrs. Assn. E. Eugene Miller, Washington, DC A, N. Moser Jr., Nat'l. Sheriffs' Assn., VA Robert R. Perry, Robert Perry Assoc. Inc., IL

Rep. Door & Hardware Inst. Kenneth J. Schwartz, RolfJensen & Assoc., lnc., IL Wayne S. Smith, Texas Commission on Fire Protection Regions, TX

Rep. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America Sharon M. Stone, Koffel Assoc. Inc., MD Charles A. Whitehead, Lexington County, SC

Rep. American Society of Safety Engr

Alternates

Vincent T. Fitzpatrick, RolfJensen & Assoc., Inc., VA (Alt. to K. Schwartz)

A. Larry IsemingerJr., Maryland State Fire Marshals Office, MD (Alt. to W. S. Smitll)

Kenneth E. lsman, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., NY (Alt. toJ. D. Lake)

Thomas W. Jaeger, Gage Babcock & Assoc. Inc., VA (Alt. to A~J. Longhitano)

William E. KoffelJr., Koffel Assoc. Inc., MD (Ait. to S. Stone)

Joseph G. Lesnlak, Door & Hardware Inst., VA (/kit. to R. IL Perry)

Richard IL McDaniel, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, IL (Alt. to L. Harrison)

Winn 17. Peeples, Florida Dept. of Corrections, FL (Alt. to P~ L. McDaniel)

Steven E. Rawson, Simplex Time Recorder Co., MA (Alt. to tL McNeely)


This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have occ1ZT"Ted.

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on protection of human life from fire ando the r circumstances capable of producing similar consequences, and on the emerg.ency movement of people in detention and correctional occupancies.


Fire Protection Features (HR)

(Sections 6-1 to 6-4, 31-1.1.2, 31-1.6, and 31-1.7, and associated portions of Appendix A)

John W. McCormick, Chair RolfJensen &Assoc., Inc., NJ

Carl F. Baldassarra, Schirmer Engr Corp., IL John F. Bender, Office of Maryland State Fire Marshal, MD

Rep. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America Robert M. Berhinig, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL Peter H. Billing, American Forest & Paper Assn., FL

Byron L. Briese, HSB Professional Loss Control, Inc., TN Edward IL Budnick, Hughes Assoc. Inc., MD GregoryJ. Cahanin, St. Petersburg, FL

Rep. Louisiana State Fireman's Assn. Raman B. Chauhan, Nat'l. Research Council of Canada, ON Thomas G. Daly, Hilton Hotels Corp., CA

Rep. NFPA Lodging Industry Section Robert E. Davis, AirMovement & Control Assn., IL John G. Degenkolb, Carson Gity, NV

Rep. Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers Steven Di Pilla, CIGNA Loss Control Services, NJ

Rep. American Insurance Services Group, Inc_ Gene B. Endthoff, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., IL Ralph Gerdes, Ralph Gerdes Consultants, IN Dale D. Hasty, Cerberus Pyrotronics, MO

Rep. Fire Suppression Systems Assn. Tod L. Jilg, Hoechst Celanese Corp., NG

Rep. American Fiber Mfrs. Assn. Cratg H. Kampmier, Kent County Memorial Hospital, RI Donald L. King, Steelcraft Mfg. Co., OH

Rep. Steel Door Inst. Marshall A. Klein, Marshall A Klein & Assoc., Inc., MD Richard F. Lattey, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, MA

Rep. The Alliance of American Insurers Daniel M. McGee, American Iron & Steel Inst., NJ

]z~t~P h J. Messersmith Jr., Portland Cement A.san., VA yA. Notarianni, U.S. Nat'l Inst. of Standards & Technology, MD

Sharon M. Stone, Koffel Assoc. Inc., MD Kenneth Wood, Bartlett, IL

Alternates

Robert H. Barker, American Fiber Mfrs. Assn., DC (Alt. to T. L~ Jilg)

Kenneth E. Bland, American Forest & Paper Assn., DC (Alt. to P. H. Billing)

Delbert F. Boring Jr., American Iron & Steel Inst., OH (Alt. to D. M. McGee)

David Degenkolb, Degenkolb Engr, NV (Alt. toJ. G. Dengenkolb)

John F. Devlin, Schirmer Engr Corp., VA (/kit. to C. F. Baldassarra)

Mark Kluver, Portland Cement Assn., CA (Alt. toJ. J . Messersmith)

William E.KoffelJr. , Koffel Assoc. Inc., MD (Alt. to S. M. Stone)

James D. Lake, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., NY (Alt. to G. Endthoff)

Jeffrey A. Maddox, RoffJensen & Assoc., Inc., CA (Alt. toJ.W. McCormick)

William D. Walton, NIST/Center for Fire Research, MD (Alt. to K. A. Notarianni)

Nonvoting

Michael Earl Dillon, Dillon Consulting Engr, Inc., CA Rep. T /C on Air Conditioning



Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on protection of human life from fire ando the r circumstances capable of producing similar consequences and on the emergency movement of people.


Fundamentals (FUN)

(Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 32,31-1.3, 31-1.5, and associated portions of Appendix A)

John M. Watts Jr., Chair Fire Safety Inst., VT

Ron Cot6, Nonvoting Secretary Nat'l Fire Protection Assn.

John F. Behrens, Huntington Beach, CA Rep. Int'l Conference of Bldg. Officials

James R. Beyrels, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL Wayne G. (Chip) Carson, Carson Assoc., Inc., VA David P. Klein, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, MD James C. Norris, Union Carbide, PA Thomas V. Rodante, Cahex Services Corp., TX

Rep. American Petroleum Inst. Walter Smiule IIl, West Virginia State Fire Marshal, WV

Re[?. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America Dasad W. Stroup, U.S. General Services Administration, DC

• Alternate

Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, NY (Ah. to D. P. Klein)


This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have occurred. I

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibil- Ity for documents on the basic objectives, requirements, and definitions for protection of human life from fire and other circumstances capable of producing similar consequences and on the nonemergency and emergency movement of people.


Furnishings and Contents (FUR)

(Section 6-5, 31-1.4, and associated portions of Appendix A)

Gerald E. Lingenfeiter, Chair American Insurance Services Group Inc., NY


AlastalrJ. M. Aikman, Nat'l. Research Council of Canada, ON Vytenis Babrauskas, Fire Science & Technology Inc., MD Donald W, Belles, Donald W Belles & Assoc. Inc., TN John A. Blair, The DuPont Co., DE Richard W. Bukowski, U.S. Nat'l. Inst. of Standards & Technology, MD Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, NY Frederic B. Clarke, Benjamin/Clarke Assoa, Inc., MD Paul Dillon, Southern College of Technology, GA Rep. Sleep Products Safety Council

Douglas S. Ericksou, American Hospital Assn., IL William E. Fitch, Omega Point Laboratories In~, TX Marcelo M. Hirschler, Safety Engr Laboratories, CA Herman Stone, General Foam Division of PMC, Inc., PA T. Hugh Talley, Hugh Talley Co., TN

Rep. American Furniture Mfrs. Assn. JamesJ. Urban, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL Kay M. Villa, American Textile Mfrs. Inst., DC

Alternates

Raman B. Chauhan, Nat'l. Research Council, ON (Alt. toJ. M. Aikman)

AlfredJ. Hogan, Reedy Creek Improvement District.Walt Disney World, FL

(Vot. Alt. to RCID Rep.) James V. Ryan, Potomac, MD

Rep. B. Clarke Assoc. (Alt. to F. B. Clarke)


This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that tirn~ changes in the membership may have occurred.

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on limiting the impact of furnishings and building contents effect on protection of human life from fire and other circumstances capable of producing similar consequences and on the emergency movement of people.


Health Care Occupancies (HEA)


Wayne G. (Chip) Carson, Chair Carson Assoc., Inc., VA


Arthur Bergantz, Code Consultants Inc., MO William N. Brooks, Brinjac, Kambic & Assoc., PA Kenneth E. Bush, Maryland State Fire Marshals Office, MD

Rep. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America Michael Crowley, RolfJensen & Assoc., Inc., TX Scot Deal, NIST/Bldg. & Fire Research Laboratories, MD Kenneth S. Faulstich, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, DC Edwin S. Green, MEHTA Assoc., KY

Rep. Federation of American Health Systems Thomas W. Jaeger, Gage Babcock & Assoc. Inc., VA

Rep. American Health Care Assn. William g. Koffel Jr., Koffel Assoc. Inc., MD Rep. American Hospital Assn.

Ronald IL Mengel, Pittway Systems Technology Group, IL Rep. Nat'l Electrical Mfrs. Assn.

DanielJ. O'Connor, Schirmer Engr Corp., IL Kirby W. Perry, Kirby W. PerryArchitects & Assoc. Inc., TX

Rep. American Inst. of Architects Peter P. Petresky, Pennsylvania Dept. of Health, PA

Rep. Assn. of Health Facility Survey Agencies David M. Sine, David M Sine & Assoc., TX Rep. Nat'l Assn. of Psychiatric Health Systems

Richard D. Strub, Hillhaven Corp., WA Rep. NFPA Health Care Section

Mayer D. Zimmerman, U.S. Dept. of Heaith & Human Services Health Care Financing Administration, MD

Alternates

James IL Ambrose, Code Consultants Inc., MO (Alt. to A. Bergantz)

James H. Aateii, RolfJensen & Assoc., Inc., IL (Ah. to M. Crowley)

David A. de Vries, Schirmer Engr Corp., IL (Alt. to D.J. O'Connor)

Douglas S. Erlckson, American Hospital Assn., IL (Alt. to W. Koffel)

Lawrence P. Gallagher, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, IL

(Vot. AlL toJCAHO) J. Richard Fruth, Hayes Large Architects, PA

(Ah. to K. Perry) Edward M. Shedlock, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, FL

(Alt. to K. Faulstich) William D. Walton, NIST/Genter for Fire Research, MD

(Alt. to S. Deal) RogerJ. Wilson, Simplex Time Recorder Co., MA

(Ah. to R. K. Mengel)



Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on protection of human life from fire andother circumstances capable of producing similar consequences, and on the emergency movement of people, in heaith care occupancies.


Industrial, Storage and Miscellaneous Occupancies (IND)

(Chapters 28 through 30, and associated perilous of Appendix A)

ThomasV. Rodante, Chair Caltex Services Corp., TX

Rep. American Petroleum Inst.

Kenneth E. Berg, M6raga, CA Donald C. Bitchier, FP&C Consultants Inc., MO Howard M. Bucci, Westinghouse Hanford Go., WA O~.yFNOhn E. Echternacht, Firesafety Consultants, TX

• FarneyJr., Sargent & Lundy Engr, IL • Garrett, General Motors Corp., IN

Rep. NFPA Industrial Fire Protection Section Bruce W. Hisley, Nat'l Fire Academy FEMA, U.S. Fire Administra- tion, MD

Rep. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America Wayne D. Holmes, HSB Professional Loss Control Inc., GT Neal W. Krantz, Simplex, MI

Rep. Nat'l Electrical Mfrs. Assn. Phillp E. Pickard, U.S. Postal Service, IL CarIF. Shaner, CIGNA Loss Control Services, PA Rep. American Insurance Services Group, Inc.

Robert L. Smith Jr., Westinghouse Savannah River Co., SC Michael J. Stelzer, ABB Lummus Crest, Inc., TX

Rep. American Society of Safety Engr Gregory W. Thomas, Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., NY

Rep. The Alliance of American Insurers

Alternate

Glenn F. Grace, GIGNA, TX (Alt. to C. Shaner)

Nonvoting

Glen E. Gardner, U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, DC



Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on protection of human life from fire andother circumstances capable of producing similar consequences, and on the emergency movement of people, in industrial and storage occupancies, special structures, windowless and underground buildings, and high rise buildings.


Means of Egress (MEA)

(Chapter 5, 31-1.1.1, 31-1.2, 31-1.3.7, and 31-1.3.10, and associated portions of Appendix A)

William E. Koffel Jr., Chair Koffel Assoc. Inc., MD


Alastair J. M. Aikman, Nat'l. Research Council of Canada, ON John L. Barrios, Tampa Dept. Business & Community Development, FL

Rep. Southern Bldg. Code Congress lnt'l Inc. John F. Behrens, Huntington Beach, CA

Rep. Int'l Conference of Bldg. Officials John L. Bryan, Frederick, MD Kenneth E. Bush, Maryland State Fire Marshals Office, MD

Rep. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America David A. de Vries, Schirmer Engr Corp., IL Steven Di Pilla, CIGNA Loss Control Services, NJ

Rep. American Insurance Services Group, Inc. Joshua W. EIvove, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, CA Glenn A. Erlckson, Hastings, MN Rep. Bldg. Officials & Code Administrators Int'l Inc.

Philip C. Favro, Favro Assoc., CA David W. Frable, U.S. General Services Administration, IL Billy G. Hehon, Lithonia Emergency Systems, GA

Rep. Nat'l Electrical Mfrs. Assn. JohnJ. Hodgens, NewYork City Fire Dept., NY Richard A. Hudnut, Builders Hardware Mfrs. Assn, NY Kenneth E. Isman, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., NY Joseph G. Lesniak, Door & Hardware Inst., VA Daniel Madrzykowskl, U.S. Nat'l Inst. of Standards & Technology, MD LawrenceJ. McGinty, U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, DC Wayne Menuz, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., CA

arold E. Nelson, Hughes Assoc. Inc., MD Philip E. Pickard, U.S. Postal Service, IL TheresaJ. Rosenberg, North Carolina Dept. of Insurance, NC Leslie Strull, RolfJensen & Assoc., Inc., IL Michael D. Tomy, Heery Int'l. Inc., GA

Rep. American Inst. of Architects Joseph H. Versteeg, Connecticut Dept. of Public Safety, CT

Alternates

Steven J. Altamura, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., NY (Alt. to W. Menuz)

John IL Battles, Southern Bldg. Code Congress Int'l., AL (Alt. toJ. L. Barrios)

Charles H. Berry, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, MD (Alt. toJ. W. Elvove)

Paul Christeusen, Prescolite, CA (Alt. to B. G. HeRon)

Gene B. Endthoff, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., IL (Alt. to IL E. Isman)

John H. Klote, U.S. Nat'l. Inst. of Standards & Technology, MD (Alt. to D. Madrzykowskl)

James K. Lathrop, Koffel Assoc., CT (Alt. to W. E. Koffel)

R. T. Leicht, CIGNA Loss Control Services Inc., DE (Alt. to S. Di Pilla)

James A. Milke, University of Maryland, MD (Alt. toJ. L. Bryan)

James 1~ Qulter, RolfJensen & Assoc., Inc., CA (Alt. to L. Strull)

Eric Rosenbaum, Hughes Assoc. Inc., MD (Alt. to H. E. Nelson)

RoyW. Schwarzenberg, U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, DC (Alt. to L.J. McGinty)

David W. Stroup, U.S. General Services Administration, DC (Alt. to D. W. Frable)


This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have occurred~

Committee Scope: This Committee shall, have primary responsibility for documents on the general requtrements tor safe egress for protection of human life from fire and other circumstances capable of producing similar consequences and on the nonemergency and emergency movement of people.


Mercantile and Business Occupancies (MER)

(Chapters 24 to 27, Sections 31-8 and 31-9, and associated portions of Appendix A)

William Hiotaky, Chair The Taubman Co., MI

Raymond E. Arntson, University of Minnesota, MN Rep. American Society of Safety Engr

David M. Banwarth, Prince George County Fire Dept., MD Kenneth E. Bland, American Forest & Paper Assn., DC E. Joseph Bocci, U.S. Dept. of the Interior, DC Byron L. Briese, HSB Professional Loss Control, Inc., TN Kenneth E. Bush, Maryland State Fire Marshals Office, MD

Re[~. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America DamelJ. Gauvin, Simplex Time Recorder Co., MA Rep. Nat'l ElectricalMfrs. Assn.

Richard F. Lattey, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, MA Rep. The Alliance of American Insurers

Robert E. Lister, American Insurance Services Group, NY Daniel Madrzykowskl, U.S. Nat'l Inst. of Standards & Technology, MD Daniel M. McGee, American Iron & Steel Inst., NJ Richard R. Osman, Schirmer Engr Corp., IL Lawrence G. Perry, Bldg. Owners & Managers Assn. Int'l, MD Ed Schultz, Code Consultants Inc., MO R. Christopher Snack, ISO Commercial Risk Services, Inc., NJ William J. Tomes, Tomes, VanRickley & Assoc., CA

Rep. Home Depot

Alternates

Carl E Baldassarra, Schirmer Engr Corp., IL (/kit. to R. R. Osman)

Peter H. Billing, American Forest & Paper Assn., FL (A k. to K. E. Bland)

Delbert F. Boring Jr., American Iron & Steel Inst., OH (Alt. to D. M. McGee)

James C. Dinegar, Bldg. Owners & Managers Assn. Int'l., DC (Alt. to L. G. Perry)

Pat Ryan, Tomes, Van Rickley & Assoc., CA (Alt. to W.J. Tomes)

David W. Stroup, U.S. General Services Administration, DC (Vot. Alt. to GSA Rep.)


This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have OCCurred.

Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on protection of human life from fire ando the r circumstances capable of producing similar consequences, and for the emergency movement of people, in mercantile and business occupano es.


Residential Occupancies (RES)

(Chapters '16 to 21, Section 31-6, and associated portions of Appendix A)

Joseph M. Jardin, Chair New York City Fire Dept., NY

Rep. NFPA Fire Service Section

Carl E Baldassarra, Schirmer Engr Corp., IL Peter H. Billing, American Forest & Paper Assn., FL Harry L. Bradley, Maryland State Fire Marshals Office, MD

Rep. Fire Marshals Assn. of North America Ronald M. Brave, Snow Country Development LLC, CO

Rep. Nat'l Assn. of Home Builders Peter G. Christie, TAA Ltd., MD Thomas G. Daly, Hilton Hotels Corp., CA

Rep. NFPA Lodging Industry Section Shelley R. DePuy, System Sensor Division of Pittway Corp., IL

Rep. Nat'l Electrical Mfrs. Assn. AndrewJ. Fowell, NIST/Center for Fire Research, MD Lawrence P. Gallagher, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, IL Ralph Gerdes, Ralph Gerdes Consultants, IN Kenneth E. Isman, Nat'l. Fire Sprinkler Assn., NY Robert Kelly, Washington County, OR Gerald R. Kirby, Marriott Corp., DC

Rep. American Hotel & Motel Assn. Marshall A. Klein, Marshall A Klein & Assoc., Inc., MD Gerald E. Lingenfelter, American Insurance Services Group Inc., NY { oseph J. MessersmithJr., Portland Cement Assn., VA

onald G. Nickson, Nat'l. Multi Housing Council, DC Michael A. O'Hara, MountainStar Enterprises, MN Erin A. M. Oneisom, U.S. Air Force, Civil Eng. Support Agency, FL Peter Puhlick, University of Connecticut, CT Vincent E. Sbarra, Gage-Babcock & Assoc., Inc., NY Tom Skoby, Aema Life & Casualty, IL

Rep. American Society of Safety Engr T. Hugh Talley, Hugh Talley Co., TN

Rep. American Furniture Mfrs. Assn.

Alternates

James R. Bell, Marriott Corp. DC (Alt. to G. R. Kirby)

Kenneth E. Bland, American Forest & Paper Assn., DC (Alt. to P. H. Billing)

Richard W. Bukowski, U.S. Nat'l. Inst. of Standards & Technology, MD

(Alt. to A.J. Fowell) Russell P. Fleming, Nat'l Fire Sprinkler Assn., NY

(Alt. to ~ Isman) Greg Gottlieb, Hanppauge Fire District, NY

(Alt. toJ. M. Jardin) Merideth L. Howard, CIGNA Loss Control Services, CA

(Air. to G. Lingenfelter) Robert Howe, Vermont Dept. of Labor & Industry, VT

(Alt. to H. L. Bradley) RobertJ. James, MountainStar Enterprises, Ltd., MN

(Alt. to M. A. O'Hara) Mark Kluver, Portland Cement Assn., CA

(Aft. toJ.J. Messersmith) James K. Lathrop, Koffel Assoc., CT

(Vot. Alt. to KA Rep.) AlfredJ. Longhitano, Gage-Babcock & Assoc. Inc., NY

(Alt. to V. E. Sbarra)

Staff Liaison: Steven F. Sawyer


Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on protection of human life from fire andodaer circumstances producing similar consequences, and on the emergency movement of people, in hotels, dormitories, apartments, lodging and rooming houses, and one- and two-family dwellings.

The Report of the Committee on Safety to Life is presented for adoption.

This Report was prepared by the: * Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life (AAC), * Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies (AXE) • Technical Committee on Board and Care Facilities (BCF), • Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment (BSF), * Technical Committee on Detention and Correctional Occupan- cies (DET), • Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features (FIR), • Technical Committee on Fundamentals (FUN), • Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents (FUR), • Technical Committee on Health Care Occupancies (HEA), • Technical Committee on Industrial, Storage and Miscellaneous Occupancies (IND), • Technical Committee on Means of Egress (MEA), • Technical Committee on Mercantile and Business Occupancies (MER), and • Technical Committee on Residential Occupancies (RES).

This report proposes for adoption amendments on NFPA 101-1994, Code for Safe~y to Life from Fire in Buildings and Structures. NFPA 1~)1- 1994 is published in Volume 5 of the 1995 National F?re Codes and in separate pamphlet form.

This Report h. as been submitted to letter ballot of the applicable Life Safety Technical Committees. The results of the balloting can be found in file report. '

This Report has also been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life which consists of 15 voting members; of whom all 15 voted affirmatively to release the report.

N F P A 1 0 1 ~ F 9 6 R O P

(Log #367) FUN

101- 1 - (Entire Document) : Reject SUBMITTER: Allan M. Apo, American Insurance Services Group, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Defer opening of proposal for the Life Safety Code until 1997. SUBSTANTIATION: The current revision cycle for a standard as large as this one is too short. The standard was just printed and the insurance industry, as an Authority Having Jurisdiction, has not had enough time to work with the standard. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The three-year revision cycle was chosen by file Teclmical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life, and approved by the NFPA Standards Council, to permit the Code to be revised often enough to reflect new and developing technologies. Because public input is important to the revision process, the schedule was changed to permit public proposals to be submitted for three months longer than in past revision cycles (i.e., April proposal closing date rather than January).

ff file industry that the submitter represents does not have sufficient time to work with the newest edition during the thirteen months between the code's publication/release and tile proposal closing date, it can submit proposals during the next revision cycle. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 7 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Rodante

(Log #419) FUN

101- 2 - (Entire Code): Reject SUBMITTER: James Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Reorganize file Code as follows: Chapter 1 Administration Chapter 2 Fundamental Requirements move to appendix Chapter 2 old Chapter 3 Definitions Chapter 23 old 4 Classification of Occupancy and Hazard of Contents Chapter 4 old Chapter 5 Means of Egress Chapter 5 Reserved (hold for Means of Egress for Existing Build- ings) Chapter 6 Features of Fire Protection Chapter 7 Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment Chapter 8 New Assembly Occupancies Chapter 9 Existing Assembly Occupancies Cha )ter 10 New Educational Occupancies Cha )ter 11 Existing Educational Occupancies Cha )ter 12 New Day Care Occupancies Cba )ter 13 Existing Day Care Occupancies Cha )ter 14 New Health Care Occupancies Cha )ter 15 Existing Health Care Occupancies Cha )ter 16 New Ambulatory Care Occupancies Cha )ter 17 Existing Ambulatory Care Occupancies Cha )ter 18 New Detent ion and Correctional Occupancies Cha )ter 19 Existing Detention and Correctional Occupancies Cha )ter 20 One- and Two-Family Dwellings Cha )ter 21 Reserved Chapter 22 Lodging and Rooming Houses Chapter 23 Reserved Chapter 24 New Hotels and Dormitories Chapter 25 Existing Hotels and Dormitories Chapter 26 New Apar tment Buildings Chapter 27 Existing Apar tment Buildings Chapter 28 New Residential Board and Care Occupancies Chapter 29 Existing Residential Board and Care Occupancies Chapter 30 New Mercantile Occupancies Chapter 31 Existing Mercantile Occupancies Chapter 232 New Business Occupancies Chapter 33 Existing Business Occupancies Chapter 34 Industrial Occupancies Chapter 235 Reserved Chapter 236 Storage Occupancies Chapter 37 Reserved Chapter 38 Special Structures and High Rise Buildings Chapter 39 Operating Features Chapter 40 Referenced Publications Appendix A Explanatory Material Appendix B Referenced Publications Appendix C Old Chapter 2 Index SUBSTANTIATION: Since it is rumored that Day Care is going to be moved to its own chapters, the above total reorganization is suggested. Several years ago the Health Care Committee indicated a

desire to move Ambulatory Health Care out of Chapters 12 & 13. This was held until a larger rewrite was being done. This appears to be a good. time if in fact day care is bein. g moved. If changes are to be made ,t would be a good opportunity to add some reserved space for other items that are currently in the wind.

It may be desirable to move the old Chapter 30 up front. Whatever is decided the following should be remembered:

(1) Try to anticipate some years in advance, people strongly resist changing the numbers. There ai-e still many people out there tlaat refer to health care as Chapter 10.

(2) Retain a relationship of even numbers for new and odd for existing. This has been found to be very user friendly. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITFEE STATEMENT: In contemplating any major renumber ing of the code it is important that future needs be anticipated because code users f ind renumber ing to be disruptive to their effective use of the d o c u m e n t Because it is yet unknown what renumber ing/ reformat t ing will be needed to accommodate the planned inclusion of performance-based design criteria, it is best to do as little renumber ing as necessary during dais revision cycle. The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life can use the next three years to address the long term needs for renumbering. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O V O T E : 9' VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP100) FUN

101- 3 - (Chapter 1 andA-1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fundamentals, RECOMMENDATION: Replace Chapter 1 and its associated Appendix A material with the following:

CHAPTER 1" GENERAL INFORMATION SECTION 1-1 TITLE 1-1.1 Title. NFPA 101 ~, Code for Safety to Life from Fire in

Buildings and Structures, shall be known as the Life Safety Code, is cited as such, and shall be referred to herein as "tiffs Code" or "tile Code." SECTION 1-2 SCOPE 1-2.1 This Code addresses life safety from fire. Its provisions will

also aid life safety in similar emergencies. 1-2.2" The Code addresses those construction, protection, and

occupancy features necessary to minimize danger to life from fire, including smoke, fumes, or panic.

1-2.3 The Code identifies the minimum criteria for the design of egress facilities so as to permit prompt escape of occupants from buildings or, where desirable, into safe areas within buildings.

1-2.4 Tile Code recognizes that life safety is more than a matter of egress and, accordingly, deals with other considerations that are essential to life safety.

1-2.5 Vehicles, vessels, or other similar conveyances, as defined by 30-1.23, shall be treated as a building.

1-2.6 The Code does no t at tempt to address all those general fire prevention or building construction features that are normally a function of fire prevention and building codes.

1-2.7 The prevention of personal injuries incurred byan individual's own negligence, and the preservation of property fxom loss by fire have not been considered as the basis for any of the provisions of this Code .

1-2.8" The Code does not atteml~t to address the safety of persons who purposely enter an area where conditions are, or are likely to be, dangerous due to fire or its products.

SECTION 1-3 APPLICATION 1-3.1 New and Existing Buildings. The Code applies to both new

construction and existing buildings. In various chapters there are specific provisions for existing buildings that might differ from those for new construction.

1-3.2 Time Allowed for Compliance. A limited but reasonable time shall be allowed for compliance with any part of this Code for existing buildings commensurate with the magnitude of expenditure, disruption of services, and degree of hazard.

1-3.23 Authority Having Jurisdiction. The authority having jurisdiction shall determine the adequacy of means of egress and other measures for life safety from fire in accordance with the provisions of this Code.

. 1-3.4 Modification of Requirements for Existing Buildings. The requirements for existing buildings shall be permitted to be modified if their application clearly would be impractical in the judgment of the authority having jurisdiction, but only where it is clearly evident that a reasonable degree of safety is provided.

1-23.5 Referenced Publications. Existing buildings or installations that do not comply with the provisions of the referenced standards

N F P A 101 ~ F96 R O P

contained in this document (see Chapter 32) shall be permitted to be continued in service provided th.e lack of conformity with these standards does not present a serious hazard to the occupants as determined by the authority having jurisdiction.

1-3.6 Additions. Additions shall conform to the provisions for new construction.

1-3.7" Modernization or Renovation. Any alteration or any installation of new equipment shall be accomplished as nearly as practicable with the requirements for new construction. Only the altered, renovated or modernized porti6n of an existing building, system or individual component shall be required to meet the

rOVisions of this Code applicable to new construction provided other safety features are not diminished. Existing life safety features

that do not meet the requirements for new buildings but exceed the requirements for existing buildings shall not be diminished further. Inho case shall the resulting life safety features be less than those required for existing buildings.

1-3.8 Priority of Chapter Requirements. Where specific requirements contained in Chapters8 through 30 differ from general requirements contained in Chapters 1 through 7, the requirements of Chapters 8 through 30 shall govern.

1-3.9 Provisiotas in Excess of Code Requirements. Nothing in dais Code shall be construed to prohibit a better type of building construction, additional means of egress, or otherwise safer conditions than those specified by the minimum requirements of this Code.

1-3.10 Conditions for Occupancy. No new construction or existing building shall be occupied in whole or in part in violation of the provisions of this Code. Exception: Buildings shall be permitted to remain in use, provided: (a) A plan of correction has been approved, and (b) The occupancy classification remains the same, and (c) No serious life safety hazard exists as judged by the authority

having jurisdiction. 1-3-11" Occupancy During Renovation. Buildings or portions of

buildings shall be permittedto be occupied during construction, repair, alterations, or additions only if all required means of egress and all required fire protection features are in place and continuously maintained for the portion occupied.

1-3.12" Changes of Occupancy. In any building or structure, whether necessitating a physical alteration or not, a change from one occupancy classification to another, or from one occupancy subclassification to another subclassification of the same occupancy, shall be permitted only if such structure, building, or portion thereof conforms with the requirements of tiffs Code applying to new construction for the proposed new use.

1-3.13 Maintenance and Testing. 1-3.13.1 Whenever or wherever any device, equipment, system,

condition, arrangement, level of protection, or any other feature is required for compliance with the provisions of this Code, such device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or other feature shall thereafter be continuously maintained in operating condition in accordance with applicable NFPA requirements or as directed by the authority havingjurisdicfion.

1-3.13.9" Existing life safety features such as, but not limited to, automatic sprinklers, fire alarm systems, standpipes, and horizontal exits, if not required by the Code, either shall be maintained or removed.

1-3.13.3 Equipment requiring periodic testing or operation to ensure its maintenance shall be tested or operated as.specified elsewhere in this Code or as directed by the authority having jurisdiction.

1-3.13.4 Maintenance and testing shall be under the supervision of a responsible person who shall ensure that testing and maintenance are made at specified intervals in accordance with applicable NFPA standards or as directed by the authority having jurisdiction. SECTION 1-4 PURPOSE 1-4.1 The purpose of this Code is to provide minimum require-

ments, with due re .~..d to function, for the design, operation, and maintenance of buildings and structures for safety to life from fire. Its provisions will also aid life safety in similar emergencies.

1-4.2" As related to fire safety, an objective of this Code is to protect the occupants not intimate with the initial fire development from loss of life and to improve the survivability of those who are intimate with the fire development.

1-4.3" Protection of occupants is achieved by the combination of prevention, protection, egress, and other features with due regard to the capabilities and reliability of the features involved.

1-4.4 The Code endeavors to avoid requirements that might involve unreasonable hardships or unnecessary inconvenience or interference with the normal use and occupancy o f t building, but provides for fire safety consistent with the public interest.

SECTION 1-5 ASSUMPTIONS 1-5.1 The protection methods assume a single fire source. SECTION 1-6 EQUIVALENCY

1-6.1" Nothing in this Code is intended to prevent the use of calculation methods, test methods, systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety as alternatives to those prescribed by this Code, provided technical documentation is submitted to the authority havingj'urisdiction to demonstrate equivalency,, and the system, method, or device is approved for the intended purpose.

1-6.2" Alternative systems, methods, or devices approved as equivalent by the authority having jurisdiction shall be recognized as being in compliance with this Code. SECTION 1-7" FIRE EXIT DRILL~ 1-7.1 Fire exit drills conforming to the provisions of this Code shall

be regularly conducted in occupancies where specified by the provisions of Chapters 8 through 30, or by appropriate action of the authority having jurisdiction. Drills shall be designed in cooperation with the local authorities.

1-7.2" Fire exit drills, where required by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be held with sufficient frequency to familiarize occupants with the drill procedure and to have the conduct of the drill a matter of established routine. Drills shall include suitable procedures to ensure that all persons in the building or all persons subject to the drill actually participate.

1-7.3 Responsibility for the planning and conduct of drills shall be assigned only to competent persons qualified to exercise leadership.

1-7.4 In the conduct of drills, emphasis shall be placed on orderly evacuation under proper discipline rather than on speed.

1-7.5" Drills shall be held at expected and unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in the case of fire. SECTION 1-8 UNITS 1-8.1 Metric units of measurement in this Code are in accordance

with the modernized metric system known as the International System of Units (SI).

1-8.2 Ifa value for measurement as given in this Code is followed by an equivalent value in other units, the first stated shall be regarded as the requirement. A given equivalent value may be approximate.

1-8.3 The conversion procedure for the SI units has been to multiply the quantity by the conversion factor and then round the result to the appropriate number of significant digits. A-1 The following is a suggested procedure for determining the

Code requirements for a building or structure. 1. Determine the occupancy classification. Refer to the occupancy

definitions in Chapter 4 and the occupancy Chapters 8 through 29. Also see 4-1.11 for buildings with more than one use.

2. Determine it'the building or structure is new or existing. Refer to the definitions in Chapter 3.

3. Determine the occupant load. Refer to 5-3.1 and the -1.7 section of occupancy Chapters 8 through 29.

4. Determine the hazard of contents. Refer to Section 4-9. 5. Refer to the applicable occupancy chapter of the Code.

(Chapters 8 through 29). Refer as necessary to Chapters 1 through 7 for general information (e.g., definitions) or as directed by the occupancy chapter.

6. Determine the occupancy subclassification or special use condition, if any. Chapters 8 and 9, "Assembly Occupancies;" Chapters 19 and 13, "Health Care Occupancies;" Chapters 14 and 15, "Detention and Correctional Occupancies;" Chapters 16 and 17, "Hotels and Dormitories;" Chapters 99 and 93, "Residential Board and Care Occupancies;" and Chapters 94 and 95, "Mercantile Occupancies" contain subclassifications or special use definitions.

7. Proceed through the applicable occupancy chapter verifying compliance with each referenced section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, and referenced codes, standards, and other documents.

8. Where two or more requirements apply, the occupancy chapter generally takes precedence over the base Chapters 1 through 7, and where two or more occupancy chapters apply, such as in a mixed use building, the most stringent requirements apply. A-1-2.9 The Code recognizes that panic in a burning building may

be uncontrollable, but deals with the potential panicbazard through measures design¢cl to prevent the development of panic. Experience indicates that panic seldom develops, even in the presence of potential danger, so long as occupants of buildings are moving toward exits that they can see within a reasonable distance with no obstructions or undue congestion in the path of travel. However, any uncertainty as to the location or adequacy of means of egress, the presence of smoke, or the stoppage of egress travel, such as may occur when one person stumbles and falls on the stairs, may be conducive to panic. Panic danger is greatest when there are large numbers of people in a confined area. A-1-9.8 Examples of persons who purposely enter dangerous areas

include fire fighters, fire brigade members, and rescue service personnel while such persons are engaged in fire fghting, rescue, or other emergency operations; building occupants who attempt fire fighting or rescue; and persons who reenter dangerous areas.

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

#,-1-3.4 In existing buildings, it is not always practical to strictly apply tile provisions of this Code. Physical limitations may require disproportionate effort or expense with little increase in life safety. In such cases, the authority having jurisdiction should be satisfied that reasonable life safety is ensured.

In existing buildings it is in tended that any condition that represents a serious threat to life be mitigated by application of appropriate safeguards. It is not intended to require modifications for conditions that do not represent a significant threat to life, even though such conditions are not literally in compliance with the Code. A-1-3.7 The following is an example of what is in tended by 1-3.7. In

a hospital that has 6-ft (1.8-m) wide corridors, these corridors cannot be reduced in width even though the requirements for existing hospitals do not require 6-ft (1.8-m) wide corridors. However, i ra hospital has 10-ft (3-m) wide corridors, they may be reduced to 8 ft (2.4 m) width, wbicla is the requirement for new construction. If file hospital corridor is 3 ft (0.9 m) wide, it would have to be increased to 4 ft (1.2 m). If alterations require replacement of a portion of a hospital corridor wall, this portion of the corridor would not be required to be increased to 8 ft (2.4 m) in width unless itwas practical to do so. A-1-3.11 Fatal fires have occurred when a required stair has been

dosed for repairs or removed for rebuilding, when a required automatic sprinkler system has been shut off to change piping, etc. A-1-3.12 Examples of changes from one occupancy suhdassification

to another subdassification of the same occupancy could include a change from a Class C to a Class B assembly occupancy or a change from a Class B to a Class A mercantile occupancy. Hospitals and nursing homes are both health care occupancies and are defined separately, but they are not established as separate suboccupancies; thus, a change flora one to the other does not constitute a change of occupancy subclassifiration. As another example, a building was used as a hospital but has been

closed for four years. It is again to be used as a hospital. As long as the building was not used as another occupancy during tile time it was closed, it would be considered existing.

Hotels and aparttnents, al though both residential occupancies, are treated separately, and a change from one to tile other constitutes a change of occupancy.

A-1-3.15.2 The presence of a life safety feature, such as sprinklers or fire alarm devices, creates a reasonable expectation by the public that these safety features are functional. When systems are inoperable or taken out of service, but the devices remain present, they present a false sense of safety. Also, before taking any life safety features out of service, extreme care needs to be exercised to ensure that the feature is not required, was not originally provided as an alternative or equivalency, or is no longer required due to other new requirements in the current code. It is not intended that the entire system or protection feature be removed. Instead components such as sprinklers, initiating devices, notification appliances, standpipe hose, and exit systems should be removed to reduce tile likelihood of relying on inoperable systems or features. Alternatively, signage could be provided to indicate that a system is no longer operable.

A-1-4.2 The phrase "intimate with the initial fire development" refers to the person(s) at the ignition source and not to all persons within the same room or area. Code provisions aimed at protecting occupants not intimate with the initial fire development may also protect those who are intimate with the initial fire development. A-1-4.3 The level of life safety from fire is defined through

requirements directed at the: (a) Prevention of ignition. (b) Detection of fire. (c) Control of fire development. (d) Confinement of the effects of fire. (e) Extinguishment of fire. (f) Provision of refuge a n d / o r evacuation facilities. I~{ Staff reaction.

Provision of fire safety information to occupants. A-l-6.1 Before a particular mathematical fire model or evaluation

system is used, its purpose and limitations must be known. The tedmical documentat ion should dearly identify any assumptions included in tile evaluation. Also, it is, the intent of the Committee on Safety to Life to recognize that future editions of this Code are a further ref inement of this edition and earlier editions. The changes in future editions will reflect the continuing input of the fire protection/l ife safety community in its at tempt to meet the purpose stated in dais Code.

A-1-6.2 An equivalent method of protection is one providing an equal or greater level of safety. It is not a waiver or deletion of a code requirement. A-l-7 The term "fire exit drill ~ is used to avoid confusion between

drills held for tile purpose of rapid evacuation of buUdings and drills of fire-fighting practice that from a technical viewpoint are correctly designated as "fire drills," al though dais term is by common usage apphe " d to egress drills in schools, etc.

The purpose of fire exit drills is to educate the building occupants in the fire safety features and the egress facilities available. Speed in emptying buildings, while desirable, is not the only objective.

The usefulness of a fire exit drill and the extent to wiaicll it can be carried depends on the character of the occupancy, it being most effective in occupancies where the occupant load of the building is under discipline and subject to habitual control. For example, schools offer possibilities of more highly developed and valuable fire exit drills than other types of occupancy.

In buildings where the occupant load is of a changing character and not under discipline, such as hotels or deparunent stores, no regularly organized fire exit drill, such as that which may be conducted in schools, is possible. In such cases, tile fire exit drills must be limited to the regular employees, who can, however, be thoroughly schooled in the p rope rp rocedure and can be trained to properly direct other occupants of the building in case of fire. In occupancies such as hospitals, regular employees can be rehearsed in tile proper procedure in case of fire; such training always is advisable in all occupancies whether or no t regular fire exit drills can be held. A-1-7.2 If a fire exit drill is considered merely as a routine exercise

from which some persons may be excused, there is a grave danger that in an actual fire the drill will fall in its in tended purpose. However, there might be some circumstances under which all occupants might not participate in a fire exit drill, for example, infirm or bedr idden patients in a health care occupancy. A-1-7.5 Fire is always unexpected. If the drill is always held in the

same way at the same time it loses much of its value, and when for some reason in actual fire it is no t possible to follow the usual routine of the fire exit drill to which occupants have become accustomed, confusion and panic may ensue. Drills should be carefully p lanned to simulate actual fire conditions. Not only should they be held at varying times, but different means of exit should be used based on an assumption that, for example, some given stairway is unavailable by reason of fire or smoke, and all the occupants must be led out by some other route. Fire exit drills should be designed to familiarize the occupants with all available means of exits, particularly emergency exits that are not habitually used during the normal occupancy of the building. SUBSTANTIATION: The rewrite of Chapter 1 is mainly editorial. It is being done to format the Code in anticipation for including performance-based design options for the next edition of the Code. Material has been grouped into sections addressing scope, application, purpose, assumptions, etc. as suggested by the draft model developed by the NFPA in-house task group on performance-based documents. When tile next edition is prepared the format will permit for a section on design options to he added without necessitating much additional reformatting.

Substantiation for the noneditorial ciaanges includes: 1-2.7 (formerly 1-3.7). Reference to "during the course of normal

occupancy of buildings" was deleted because there are Code provisions such as 8-2.5.6.2 that have as their basis a concern for a situation arising during normal occupancy.

1-2.8 (new). This new paragraph recognizes that the provisions of this Code are not intended to protect persons, such as rescuers, who purposely en te r / reen te r an area made unsafe by fire.

1-3.10 (formerly 1-6.1). In subpart (c) reference has been added to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) because it is the AHJ who must judge whether a serious life safety hazard exists.

1-3.11 (formerly 1-6.2). The modifier "required" has been added in two places to clarify that only tile required means of egress and required fire protection features need to be in place.

1.3.13 (formerly 1-7). Tile section has been retitled "Maintenance and Testing" because the testing requirements of 31-1.3 have been moved into Chapter I as directed by the Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life. Section 1-6 (formerly 1-5). The former second paragraph (former 1-

5.2) dealing with equivalency has been deleted because it is unnecessary based on the revision of what was the third paragraph (former 1- 5.3) and the creation of an appendix item explaining that an equivalency provides equal or greater safety than reejuired by the prescriptive text, and that an equivalency is not a wmver or deletion of a Code requirement. Tiffs revised text better explains intent.

Section 1-7 (new). This new section represents the relocation of material on fire exit drills that has been relocated from 31-1.5 as directed by the Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life. Tile material and its appendix i temshave been updated; incorrect material has been deleted or revised. Section 1-8 (new). The new section adds material that is common in

other NFPA documents to explain that metric unit equivalents are provided throughout the Code.

Other noneditorial changes, not individually substantiated here, reflect the committee actions on other proposals on Chapter 1 and its appendix material. See those proposals for details on why tile changes were made.

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

COMMITTEE ACTION: Accep~ NUMBER OF COMMFFFEE MEaMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMI'FrEE ACTION:


(Log #421) FUN

101- 4 - (1-2.2): Reject SUBlVHTTER= David Stroup, U.S. General Services Administration RECOMMENDATION: Revise 1-2.2 to read as follows: As related to fire safety, the objective of this Code is to provide reasonable dProtection for the occupants no t intimate with the initial fire

evelopment from loss of life and to improve the survivability of those who are intimate with the fire development. The protection methods assume a single fire source. SUBSTANTIATION: The existing wording is unclear in that it implies an absolute level of protection for occupants not intimate with ignition while requiring some lesser level for occupants intimate with ignition. The proposed change would clarify the concept that nothing is absolute and both levels are relative measures. The occupancy chapters can set levels of protection appropriate to the hazards. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: Revisions are being made to Chapter 1 via committee-generated Proposal 101 - 3 (Log #CP100) in anticipation of recognizing performance-based design to a greater degree. That option necessitates dropping existing ambiguous terms, such as the word "reasonable , rand guarding against adding new ambiguous terms. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COIVIMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #420) FUN

101- 5 - (1-2.3): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: David Stroup, U.S. General Services Administration RECOMMENDATION: Revise 1-2.3 to read as follows:

The level of safety is achieved by a combination of prevention, protection, egress, and other features with due regard to the capabilities and reliability of the features involved. Specific combinations deemed to satisfy the prescribed level of safety are enumerated in the individual occupancy chapters. SUBSTANTIATION: The concept of this paragraph, that safety is provided by a system, is important and cannot be overstated. However, the current wording and punctuation leaves the reader with the impression that the occupancy chapters provide the sole system to accomplish the stated objective. This is in conflict with Sections 1-4 and 1-5. Making the suggested changes will eliminate the conflict. COMMIT1"EE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Committee-generated Proposal 101 - 3 (Log #CP100 ).

COM]VHTI'EE STATEMENT: Changes made in Chapter 1 via the referenced committee-generated proposal should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #174) FUN

101- 6 - (1-3.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 1-3.5 to read:

1-3.5 Vehicles, vessels, and other similar conveyances, as defined by 30-1.3, shall be treated as a building. SUBSTANTIATION: The provisions of 1-3.5 and 30-1.3 are not currendy coordinated. Chapter 30 clearly states that a vehicle or vessel does not have to be in a "fixed location" to be required to comply with the Code. Most such structures are no t truly fixed. The definitions of Chapter 30 are far superior to the simple s tatement in Chapter 1. Rather than repeat all of the definition, a simple reference should suffice. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Use submitter 's wording but r enumber the reworded 1-3.5 to become 1-2.5.

COMMI'FI'EE STATEMENT: The renumber ing is needed because of the renumber ing/ re format t ing of Chapter 1 done by Proposal 101 - 3 (Log #CP100). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


( Log #141) FUN

1 0 i - 7 - (1-4 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Philip.Jose, VA Regional Division Office RECOMMENDATION: Add new text to read as follows:

"When using this Code it is in tended that, once a new edition is issued, there shall be no reason to reference previous editions. Buildings in existence, on the date of acceptance of t h e . latest edition must meet only existing requirements for the applicable occupancy. The user is r eminded of the requirements under Section 1-4.6 that apply to modernization and renovation which prohibit diminishing existing Life Safety features that exceed the requirements for existing buildings." SUBSTANTIATION: To make clear to all users when the requirements of new and existing should be used. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMIT]['EE STATEMENT: The problem described in Proposals 101 - 8 (Log #258) and 101 - 7 (Log #141) is an enforcement issue rather than a code specification issue and, thus, can not effectively be addressed- by this Code. NUMBER OF COMMIT1"EE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #258) FUN

101- 8 - (1-4 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Section 1-4.1.1:

"A building, addition, or alteration designed to the requirements of a prior Code edition, shall be required to meet that edition's NEW requirements for the life of the building. Any r6quirement(s) for existing facilities in this Code edition shall only apply if they are more stringent. SUBSTANTIATION: Currendy, Code language can literally be interpreted to means the existing chapter requirements are applied to all buildings, except for the initial inspection after new construction. This interpretation, if allowed to continue, orofoundlv devalues this Code to a minimum level o f safety e~:onomical]y tolerable for retroactive application(s).

I submit that this new subparagraph, or one like it, is extremely important to clarify Code in ten t A change to the definition of "existing" or "building existing" would not adequately address such an important issue. I am also submitt ing changes to those definitions in order to avoid conflict with this new proposal.

The building code/ f i re code system, such as the UBC/UFC, operate under the premise that a new building or alteration (requiring a permit) must be built to the building Code in effect at t ime of permit. From that point on that edition of the building code becomes the "existing chapter" for future inspections (concerning building features). The famous "grandfather clause" steps in to

~ rotect the building owner from continuous upgrades when new uilding Code editions are adopted. But the current owner of the

building is always responsible to maintain his building in compliance with the edition of the building Code under which it was built.

For this Life Safety Code, three illustrations are offered below:. (There are many, many other possible scenarios where this issue

becomes important.) True, the AHJ would have to make the ultimate decision of enforcement and Code intent, but we the NFPA membership and fundamentals committee owe it to the Authority Having Jurisdiction to make the rules clear.

Illustration 1. A new, four story addition, health care occupancy, is added to an existing hospital. Plans were approved in 1992 for compliance with the 1991 Code for new health care. For whatever reason, the new addition is built without sprinkler protection. During 1496, after the latest edition 1994 Life Safety Code is adopted, the building is inspected and (for the first time) recognized as not meeting the 1991 Life Safety Code for full sprinkler protection. This health care addition complies with 1994 "Existing" health

care. Does the Code require the building to be sprinkler protected?

10

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

Should an A / E design or construct ion mistake be allowed to continue?

Illustration 2. In 1987 a new nine story heal th care occupancy is built supposedly in compliance with the 1985 Life Safety Code, a d o p t e d b y the Authori ty Having Jurisdict ion in 1985. Dur ing 1996 an issue concern ing minor alterations to vertical I-WAG shafts, reveals that the shaft and all o ther shafts inc luding stairway shafts were originally built to only 1-hour fire resistive construction. The shafts were not in compliance with the Life Safety Code for new when it was built, bu t it is in compliance with existing 1994 Life Safety Code. Does the code require the owner to fix-the 1987 mistake?

Illustration 3. In 1987 that same nine story new heal th care occupancy is built supposedly in compliance with the 1985 Life Safety Code. As allowed then, the bui lding is no t sprinkler protected. Dur ing 1996, an issue concern ing pat ient room windows reveals that the original windows as part of a system of "area of refuge" without sprinklers. T he 1994 Life Safety Code "exist ing heal th care" does no t require retrofitting windows to be openable. To complicate things, the 1994 new heal th care does no t require openable windows either, due to manda to ry quick response sprinklers. Does the Code require the owner to provide openable windows?

Note that the cur ren t Section 1-4.6 provides some code language to prevent degradat ion of features once installed. But, tha t assumes the ideal situation tha t the features were installed in compliance with NEW a n d that the inspector knows it was there.

The NFPA member sh i p established a Life Safety Code to provide " m i n i m u m reouirements" for new construction. I submit to the member sh ip tha t those " m i n i m u m reouiremenl~" should be complied with for the life of the buildfng. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The problem described in Proposals 101 - 8 (Log #258) and 101 - 7 (Log #141) is an en fo rcement issue rather than a code specification issue and, thus, can not effectively be addressed by this code. NUMBER OF COMMITI~E MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #423) FUN

101- 9 - (1-4.2): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 1-4.2:

Existing buildings or installations that do no t comply with the referenced s tandards conta ined in this d o c u m e n t ( see Chapter 32 ) shall be permi t ted to be cont inued in service provided the lack of conformity with these s tandards does not present a serious hazard to the occupants. SUBSTANTIATION: Al though the language is similar to that of 32- 1 it needs to be restated in 1-4 so it is no t missed by those organizations enforcing the Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accep t in Principle in Part.

Insert as a new 1-3.5: 1-3.5 Referenced Publications. Existing buildings or installations

tha t do no t comply with file provisions of the referenced s tandards conta ined in this d o c u m e n t (see Chapter 39) shall be permit ted to be cont inued in service provided the lack of conformity with these s tandards does not p resen t a serious hazard to the occupants as de t e rmined by the authori ty having jurisdiction. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: T he Commit tee agrees tha t the subject deserves to be addressed in Chapter 1. The wording, as revised by the commit tee action, accomplishes most of what the submit ter requested, bu t retains a reference to the authori ty having jurisdict ion (AHJ). However, with the revised wording, the AHJ need no t specifically approve use of this allowance; rather, the AHJ will j u d g e whether a serious hazard will result if the allowance is used. This shou ld mee t most of the submit ter ' s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #424) FUN

101- 10 - (1-4.6 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: Revise 1-4.6 as follows:

"... for new construct ion. Only the altered, renovated or modernized nor t ion of an existing builcling, system or ilndividual c;omponent

11

shall be reoui red to mee t the the reou i rements stated in this s tandard. If the alteration, renovatidn or moderniza t ion impacts the existing per formance reuu i rements of a building, system or" comoo-nbnt, addit ional uba'radiniz shall be reoufred. Existing life safet;/..." " ~ SUBSTANTIATION: The added language is similar to a proposal accepted by NFPA 99. This will assist users of the d o c u m e n t in de te rmin ing to what extent the renovation, alteration or moderniza- t ion needs to comply with the new construct ion requirements . COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in ~Principle.

Revise 1-4.6 as follows: ",.. for new construction. Only the altered, renovated or modern-

ized port ion of an existin~ building, system or individual c o m p o n e n t shall~be reuui red to meet~the nroxd'siohs of this Code applicable to new construct ion nrovided o ther life safety features are no t diminished. Existing life safety ..." COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The wording, as revised by the committee, covers the subject more concisely. The Commit tee Action should mee t the submit ter ' s intent. Note that existing paragraph 1-4.6 has been r e n u m b e r e d as 1-3.7 based on Proposal 101 - 3 (Log #GP100). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #175) FUN

101- 11 - (1-6.1 Exception): Accept SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Delete the te rm "existing" f rom the exception. SUBSTANTIATION: Based on the definit ion of "building, existing" in Chapter 3 a bui lding could be several years old and still be considered "new" especially if newer editions of the code are not adopted. Minor violations could develop in a building, such as bu rned out bulbs in an exit sign that do no t warrant evacuating the building as long as the requi rements of the exception are me t as with any truly "existing" buildings. The terms "shall be permi t ted to remain in use" should clarify that we are talking about a bui lding that has already been occupied. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Note that paragraph 1-6.1 has been r e n u m b e r e d as 1-3.10 via Proposal 101 - 3 (Log #CP100). NUMBER OF COMMITTEEMEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP208) MEA

101- 12- (1-6.2 and 31-1.1.1): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety tO Life

(AAC) directs that a public c o m m e n t be submit ted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fundamenta ls (FUN), which has main responsibility for Chapter 1 provisions, provide needed changes or offer concurrence with the placement of the material in Chapter 1 given that the proposal was acted on by the Life Safety Technical Committee on Means of Egress (MEA). SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: In Chapter 1 add a new head ing as follows:

1-6.2 Construct ion. Repair and Improvement Operations. R e n u m b e r cur ren t 1-6.2 to becom~ 1-6.2.1. Move 31-1.1.1 to become 1-6.2.2 as follows:

1-6.2.2" In buildings unde r construction, adequate escape facilities shall be main ta ined at all t imes for the use of construction workers. Escape facilities shall consist of doors, walkways, stairs, ramps, fire escapes, ladders, or o ther approved means or devices a r ranged in accordance with the general principles of the Code insofar as they can reasonably be applied to buildings und e r

g, c o n s t r u c t i o n . ( ~ - nl~,, ";,,'I~A 2~'I, g ~ d a , , . l ' .',3, S,,,%~u~;,l:,,g

Create an appendix item A-1-6.2.2 to read: A-1-6.2.2 See also N'FPA 241. Standard for Safe~uardin~ Construc-

tion, Alteration. and Demoli t ion OPerations. From benea th the title of Chapter '5 Means of Egress, page 101-26,

delete "(See also Chapter 31.)" SUBSTANTIATION- The proposal editorially moves Section 31-1 material to the core chapters (lthrough 7) as directed by the Technical Correlating Commit tee on Safety to Life. Al though 31-

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

1.1.1 has been under the responsibility of the Techncai Committee on Means of Egress, the material will fit more appropriately in Chapter 1, rather than Chapter 5. COMMITYEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

(Log #CP3) BCF

101- 13 - (1-6.3 Exception (New)): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a pubfic comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fundamentals (FUN), which has main responsibility for Chapter 1 prbvisions, provide needed changes or offer concurrence with the placement of the material in Chapter I given that the proposal was acted on by the Life Safety Technical Committee on Board and Care Facifities (BCF). SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Board and Care Facilities, RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 1-6.3 to read as follows:

"Where permitted by Ct~apters 22 or 23, exisdng construction features shall be permitted to be continued in use in conversions of existing residential or health care occupancies to a residential board and care occupancy as defined in 22-1.3and 23-1.3." SUBSTANTIATION: In Chapter 22 of the 1994 edition of the Life Safety Code, there are numerous exceptions for existing construction features for "conversions". The conversions that are intended to be allowed the use of these exceptions involve converting an existing one- and two-family dwelling, lodging or rooming house, or apartment unit to a residential board and care occupancy. Because the building is existing and therefore the construction features exist, it is not practical to change those construction features so as to comply with the requirements for new construction. Relatively little would be gained, for example, in requiring an existing 28 in. door to be changed to 32 in. The current exemptions appear in 22-2.2.5.1 Exception No.l, 22-2.2.6.1 Exception, 22-3.3.6.3 Exception and 22- 3.3.6.4 Exception No.1 and Exception No. 2. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 18

(Log #73) FUN

101- 14- (1-7.1, 31-1.3.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Margaret R. Engwer, VA Medical Center RECOMMENDATION: Revise 1-7.1 and 31-1.3.1 to read:

"Whenever or wherever any device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or any other feature is required for compliance with the provisions of this Code, such device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or other feature shall be thereafter permanently maintained in accordance with aDolicable NFPA reouirements or as directed bv the authority havin~ |urisdiction unles~ the Code exempts such maintenance. SUBSTANTIATION: 1-7.1 and 31-1.3.1 require maintenance of fire protection systems, and 31-1.3.4 states that testing and operation for maintenance sball be done as specified elsewhere in this Code, or as directed by the anthority having jurisdiction.

There are a number of sections and paragraphs that require installation in accordance with a specific NFPA requirement, but requirements for maintenance are not identified. For example, 23- 3.3.4.6 requires that smoke detection systems be provided in accordance with NFPA 72, but NFPA 72 is not referenced for maintenance of these systems. The proposed revision will clarify that in the absence of AHJ

requirements, the applicable NFPA requirements should be followed for maintenance of fire protection equipment. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise current 1-7.1 to read: '~henever or wherever any device, equipment, system, condition,

arrangement, level of protection, or any other feature is required for compliance with the provisions of this Code, such device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or other feature shall thereafter be continuously maintained in accordance with applicable NFPA requirements or as directed by the authority llaving jurisdiction." COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested and also makes editorial cbanges. This should meet the submitter's intent. Note that

~ aragraph 1-7.1 has been renumbered as 1-3.13.1 via Proposal 101 - (Log #CP100). Also, 31-1.3.1 has been deleted because the

provisions of 31-1.3 have been relocated into Chapter 1 and the wording represents a duplication of current 1-7.1 (renumbered 1- 3.13.1). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMrIWEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 7 " Ni3T RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Rodante

(Log #383) FUN

101-15 - (2-3): Reject SUBMITTE~ Robert A. GorreU, ASI RECOMMENDATION: Every building or structure shall be

rovided with exits and other safeguards of kinds, numbers, cations, and capacities appropriate to the occupancy, the

capabilities of the occupants, the number of persons exposed, the fire protection available, the height and type of construction of the building or structure, and other factors necessary to provide all occupants with a reasonable degree or safety. Accessible rooms or snaces shall be vrovided with Accessible Means of Eavess and g.ccessible Means of Escane. SUBSTANTIATION: Building Codes and the ADAAG require a percentage of most rooms or spaces to be accessible. Occupants of accessible spaces or rooms need "exits and other safeguards of kinds, locations, and capacities appropriate to the occupancy". The need for Accessible Means of Egress is obvious and is generally provided for by "Accessible Route" requirements of Codes and the ADAAG. However, and Accessible Means of Escape, for a disabled person, may very well be more important to survival than the Means of Egress. Access to fresh air and a way to call for help are primary functions of an emergency escape opening. Of all fire related deaths, 3/4 are from smoke inhalation so being able to open an emergency opening, typically the operable window, is very important. The AAMA provides a voluntary maximum force of operation for standard windows of 45 pounds. For many people this standard mayas well allow the windows to be welded shut. Also see proposed definition for Accessible Means of Escape for Section 3-2. COMI~TrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: Proposer's wording would add redundancy. There is no need to distinguish among the occupants in the building. The requirement of this paragraph applies to "all occupants." NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #385) MEA

101- 16 - (3-2 Accessible Means of Escape (New)): Reject SUBMITTERi Robert A. GorreU, ASI RECOMMENDATION: Add a definition for Accessible Means of Escape to Section 3-2 as follows: Accessible Means of Escape. An accessible way out of a building or

structure complying with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, that does not conform to the strict definition of means of egress but does provide an alternate way out SUBSTANTIATION: A mobility impaired person or a person of limited strength may not be able to mobilize as quickly to an emergencyas the average population. The Emergency Escape and Rescue Window or an exterior door are critical to self-preservation. Access to fresh air and a way to call for help could mean survival. Accessible spaces must have adequate life safety consideration with regard to the intended occupancy (see Section 2-3). f f the occupant cannot use the door, window, or pathway, what good are they? ANSI All7.1 provides the standard needed to make doors, windows, and interior passageways accessible and usable by the occupant. Also see pCroposed addition to Section 2-3.

OMMrVrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMI'[TEE STATEMENT: Submitter's use of"accessible" is really a descriptor of means of escape, rather than part of a recognized term that would need to be defined in the Code. The Code does not apply accessibility requirements to means of escape. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

12 ¢

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

(Log #CP650) HEA

101- 17 - (3-2 Birth Centers, 4-1.8 and A-4-1.8): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that public comments be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fundamentals (FUN), which has main responsibility for Chapters $ and 4 provisions, and the Life Safety Technical Committee on Mercantile and Business Occupancies (MER), which has main responsibility for business occupancies provisions, provide needed changes or offer concurrence with the placement of the material in Chapters 3 and 4 given that the proposal was acted on by the Life Safety Technical Committee on HealthCare Occupancies (HEA). SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Health Care Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: In Chapter 3, Section 3-2, add a definition of Birth Center as follows:

Birth Center. A facility where low risk births are p lanned to occur following normal, uncomplicated pregnancy, providing professional midwifery care to women during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

To the 4-1.8 list of business occupancy examples, add "birth centers." Add appendix note A-4-1.8 (tied to the addit ion of the term "birth

center" in the list of business occupancy examples) to read: A-4-1.8 Birth Center. The birth center is a lowvolume service for

healthy, childbearing families capable of ambulation in the event of fire or fire threatening events. Birth center mothers and babies have minimal analgesia, no general or regional anesthesia, and are capable of ambulation, even in second stage labor. SUBSTANTIATION: Birth centers that meet the proposed definition involve occupants who are capable of self preservation. Birth centers are mistakenly classified as health care occupancies. The proposal clarifies that birth centers should be considered as business occupancies. The proposed appendix note fur ther clarifies this. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 15 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

EXPLANATION OF'NEGATIVE: BUSH: The proposed definition and classification of birth centers

is very misleading and not representative of actual conditions. Rather than assigning definitions to these or any other occupancy by name only, a more performance based specification is needed due to the flexibility in services provided and fluid nature in the progression of these facilities. By inserting the performance criteria for pat ient ambulation as an appendix item only, the enforcement of the limitations for facility services and occupant evacuation capabilities is not possible. In addition, the blanket assignment of birth centers as business occupancies may severely restrict the design and operation of these facilities as other occupancy types especially where medical services may be provided or overnight accommodations desirable.

(Log #259) FUN

101- 18 - (3-2 Building, Existing): Reject SUBMITTER: Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Revise deinit ion to read:

Building, Existing. Any structure erected or a permit for construction was issued, prior to an agency adopting this Code for file first time. SUBSTANTIATION: Eliminates confusion. These situations are clearly different: an agency adopting this Code for the first time, an agency adopting the latest edition where the Code has been in effect for 20 years. Buildings built to the Life Safety Code new chapters should remain in compliance with new - the edition in effect when built. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The proposer ' s wording would create a definition in conflict with Committee intent and in conflict with tbe revised application section, especially 1-3.1. Also, see Committee Action on Proposal 101 - 19 (Log #142) which revises the definition of "existing buildings" to clarify Committee intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #142) FUN

101- 19 - (3-2 Building, Existing; and Existing): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Philip J o s e , VA Regional Division Office RECOMMENDATION: Add the words "edition of the" before the word "Code" in the definitions of Existing Building and Existing. SUBSTANTIATION: To clarify intent. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Revise 3-2 definition of "existing bui ld ing ' to read: Building, Existing.* Any structure erected or officially authorized

prior to the effective date of the adopt ion of this edition of the Code by the agency or jurisdiction.

Revise 3-2 definition of "existing" as r ecommended by tile submitter, but delete the phrase "such as existing buildings, structures, or egress facilities" so as to read:

Existing.* That which is already in existence on the date when this edition of the Code goes into effect. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action should meet the submitter 's intent. The revision to tile definition of "existing building" does what the submitter r ecommended and further clarifies committee intent. Given that the list of examples, in tile definition of "existing," can not be all inclusive it is better to drop the phrase "such as existing'buildings, structures, or egress facilities." NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP869) RES

101- 20 - (3-2 Dwelling Unit): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safray to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fundamentals (FUN), which has main responsibility for Chapter 3 provisions, provide needed changes or offer concurrence with the placement of the material in Chapter 3 given that the proposal was acted on by the Life Safety Technical Committee on Residential Occupancies (RES). SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Residential Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Add a definition of Dwelling Unit to read:

Dwelling Unit. A single unit, providing complete, independen t living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating; cooking and sanitation. SUBSTANTIATION: To define the term "dwelling unit" wbich is used extensively in Chapters 18 and 19. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 25 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NOT RETURNED: 2 Kelly, Nickson

(Log #261) FUN

101- 21 - (3-2 Existing): Reject SUBMrI'FER: Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Revise to read as follows:

Existing. That which is already in existence on the date when this Code is adopted for the first time, such as existing buildings, structures, or egress facilities. Existing buildings, structures, or egress facilities remain "existing" as subsequent Code editions are adopted, only if they are not modernized, renovated, or altered." SUBSTANTIATION: Eliminates confusion. Adoption of the latest edition should not allow buildings, fire safety features, etc. to be inspected for compliance only to existing. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The proposer 's wording would create a definition in conflict with Committee intent and in conflict with the revised application section, especially 1-3.1. Also, see Committee Action on Proposal 101 - 19 (Log #142) which revises the definitions of "existing building" and "existing" to clarify Committee intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE.MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


13

N F P A 101 ~ F96 R O P

(Log #CP309) FIR

101-22- (3-2 Fire Barrier Wall (New)): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fundamenta ls (FUN), which has main responsibility for Chapter 3 provisions, provide needed changes or offer concurrence with the placement of the material in Chapter 3 given that the proposal was acted on by the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features (FIR). SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Fire Protection Features, RECOMMENDATION: Add a definit ion of "fire barrier wall" to Section 3-2 to read:

Fire Barrier Wall. A wall, o ther t han a fire wall, having a fire resistance rating. SUBSTANTIATION: The term "fire barrier wall" will be used in Chapter 6 based on the action taken on Proposal 101 - 119 (Log #CP310) on 6-2.2.2. Therefore, the te rm needs to be def ined in the Code. The proposed definit ion is consistent with tha t in NFPA 221, Standard for Fire Walls and Fire Barrier Walls. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notar ianni

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: KLEIN: I th ink our reference to NFPA 221, "Standard for Fire

Walls and Fire Barrier Walls" is p remature since our commit tee ' s use of the te rm "fire barrier" may no t be in t ended for application in same way as is in tended by NFPA 221. We permi t a "fire barrier" unde r existing Section 6-2.3.2 to be a m i n i m u m of 20 minutes and unde r proposed Log #192 to be a m i n i m u m of 30 minutes , f fwe reference Chapter 3 of NFPA 221, Chapter 3 (3-1) requires compliance with Chapter 4 of NFPA 221. Section 4-2 of NFPA 221 requires "Penetrat ion Seals" per ASTM E814, which would t hen be applicable to NFPA 101 "fire barrier" that is fire rated less than one hour. Also, Section 3-2 of NFPA 221 on "Terminat ion Points" may no t be what our commit tee is perceiving when des igning a 20 or 30 minu te "fire barrier" u n d e r NFPA 101. As long as we use u n d e r NFPA 101 the te rm "fire barrier" for assemblies u n d e r one h o u r fire rated, we better be very clearof our reference to ano the r NFPA s tandard that may not have considered how we use this term. We may cause these c o m m o n .20-30 minu te "fire barriers" to be very costly to build and mainta in without any reasonable justification.

(Log #CP311 ) FIR

101- 23 - (3-2 Fire Protection Rating): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fundamenta ls (FUN), which has main responsibility for Chapter 3 I~r°visions, provide needed ch:nang~-,., s or offer . concurrence with the placement of the materiM in Chapter 3 gtven that the proposal was acted on by the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features (FIR). SUBMITTER= Technical Commi t tee on Fire Protection Features, RECOMMENDATION: Add a defini t ion of "fire protect ion rating" to Section 3-2 to read:

Fire Protect ion Radng. T he des ignat ion indicating the durat ion of the fire test exposure to which a fire door assembly or fire window assembly was exposed and successfully me t all the acceptance criteria as de t e rmined in accordance with NFPA 252, S tandard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, or NFPA 257, S tandard for Fire Tests of Window Assemblies, respectively. SUBSTANTIATION: The term "fire protection rating" will take on added impor tance based on the action taken, on Proposal 101 - 120 (Log #CP312) on 6-2.3. Therefore , the te rm n~eds to be def ined in the Code. The proposed definit ion is consistent with tha t in NFPA 80, S tandard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows. C O M M I T r E E ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notar ianni

(Log #CP618) AXE

101- 24- (4-1.2): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fundamentals (FUN), which has main responsibility for Chapter 4 provisions, provide needed changes or offer concurrence with the placement of the material in Chapter 4 given that the proposal was acted on by the Life Safety Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies (AXE). SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee o n A s s e m b l y a n d Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: To the end of the first paragraph of 4-1.2 add the following:

"Assembly occupancies also include special a m u s e m e n t buildings regardless of occupan t load (see 8-4.6 and 9-4.6)." SUBSTANTIATION: The requi rements applicable to special a m u s e m e n t buildings apply regardless of the usual 50 person occupan t load factor associated with assembly occupancies. Thus, the addit ional wording is necessary to advise the user to see Chapters 8 and 9 for special a m u s e m e n t buildings, regardless of occupan t load. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey and Wer the imer

(Log #80) MER

101- 25 - (4-1.8): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fundamentals (FUN), which has main responsibility for Chapter 4 provisions, provide needed changes or offer concurrence with the p lacement o f the material in Chapter 4 given that the proposal was acted on by the Life Safety Technical Committee on Mercantile and Business Occupancies (MER). SUBMITTER: Richard W. Bukowski, Building and Fire Research Lab, NIST RECOMMENDATION: To the 4-1.8 list of examples of business occupancies add:

Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT's) SUBSTANTIATION: Currently, Air Traffic Control Towers are addressed in the LSC only by Exception No. 3 to paragraph 30-2.4 which deals with single-exit towers. If s o m e o n e were to build a ATGT with two exits, the LSC would no t address it. Two of the model bui lding codes classify ATCT's as business occupancies. Thus, it is appropriate that the LSC classify the ATCT as such. C O M M r I T E E ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 12 NEGATIVE: 1 N O T RETURNED: 5 Briese, Lister, Madrzykowski, Snack an d

Tomes EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE:

MCGEE: Reference to air traffic control towers should no t be included in Section 4-1.8, Business, without making the necessary change to o ther sections of NFPA 101 a n d / o r o ther NFPA reference standards.

An exception should be included in NFPA 101 exempt ing air traffic control towers o f noncombust ib le construct ion f rom strict adher- ence to Section 25-3.1.1 which refers to Section 6-2.3.1. The control tower and the construct ion within may have au tomat ic sprinklers, and fire barriers typically f ound in a business occupancy. However, they are f~equentiy suppor ted by an exposed structural steel framwork. There are exposed steel noncombus t ib le towers at airports all over the country.

ff air traffic control towers a r e added to the business occupancy it is suggested the following exception be added to Section 26-3.1.1:

"Exception No. 5: Structural supports for air traffic control towers located above grade need no t be fire resistance rated."

14

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

(Log #176) FUN

101- 26 - (4-1.9): Accept in Principle SUB.MITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add an addit ional paragraph to read:

"Minor industrial operat ions incidental to ano the r occupancy shall be treated as part of the p r edomi nan t occupancy." SUBSTANTIATION: Similar to minor storage, 4-1.10, minor mercantile, 4-1.7, ,and minor business, 4-1.8, minor industrial should be recognized. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Add an exception to 4-1.11 to read: Exception: An occupancy incidental to operat ions in ano ther

occupancy shall be permi t ted to be considered as part of the p r edominan t occupancy and shall be subject to tile provisions of this Code that apply to the p redominan t occupancy.

Add an appendix note A-4-1.11 Exception to read: A-4-1.11 Exception Examples of uses that migh t be incidental to ano the r occupancy include:

(a) a newsstand (mercantile) in an office building, (b) a giftshop (mercanti le) in a hotel, (c) a small storage area (storage) in any occupancy, (d) minor office space (business) in may occupancy, and (e) a main tenance area (industrial) in any occupancy. Delete f rom 4-1.7: "Minor merchandis ing operat ions ... the

p redominan t occupancy." Delete f rom 4-1.8: "Minor office occupancy ... the p redominan t

occupancy.*' Delete f rom 4-1.10: "Minor storage incidental ... the p r edominan t

occupancy." COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submit ter ' s wording was accepted except for the word "minor" because the concept centers on the "incidental" use of such spaces. The qualifier "minor" does no t help in unde r s t and ing the concept. Tile appendix note will provide examples of the situation recognized by the new exception. Rather than have a similar sentence appear in four locations, the wording was moved to become an exception to 4-1.11, and associated wording was deleted f rom 4-1.7, 4-1.8 and 4-1,10. This should meet the submit ter ' s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #279) FUN

101-27- (4-1.11.1, 4-1.11.2 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Charles W. Edwards, Lee County Codes and Building Services RECOMMENDATION: R e n u m b e r 4-1.11 to 4-1.11.1.

Add a new section: 4-1.11.2 Individual occupancies in a mixed occupancy bui lding

that are provided with i n d e p e n d e n t exits to the outside and separated by m i n i m u m two hou r fire barriers may be considered separate buildings for the purposes of this code. SUBSTANTIATION: The basic premise of the code appears to indicate tha t two hour fire barriers offer a level of protection substantial enough for Life Safety for vertical enclosures, horizontal exits, mixed occupancies,-addit ions to Health Care, Detent ion & Correctional. This section identifies that premise and allows it to be used in all occupancy classifications unde r the strict 'conditions as noted. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The appendix note A-4-1.11 adequately addresses the subject. Also, the submit ter mixed two concepts, occupancy separation and bu i ld ing /a rea separations, so that the proposed wording is confusing. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 7 N O T RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Rodante

(Log #380) FUN

101- 28 - (4-2.1.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Jeffrey LaSalle, Brinjac, Kambic & Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: Add the following:

"Factors to be considered in assigning hazard classifications to bui lding contents include their ant icipated hea t release rate versus t ime curves, peak hea t release rates, smoke obscurat ion potential, and chemical composit ion. Hazard classification shall also account for room geometry and ventilation conditions."

15

SUBSTANTIATION: The cur rent language does no t provide sufficient guidance on how to assess hazard of contents. Authorit ies Having Jurisdict ion are often subjective in their assessment of hazards. The proposed l anguagewou ld identify some of the key factors that mos t be considered in hazard identification. It would PcrOvide a measure of objectivity to the hazard assessment process.

OMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The commit tee could not discern any immedia te benefit to making the proposed change. The classification of bazard of contents is relatively easily accompl ished qualitatively without the level of detail suggested by the submitter~ In some fiJture revision cycle, if the Code is changed to recognize performance-b~.sed designs more explicitly, the concept proposed migh t be more applicable. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #356) FUN

101- 29 - (4-2.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Jeffrey Lz~Salle, Brinjac, Kaznbic & Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: Delete the existing sub-section and replace with tile following:

4-2.2 Classification of Hazard of Contents 4-2.2.1 The hazard of contents of any bui lding or structure shall be

classified according to the hea t release rate versus time curve of its fuel packages in accordance with the following equation:

Q = (1055/t~ 2)t2 kW Where Q is dye Heat Release Rate, in kW

t~ is file Fire Growth Time, the Time at which the fire reaches a Hegt Release Rate of 1055 kW, in seconds

t is the Time, in seconds 4-2.2.2 Low Hazard. Low hazard contents shall be classified as

those contents for which the Fire Growth Time, t~, is equal to or greater tban 600 seconds or in which no seff-prolYagating fire there in c a n O c c u r ,

4-2.2.3 Ordinary Hazard. Ordinary hazard contents shall be classified as those contents for which file Fire Growth Time, tg, falls within the following range:

100 seconds -< tg < 600 seconds. 4-2.2.4 High Hazard. High hazard contents shall be classified as

dmse contents for which the Fire Growth Time, tg, is less d~an 100 seconds, or which present a deflagration or de tonat ion hazard. SUBSTANTIATION: Any engineer ing-based life safety analysis mus t begin with a definit ion of the anticipated fire growth rates of the fuel packages. The fire growth Tale serves as a starting point for fur ther quantification .°f the hazards, posed by the bu rn ing fuel and is usually the basis for alternatave means of egress approaches tha t rely on model ing techniques. It can be l inked with other quantitative measures of hazard, such as smoke obscuration potential and carbon monoxide formation to provide a complete assessment of the hazard of a particular fuel package.

The cur ren t m e t h o d of classifying hazard of bui lding contents does not provide a means for quantifying the hazard of the bui lding contents in a way that facilitates fur tber engineer ing analysis, as called for in o ther sections of the Life Safety Code. (See the Exception to 6-2.4.6(e) for an example) . The qualitative language that currently is used does no t lend itself to consistency a m o n g users and does not r e f ec t the cur rent knowledge level of the fire protection communi ty with respect to hazard quantification.

This proposed change would establish a quantitative basis for evaluating the hazards of the building contents that is useful for a life safety analysis and is consisten~ with approaches utilized in o ther standards, such as NFPA 72 and NFPA 92B. It would establish a more objective basis for hazard classification that relies on date that is readily available in the literature (see SFPE Handbook) . Further- more, it is consistent with the in tent of the cur rent classification system in that most tirol packages will fall unde r the ordinary hazard category. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The criteria suggested would be impractical to enforce, especially for new construct ion where the building operator would need to submi t detailed product information on p lanned contents. The proposer ' s detailed breakdown is inconsistent with the cur rent classification scheme that describes low hazard, ordinary hazard, and high hazard contents. The commit tee could not discern any immedia te benefi t to making the proposed change. The classification of hazard of contents is relatively easily accompl ished qualitatively without the level of detail suggested by file submitter. In some future revision cycle if the Code is changed

N F P A I01 ~ F96 R O P

to recognize per formance-based designs more explicidy, the concept proposed migh t be more applicable. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 9 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 7 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bebrens, Rodante

(Log #CP200) MEA

10l- 30- (Chapter 5): Accept . " Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Means o f Egress (MEA) reconsider the portion of the recommendation that would change current 5-2.2.6.2 to 5-2.2.5.2 by changing the words "the exterior of a ~ to "an outside" because it appears to change the intent o f the section. Also, MEA is asked to reconsider the portion of the recommendation that in the last paragraph of 5-2.3.9.2 [after Exception to (c)] requires a 1 1 /2 rated door regardless of whether the enclosure walls are rated 2 hours or 1 hour. The changes referenced appear to be more than editorial. SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Make the editorial changes no ted in the followifig draft of Chapter 5. Addit ions are n o t e d b y unde r l ined text; delet ions are no ted by s tr ikethroughs.

CHAPTER 5 MEANS OF EGRESS (See also Chapter 31.) SECTION 5-1 GENERAL 5-1.1" Application. Means of egress for both new and existing

buildings shall comply with this chapter . (Also see Chapter 1 m ' ~ .~cfi~,. 31-:.)

5-1.2 Definitions. Accessible Means o f Egress.* A path of travel, usable by a person

with a severe mobility impai rment , tha t leads to a public way or an area of refuge. (See 5-2.4.)

Accessible Area of Refugeo An area of refuge that complies with the accessible route requ i rements of CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.

Area of Refuge.* (See 5-2.12.) An area of refuge is either: (a) A flen~ sto_9..U~ in a bui ld ing when such bui lding is protected

t h roughou t by an approved, supervised automat ic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7 and has at least two accessible rooms or spaces s epmated f rom each o ther by smoke resisting partitions, or

Exception to (a): Two accessible rooms or spaces shall no t be required as permit ted by in Chapters 8 t h rough 29.

(b) A space, in a path of travel leading to a public way, tha t is pro tec ted f rom the effects of fire, ei ther by means of separat ion f rom other spaces in the same bui lding or byvir tue of location, thereby permit t ing a delay in egress travel f rom any level.

C o m m o n Path of Travel*. Tha t port ion of exit access that rrrtrst'~e~ is traversed before two separate and distinct paths of travel to two exits are available. Paths that merge are c o m m o n paths of travel. Ca,',',,,,e,n v.z'., ~" ~ ,, ~1 ;:. ........ d ;,, ~, ..... c .......... a ~,~l

d;stanee b,.t t . . . . . k.~a~,.~ ~z d.at v,,,~,.~ ; ;Lc;c ~.~ ~cv,.,. a~c , . , d dk, G.~t r,~;;c~ bcc,,,~c ~,-aLablc. [move to appendix]

[ new appendix item:] A-5-1.2 C o m m o n Path of Travel. C o m m o n oath of travel is measured in file same m a n n e r as travel distaTnce but te rminates at tl]at Doint where two senarate and distinct routes become available.

Exit.* Tha t por t ion o~a means of egress tha t is separa ted f rom all o ther spaces of the bui lding or s t ructure by construct ion or e q u i p m e n t ~ , ,Ha~; ,d in accordance with ~ 5-1.3.2 to provide a protected wa.y of travel to ~ e exit dis,cl]ar, ge. E:;d~i,f.',2d.y ~.,.t,.;,,,,

hs'~d ~t-~-t~d ~;t ;h,.t,o. [move to appendix] [insert new first sen tence to existing appendix item: ]

A-5-1.2 Exit Exits include exterior exit doors, exit nassagewavs, horizontal exits, senara ted exit stairs, and seoaratecl exi(rami3s. In the c a s e . . .

Exit Access. Tha t por t ion of a means of egress that leads to an exit. Exit Discharge. T ha t por t ion of a m e a n s of egress between the ,

te rminat ion of an exit and a public way. H orizontal Exit. A way of passage f rom one bui lding to an area of

refuge in ano the r bui lding on approximate ly the same level, or a way of passage th rough or a round a fire barrier to an area of refuge on approximately the same level in the same building tha t affords safety f rom fire and smoke originating f rom the 'a rea of incidence and areas communica t ing therewith. (See 5-2.4.)

Means of Egress*. A cont inuous a n d unobs t ruc ted way of t ,x i t travel f rom any poin t in a bui lding or s tructure to a public way consisting of three separate a n d distinct parts: (a) the exit access, (b) the exit, and (c) the exit discharge. 2. ,;~c~.~ . . fcg , coo ,..,,,,v,;oc~ d,~

,.- _i - - i tl ._ i , I , . i . . . . . . i

ynrd~. [move to appendix] [new append ix item:] A-5-1.2 Means of Egress A means o f egress comnrises the vertical

and horizontal gavel and M'mt6 inc ludes in te rvenfn~ room snaces. doorwavs, hallways, corridors, oassa~ewavs, balconies, ramo~, stairs. enclosu'res, lobbies, escalators:horizontal exits, courts, an d yards.

Ramp. A walking surface ".;, ,,.a :.CCC~Llc ~r,,~cc that has a slope s teeper than 1 in 20.

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

SmokeoroofEnc losure :* A stair enclosure des igned to limit the movemen t of nroducts of combus t ion p roduced 'by a f ire. [from 5- 2.3.2]

5-1.3 Separation of Means of Egress. (See also Section 6-2.) 5-1.3.1 Exit Access Corridors*: Corridors used as exit access an d

serving an area having an occupan t load of more than 30 shall be separated f rom other parts of the bui lding by walls having a 1-hour fire resistance rating in accordance with 6-2.3. [ f rom 5-1.3.5]

Exception No. 1: Existing buildings, provided the occupancy classification does no t change.

Exception No. 2: As ~ provided in Chapters 8 t h rough 29. 5-1.3.2 Exits. [from 5-1.3.1, 5-1.3.2 and 5-1.3.3] ~t--.r~- ~ Where an exit is required t~Tin tiffs Code to be

t,. ,~tc~tcd' L) ueparatediem-from other parts of the building, the separat ing construct ion shall mee t the requi rements o f Section 6-2 and the following i cq,.,;;ca~c,,~:

(a) The separat ion sxhaht-hn~ has at least a 1-hour fire resistance latin, .lg where., the. ~exit connects. ~ threeL stories_ ~ or, lesz._., TI-,L~. _ _ at,t,l:c~, _ ,,

d:~c,h~ ~c bcgh,~ .and (b) The separat ion ~ has at least a 2-hour fire resistance

rating where the exit connects four or more stories, ,',-,~Zl . . . . L~.~ 6, b~ l~ , d,~ l~,~l ~ ~,~ ~;Z ,]~od,~ So. It shall be const ructed of an assembly of noncombust ib le or l imited-combustible materials an d shall be suppor ted by construct ion having at least a 2-hour fire resistance rating, and

Exception to (b): J-tmtets-+in accordance with 16.2.2.1.2, nt, M~ 17- 2.2.1.2, h, ,d ,,t,~ h~,~,,~ b~lld;,,~sz ~h ,,c~,,id,~,~c ,,;;.l, 18-2.2.1.2 and 19-2.2.1.2.

(c) ~-ty-~OQpenings therein ~ ~ _ protected by n fire door assembly i~ equ ipped with n door closerfi complying with 5-2.1.8. an d

(d) Open ings in exit enclosures ~-nkt-I~ are limited to those necessary for access to the enclosure f rom normally occupied spaces and corridors, and for egress f rom the enclosure, and

(e) Penetrat ions into and openings th rough an exit enclosure assembly are prohibi ted except for electrical condui t serving the stairway, required exit doors, duc t work and e q u i p m e n t necessary for i ndependen t stair pressurization, water or s team piping necessary for the heat ing or cooling of the exit enclosure, sprinkler piping, and standpipes, and

.(!)_ The, c ~l~al: ~ ,,~ pPenetrat ions or communica t ing openings are prohibi ted between adjacent exit enclosures. - - -

Exception to (e): Existing penet ra t ions protected in accordance with 6.2.3.6 ol,o.ll bc v~, ,-,C,~d ;.c. ~ ~,-,C, .... d ; ......

~ In existing buildings, where a two-story exit enclosure connects the story of exit discharge with an adjacent story. z;,c oz~, y a,.~z aL,3-,-c ..; belG,; G.~ly, b,,~ ,,,,~ btfl% the exit shall be required only to be enclosed on the story o f exit discharge a n d ~ t least 50 percent of the n u m b e r and capacity of exits on the story of exit discharge shall be i n d e p e n d e n t of such enclosures. 6-t-.a.a.a.a.a.a.a.~ 5-1.3.2.5 The exit enclosure shall nrovide a cont inuous

protected path oft.ravel to an exit discha~fe. TLc .... :Gz~hg ;,alia G. ~

~ ~ An exit e n d osure shall no t be used for any purpose that ~ has the potential t9 interfere with its use as an exit and, if so designated, as an area of refuge. (See also ~ . ~ 5- ~ ~.5.~.)

5-1.3.3 Exat Passageways. An exat passageway tha t serves as a discbarge f rom a slair enclosure shall have the same fire resistatice rating and opening protective fire protect ion rat ing as that required for the stair enclosurer. [from 5-2.6.3] , ' , , ...-,;Z v.,.,~sc;;a~ ~L,dfand be separated f rom other parts of the bui lding a~ z~,co'.qcd in accordance with ~ 5-1.3.~. [ f rom 5-2.6.2]

16

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

Exception No. h Fire windows in accordance with 6-2.3.4 ~ n t i - b e v . . . . . ; z z ~ ~ ~ installed in such a separat ion in a bui lding protected t h r o u g h o u t by an approved, supervised automat ic sprinkler system ~ in accordance with Section 7-7.

Exception No. 2: Existing f ixed wired glass panels in steel sash bc t" . . . . . X;.~d ~,, bc cG,.d,,~cd ic~ uoc in such a separat ion in a bui lding protec ted t h r o u g h o u t by an approved, automat ic sprinkler system ~ in accordance with Section 7-7.

5-1.4 Interior Finish in Exits. T he f lame spread of interior finish on walls and ceilings shall be l imited to Class A or Class B in exit enclosures in accordance with Section 6-5. (See Chanters 8 t h rough ,29•for . . . . . fu r ther limitations..) . . . . . . . ,~Lar, zc, 0 ~ d,, , , ~ . h 29 . . . . ~'~; c, ,A,~

5-1.5 Headroom. Means of egress shall be des igned and main- rained to provide ad~i t tn te head room as provided in o ther secdons of this Code (see 5-2.2.2.1), b~t ;,~ ,,,, , .~c ~'.,,d'l d,c ~ci:;,,~s hci~;,z Lc ~ n d shall be at least-7 ff 6 in. (2.3 m) flJl ~h~l ~*7 projections f rom the ceiling Lc I ~ d,,~. at l e ~ t 6 ft 8 in. (2 m) nomina l hei~htf i '~rrr above the f inished floor. Headroom on stairs is the ,~, J ~ d:~zo~.cc measu red vertically above a plane parallel to and t angen t with file mos t forward projection of file stair tread.

Exception: In existing buildings, file ceiling he igh t shall ~ be th-nrr ~ 7 ft (213 cm) f . rm~ above t h e ~ floor with r ~ projections ~ at least n 6 ft 8 in. (203 cm) nomina l he ight f r om above the f inished floor.

5-1.6 Changes in.Level in Means of Egress*. 5-1.6.1 Changes in level in means of egress shall be by a r amp 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 r amp or by a stair complying with file requ i rements of 5-2.2. The m i n i m u m tread dep th of such stair shall be 13 in. (33 cm), and the location of each step shall be readily apparenL

5-1.7 Construct ion Quality, Imped iment s to Egress. 5-1.7.1 D,,,,,~, ~Z,~,~ . . . . . r,~, t ,~,~c~;, ,r~, Ag;.~, ~ • d ,,d,~, , , , •Means

of egress comnonen t s shall be of substantial, reliable construct ion and shall be built or installed in a skillful manner .

5-1.7.2 Any device or a larm installed to restrict the improper use of a means of egress shall be des igned and installed so that it cannot , even in case of failure, impede or prevent emergency use of such means of egress.

Exception No. 1: As provided in 5-2.1.6. Exception No. 2: Ic, d~, . , ,d , , , , ~ d c,,;, ~d , , , , d ' ,,ccat,o,.,Gcs

provided in Chapters 14, and 15. SECTION 5-2 MEANS OF EGRESS COMPONENTS 5-2.1 Doors. 5-2.1.1 General. 5-2.1.1.1 A door assembly, L.cla,~,~g d;c dv, , ,~; ,z f , ,q~,;.,., d . . . . a, ,d

, , c c c ~ o ~ l .~ d,,,,, c, ~ ,cd ,,o a c,,.;,t,,,,,c,.c in a means of egress shall conform to the general requ i rements of Section 5-1 and to the

requi rements of flais subsection, Such an assembly shall be s ignated as a door.

5-2.1.1.2 Every door and every principal en t rance tha t is required to serve as an exit shall be des igned and constructed so that the way of t-~ti'e.Cgr_.e__~_ travel is obvious and direc~ Windows that, because of their physical configurat ion or design and the materials used in their construction, c-ozfl~ have the notenfial to be mistaken for doors shall be made inaccessible to the occupants by barriers or railings.

5-2.1.1.3" For file purpose of Section 5-2, a bui lding shall be considered to be occupied at any t ime it is ~ ac;,c~slblc ;o avaiMble for use by the public or at any o ther t ime it is occupied by more than 10 persons.

5-2.1.2 ~ Egress Width. In de te rmin ing the egress width for a doorway for

purposes of calculating capacity, only file clear width of the doorway when the door is in the full open posit ion shall be measured. Clear width shall be the net, unobs t ruc ted width of the door open ing without projections into such width.

~ . 1 . 3 Widd~ ~ , d ,~,,v, L~,cl. ~ ~ - ~ D o o r open ings in th~ means of egress shall

be ~ a t i l t 39 in. (81 cm) in clear width. Where a pair of doors is provided, at least one of the doors shall provide at l e ~ t a

32-in. (81-cm) clear width opening. Exception No. 1: Exit access doors serving a room not larger than

70 sq. ft (6.5 sq. m) and no t required to be accessible to persons in wheelchairs shall be t~,,~ ',c~, d ~ , a t i l t 24 in. (61 cm) in door width.

Exception No. 2: In existing buildings, file mh-t imm~ door width shall bc ,,,,Z '.c~ d ,~ , be at l e ~ t 28 in. (71 cm).

Exception No. 3: In ,IcZc,,G . . . . . d c,~.. ccG,,,,,,l' ~ ,~t , , , , ,c lc~ PExrovided in Chapters 14, and 15.

ception No. 4: Interior doors ;,;u~,L. d , ;c"L.g ,,cfit~ as provided in Chapter 21.

Exception No. 5: A power-operated door leaf located within a two leaf open ing shall be exempt f rom file m i n i m u m 32-in. (81-cm)

17

slngle-leaf r equ i r emen t in accordance with Exception No. 2 to 5- 2.1.9.

~rt--.a.a.a.a.a.a.~ ~ Ner-sSingle doors in n doorways_ shall t ' x t - e ~ no t be more than 48 in. (122 cm) in width.

~L~:a,e,e,e,e,e,e,~ 5-2.1.3 ~ Floor Level. The elevation of the floor surfaces on both sides of a door shall no t vary by more than 1 /2 in. (13 m m ) . The elevation shall be main ta ined on both sides of the doorway for a dis tance at least equal to the width of the widest leaf. Thresholds at doorways shall no t c"x'eee~ be more tharl 1 /2 in. (13 mm) in height . Raised thresholds and floor level changes grenter more than 1 / 4 in. (6.4 mm) at doorways shall be beveled with a slope not s teeper than 1 in 2.

Exception: In o n e - a n d two-family dwellings and in existing buildings where the door discharges to the outside or to an exterior balcony or exterior exit access,.the f o o r level outside the door shall be permi t ted to be one step lower than the inside, bu t no t more than 8 in. (20.3 cm) lower.

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 s ide-hinged

or pivoted-swinging type. The door shall be des igned and installed so tha t it is capable of swinging f rom any position to the full use of the open ing in which it is installed, Doors shall swing in the direction o f egress travel where serving a r oom or area with an occupan t load of 50 or more .

Exception No. h Sliding doors in dcz~,,G,~,, ,,,Jd ~ . • ccd,,,,,,l' , ,cc,.t,~,cX~ as provided in Chapters 14, and 15, and doors d;vc',IL,g ~,.:z, as provided in Chapter 21.

Exception No. 2: Smoke barrier door swing L, c,d~G,~ l,c,dd, , ~ c ,,ccut,~.c:,.z as provided in Chapter 13.

Exception No. 3: Doors in horizontal exits shall no t be required to swing m the direction of egress travel where ,t, cc/~,.,dlz exempted-by in 5-2.4.3.6.

Exception No. 4: Where permi t ted by i n Chapters 8 t h rough 29, horizontal sliding or vertical rolling security grilles or. doors that. are n part of t h e r e q u ! r e d . m ~ n s of egress shall be perm, t ted provaded

(a) Theyt~ral+ remain secured in the full open position dur ing the period of occupancy by the general public, and

(b) On or adjacent to the door, there ~ is a readily visible, durable sign in letters at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) h igh on a conlxastin~ b~ckground that reads "THIS D O O R TO REMSkIN OPEN WHEIq THE BUILDING IS OCCUPIED." TLc £g, , ~L,d': bc L~ l,.zZ,.,~ , , A ic~ d~ai~ 1 ;u. (2.5 c , . ) l',i~sl, ,,,; a c,,,•Z,~G.~, L,,,.kg.,,,,,~d. and.

(c) Doors or grilles ~vnl¢ are not ~ b rough t to file closed position when the space is occup ied , and

(d) Doors or grilles ~,...'.I b~ ,,vc;.ab% are 9.p.g_ta.b~ f rom within the space without the use of any special knowledge or effort., and

(e) Where two or more means o.f e ~ e s s are required, no t more than half of the means of egress m'rmrn~ pc; ,~fizzcd z~ b~ are equipped with horizontal sliding or vertical rolling grilles or doors.

Exception No. 5: Horizontal sliding doors complying with 5-9.1.14. Exception No. 6: Doors to private garages and industrial and

storage areas with an occupant load of no t more than 10 r re t~ are no t reaui red to be side-hinged or pivoted-swinging d o o r s - w h e r e - m ~

: . . . . . . . . . . . these areas contain low or ordinary hazard contents.

Exception No. 7: Revolving doors complying with 5-2.1.10. Exception No. 8: Existing fusible link-oi~erated horizontal sliding or

vertical rolling fire doors where @ccl~,~oAy permi t ted b y i n Chapters 8 th rough 29.

5-2.1.4.2 Doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel where used in an exit enclosure or where serving a high hazard contents a r e a .

Exception: Doors f rom individual living units that open directly into an exit enclosure ,.c~d ,,,,z ~;; i ,g L, d,~ d;, ccdG,~ Gf cgl c~ t r n ~ .

5-2.1.4.3" Dur ing its swing, any door in a means of egress shall I c . , c u,, , ,b.z,, .ci. , l ' al ' ,c~i no t obstruct more than one half of the required width of an aisle, corridor, passageway, or landingr-hhOererr fMIy , , t ,c , , d,c d,,,,, A,~I ,,,,~ la.qL4aroject more than 7 in. (17.8 cm) into file requi red width of an aisle, corridor, passageway, or landing when fullv onen. Doors shall no t open immediate ly onto a stair without alar]ding. The landing shall have a width at least equal to the width of the door. (See 5-2.1.~@)

Exception: In existing buildings, a door providing access to a stair shall mainta in an , .c~d.c; , cd~cc tLc unobs t ruc tedwid th of a stair or landing to ~ of at l e ~ t 22 in. (55.9 cm) era* ~ when open, project no t more than 7 in. (17.8 cm) into the requi red width of a stair or landing.

5-2.1.4.4 The forces required to fully open any door manual ly in a means of egress shall no t t -x ' ee~ be more than 15 lbf (67 N) to release file latch, 30 Ibf (133 N) to set the door in motion, and 15 lbf (67 N) to open the door to file m i n i m u m requi red width. O p en in g forces for interior s ide-hinged or pivoted-swinging doors without closers shall no t ~ be more than 5 Ibf (22 N). These forces shall be applied at dae latch stile.

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

Exception No. 1: Tile opening force for doors in existing buildings shall not t - x e e ~ be more than 50 lbf (222 N) applied to the latch stile.

Exception No. 2: Horizontal sliding doors h~ d , . z ~ ; , G G . . . . , I e+, ,¢cdG,,,d' ,~c~v-..~G~s as provided {~yin Chapters 14, and 15.

Exception No. 3: Power-operated doors as provided in 5-2.1.9. 5-2.1.4.5 S.., ~c;~ a,,d Gz,,, , , D6G;~. ~ c r e e n doorfi~r a o~ storm

doors used in a means of egress shall not swing against die direction of egress travel where doors are required to swing in die 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 tile

egress side whenever the building is occupied. Locks, if provided, shall no t require the use of a key, tool, special knowledge, or effort for operation from the inside of the building.

Exception No. 1: I.. ;,....I'd; ~,, c -.ccat,,,,~Gc~ ~ provided in Chapters 12, a r ~ 13, , ~ d i,. dczc.~fi.... ~ d cG.. ~cdc.c.al ~cc~,a..c:c~ at V.,,-ddCd L~ Chat, Zc;~ 14, and 15.

Exception No. 2: Exterior doors shall bepe rmi t t ed to have key- operated locks from the egress side, provided:

(a) This exception sL--: b,. ~v~cLS,-,d'ly is permit ted by in Chapters 8 through 29 for the specific occupancy, and

(b) On or adjacent to die door, there ~ i s a readily visible, durable sign in letters at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting bacRground that reads "THIS DOOR TO REMAIN OPEN WHEN THE BUILDING IS OCCUPIED." Tl,c ~;~, ~l,,J'l b~ L, IcZZc,~ ,,,,Z Ic~ d'.~, 1 ;,,. (2.5 c;u) l.;~l. ,,h a c~..Z,...d..ts backg.,,m',d, and

(c) Tile locking device ~ is of a type that is readily distin- gnishable as locked, and

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

This exception shall be permit ted to be revoked by file authority having jurisdiction for cause.

Exception No. 3: Where ~ permit ted t~fin Chapters 8 through 29, key operation shall be ~ p_.g_q/lig_t_~ provided the key cannot be removed when the door is locked from the side from which egress is to be made.

5-2.1,5.2" Every stair enclosure door shall permit reentry from the stair enclosure to the interior of the building, or an automatic release shall be provided to unlock all stair enclosure doors to permit reentry. Such automatic release shall be actuated with the initiation of the building fire alarm system.

Exception No. 1: Selected doors on stair enclosures shall be permit ted to be equipped with hardware that prevents reentry into the interior of the building provided

(a) Such ar rangement is zv~G~,zzdlz permit ted by in Chapters 8 through 29, and

(b) There are at least two levels where it is possible to leave the stair enclosure, and

(c) There ~h~Soe are not more than four ~ ~ intervening between ~ stories where it is possible to leave file stair enclosure, and

(d) Reentry is possible on die top or next to top fl~m- sto_L~ permitt ing access to another exit, and

(e) Doors permitt ing reentry are identified as such on the stair side of the door.

Exception No. 2: Stairs serving not more than four stories. Exception No. 3: Existing installations as permit ted by in Chapters

8 through 29. Exception No. 4: Stair enclosures serving a building permit ted to

have a single exit in accordance with Chapters 8 through 30. Exception No. 5: I,~ . . . . ; l ,cald, ~ c ,,~e%,~,Ges ~ provided in

Chapters 12- and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p, , , , idcd L, Cl,/.p~,.i 14.

5-2.1.5.3" A latch or oilier fastening device on a door shall be provided with a Ic.~,, k.~L, l,~,d',~, v~.A~ La,, ~, 6;-" . . . . ; , . v l - t~t,e ~¢ [move to appendix] releasing device having an obvious method of operation under all lighting conditions. The releasing mechanism for any latch shall be located not more than 48 in. (122 cm) above the finished floor, Doors shall be ~enn 'nd~ ~ with not more than one releasing operation.

[new first sentence to existing appendix item] A-5-2.1.5.3 Examnles of devices that might be arrantted to release

latches include kntbs, levers, and panic tSars. This reTquirement. . . Exception_*: Egress doors from individual living units and guest

rooms of residential occupancies shall be permit ted to be provided with devices that require not more than one additional releasing operation, ~ucL az a ,AgLt latch, dead bolt, 6i ~ccui, lt z cL..ir, [move to appendix] provided such device is operable from the inside without the use of a key or tool and is mounted at a height not t~ c -xee~ more than 48 in. (122 cm) above the finished floor. Existing security devices shall be permit ted to have two additional releasing operations. Existing securitydevices other than automatic latching devices shall not be located more than 60 in. (152 cm) in height above the finished floor. Automatic latching devices shall not be located more than 48 in. (122 cm) above the finished floor.

18

[new appendix item:] A-5-2.1.5.3 Excention Examples of devices that can be arranged to

reauire not more ' than one refeasin~ ooeration include night v latches, dead bolts, and security chains]

5-2.1.5.4 Where pairs of doors are required.in a means of egress, each leaf of the pair shall be provided with its'own releasing device. Devices that depend upon the release of one door before the other shall not be used.

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

5-2.1.5.5" N,, k, ck, vadl,,ck, ' . . . . . . . . . w,-.-.bi,,adv,~ t.h . . . . ,~ [move to appendix] De~ces shall not be installed ,,, .u,d,,;~d,~cd , , , ,,, in connect ion with any door on which panic hardware or fire exit hardware is required ~y'~m~M--i~ ~ such device prevents or is in tended to prevent the free use of the door for purposes of egress.

[new appendix item:] A-5.2.1.5.5 Examnles of devices prohibi ted bv this reouirement

include locks, oadfocks, basts, bars. chains, o r combinations thereof. Exception: As otherwise provided in 5-2.1.6. 5-2.1.6 Special Locking Arrangements. 5-2.1.6.1 Delayed Egress Locks. A n n r o v e d . listed, delayed e~ress

locks shall be nermit ted to be installed on doors servir/~ low a~nd 9rdinarv hazard contents tin buildings protected throu~ghout by an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 7-6. or approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7, and w h e r e

_Pe,.rmitted bY iU; Cl!aPte~ 8 _tl_a_rough 29, ~ , ~

b,. t,,-i ,~fiZt,d ;.,, L,. , . q ,¥ t , , . d ;,;d, at, t,, ~,,.d, | ~ , .d , ',-,,.kkig d,.; ;~,s ttvnt-~'m~.

(a) ~ ~u_nlock upon actuation of an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7, or upon the actuation of any heat detector or not more than two smoke detectors of an approved, supervised automatic fire detection system i n s ~ l e d in accordance with Section 7-6, and

(b) The d o o ~ Se~nlock upon loss of power controlling the lock or locking mechanism, and

(c) ~ irreversible process t4-tm-m~ release~ the lock within 15 seconds upon application to the release device required in 5-2.1.5.3 of a force d,az ~'.oJl ,,,,z b~, e,ta:, cd t6 ~xcc~d not more than 15 lbf (67 N) nor ~r-requireding to be continuously applied for more than 3 seconds. The initiation of the release process shall activate a signal in the vicinity of the door to ensure those attempt- ing to egress that the system is functional. Once the door lock has been released by the application of force to the releasing device, relocking shall be by manual means only. and

Exception to (c): Where annroved by ~a-Xlae authority having jurisdiction ~,h--I b . . . . . ,;~,~d z~ a t, . . . . a delay of no t ' t~ -e ' x ' e~ more than 30 seconcl~ shall be perml~¢d provided that reasonable life safety is ensured.

(d) On the door adjacent to the release device, there is a visible, durable sign J~,,ll L~ v;ov~d~d in letters at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) high and al; least 1 /8 in. (0.3-cm) strgke width on a contrastin~ b ~ k g r o u n d that reads:

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

in. (~.3-~,,) za,,k~ ,,;d~,.

v' ~,~dc,l' az ~l,c dr+, . [move to 5-9.1] 5-2.1.6.2 Access-Controlled Egress Doors. Where svcG,~c,dly

permit ted ~ ' in Chapters 8 through 30, doors in the means of egress shall be permit ted to be equippedwith an approved entrance and egr ss,ac, cess control,system rop_Lg_ki_d_~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

provided on the egress side ar ged to detect an occupant approaching the doors.- and ~-'~_he doors are arranged to unlock upon detection of approaching occupant or loss of power to the sensor, and

(b) Loss of power to that part of the access control system that locks the doors ~ automatically unlock~ file doors, and

(c) The doors ~ are arranged to unlock from a manual release device located 40 in. (102 cm) to 48 in. (122 cm) vertically above file floor and within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the secured doors. The manual release device shall be readilyaccessible and clearly identified by a sign that reads "Push to Exit": When operated, the manual release device shall result in direct interruption of power to tile lock - independent of the access control system electronics - and the doors shall remain unlocked for a l;l~;lil [/UilL 6~ ~ 30 seconds, and

(d) Activation of tile building fire protective signaling system, if provided, ~ automatically unlocks tile doors, and the doors

NFPA 101 - - F96 R O P

remain unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has been manually reset, and

(e) Activation of the building automatic sprinkler or fire detection system, if provided, ~ automatically unlocks the doors.- and :~_he doors ~ remain unlocked until the fire-protective signaling system has 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 latch upon the application of a force in the direction of egress travel. Fire exit hardware additionally provides fire protection where used as part of a fire door assembly.

5-2.1.7.2 Where a door is required to be equipped with panic or fire exit hardware b r . . . . ; , ~d , , , v' - ';+; . . . . f tl,;~ C~de,

such releasing device shall: (a) Consist of bars, or ~anels, the actuating port ion.of which

extends across ,,or ,cs~ ~,a,~ at I_.Q_I.I.I.I.I.I~ one haft of the width of the door leaf, ,~c l,s+ ~,~,a ~ than 30 in. (76 cm) ~ ~ more than 44 in. (112 cm) above the floor, and

(b) Cause the door latch to release when a force O, at ~l~all ac, t bc , ,.qua; c,l' z,, exceed not more t h a t 15 lbf (67 N) is applied. 5-2.1.7.3 Only approved panic hardware shall be used on doors

that are not fire doors. Only approved fire exit hardware shall be used on fire doom.

5-2.1.7.4 Required panic hardware and fire exit hardware shall not be equipped with any locking device, set screw, or other arrangement that ~ , bc a~cd to prevents_ the release of the latch when pressure is applied to the releasing device. Devices that hold the latch in the retracted position shall be prohibited on fire exit hardware ua lc~ l;o;~cd ~ , d ape, uvcd f~, oucl~ ,~,,..

Exception N o . l : I;, dctc,,dc,,~ ~ , d ,.~,, ccd,,,J,d' ,,ccueo~,G,.~ ,,,As provided in Chapters 14rand 15.

Exception No. ~: Listed and aDvroved devices that hold the latch in the retracted vosition shall be o~rmitted on fire exit hardware.

5-2.1.8"_ Self-'Closing Devices. "A door designed to normally be kept closed in a means of egress, +,c1, a~ a dc,~c ; , ~ +~A . . . . . l . . . . . . , I,~i ~z~a~,l ~xlz, [move to appendix] shall be a self-closing door and shall not be secured in the open position at any time.

[new appendix item:] A-5-2.1.8 Examoles of doors d e s i s t e d to normally be kent closed

include those to ~ stair enclosure 6r horizontal exit. Exception: In any building of low or ordinary hazard contents, as

defined in 4-2.2.2 and 4-2.2.3, or where ~ ~ by the authority having jurisdiction, doors shall be permitted to be automatic-closing ~ :

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

(b) The release device is designed so that the door ~nm--I~-instandy releases~ manually and upon release becomes, self-closing, or the door curt-be close~_e~ by some simple or readily obvious operation; and

(c) The automatic releasing mechanism or medium is activated by (1) the operation of an approved, automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 7-6 to protect the entire building, designed and installed to provide for actuation of the system promptly so as to preclude the generation of heat or smoke sufficient to interfere with egress before the system operates, or (2) the operation of approved smoke detectors installed m such a way as to detect smoke on either side of the door opening, as detailed in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. The above systems shall be permit ted to be zoned n~where approved by the authority having jurisdiction; and

(d) Any fire detection system or smoke detector is provided with such supervision and safeguards as are necessary to ensure reliability of operation in case of fire (see also Section %6); and

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

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

5-2.1.9" Power-OperatedDoors. Where required doors are operated bypowe, , o~,cl; ,,o doo,~ actu~,tcd c,)- ~,,~A,,g dcdcc~ [move to a p p e n d i x l u p o n the approach o f t person or doors with power- assisted manuaIoperat ion, the design shall be such that in the event of power failure, the door ~ openes~ manually to permit egress travel or close s~ where necessary to safeguard the means of egress. The forces required to op.en these doors manually shall not be more than ~Gsc s b c c ~ c d ~ in 5-2.1.4.4 except that the force required to set the door in motion shall not ~ ' e ~ _b_c__q19~ than 50 lb f (222 N). The door shall be designed and installed so that when a force is applied to the door on the side from ~¢hich egress is made, it shall be capable of swinging fro m any position to the full use of the required width of the opening in which it is installed. (See 5-2.1.4)

[new appendix item:] A-5-2.1.9 An examDle of the tvoe of door addressed bv5-2.1.9 is

one actuated by a motion sensing" device u port the approach of a

19

Exception No. 1: Sliding, power-operated doors in exit access serving an occupant load of fewer than 50 that ~ manually openst '~ in the direction of door travel with forces not e~eed--I~- ~ t~s~- ~emeifrt'd- ~ in 5-2.1.4.4 shall not be required to have a swing-out feature.

Exception No. 2*: In the emergency break-out mode, a door leaf located within a two-leaf opening shall be exempted from the minimum 32-in. (81-cm) single-leaf requirement of 5-2.1.3,1 if'-n

orovided the clear width of the single leaf is at least 30 in (76 cmL Exception No. 3: Doors complyin~ with 5-2.1.14. Exception No. 4: I~ d,z~,+z;o.-~ a,~ . . . . . . . G~a,d ~ c ~ t p ~ c ~ ,~s

provided in Chapters 14rand 15. 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 a

book-fold position, and Exception to (a): Existing revolving doors where approved by the

authority having jurisdiction. (b) When in the book-fold position, the parallel egress paths

formed shall provide an aggregate width of 36 in. (91 cm). and Exception to (b): Existing revolving doors where approved by the

authority having jurisdiction. (c) Revolving doors shall no t be used within 10 ft (3 m) of the foot

error top of stairs, or escalators. Under all conditions, there shall be a dispersal area acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction between the stairs or escalators and the revolving door. and '

(d) The revolutions per minute (rpm) of revolving doors shall not exceed the following,._ao..d_:

Inside Diameter

6 ft 6 in. (2m) 7 ft 0 in. (2.1 m) 7 ft 6 in. (2.3 m) 8 ft 0 in. (2.4 m) 8 ft 6 in. (2.6 m) 9 ft 0 in. (2.7 m) 9 ft 6 in. (2.9 m) 10 ft 0 in. (3.0 m)

Power Driven-type

Speed Control (rpm)

11

Manual-type Speed Control

(rpm)

i2 10 11 9 11 9 10 8 9

9

(e) Each revolving door shall have a conforming side-hinged swinging door in the same wall as the revolving door and within 10 ft (3 m) of the revolving door. Exception No. 1 to (e): Revolving doors shall be permitted without

adjacent swinging doors for street floor elevator lobbies if p..r_o._~d.gd no stairways or doors from other parts of the building discharge through the lobby and the lobby has no occupancy other than as a means of travel between elevators and street.

Exception No. 2 to (e): Existing revolving doors where the number of revolving doors d,,cs ,,o~ cxcccd is not more than the number of swinging doors within 20 ft (6.1 m).

5-2.1.10.2 Where permitted t~' in Cbapters 8 through 29, revolving doors shall be permitted as a component in a means of egress

(a) Revolving doors ~ 1 - are not be given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity, and

(b) Each revolving door ~.~1~ is be credited with not more than 50 persons capacity, and

Exception to (b): Revolting doors with at l e~ t ~ 9 - f t (2.7- m) diameter ~-mkl-I~- are permit ted egress capacity based on the clear opening width provided.

(c) Revolting doors s~vak~oe ate capable of being collapsed into a book-fold position when a force that s ~ ' - n o t bc ,:cq~h cd tv c . . . . d orem.¢.r.~.~l~l 130 lbf (578 N) is 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 means of egress shall have a collapsing force of not more than 180 lbf (800 N).

Exception: Revolving doors sl,~l'l bc ~,c,-a,~t;.cd to ~a¢c a colla~.~:ag f¢~, c~ so;- ~,~ cx,-c~ c,£ 18~ lb, ~ (9C,~ N) ;£ r ~p.£.Q_~_d_~ the collapsing force is reduced to not more than 130 Ibf (578 N) when:

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

(b) There is an actuation of the automatic sprinkler system where such system is provided a~.~dd

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

N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P

(d) There is the actuation of a clearly identified manual control switch in an approved location that reduces the holding force to

not more than 130 Ibf (578 N) L-,,I. ~ d , z-,,:zc', at,--; be i - - a l + . ~ . . . . . a - L + I I L - + 1 - + - l - - ~ J - - + t P - a

5-2.1.11 Turnstiles. 5-2.1.1 I. I ~q~-tTurnstiles or similar device~ t~ which restrict travel

to one direction or to collect fares or admission charges shall be placed so as to obstruct any required means of egress.

Exception No. I: Approved turnstiles no t ~ more than 39 in. (99 cm) high that turn freely in the direction of e[gress travel shall be permit ted i ; , ~,-r ~c~af,~;~c.f where revolving ooors are permit ted ~" in Chapters 8 through 29.

Exception No. 2: Where turnstiles are p e r m i t ~ K K 0 3 . . ~ by the anthority having jurisdiction and permit ted in Chapters 8 through

9 ' " " - ' " ' - "'+ •" ' ~ is • e a c h turnstile sh~l be credited for 50 persons capacity provided such turnstiles:

(a) Freewheel in the egress direction when primary power is lost, and freewheel in the direction of egress travel upon the manual release by an employee assigned in the area, a n d

(b) ~ ~ not ~ given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress width, and

(c) 6tval¢ Are not ~e ~ more than 39 in. (99 cm) high ~ and have a clear width ~ of at I ~ t 16 1/2 in. (41.9 cm).

5-2.1.11.2 Turnstiles o~er more than 39 in. (99 cm) high shall ~ m e e t the requirements for revolving doors.

5-2.1.11.3 Turnstiles in or furnishing access to required exits shall provide at least 16 1 /2 in. (41.9 cm) dea r width at and below a height of 39 in. (99 cm) and at least 22 in. (55.9 cm) clear width at heights above 39 in. (99 cm).

5-2.1.12 Doors in Folding Partitions. Where permanently mounted folding or movable partitions ~ c a~cd to divide a room into smaller spaces, a swinging door or open doorway shall be provided as an exit access from each such space.

Exception No. 1: U,~dc,- ;I-,+. ,%ll~,,L+g ~c.,.dX;~,~o, zThe swinging door shall not be required, and the partition shall be permit ted to {~-trsed-~ enclos 9 the space completely p.r.9.xi_~¢~:

(a) The subdivided space ~t~at+ is n o t h e used by more than 20 persons at any time, and

(b) The use of the space ~ is under adult supervision, and (c) The partitions ~ are arranged so that they do not extend

across any aisle or corridor used as an exit access to the required exits from the ~ t.t.oJ~ and

(d) The partitions ~,rM+ conf6rm to the interior finish and other requirements of this Code, and

(e) The partitions ~ a r e o f an approved type, mtrM+ have a simple me thod of release, and ~ are capable of being opened quickly and. easily by experienced, persons in case. of. emergency..

Exceplaon No. 2: Where a subdixaded space m provtded vnth at least two means of egress, the swinging door in the folding partition shall not be required, and one such means of egress shall be permit ted to be equipped with a horizontal sliding door complying with 5-2.1.14.

5-2.1.13 Balanced Doors. If panic hardware is installed on balanced doors, the panic hardware shall be of the push-pad type, and the pad shall not extend more than approximately one haf f the width of the door measured from the latch side.

5-2.1.14 Horizontai Sliding Doors. Horizontal sliding doors co,;,vl)-h~g ,d;1, ;1,c f~l',, , ,L,g ahall be permit ted in means of egress mlmo_~!_~:

(a) The door ~ is operable by a simple me thod from either side without special knowledge or effort, and

(b) The force applied to the operating device in the direction of egress, required to operate the door ~ is not ~ 151bf (67 N), and

(c) The force required to operate the door in the direction of door travel ~ i s not ~¢ t~-~ ~ 30 lbf (133 N) to set the door in motion and 15 Ibf (67 N) to close the door or open it to the minimum required width, and

(d) The door ~ i s operable with a force not ~ more than 50 lbf (222 N) when a force of 250 Ibf (1,110 N) is applied perpendicularly to the door adjacent to the operating device, and

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

(e) The door a s s e m b l y ~ compliesy with the ~ l ~ ' £ e ~ fire protection rating and, where rated, t ~ r a ~ is self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke detection in accordance with 5-2.1.8, and ~'-eM~-b~ is installed in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows.

5-2.2 Stairs. 5-2.2,1 General. Stair~, el;1.,. L.i,.;;,,; . . . . i , ih,. , used as a

com0onent in the means of egress shall conform to the general requLrements of Section 5-1 and to the spedal requirements of this subsection.

Exception No. 1: Aisle steps h, a.~c~,,b b ,,,~uV~.Gca ,.~ provided in Chapters 8, and 9.

,Exception No. 2~ Existing n o n corn_ plying s tai.'rs where app_rov_ed _by

the authority having jurisdiction. 5-2.2.2 Tyi,-; ,,~ ~t,L;+. Dimensional Criteria [from 5-2.2.2.1]

Stairs shall be in accordance with the following table:

New Stairs Minimum width clear of all obstructions, except projections no t ~ more than 3 1 /2 in. (8.9 cm) at or below handrail height on each side

Maximum height of risers Minimum hei ht of risers Minimum tread depth Minimum headroom 3 Maximum height between l and i n~ Landing

44 in. (112 cm) 36 in. (91 cm), where total

occupant load of all stories served by stairways is fewer than 50 7 in. (17.8 cm) 4 in. (10.2 cm) 11 in. (27. 9 cm) 6 ft 8 in. (203 cm) 12 ft (3.7 m) (See 5-2.1.3.3 and 5-2.1.4.3.)

Exception*: Existing stairs in existing buildings shall bepe rmi t t ed to remain in use if ~LXi_q[~ they meet the requirements for existing stairs shown in the table for existing stairs. S~bj~cz ;+,. ,+vv,,,,,A Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, existin~ stairs shall be permit ted to be rebuilt in accordance with the table s dimensional criteria for existing stairs and in accordance with other Code requirements in 5-2.2 for stairs.

Existing Stairs Glass A Class B

Minimum width clear o f all obstructions, except proiections not ~-Z,~odi~ more ~ a a 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm) at or

below hand rail

height on each side

Maximum height of risers Minimum tread depth Minimum headroom Maximum height between landings Landing

44in. (112 cm)

44in. ( l l 2 c m )

36 in. (91 cm), where total occupant load of all ~ stories served by

stairv~ys is fewer than 50

7 1 /2 in. (19.1 cm) 10 in. (25.4 cm) 6 f t 8 in. (203 cm) 12f t (3.7 m)

8 in. (20.3 cm) 9 in. /22 .9 cm) 6 ft 8 in. (20~ cm) 12f t (3.7 m)

' (~e5-2 .1 .3 .3~d5-2 .1 .4 .3 . )

2O

" / ] [,.~.,'~- (~ . " , : . , ,C, '~ b'--;':'~'-- ':':" ~';.*~ ~ , ) . [ m o v e to 5-2.2.3.4]

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,~ . . . . ,,~o,uso , . . . . , . . . . . . . . .~ . . . . . . . . . is . . . . . . . . . . " . . . . v_.v...u~v.~ ~ 1 ~ 2 :a. (1.3 c:;,i,; ;. L,,Az,,,~..' dL.,c,,s!,,~. [mo_ve to 5-~.2.~.5].

~Y'+ +"+'{ ~'L '~'~+ " T v . . . . 7"+ . . . . ., , ~_"_' :*: "%" ,~'is,,'?+Yt ++J" . . . . ;_ . . . . . . . . ~ ~.+ . . . . . . . +7 +++. . . . . . . . . . is . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . i , , • s i T . . . . . . • • _

. . . . . . . x . . . . . . . ; . . . . . z " '+ .... [move to 5-2.2.3.6] _ ?+~,?'wy*.+: . . . . . ; " W . . . . . . : ' :',+y; ~,J::'+":~ ? "+l'?+~ v" '+: . . . . J,

L'?'~'L'Lis' " :~ . :+""" 72 ~:+;~ ; " Y+',~ +_".~'+"~ ?+.'~'.,+"Y':;"; . . . . . . . ~" "~ ELII ~ I " U ~ I I I / E l l ~ + ~ I ~ # L £ ~ g £ ~ I [ I + I V & + m l " + J + I + I + ~ E + ~ L m l ~ [ d ~ l I I U + - -

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+ U + I + 9 5 o L i m l m ~ + I l l l i + + ~ + m + ~ I I I ~ L A + L £ + & l J 0 [ l l ~ m L + + L + ~ I ~ + + ~ I z i

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

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t a ~ ~ ~ V ~ , , ~ a ~ : . . . . . . . . &" ~ . . . . "F ~' ,~"~

g , ~ 1 I . I . e * i I I . I ~ ~ / ~ • / O a • X 1

:;'5

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¢ L * 0 1 • ~ a l - - - I M • - 1 - I 1 1 1 I I a

,,?~,e.L,~;~.~. u? b~ ~;,,~e,~,., y ~,,,,,,~L, ~yt " ; ' ~ , ~ 2 7 " " ~" "~?'-77 ~ ~ . ~*" 7 ~ "'o" ; ' ~* '~ ' 2 ~*" %~" ° ~ L o . . . . . i,--'~ L"--*,,',;~',;

its. (eT.0 q. . ) . ~ . i~: ,~ : : :,,. {=0.~" c,,,) ~,-~:,, ~:~c ,-,,,, ~ , - ~ ~ .

,io~, ~...¢sZ edge. [ m o v e to 5-2.2.7.4] 5-2.2.3 Stair Details. 5-2.2.3.1 Construction.

All stairs serving as required means of egress shall be of pe rmanen t fixed construction.

Exception'. Stairs i;, .°2"°cilibly. . GCChVa,,ci,~ servinng seating that is designed to be r e p o s m o n e d m accordance with Chapters 8, and 9.

(b) Each new stair, platform, and landing used in buildings more than three stories in height and in new buildings required t~ ' in this Code to be of Type I or Type II constluction shall be of noncombust ible material t h roughou t

Exception: Handrails. ~ £ 2 . 2 . 3 . 2 Landings. Stairs and intermediate landings shall

continue with no decrease ii~ width along the direction of egress travel. In new buildings, every landing shall have a dimension measured in direction of travel equal to the width of the stair. Fmt°er J ~ . . . . . . . • . , 1 . _ ] i ~ , i 1 f l ~ _ % _ l _ . , I _ , _ ~ L -

ExqcptJ0o: Landings shall be oermitted to be not more than 4 ft (122 cm) orovided tlae stair has a strai~zht run. ~ . ~ E 5-2.2.3.3* Slid Resistance. ~Stair and landin~z floor treads

shall be solid, uniformlyslip resistant and ~ free o f projections or lips that ~ have the potential to trip ~ users. [from 5- 2.2.3.5]

Excep t ion : N o n c o m b u s t i b l e g ra ted stair t reads and l a n d i n g f l oo rs ;,. ,~,c,,,bl7 vcc.,p...~cic~ as provided in Chapters 8, ~ 9, a . , . . . . . . , - , . . . . ~ _ • ~ o , . . . . 14, m '~ 15, and i,, ii~da~a :M ,,c~,~t,~,,.;c, ,~, v" ,.v;d-.d 1.. Gl;at, zc, 28.

~f -,dr d~sd,o~ gc 2,,--I bc ;azc,, ~pzcd .,z ~l,c It;el ~ ,X cxiz ~ ° ~ " ~ 8 ~ ° s v " ~ " ° , ~ ' ° , . . . . . ~ . . . . . . . . . . , ~ , ~ . [move to 5- 7.3]

~ Tread Slope. Tread slope shall not e-x~--t'-~ be more than 1 /4 in . / f t (2.1 c m / m ) (a slope of 1 in 48).

~ Riser Height and Tread Depth. Riser height shall be measured as the vertical distance between tread nosings. Tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's leading edge, but shall not include beveled or rounded tread surfaces that slope more than 20 degrees (a slope of 1 in 2.75). At tread nosings, such beveling or rounding shall not ex-ee~ be more than 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) in horizontal dimension.

5-~L~,5-2 .~ .3 .6 Dimeqsional Uniformity. There shall be no variation ~ m o r e than 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) in the depth of adjacent treads or in the height of adjacent risers, and the tolerance between the largest and smallest riser or between the largest and smallest tread shall n o t ~ be more than 3/8 in. (1.0 cm) in any fligh~

Exception: Where the bottom riser adjoins a sloping public way, walk, or driveway having an established grade andserv ing as a landing, a variation in height of the bottom riser of not more than 3 in. (7.6 cm) in every 3 ft (91 cm) of stairway width shall be permitted.

5-2.2.4 Guards and Handrails. 5-2.2.4.1" Guards. Means of egress ~u,.ll ~ ~ . o , la~d],,go,

~ . . . . . . . , ~ " . . . . . . . . v ~ s . . . . s °, . . . . . . . . . . . . t" . . . . . . ~°, . . . . t "°, ~ , c ~ , pGrC,lCS, G; i i , czza,,,c,c~ [move to appendix] that are more than 30 in. (76 cm) above the floor or grade below shall be provided with guards to prevent falls over the open side.

[ new appendix item:] A-5-2.2.4.1 Means of egress components that might require

protection with ~uards include stairs, landings, balconies, corridors, nassacewavs, floor or roof ooenin~s, ramns. ~isles. oorches, and mezzanines.

Exception: Existing handrails meet ing the requirements of 5-2.2.4.5 shall be permit ted to serve as guards.

5-2.2.4.2* Handrails. Each newstair and each new ramp with a slope e . x ~ more ~ a n 1 in 20 shall have handrails on both sides. In addition, handrails shall be provided within 30 in. (76 cm) of all portions of the required egress width of stairs. The required egress widfla shall be along the natural path of travel. Existing stairs and stairs within dwelling units and within guest rooms shall have a handrail on at least one side. (See also 5-2.2.4:5.)

Exception: On existing stairs, handrails shall be provided within 44 in. (112 cm) of all portions of the required egress width of stairs.

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, inside handrails shall be continuous between flights at landings.

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

5-2.2.4.4 Pr~ec t ions .T he design of guards and handrails and the hardware for attaching handrails to guards, balusters, or walls shall be such that there are no projections that might engage loose clothing. Openings in guards shall be designed to prevent loose clothing from becoming wedged in such openings.

5-2.2.4.5* Handrail Details. (a) Handrails on stairs shall be ~ t I~2.~ ;k.a~ at l e~ t 34 in. (86 cm)

r r ~ and not more than 38 in. (96 cm) above the surface of the tread, measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread.

Exception No. 1 to (a): The height o f t~equ i r ed handrails that form part of a guard shall be permitted to l.~.c a ...~d,.~a,.. kd~l,z

be not more than 42 in. (107 cm) measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread.

Exception No. 2 to (a): Existing required handrails shall r r o ~ be k ~ timzrr at l e~ t 30 in. (76 cm) ~ and not more than 38 in. ( 9 ~ cm) above the upper surface of the tread, measured vertically to the top of the rail from the leading edge of the tread.

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

(b)* New handrails shall provide a clearance of at least 1 1 /2 in. (3.8 cm) between the handrail and the wall to which it is fastened.

(c)* Handrails shall have a circular cross section with an outside diameter of at least 1 1 /4 in. (3.2 cm) and no t g ~ m ~ r more than 2 in. (5 cm). New handrails shall be continuously graspable along the entire length.

Exception to (c): Any other shape with a perimeter dimension of at least 4 in. (10.2 cm), but no t g r~a~r more than 6 1 /4 in. (15.9 cm), and with the largest cross-sectional dimension not ~ m o r e than 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm) shall be permit ted provided that edges are rounded so as to provide a minimum radius of 1 /8 in. (0.3 cm).

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

(e) New handrails that are not continuous between flights shall extend 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 tread beyond the bottom riser where a guard or wall exists.

Exception to (e): Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction because of space limitations and within dwelling units, the horizontal extension at the top of the flight shall not be required provided that the handrail extends, at the required height, to a point direcdy above the top riser.

(f)* New handrails on open sides of stairs shall have intermediate mils or an ornamental pattern such that a sphere 4 in. (10.1 cm) in diameter earrnot pass through any openings in such handrail.

Exception No. 1 to (f): The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread, and bottom element o f a guardrail at the open side of a stair shall be of such a size that a sphere 6 in. (15.2 cm) in diameter

~azTnot pass through the triangular opening. Exception No. 2 to (f): In detent ion and correctional occupancies,

in industrial occupancies, and in storage occupancies, the clear distance between intermediate rails measured at right angles to tile rails shall not ~eet-e~ be more than 21 in. (53.3 cm).

5-2.2.4.6 Guard Details. (a) The height of guards required {~'in 5-2.2.4.1 shall be

measured vertically to the top of the guard from die surface adjacent thereto.

(b) Guards shall be ~ ~ than 42 in. (107 cm) high.

21

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

Exception No. 1 to (b): Existing guards within dwelling units shall be . o r "c~, d ,~ . at l e ~ t 36 in. (91 cm) high•

Exception No. 2 to (b): la ,~,~c,iLli ,,~cur,,,,c:~o , ~ provided in Chapters 8, and 9.

(c)* Open guards shall have intermediate rails or an ornamental Pthattern such that a sphere 4 in. (10.1 cm) in diameter ~ r m o t pass

rough any opening. Exception No. 1 to (c): The triangular openings formed by the

riser, tread, and bot tom element of a guardrail at the open side of a stair shall be of such size that a sphere 6 in. (15.2 cm) in diameter shall mmaaot pass through the triangular opening.

Exception No. 2 to (c): In detent ion and correctional occupancies, in industrial occupancies, and in storage occupancies, the clear distance between intermediate rails measured at right angles to the rails shall no t , rx -ee~ be more than 21 in. (53.3 cm).

Exception No. 3 to (c): Approved existing open guards. 5-2.2.5 Spcdal P, ~,;A~;,o ,%. C. ;z ;dc ZZ,,I, ~. Enclosure and

Protection of Stairs [move f rom 5-2.2.6] ~ Enclosures. All ~ inside stairs serving as an

exit or exit componen t shall be enclosed in accordance with b- ~-r~t.5-1.3.2. All other ~ inside stairs shall be protected in accordance with 6-2.4.

5-2.2.5.2" Exoosures. Where nonra ted walls or unprotec ted openings ~ u~cd Za enclose tLc exit , ;,:,, of a an outside stairway and the walls or openings are exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of ~ no t more than 180 degrees, the building enclosure walls within 10 ft (3 m) horizontally of the nonra ted wall or unprotec ted opening shall be constructed as required for stairway enclosures i nc!ud!ng o_.pening p rotectives,~n~

i~,;,,acc ~i c t,i vzc~da,, ; ~ c d 6t, c,A,,g t" ~;c~z;vcs. This eC_onstruction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 ft (S m) above the topmost landing of the stairs or to the roofline, whichever is lower.

Exception N o . h Existing stairways. Exceotion No. 2: The fire resistance rating of the t,,,, d,,,, uf d,c

separation extending 10 ft (3 m) from the sta;rs need not be more than 1 hour with openings having a 3 /4-hour fire resistance ratingr ~ 2 r 2 r t~ 5-2.2.5.3" Usable Snace. There shall be no enclosed,

usable space within an exit enclosure, including under stairs, nor shall any open space within the enclosure, k .c lud; .g s;~• s ~ . d [t~mdia~,, be used for any purpose ~uJ-, ~ ~ ; a ~ . . . . L,dl . . . .

move to appendix] that ~ has the notenti~l tO interfere with egress. W h e r e t h e r e is enclosed usable ~pace under stairs, ~tewnd~ a , d s o ~ u of the enclosed space shall be protected the same as the stair enclosure. Entrance to such enclosed usable space under stairs shall not be from within the stair enclosure. (See also ~ - - ~ - 5__:- 1.3.2.4.)

[new appendix item:] A-5-2.2.5.3 An examole of a use with notential to interfere with

ec, ress is storage. ~ Signs. Stairs serving four or more stories shall

be provided with signage within the enclosure at each floor landing. The signage shall indicate the floor Ic-¢ci ~ the terminus of the top and bot tom of the stair enclosure, and the identification of the stair. The signage also shall state the ~ ~ of, and the direction to, exit discharge. The signage shall be inside the enclosure located approximately 5 ft (1•5 m) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position.

5-2.2.6 E,cl,,~u, c ~ , d Pi oZc~da,, oZ S;~d,'~ Special Provisions for Oulside Stair~. [move from 5-2.2.5]

5-2.2.6.1 Access• Subjcc~ ZG d,c api,;o-, 2 o ;Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, outside stairs shall be permit ted where leading to roofs of other sections of the building or adjoining building, where dae constru..ction is fire resistive, where there is a continuous and safe means of egress from the roof, and where all other reasonable requirements for life safety are main- mined. (See also 5-7.5.)

~ Balconies. Balconies to which egress doors lead shall be approximately level with the floor of the building.

Exception: In existing buildinl~s located in climates where balconies are subject to accumulation of snow or ice, one step, no t

more than 8 in. (20.3 cm), shall be permit ted below the level of the inside floor.

~ Visual Protection. Outside stairs shall be arranged to avoid any ~ imoediments to the use of the stairs by persons having a fear of high places. For stairs more than three stories in height, any ar rangement in tended to meet this requirement shall be at least 4 ft (1.2 m) in height.

5-2.2.~ Eacl,,zu;,, ~ . d P,,,;.ccdoh .,fSUd,~. [move to 5-2.2.5]

. . . . . . ~ ,, v"

22

u ~ L ~ , ~ L ~ ~ u t l ~ L J ~ ~ u ~ n ~ l ~ . ~ i ~ ~ L ~ t u t i x ~ LL \ ~ I l l / ~ t ~ t ~ A J J '

,~, i" T ~'~ ~ . . . . . . ~z ~:~? . . . . . -~ . . . . . . ~ , ? ~ Z . e T y * - ~ v ~ y - ~ - : . ; - o , x -~

~2v2ff~ ~ Separation and ProtecUon of Outside Stairs. Outside stairs shall be separated f rom the interior of the building by walls with the fire resistance rating required for enclosed stairs with fixed or self-closing opening protectives. This cons~'uction shall extend vertically from the ground to a po in t 10 ft (3 m) above the topmost landing of the stairs or to the roofline, whichever is lower, and at least 10 ft (3 m) horizontally.

• Exception No. h Outside stairs serving an exterior exit access balcony that has two remote outside stairways or ramps.

Exception No. 2: Outside stairs serving not more than two adjacent stories, including the story of exit discharge, shall bepe rmi t t ed to be unprotec ted where there is a remotely located secondexi t .

Exception No. 3: In existing buildings, outside stairs serving not more than three adjacent stories, including the story of exit discharge, shall be permit ted to be unprotec ted where there is a remotely located second exit.

Exception No. 4: The fire resistance rating of the ix,~G6;~ , I d,c separation extending 10 ft (3 m) from the stairs need no t e-x-ee~ be more ~ a n 1 hour with openings ~ro~czzcd b)- having a 3/4-hour fire

rotection rati_.ogcd ,,:~c;abl~zs. Protection of Openings All openings below an

outside stair shall be protected with an assembly having a 3/4-hour fire protection rating:

(a) Where located in a court, the smallest dimension of which is no t more than one third its height, or

(b) Where located in an alcove having a width ~ not more than one third its height and a depth g r e n t ~ more than one fourth its height•

1 _ _ ] . . . . L I . . . . ~ z l * - ,

TT, ~'_'~'~°" '_ . . . . . . . ~ : : ~ . . . . ~ ,~,~ ,~77:-~ L, X7 -oy~, *~. T v v- ,y~o~

fCGiT, ;~ff , la d,C 5C,?,~; Ct,Ct~GSG,C. (SCC ,~ISG 5-1.3.4.) [move to 5- 2.2.5.3]

. . . . . . • , F C . t l ~ -X - L . . . . I ~ I . . _~ ] . .

c,v~cd ~o~:z;,,a. [move to 5-2.2.5.4] 5-2.2.7 Types of Stairs. [from 5-2.2.2]

~ Monumental Stairs. Monumental stairs, e lmer inside or outside, shall be permit ted as a componen t in a means of egress ~Z ;,~ c o a , v l ~ , c c ..;d~ where all the requirements for stairs are met.

~ Curved Stairs. Curved stairs shall be permit ted as a component in a means of egress provided the minimum depth of tread is 11 in. (27.9 cm) at a point 12 in. (50.5 cm) f rom the - narrower end of the tread, and the smallest radius is r~ot lc~ ;ha , at

twice the stair width. ExcelStion: Existing curved stairs shall be permit ted to be . . . . t l . -

tred-irrtr~ provided the minimum depth of tread is 10 in. (25.4 cm) and the smallest radius is rm~ ~ at l e~ t twice the stair width. ~ 2 r 2 r ~ ~ Spiral Stairs. Where ~t, cG~c~ll~ permit ted f ~

k,d;.kl',,~d C, CCk, V.~,c~,~, l,,y in Chapters 8 through 29, spiral stairs shall be permit ted as a component in a means of egress provided:

(a) The occupant load served shall not ~ be more than 5, and

(b) The clear width of the stairs shall be ao t Ic~ d-,a~, at l e~ t 26 in. (66 cm), and

(c) The height of risers shall not ex'ee-e~ be more than 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm), and

(d) Headroom shall be a6~ less d,,~l at l e~ t 6 ft 6 in. (198 cm), and

(e) Treads shall have a minimum depth of 7 1 /2 in. (19.1 cm) a t a point 12 in. (30.5 cm) from the narrower edge, and (f) All treads shall be identical.

~ Winders. Where ~l~ifi~mqTpermitted f ~ indL;d~,. ' occut ,~,c ;~s by in Chapters 8 through 29, winders shall be n t t ~ ' ~ ep_g£Ig.j.!L~ in stairs. Winders on new stairs shall have a

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

minimum tread depth of 6 in. (15.2 cm) and a minimum depth of tread of 11 in. (27.9 cm) at a point 12 in. (30.5 cm) from the narrowest edge. Existing winders shall bepe rmi t t ed to remain irr t r s e - i ~ they have a minimum t r eaddep th of 15 in. (15.2 cm) and a minimum depth of tread of 9 in. (22.9 cm) at a point 12 in. (30.5 cm) from the narrowest edge. 5-2.3 Smokeproof Enclosures. 5-2.3.1 General_ Where smokeproof enclosures are required ~ i n

other sections of this Code, they shall comply with 5-2.3. Exception: Existing smokeproof enclosures ~c,%jcc;. to tLc app;o,z,l

~f where approved by the authority having jurisdiction. ~ o f l + l l + P I _ + _ L I I I + , _ 0 . * l i . •

. . . . . r . . . . . + - ~ _ J I _ _ ~ . . . . . + . . • . . . . . . . . + . C

the buPd~,g +k..l': bc : ; ;GLd. [move to 5-1.2 definitions] 5-2.3.2 Performance Design. The appropriate design

method shall be any system that rn~ets the pc,£~, ,~ ,~c , I G d ~t:t;~lat,d ;n 5-2.3.2. definition o f smokenroof enclosure. The smokeproof enclosure shall be permitted to be created by using natural ventilation, by using mechanical ventilation incorporating a vestibule, or by pressurizing the stair enclosure.

5-2.3.3 Enclosure. A smokeproof enclosure shall consist of a continuous stair enclosed from the highest point to the lowest point by fire barriers having 2-hour fire resistance ratings. Where a vestibule is used, it shall be within the 2-hour rated enclosure and shall be considered part of the smokeproof enclosure.

5-2.3.4 Vestibule. [from 5-2.3.7(a) ] Where a vestibule is provided, the doorway into the vestibule shall be protected with an approved fire door assembly having a 1 1/2-hour fire protection ratifig, and the fire door assembly from the vestibule to the stair shall have r t ~

at l e~ t a 20-minute fire protection rating. Doors shall be designed to minimize air leakage and shall be self-dosing or shall be automatic-closing by actuation of a smoke detector within 10 ft (3 m) of the vestibule door.

5-2.3.5 Discharge. Every smokeproof enclosure shall discharge into a public way, into a yard or court having direct access to a public way, or into an exit passageway. Such exit passageways shall be without openings other than the entrance from the smokeproof enclosure and the door to the outside yard, court, or public way. The exit [0assageway shall be separated from the remainder of the building oy fir~ b~,, ;-., o I~,¢;.', 8 a 2-hour fire resistance ratings.

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

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

5-2.3.7 Natural Ventilation. Smokeproof enclosures using natural ventilation shall comply with 5-2.3.4. and ~ the following:

,(a?, ,",',+':,,+,~ ..+ y+..:U ~.~!- ?:. ~+, ~_.;U'_V:; U.2,+.+ ~2~, +;ff !..%u.:.+ ,+.:.+u~,+!,.., "2 ~, . . . . . y ' _ . . . . "7++7 ' w ~ : ? v v " +?,~'~ + ' " ~ . . . . _'?"_'+';;,"~:'2~ ,2" " ' "T::. 2: : , ? v; " ' :-~77.+" % "?s'+ T+ "+" " 7 :': 2"+2 +, /'+%,':-:':Z 7 7,':. ~ ' "

~,G :..,..., L,,_ +,.~-,_,G+ii~ Gi +,,o~, +,. ~,.;.G,;,~ic-,2,~+;,i~ ~,~ ,~c;.,~,.hG,. Gf - _ 1 1 , , - 2 z f - ~ 1 A e , / ~ x e l l - , * l I J _

access to the stair is by means of an open exterior balcony, the door assembly to the stair shall have a 1 1/2-hour fire protection rating and shall be self-closing or shall be automatic-closing by actuation of a smoke detector. Openings adjacent to such exterior balconies shall be protected ~ in accordance with ~2a-2rt~ a n d

(b) Every vestibule shall have a minimum net area of 16 sq. ft (1.5 sq. m) of opening jn an exterior wall facing an exterior court, yard, or public space at least 20 ft (6.1 m) in width, and

(c) Every vestibule shall have a minimum dimension . , , t l , , , ;La, of at least the required width of the corridor leading to it and a minimum dimension of 72 in. (183 cm) in the direction of travel.

5-2.3.8 Mechanical Ventilation. Smokeproof enclosures by mechanical ventilation shall comply with 5-2.3.4. and ntl--~ the following: , •

,+ (f_>_ T::~,~',+~! :..+,-,;.,,:+,.> :,-?,.,,~.,.+ ~ ! : y , . g ;~.~+ u-,L,~a ~_!_.: ~,~" _ t : ' " 2 t . , ' . ' - ? ~ , . . . . : r ' :+ 'u~ : : "°v:'++"~'2 : : " ~:~ . . . . =:'~'+' " : ' "

. . . . . ~ [ . , + . . ~ L _ J . . . . I • + - I _ i i I 1 + j

" % .C 7Y+,, ~" ~ 7 ' C ' . " + " • . . . . . YY' , .T _~"++,~ ' ;-+z o , , ~ , ~ 2 _ ~ , + , , ~ .

~i" .,~.,~Ii ~4 ~,uc~,,~.Gc-c;6£,[. " ,,,,,.;.6.a8...,, 6 £ 7-, .,i;~6k,~ dCtcctG7 ~+~t...: ~-:u.:,, i~ :~ (s ,~; ...%+L ..+.:~s,=. ~.+.oJ,.

~ Vestibules shall have a min imum dimension of 44 in. (112 cm) in width and 72 in. (183 cm) in direction of travel, and ~ -(-b3- Tbe vestibule shall be provided with r, t t ',,o~ 4~..,, laL!_l_l_l_l_l_l_l_~

one air change per minute, and the exhanst shall be 150 percent of the supply. Supply air shall enter and exhaust air shall discharge from the vestibule through separate tightly constructed ducts used only for those purposes. Supply air shall enter the vestibule within 6 in. (15.2 cm) of the floor level. The top of the exhaust register shall he located not more than 6 in. (15.2 cm) down from the top of the

trap and shall be entirely within the smoke trap area. Doors, when+ in the open position, shall no t obstruct duct openings. Controlling dampers shall be permit ted in duct openings if needed to meet the design requirements but ~i,. a~z vd,,., , i . . . . q , ; , ~d. and

~ To serve as a smoke and heat trap and to provide an upward moving air column, the vestibule ceiling shall be at least 20 in. (50.8 cm) higher than the door opening into the vestibule. The height shall be permit ted to be decreased where justified by engineer ing design and field testin . ag~.~.d ~'e~ L_clJ. The stair shall be provided with a dampered relief opening

at the top and supplied mechanically with sufficient air to discharge at l e~ t ;.-.i~L~u.~ ..£ 2,500 cu f t /min (70.8 cu m/ mi n ) through the relief opening while maintaining a minimum positive pressure of 0.10 in. water column (25 Pa) in the stair relative to the vestibule with all doors closed.

5-2.3.9 Stair Pressurization. 5-2.3.9.1" Smokeproof enclosures bystalr pressurization shall

utilize an approved engineered system with a minimum design pressure 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 maintaining these pressure differences under likely conditions of stack effect or wind. The pressure difference across doors shall not ~ x e e ~ be more than that which-~14 permith the door to begin to be opened by a force of 30 lbf (133 N) ~ ; cq~zL+cd b)-in accordance with 5-2.1.4.4.

5-2.3.9.2 Equipment and ductwork for stair pressurization shall be located:

(a) Exterior to the building and st-tnH-be directly connected to the stairway by ductwork enclosed in noncombustible construction, or

(b) Wi_thin the stair enclosure with intake and exhaust air directly to the outside or through ductwork enclosed irr ~ 2-hour fir__.~e resistive ratin~ ~&,~c, .cGG,~, or

(c) Within t'he building if separated from the remainder of the building, including other mechanical equipment, ~ b ~ 2-hour fire resistive rating c,,asu-.c;;,,a.

I I I t I ~ _ , + ] . , I _ J ] d . . . . ~ . . . . J ~ . 1

[move beneath the following exception] Exception to (c): Where the building, including the stairway

enclosure, is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system ~ in accordance with Section 7-7, 7 , , , . - , , . z , . J , . 6 . o ~ d , . d . . , the fire resistance ratin~ shall be a mi-rfim~m eft t.a!21_l_l_l_l_l_l~ 1-hour c~,~;. , .cGo..

In c-'-net-r a ~ case, openings into the required 2-h6~., c. ,~oc,.cti t ; , fire resistance rating shal lbe limited to those needed for maintenance and operation and shall be protected by self-closing 1 1/2- hour fire protection rated devices.

5-2.3.10 Activation of Mechanical Ventilation Systems. 5-2.3.10.1 For both mechanicalventi lat ion and pressurized stair

enclosure systems, the activation of the systems shall be initiated by 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 the

activation of the smoke detectors in 5-2.3.10.1 and by manual controls accessible to the fire department . The required system also shall he initiated by the following, if provided:

(a) Water flow signal from a complete automatic sprinkler system. (b) General evacuation alarm signal. (See %6.3.5.) 5-2.3.11 Door Closers. The activation of an automatic closing

device on any door in the smokeproof enclosure shall activate all other automatic closing devices on doors in the smokeproof enclosure.

5-2.3.12 Standby Power. Standby power for mechanical ventilation equipment shall be provided by an approved, serf-contained generator set to operate whenever there is a loss of power in the normal house current. The generator shall be located in a room having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rated separation from the remainder of the building. The generator shall have a minimum fuel supply adequate to operate the equipment for two hours.

5-2.3.13 Testing. Before the mechanical equipment is accepted by the authority having jurisdiction, it shall be tested to confirm that the mechanical equipment is operating in compliance with these requirements.

V ' + ' ; + ~ + . . . . . . . . . . . . + . . . . ~ 1 1 + . . . . . p . . . . . . . . Z + . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . + . . l r _ , I . . I r _ _ I • I _ _ , + 1 _ + + _ .

'"_+++." . . . . ~' 2% 7'+ ' ~ ' v " XT" 77~'~ +_ . . . . ;%" . . . . . . ~ . " .'+C~+722 " _., ~ U l l ~ l l l b l l ~ l + l l i I O ~ ~ + l l _ _ l l f l + + g ~ t U O ~ + + ~ I U I O U ~ l l O r a l + l i r a + m l U

vcs~oz;,, t.~w,.i ~upt,, r. [move to 5-9.1.1] 5-2.4 Horizontal Exits. 5-2.4.1" At, Plicag&~ Gene ra . Horizontal exits shall be permitted

to be substituted for other exits to the extent that the total egress capacity of the other exits (stairs, ramps, doors leading outside the building) wi~ shall r r~ be ,-educed b~:,,;, at l e ~ t half that required

23

N F P A 1 0 1 ~ F 9 6 R O P

for the entire area of the building or connected buildings if p_x_o_gL0~I no horizontal exits existed.

Exception: la health, . ~ ~ . .ccuv~Gc~ ~ s provided in Chapters 12, ~ , ~ 13, ~,.d L. dccc,,d6,, ~ , d c61, ccd,~a,,l' ¢,ccuva, clcs on t . . ,~ldcd in Chapter; 14, and 15.

5-2.4.2 Fire Compartments. 5-2.4.2.1 Every fire comparmaent for which credit is allowed in

connection with a horizontal exit shall have, in addition to the horizontal exit or exits, at least one stairway or doorway leading outside or other exit that is no t a horizontal exit. Any fire compartment not having a stairway or doorway leading outside shall be considered as part of an adjoining compar tment with stairway. Exception: in dctc,~d6a ~ , d CG/i,~C~Ga,~l GCCupanc]cs a ~ provided

in Chapters 14, and 15. 5-2.4.2.2 Every horizontal exit for which credit is given shall be

arranged so that there are continuously available paths of travel leading from each side of the exit to stairways or other means of egress leading to outside the building.

5-2.4.2.3 Whenever either side of the horizontal exit is occupied, the doors used in connection with the horizontal exit shall be unlocked from the e~gress side.

Exception: ia ",c, la, , ~ c Gccut...;,c;~ m__ks provided in Chapters 12,

L, Cl,ap;~c;s 14, and 15. 5-2.4.2.4 The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit shall be

sufficient to hold the occupants of both floor areas, Droviding at least , , . t Ic;s tL~, 3 sq. ft (0.28 ~q. m) clear floor area per person.

Exception: Special floor area requirements L~ k~,.l'd, . ~ c ~cat...,~- provided in Chapters 12, m, rk 13, alad h~ dc~c,-,~.~,, ~-~d

c,,i-, cct;..a.,l' occuv~,c ;c , .,. V,,Md~d h, Ci,~vte,~ 14, and 15. 5-2.4.3 Fire Barriers Wall ; for IIc~Hzc,,i;~..l Exit;. 5-2.4.3.1 Fire barriers separating buildings or areas between which

there are horizontal exits shall b . . . . . . . . LI~ ,2.f ,.~,~..i,,buoGbl~ , , l: ,~:c.Lc.., , .busdb:c ,,~a~, ;,A hav_e, i r ~ a 2-hour fire resistance rating. :r-hey and shall provide a separation continuous to ground. (See also 6-2.3.)

Exception No. 1: Where a fire barrier ~ provides a horizontal exit in any story of a building, such fire barrier shall not be required on other stories uadcr cl~.c f,~ll,,;;;,,g c,,,,d:G~as

(a) The stories on which the fire barrier is omitted fl'mtt-I~ are separated from the story with the horizontal exit by construction having a fire resistance rating at least equal to that of the horizontal exit fire barrier, and

(b) Vertical openings between the story with the horizontal exit and the open fire area story f l ~ l t - ~ are enclosed with construction having a fire resistance rating at least equal to that of the horizontal exit fire barrier, and

(c) All required exits, o ther than horizontal exits, ~ discharge directly to the omside.

5-2.4.3.2 W h e r e fire barriers serving horizontal exits terminate at outside walls and the outside walls for a distance of 10 ft (3 m) on each side of the horizontal exit are at an angle of tt-~ not more than 180 degrees, the outside walls shall t~e hayed 1-hour fire resistance ratin__n_gt'~ 7,, c b,~-, ;c;s with 3 /4-hour fire protection-rmt'~r opening proteetives for a distance of 10 ft (3 m) on each side of the horizontal exit.

Exception: Existing horizontal exits. 5-2.4.3.3 Fire barriers forming horizontal exits shall no t be

penetra ted by ducts. Exception No. 1: Existing penetrat ions protected by approved and

listed fire dampers. Exception N6. 2: In buildings protected throughout by an

approved,_ supervised_ automatic s p rinkler system ~ in accordance with Section 7-7.

Exception No. 3: Duct penetrat ions h-~ dczc , GG,, a, ,d ~v. ,cck;~nal ,,ccuV~,d,,o as ~ t ~ y ~ i n Chapters 14, and 15 that are I protected by combination ]]re dampers / smoke leaka~{e-rated ~.smpers that meet the smoke damper actuation reqmrements of 6-

5-2.4.3.4 Any opening in such fire barriers, w',-.,,~-,,,, ,,, ,,,;. au,,h Gpcnh-,g sc;-,c~ ~, au cxlt, shall be protected as provided in 6-2.3.5.

5-2.4.3.5 Doors in horizontal exits shall comply with 5-2.1.4. Exception: Sliding doors k~ i,,dusc,; M Gccuv,,,-,cic~ as provided in

Chapters 28, and ih sic,, ,.go . .ccav~.dc~ ,~ v, ; . . ;dcd L, .GI,~t.c~, 29. 5-2.4.3.6 ~tq-tt'rt-'~Swinging fire doors shall 'be nermit ted ~.c ascd i ,

horizontal exits, t.¼~y ;I,LII ~.c.,,,v: ~ .dd, d,~ ,%il,~wing ~.r._Q.2i.d_~: (a) They M~-at~ swing in the diiect ion of egress trav-eK and (b) Where a horizontal exit serves areas on both sides of a fire

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

Exception to (b): Sleeping room areas in detent ion and correctional occupancies shall be exempt f rom the sign requirement .

(c) They ~ are of any other approved arrangement provided that doors always swing with any possl'b]e egress travel.

Exception No. 1: Horizontal exat door swing 1,~ ~£~d,,g l,c,d'~, , ~ c vc~ut.~;~c;c~ as provided in Chapter~ 13, and ~,dod~J~ d&cc~fi..a ~c~d

ExcepUon No. 2: Horizontal exat doors in corridors ~e~ no ~reater than 6 f t (183 cm) wide in existing buildings.

5-2.4.3.7* Doors in horizontal ex]ts shall be designed and installed to minimize air leakage.

5-2.4.3.8* All fire doors in horizontal exits shall be self-closing or automatic-dosing in accordance with 5-2.1.8. Horizontal exit floors located across a corridor shall be automatic-closing in accordance with 5-2.1.8.

Exception: Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, existing doors in horizontal exits shall be permit ted to be self- closing.

5-2.474 Bridges and Balconies. 5-2.4.4.1 Ea/.h bridge or balcony utilized in coniunction with

horizontal exits shall-have guards and handrails i-n conformity with the requirements of 5-2.2.

5-2.4.4.2 Every bridge or balcony shall be at least as wide as the door leading to it a n d ~6t lcos d,a~ ~ 44 in. (112 cm) wide for new construction.

5-2.4.4.3 Where the bridge or balcony serves as a horizontal exit in one direction, ~ the dobr need onlv l~dL .~ S . . . . d.~ b, ld/~ c,. balcc.,ff ;,,to. d,c . . ca c.;, c;~gc , .cod ~Mng in ilae direction o f egress travel.

Exception: Horizontal exit door swing la c~dsGng hcalda , ~ c . . . . - . . . . as rovided in Cha ters lg, and . . . . . . . t.. d

5 o - t ~ 4 r 4 f i W h o n e s ? ~ 2 ~ e b ! r ~ c ~ ! ~/r~e~.~s, !Sh.'offriizOnint~ exit in . . . . aPotor P " " f i g" obpposite directions. Only the swinging in the direction of

e~fess travel shall be counted in determiiaatlon of egress capadty. Exception No. 1: ff the bridge or balcony has suff iaent floor area

to accommodate the occupant load of either connected building or fire area on the basis of 3 s-q. ft (0.28 sq. m) per person.

Exception No. 2: In existing buildings, doo-rs on both ends of the bridge or balcony shall be permit ted to swing out f rom the building ~ubjcct Zv tLc at , t . ;6 . . i v.~ where annroved bv the authority having jurisdiction. " " "

Exception No. 3: Horizontal exit door swing L, c:doG~,g l,cald, , ~ c ,.ccat.~.~c;co as provided in Chapter~ 13, anffcxisdug dc-~cud6u ~ d coi~-cc~6aal 6ccupo,~Gcs ~ [ , , 6v;dcd ~n Chapter 15.

5-2.4.4.5 The bridge or barcony floor shall be approximately level with the building floor and, in climates subject to the accumulation of snow and ice, shall be protected to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice.

on: In existing buildings in climates where balconies are subject to the accumulation of snow or ice, one step, no t t~

t'xet'-e~ m o r e - ~ a n 8 in. (20.3 cm), shall be permit ted below file level o f the inside floor.

5-2.4.4.6 All wall openings, in both of the connected buildings or fire areas, any part 6f which is within t0 ft (3 m) of any bridge-or balcony as measured horizontally or below, shall be pro tec ted with fire doors or fixed fire window assemblies having a 3/4-hour fire protection ratin~.

Exception No. 1: Where bridges have solid sides uot Ic~ ~,o~1 at 6 ft (183 cm) in height, such protect ion of wall openings sff-all

not be required. Exception No. 2: Existing bridges and balconies s~bjcc: ~G app, 6-.-al

~ w h e r e approved bv the authority having jurisdiction. 5-2.5 garhi~s. 5-2.5.1 General. Every ramp used as a component in a means of

egress shall conform to the general requirements of Section 5-1 and to the special requirements of dais sub~ection.

5-2.5.2 Dimensional Criteria. Ramps shall be in accordance with the following table:

New Ramps Minimum width clear of 44 in. (112 cm) all obstructions, except projections not more than 3 1 /2 in. (8.9 cm) at or below handrail height on each side 3 Maximum slope

Maximum cross slope Maximum rise for a single FaUlp run

1 in 12 fo r> 6in. (>15.2 cm) rise 1 in 10 for > 3in. (> 7.6 cm) and < 6 in. (_< 15.2 era) rise 1 in 8 for < 3 in. (-< 7.fi cm) rise I in 48

30 in. (7fi cm)

24

N F P A 101 ~ F96 R O P

Exception No. 1: Aisle ramps as permitted f~; o~z,-,~blr c, ccUt,o~,- in Chapters 8, and 9.

Exception No. 2: Existing ramps shall be permit ted to remain in use or be rebuilt ~ p_.cg..~[~ they meet the requirements shown in the table for existing ramps.

Existing Ramps Class A

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

Exception No. 3: Existing Class B ramps with slopes no steeper than 1 in 6 shall be permit ted to remain in use ~ubjcc~ t6 zLc at~pi 6,al of where anDroved by the authority having jurisdiction.

Exception No. 4: Existing ramps with slopes no steeper than 1 in 10 need not be provided with landings.

5-2.5.3 Ramp Details. ~2rra-.'.'.'.'.'.'.~ 5-~.5.3.1 Construction.

All ramps serving as required means of egress shall be of pe rmanen t fixed construction.

~i'~rvar'.'.'.'.'.'~.(_b_)_ A ramp used as a means of egress in a building more than three stories in height, or in a building of any height of noncombustible or fire-resistive construction, shall be constructed of an assembly of noncombust ible or limited-combustible material. The ramp floor and landings shall be solid and without perforations.

~2rrara.a.a.a.a.a.a~ ~ Landings. (a) Ramps shall have landings at the top, bottom, and at doors

opening onto the ramp. The slope of the landing shall not be steeper than 1 in 48. Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel ,,,'~ :coo ;.1;~., ~ the width of the ramp. ~uc:; ~a~c,,~:,,a ,~ccd ,~,,~. ~;c~cd " :t (lZZ ~,,~) ;;: ,c,c d,c

Exceotion: Landings shall be vermitted to be not more than 4 ft (122 c'm) provided t~ae ramD h~s a straight run. ~ ' L b - ) . Any changes'in travel dir'ecfion shall ~ be made

m-ky at landings. Ramps and intermediate landings shall continue with no decrease in width along the direction of egress travel.

~k:~.-3~ ~ ,Slip Resistance. A ramp shall have a slip-resistant surface.

5-2.5.~.3 s ..........................

dc~,-~,~ :,~ ;dd'6l ~ . 1 ~ "J,. d:,c~d . . . . ~ ' .~ .o~ ~-..c:. [move to 5- 2.5.3.2(b) 1

5-2.5.3.4 Drop-Offs. Ramps and landings with drop-offs shall have curbs, wails, railings, or projecting surfaces that prevent people f rom traveling of f the edge of the ramp. Curbs or barriers shall be at l e~ t ,i-fi,fii~,;i~ ,X 4 in. (10.1 cm) in height.

5-~.5.3.5 All, ~,,po sc,v:,,g ,~,, c~t~:, cd a~,-=,s ,~: cg, c~s sh,d'l b~ of p;,:,,v%,Z,',f~cd cG,)~-~cdoc,. [move to 5-2.5.3.1!a.!] ........

. . . . . . . k I e - l-- . ~L I - - - - I ~ - ~ z - J l . . L I , ~ I ~ . -

- f l _ _ _ J 1 _ ~ - i i i L 1 ~ ] J _ ~ , L . . . . 2 . . . . £ _ _

[move to 5-2.5.3.1] 5-2.5.4 Guards and Handrails. Guards complying with 5-2.2.4shall

be provided for ramps. Handrails complying with 5-2.2.4 shall be provided a longbo th sides of a ramp segment steeper than 1 in 20. The height ofhandrai ls and guards shall be measured vertically to the top of the guard or rail f rom the walking surface adjacent thereto.

Exception: Guards and handrails provided for ramped aisles ier taoc,,~bly ~,ccat,~lc:c~ in accordance with Chapters 8, and 9.

5-2.5.5 3t-,ccl,d P, GV::,:G=,S fGi- Gu;.,:dc .'~hr,,,. Enclosure and Protection of Ramps. Ramps in a required means of egress shall be enclosed or protected as a stair in accordance with ~ x A ~ 5-2.2.5. The use of Exceptions No. 2 and 3 to ~ ~ shall rm~ be pc;,~,~;.ccd prohibited. [move from 5-2.5.6] 5-2.5.6 Special Provisions for Outside Ramps [move from 5-2.5.5] ~ a : - l - ~ Floor Level. Balconies or landings to which

doors lead shall be approximately level with the floor of the building.

Exception: In existing buildings located in climates wiaere balconies or landings migt'n-t~ are subject to accumulation of snow or ice, one step, not ~ more than 8 in. (20.3 cm), shall be permit ted below the level ofdae inside floor.

5-2.5.5.2* Visual Protection. Outside ramps shall be arranged to avoid any ~ r d i e n ~ impediments to their use by persons having a fear of high places. For ramps more than three stories in height, any ar rangement in tended to meet this requirement shall be at least 4 ft (122 cm) in height. 5-2.5.5.3 Water Accumulation. Outside ramps mad landings shall

be designed to prevent water from accumulating on their surfaces.

25

. . . . . . . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . v . . . . . . . . . . ~ . [mo eto5-2.5.5] 5-2.6* Exit Passageways. 5-2.6.1" Genera l Exit passageways ;uch a., ~,~ll-,,aT~ , c,.ii~d..is,

[move to appendix] used as exit components sball conform to the general requirements of Section 5-1 and to the special requirements of this subsection.

[new appendix item:] A-5-2.6.1 Examoles of building elements that might be arranged as

exit nassagewavs Include hallwa~vs, corridors, vassa~es, tunnels, v underfloor Da,~a~ewavs, or overhead Dassage'wavs.~

. . . . . v . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~5 ~ °v . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . ~ . [ m o v e d to 5- ].3.31 _ ~ . ~ ' ~ " "~" : L" , . "~".'_"~;']:'" 7~Y'_~.. : ~'. 7"?',U3"~:7 . . . . . .

d,~,;. ; . ,~ ; , -cd ,%, ;I-,, ~ d ; . . . . l~ou, c. [move to 5-1.3.3] ~2rtr/e 5-2.6.2 Width. The width of an exit passageway shall be

adequate to accommodate the aggregate required capacity of all exits discharging through it.

Exception No. 1 *: Where an exit passageway serves occupants of the level of exit discharge as well as other ~ ~ capacity shall not be required to be aggregated. (See ~aa~l~ ~ . )

Exception No. 2: As n f l ~ ' ~ y p_e,_t~d!Ig.~ in Chapters 24, and 25, an exit passageway in a covered mall building shal[be permit ted to accommodate occupant loads independent ly from the covered mall and the tenant spaces. (See Exception to 24-2.2.7 and Exception to 25-2.2.7.) ~krtvr~ 5-2.6.3 Floor. The floor shall be solid and without perfora-

tions. 5-2.7 Escalators and Moving Walks. Escalators and moving walks

shall not constitute a part of the required means of egress. Exception: Previously approved escalators and moving walks in

existing buildings. 5-2.8 Fire Escape Stairs. 5-2.8.1 General. 5-2.8.1.1 Fire escape stairs shall complywith the provisions of 5-2.8. Exception: Existing noncomplying fire escape stairs shall be

permitted t,, bc c,,,,di, ucd LG uc u~cd subjcc~ ;.v ~hc a~,v~oca: of where approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

5-2.8.1.2 Fire escape stairs shall not constitute any of the required means of egress in new buildings.

5-2.8.1.3 New fire escape stairs for existing buildings shall be erected only where it has been de termined that outside stairs are impractical (see 5-2.2). New fire escape stairs shall not incorporate ladders or access windows, regardless of occupancy classification or occupant load served.

5-2.8.1.4 Fire escape stairs shall be permit ted in existing buildings as permitted in d,c ,,pvl:cablc c~G~Gl,g vccupa,,cy cC, hapters _8 through 30. but shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the requir'ed egress capacity.

5-2.8.1.5 Fire escape stairs shall provide a continuous, unobstructed path of travel to the exit discharg~ ..,; o,~ o., ca ,,£ i cfugc Ll,at lcad~ ;,, d,c c,d~ ~:,cLa;g....

5-2.8.1.6 Fire escape stairs of the return platform-type with superimposed runs or the straight run-type with platform that continues in the same direction shall be permitted.

5-2.8.1.7 Either type shall be permit ted to be parallel to or at right angles to buildings. Either type shall be permitted to be attached to buildings or erected independendy of buildings and connected by walkways.

5-2.8.2 Protection of Openings. Fire escape stairs shall be exposed to the smallest possible number of window and door openings. Each opening shall be ~rotected with approved fire door or fire window assemblies where the opening or any portion of the opening is located as follows:

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

(b) Below. If within three stories or 35 ft (10 m) of any balcony, platform, walkway, or stairway constituting a componen t of the fire escape stair or within two stories or 20 ft (6 m) of a platform or walkway leading from any story to the fire escape stair.

(c) Above. ffwithin 10 ft (3 m) of any balcony, platform, or walkway as measured vertically or of any stair tread surface as measured vertically.

N F P A 1 0 1 ~ F 9 6 R O P

Minimum widths

Minimuna horizontal dimension of any landing or platform Maximum riser height Minimum tread, exdnsive of nosing Minimum nosing or proieedon Tread construction

Winders Risers Spi ,rgl Maximum height between landings Headroom, minimum Handrail height Access to escape

Level of access opening

Discharge to ground 3

C~apadty, number of persons 5) per 310; if winders or 3

Table 5-2.8.4{a) Fire Escape Stairs Serving More Than 10 Occupants 22 in. (55.9 cm) clear between rails 22 in. (55.9 cm) clear

9 in. (22.9 cm) 9 in. (22.9 cm)

1 in. (2.5 cm) i Solid 1/2-in. (1.3-cm) dia. Perforations permitted

None None None 12 ft (3.7 m)

6 ft 8 in. (203 cm) 42 in. (107 cm) Door or casement windows 24 in. X 6 ft 5 in. (61 cmx 198 cm) or double hung windows 30 in. X 36 in. (76 cm x 91 cm) clear opening Swinging stair section permitted if approved by anthority having ]urisdicfion Swinging stair section permitted if approved by authority having

jurisdiction

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 window sill

Serving 10 or Fewer Occupants 18 in. (45.7 cm) clear between rails 18 in. (45.7 cm) clear

12 in. (30.5 cm) 6 in. (15.3 era)

No requirement Flat metal bars on edge or sq. Bars secured against turning, spaced 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm) max. on centers Permitted subject to capacity penalty No requirement Permitted subiect to capacity penalty No requirement

Same SalTte Windows providing a clear opening of =ct ~.c= "&=: a t i l t 20 in. (50.8 era) in width, 24 in. (61 cm) in height, and 5.7 sq. ft (0.53 sq. m) i n area Swinging stair, or ladder if approved by authority having jurisdiction

Swinging stair, or ladder if approved by authority having jurisdiction.

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

Minimum widths

Minimum horiztntal dimension of any landing or platform Maximum riser hei~ght Minimum tread, exclusive of nosin~ J'read construction

Winders

Spiral

Risers Maximum height between landings Headroom, minimum Access to escape

Discharge to ground

Capacity, number of persons

Table 5-2.8.4(b) Replacement Fire Escape Stairs Serving More Than 10 Occupants Serving 10 or Fewer Occupants 22 in. (55.9 cm) clear between rails

Same

9 in. (22.9 cm) 10 in. (25.4 cm)

I

22 in. (55.9 cm) Same

Same

Solid, 1/24n. (1.S-Cm)dia. perforations permitted None

None

Same

Same

Permitted subject to 5-2.2.2.8 Permitted subject to 5-2.2.2.7

None None Same 12 ft (3.7 m)

6 ft 8 in. (203 cm) Door or casement windows 94 in. X 6 ft 6 in. (61 cm x 198 cm) or double hung windows 30 in. X 36 in. (7 cm x 91 cm) clear opening Swinging stair section permitted if approved by authority having jurisdiction 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) per person, if access • bydoor; 1.0 in. (2.5 cm) per person if access by climbing over windowsill

Same Windows providing a clear opening of =zt '.:z- ~::_-: at le~t 20 in. (50.8 cm) in width, 24 in. (61 cm) in height, and 5.7 sq. ft (0.53 sq. m) in area Same

10

26 ~

N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P

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

(e) Court. Any wall facing a court served by a fire escape stair where the least dimension of the court is t . e ~ ~ than one dlird of the height to ' the uppermost platform of the fire escape stair measured from the ground.

(f) Alcove. Any wall facing an alcove served by a fire escape stair where the width of the alcove is k ' ~ ~ than one third or the depth ~ more than one fourth of the height to the uppermost platform of the fire escape stair measured from the ground.

Exception: The provisions of 5-2.8.2 shall be permitted to be modified by the authority having jurisdiction in consideration of automatic sprinkler protection, low hazard occupancy, or other special conditions. .5-2.8.3 Access.

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

Exception: Where permitted by in the existing occupancy chapters of this Code, access to fire escape stairs shall bepermi t t ed by way of windows. ~ S c r e e n i n g or storm windows shall be p,.;-m~ttcd to b,, u~cd ~f ~ they i ~ restrict free access to the fire escape stair. Windows shall be arranged and maintained so as to be easily opened ;dd, a ,~-~,Aa~ua-, of t,f,)o~Co2 c ~ . 5-2,8.3.2 Fire escape stairs shall extend to the roof in all cases

where the roof is subjec.t to occupancy or.provides anar_ +ea,_of safe - refuge. I,, ~d , , , , ~ c s . . . . . . . . . . . . . v . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

l~xcep~io~: If the roof has a pitch of 1 to 6 or less. fire escaoe [adders in ~ccordance with 5-2.9 or alternating tread devices'in accordance with 5-2.11 shall be nrovided for access to the roof.

5-2.8.3.3 Access to a fire escape stair shall be directly to a balcony, landing, or platform.---T-hx.-~ and shall be no higher than the floor or windowsill level and no lower than 8 in. (20.3 cm) below the floor level or 18 in. (45.7 cm) below the windowsill.

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

5-2.8.5 Guards, Handrails, and Visual Enclosures. 5-2.8.5.1 All fire escape stairs sball have walls or guards and

handrails on both sides in accordance with 5-2.2.4. Exception: Existing handrails on existing fire escape stairs shall be

permitted to c,~,,d,~dc t,~ bc u~cd ~f rp.r..o._~¢~ the beight does not be more than 42 in. (107 cm).

5-2.8.5.2 Replacement fire escape stairs in occupancies serving more than 10 occupants shall have visual enclosures to avoid any

impediments to stair use by persons having a fear of high places. For stairs more than three stories in height, any arrangement in tended to meet this requirement shall be at least 42 in. (107 cm) in height.

5-2.8.6 Materials and Strength. 5-2.8.6.1 Noncombust ible materials shall be used for the construc-

tion of all components of fire escape stairs. 5-2.8.6.2 The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to

approve any existing fire escape stair that has been shown by load 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 permit ted to

terminate fire escape stairs over sidewalks, alleys, or driveways wbere it is impractical to make the termination with fire escape stairs.

5-2.8.7.2 Swinging stair sections shall not be located over doors, over die path of travel from any other exit, or in any locations where there are likely to be obstructions.

5-2.8.7.3 Width of swinging stair sections shall be ,~ot Ic~z t,'-,a+a at least that of die fire escape stairs above.

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

5-2.8.7.5 Guards and handrails, in accordance with 5-2.2.4, shall be provided and shall be similar in height and construction to those used with the fire escape stairs above. Guards and handrails shall be designed to prevent any possibility of injury to persons where stairs swing downward. Minimum clearance between moving sections and any other port ion of the stair system where hands r t ~ have the 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 ~ ~ 12 ft (3.7 m), an intermediate balcony not more than 12 ft (3.7 m) from die ground ,,61 Ices d~a., and at least 7 ft (2.1 m) in the clear underneath shall be provided, with width rr~e

~ diat of die stairs and length ,,,~t Ices d~a~ ~ ~ ft (1.2 m). 5-2.8.7,7 Swinging stairs shall be counterbalanced about a pivot,

and cables shall not be used, A weight of150 lb (68 kg) located one step from die pivot shall not cause the stairs to swing downward, and a weight of 150 lb (68 kg) located one quarter of the length of the

swinging stairs from tile pivot wikf shall positively cause the stairs to swing 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 to corrosion. 5-2.8.7.9* Nw'~Devices shall not be installed to lock a swinging stair

section in the up position o'+,d'l b~ ~,+toJ;~d. 5-2.8.8 Intervening Spaces. 5-2.8.8.1 Where approved by the authority havingjurisdiction, fire

escape stairs shall be permit ted to lead to an adjoining roof that rrm,st-b~ is crossed before continuing downw'4rd travel. The direction of travel shall be clearly marked, and walkways with guards and handrails complying with 5-2.2.4 shall be provided.

5-2.8.8.2 Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, fire escape stairs shall be permitted to be used in combination with

inside or outside stairs complying with 5-2.2, provided a continuous safe path of travel is maintained° 5-2.9 Fire Escape Ladders. 5-2.9.1 General. Fire escape ladders shall ~ be permitted to-.be

~o~d v,~l 7 ~,,,d~,- if , , ,%llv,d,,g ~o,d~t;~,,,s: ;2 providing (a) To p , ,~ ;dc ,,Access to unoccupied roof spaces as permitted by

in 5-2.8.3.2, or (b) T~ v,u, ;d~ oA second means of egress from storage elevators

as permitted {~y'in Chapter 29, or (c) ~ ~ means of egress from towers and elevated

platforms around machinery or similar spaces subject to occupancy only by able-bodied adults, totaling not more than three in number, o r

(d) T~ vl ~-ddc z~_ secondary means of egress from boiler rooms or similar spaces subject to occupancy only by able-bodied adults, totaling not more than three in number, or

(e) T= v' ~,:d~ ~ c c e s s to the ground from die lowest balcony or landing of a fire escape stair for very small buildings aspermitted-ae~ ' in 5-2.8.4 where approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

5-2.9.2 Construction and Installation. Fire escape ladders shall comply with the requirements of ANSI A14.3, Safety Code for Fixed Ladders.

Exception No. 1: Existing ladders complying with the edition of this Code that was in effect when the ladders were installed shall be permit ted to c , , , , J ,~u , . "~ Lc z,~cd ~ubjcc~ +,c, d,c "i-'v' -,~al of where apnroved bv the authority having jurisdiction.

E'xceptionNo. 2-." Ladders installed with pitch k-~ not more dlan 75 degrees shall rre, t be ~ permit t t~ .

Exception No. 3: Combustible ladders shall rro'e be p_.r~hibited

Exception No. 4: Fixed industrial stairs complying with ANSI A1264.1, Safety Requirements for Workplace Floor and Wall Openings, Stairs and Railing Systems, minimum requirements for fixed stairs shall be permit ted ;;, ;adaati ;,d' vccdt,o~+,cy locad,,,~a where fire escape ladders are permit ted in accordance with Chapter 28.

5-2.9.3 Access. The lowest rung of any ladder shall be not be more than 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 componen t in a

means of egress where spcG~,~.lly permit ted by in Chapters 8 through 29.

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 permit ted as required means of

egress, shall be rated at a capacity of 60 persons. 5-2.10.2.2 Slide escapes shall not constitute more tllan 25 percent

of the required egress capacity from any building or structure or any individual story ~ dlereof.

Exception: As permit ted in higL L,+z~ d ;udusu ial vccut,a,,cics in ~c~,,, do~cc ;dd, Chapter 28.

5-2.11" Alternating Tread Devices. 5-2.11.1 Alternating tread devices complying with 5-2.11.2 shall be

permitted if providing to, bc ,,~d" duly ,~ ,%'10;,o. (a) T~ ~,,~-dd~ ~A~ccess to unoccupied roof spaces as permitted by

in 5-2.8.3.2; (b) : F ~ ' o v i ~ r A second means of egress from storage elevators

as permitted by in Chapter 29; (c) ~-~n-ovk~ it& means of egress from towers mid elevated

platforms around machinery or similar spaces subject to occupancy occupancy only by able-bodied adults, totaling not more dlan three in number; or

(d) ~ ira secondary means of egress from boiler rooms or similar spaces subject to occupancy only by able-bodied adults, totaling not more than three in number.

5-2.11.2 Alternating tread devices shall comply with the following: (a) Handrails s4vMt-be provided on boths ides ofa l te rna t ing t read

devices in accordance with 5-2.2.4.5; and

27

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

(b) The clear width between handrails ~ a ~ erlf 17 in. (43.2 cm) and ~ not ex, e e ~ more than 24 in. (61 cm); and

(c) Headroom sh,,ll ,;oc bc Ics~ tl,za-, at l e~ t 6 ft 8 in. (2 m); and (d) The angle of the device ~lnnt~em between 50 and 68 degrees to

horizontal; and (el The height of the riser ~ not ~ more than 9.5 in. (24.1

cm); and (f) Treads ~ havilage a min imum projected tread depth of 5.8

in. (14.7 cm) measured in accordance widl 5-2.2 with each tread providing 9.5 in. (24.1 cm) of depth including tread overlap; a n d .

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

(h) The initial t read of the stair ~knt¢ beginlai~_g at the same elevation as the platform, landing, or floor surface; and

(i) The alternating treads ~ not be laterally separated by more than 2 in. (5.0 cm); and

The occupant load served ~ not be more than three. 2.12 Areas of Refuge.

5-2.12.1 General. An area of refuge used as part of a required accessible means of egress in accordance with 5-5.4, or used as a par t 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

buildings protected th roughoutby an appr tved, supervised automatic sprinkler system ~ in accordance with Section 7-7 (see 5-1.2). 5-2.12.2 Accessibility. 5-2.12.2.1 Required portions of an area of refuge shall be

accessible from the space they serve by an accessible means of egress. 5-2.12.2.2 Requi redpor t ions of an area of refuge shall have access

to a public way, without requiring return to file building spaces through which travel to the area of refuge occurred, via an exit or an elevator.

5-2.12.2.3" Where the exit ~ - ~ provides e!gress from an area of refuge to a public way, ~ i c q , h cd Ly in accordance with 5-2.12.2.2, includes stairs, the minimum clear width of landings and stair flights, measured between handrails and at all points below handrail height, shall be 48 in. (122 cm).

Exception No. h Areas of refuge created by horizontal exits in accordance with 5-2.4.

Exception No. 2: For stairs where egress is in the descending direction, a minimum 37-in. (94-cm) clear width, measured at and below handrail height, shall be permit ted if approved alternative measures are provided that do not require carrying occupied wheelchairs on tile stairs.

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

5-2.12.2.4 Where an elevator is-trsed-~ providei access from an area ofcefuge to a public way, o~ i cq,,h cd by in accordarlce with 5- 2.12.2.2, the elevator shall be approved for fire fighter service as provided in Section 211 of ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, The power supply shall be protected against interruption from fire occurring within the building but outside the area of refuge. The elevator shall be located in a shaft system meeting tile requirements for smokeproof enclosures in accordance with 5-2.3.

Exception No. 1: The smokeproof enclosure shall no t be required for areas of refuge that are more than 1,000 sq. ft (93 sq. m) in size and me created by a horizontal exit meet ing tile requirements of 5- 2.4.

Exception No. 2: The smokeproof enclosure shall not be required in a building that is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7.

5-2.12.2.5 The area of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communicat ion system for communicat ion between the area of refuge and a central control point. The door to the stair enclosure or the elevator door and the associated portion of the area of refuge that tile stair enclosure door or elevator door serves shall be identified by signage. (See 5-2.12.3.5.)

5-2.12.2.6" Instructions for summoning assistance, via tile two-way communicat ion system, and written identification of file area of refuge location shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.

5-2.12.3 A~-ca ~f Rcf ,gc Details. * 5-2.12.3.1 Each area of refuge shall be sized to accommodate one

wheelchair space of 50 in. x 48 in. (76 c m x 122 cm) for each 200' occupants or por t ion thereof, based on the occupant load served by the area of refuge. Such wheelchair spaces shall m ~ n m i n the width of a means of egress to ~rmeti-mrr a t i l t that required for the occupant load served, ,~6. I ~ d,~-, and at least 36 in. (91 cm).

5-2.12.3.2" For any area of refuge ~ a_o_.gr_ea~ than 1,000 sq. ft (93 sq. m) in size, it shall be demonstra ted by calculation or test that tenable conditions ~ are maintained within the area of refuge for a period of 15 minutes when the exposing space on the other side of the ~ ~ creating the area of refuge is subjected to the maximum expected fire conditions.

5-2.12.3.3 Access to any designated wheelchair space in an area of refuge shall no t be through more than one adjoining wheelchair _

s~-2~.~1"2.3.4"~ Each area of refuge shall be separated from file remainder of the story by a barrier with m,.!.c.a~,;,~a~;.,~,~ ,X a 1-hour fire resistance rating, unless a greater rating is required ~ ' i n other provisions of this Code. Such barriers, and any openings in them, shall minimize air leakage and retard the passage of smoke. Doors in such barriers shall have at l ~ t . , h lh ; . . . . . . f a 20-minute fire protection rating, unless a greater rating is required ~ in other provisions of this Code, and shall be either self-dosing or automatic- closing in accordance with the Exception to ~kri-~, 5-2.1.7. Ducts shall be permit ted to penetrate such barriers, unless prohibi ted t~y in other provisions of this Code, and shall be provided with smoke- actuated dampers or other approved means to resist the transfer of smoke into the area of refuge.

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

Exception No. 2: Existing barriers with a minimum 30-minute fire resistance rating shall be permitted.

5-2.12.3.5 Each area of refuge shall be identified by a sign stating "AREA OF REFUGE" that conforms to the requiremetIts of CABO/ ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, for such signage and displays tile international symbol of accessibility. Signs also shall be located at each door providing access to the area of refuge. Signs also shall be installed at all exits no t providing an accessible means of egress, as def ined in 5- 1.2, and where ~ necessary to indicate clearly the direction to an area of refuge. Signs shall be illuminated as required for exit signs where exit sign illumination is required.

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

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 ~ to.s&9__~

balcony, tier, or other occupied space shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof.

5-3.1.2" The occupant load in any building or port ion thereof shall rr~t be , ~ , . , ~ d zG L¢ Ic~ ~ , ~ a t l ~ t the number de termined by dividing tile floor area assigned to that use by the occupant load factor o~ ~t, c c ~ c d in accordance with Chapters 8 through 28 fm- l.,dl.~,l'ao~ ,,ccuv~.Gc~. Where both gross and ne t area figures are given for the same occupancy, calculations shall be made applying the gross area figure to the gross area of the port ion of thebui ld ing devoted to file use for which the gross area figure is specified and a~plying the net area figure to the net area of the specific use for

ich the net area figure is specified. 5-3.1.3 The occdpant load permit ted in any building or port ion

thereof shall be permi t ted to be increased from that number established for the given use az s~,c.c~cd in accordance with 5-3.1.2, where all o ther requirements of this Code are also met, based on such increased number. The authority having jurisdiction shall be permit ted to require an approved aisle, seating, or fixed equipment diagram to substantiate any increase in occupant load and shall be

ermitted to require that such diagram be posted in an approved cation.

5-3.1.4 Where exits serve more than one ~ s_Lq._q6 only tile occupant load of each fl~z" ~.t_Qi~ considered individually need be used in computing file capacity of tile exits at that flz~n- provided requiredegress capacity of the exit shall not be decreased in the direction of egress travel.

5-3.1.5 Where means of egress from ~ stories above and below converge at an intermediate ~ sto_!.o.L~ the capacity of the means of egress from the point of convergence shall be ,-,6~ lc~, tli~l a t i l t die sum of the two.

5-3.1.6 Where any required egress capacity from a balcony or mezzanine passes through the room below, that required capacity shall be added to tile required egress capacity of the room in which it is located.

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

Exception: Projections no t ~ more than 3 1 /2 in. (8.9 cm) on each side are permit ted at and below handrail height.

5-3.3 Egress Capacity. 5-3.3.1 Egress capacity for approved components of means of

egress shall be based on the following:

28

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

Board and Care

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

0.4 D.o] 0.3 [0.8] Health Care

Sprinklered Health Care 0.6 [1.5] 0.5 [1.3] Nonspr in ldered High Hazard 0.7 [l.8] 0.4 [l.O] Contents All Others 0.3 [0.81 0.2 [0.51

Level C omponen t s and Ramps

(in. per person) [cm per person]

0.~ [0.5] 0.2 [0.5]

5-3.3.2 The requi red capacity of a corridor is the occupant load utilizing the corridor for exit access divided by the required n u m b e r of exits to which the corridor connects, bu t shall re~t be at l e~ t tqra~ the required capacity of the exit to which the corridor leads.

5-3.4 M i n i m u m Width. 5-3.4.1 The m i n i m u m width of any means of egress shall be

that reuui red for a given egress c o m p o n e n t t~yin Chapter 5 or i'~. h~d~dd~al',,~C,eo~C;c~ by Cha~ters 8 th rough 29, bttt.i.n-t-J~ eos¢ ~I,,dl ~acl, , , ;dd; bc Ic~ tl~a~ algashall be at least 30 in. (91 cm).

Exception No. 1": The m i n i m u m width of exit access fo rmed by furni ture and movable partitions, serving no t more than six people, and k -~ not more than 50 ft (15 m) in length, shall be at i ~ t rtot

18 in. (45.7 cm) a t a n d below 38 in. (96 cm) he igh t or 28 in. (71 cm) above 38 in. (96 cm) height , provided the m i n i m u m 36 in. (91 cm) for new and 28 in. (71 cm) for existing era-r-be are provided without moving p e r m a n e n t walls.

Exception No. 2: Doors as provided for in 5-2.1.3. Exception No. 3: In existing buildings, the m i n i m u m width shall be

.~tt Ic.,~ ~d,., 28 in. (71 cm). Exception No. 4: Aisles and aisle accessways ~ ~oc;, ,bly 6ccap~cr

provided in Chapters 8, and 9. 5-3.4.2 Where a single exit access leads to an exit, its capacity in

terms of width shall be at least equal to the required capacity of the exit to wbich it leads. Where more than one exit access leads to an exit, each shall have a width adequate for the n u m b e r of persons it mtt~e accommodates .

SECTION 5-4 NUMBER OF MEANS OF EGRESS 5-4.1 General. 5-4.1.1 The m i n i m u m n u m b e r of means of egress f rom any

balcony, mezzanine, story, or por t ion thereof shall be two. Exception No. 1: Where a single means of egress is permitted-by-h'r

Chapters 8 t h rough 30. Exception No. 2: A mezzanine or balcony shall be permi t ted to

have a single means of egress provided the c o m m o n path of travel limitations of Chapters 8 t h rough 29 are me t t~,,t exceeded.

5-4.1.2 The m i n i m u m n u m b e r of separate means of egress f rom any fl~m" stO_QLV_ or port ion thereof shall be as follows:

Occupan t load more than 500 but no t more than 1,000 - - 3 Occupan t load more than 1,000 - - 4 Exception: Existing buildings as p e r m i t t e d b y in Chapters 8

th rough 29. 5-4.1.3 Accessible means of egress, in accordance with 5-5.4, no t

utilizing elevators shall be permit ted to serve as any or all of the required m i n i m u m n u m b e r of m e a n s of egress.

5-4.1.4 Only the occupant load of each story considered individually shall be required to be used in comput ing the n u m b e r of means of egress at that story, provided that the required n u m b e r of means of egress shall no t be decreased in the direction of egress travel.

5-4.1.5 Doors o ther than the hoistway door and the elevator car door shall be prohibi ted at the po in t of access to an elevator car.

Exception: Doors that are readily openable f rom the car side without 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 no t require the use of a key, tool, special knowledge, or special effort.

SECTION 5-5 ARRANGEMENT OF MEANS OF EGRESS 5-5.1 General. 5-5.1.l Exits shall be located and exit access shall be a r ranged so

that exits are readily accessible at all times. 5-5.1.2" Where exits are not immediate ly accessible f rom an open

floor area, safe and cont inuous passageways, aisles, or corridors leading directly to every exit shall be main ta ined and shall be a r ranged to provide access for each occupan t to at least two exits by separate ways of travel.

Exception No. 1: Where a single exit is permi t ted b y i n Chapters 8 th rough 29.

Exception No. 2: Where c o m m o n paths of travel are permi t ted for an occupancy t~yin Cbapters 8 th rough 29, such c o m m o n paths of

travel shall be permit ted but shall no t e x e e - ~ be more than the limit specified.

5-5.1.3 Where more than one exit is required f rom a building or port ion thereof, such exitS shall be remotely located f rom each o ther and shall be a r ranged and constrneted to minimize the possibility tha t more than one e m ' r ~ has die potential to be blocked by any one fire or o ther emergency condition.

5-5.1.4" In new construction;-.i-f where two exits or exit access doors are required, they shall be placed at a distance from one ano the r equal to " , , t ,~,,t I,.oo d,,,,, a~d at least one half the length of the m a x i m u m overall diagonal d imens ion of the building or area to be served, measured in a straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors or exit access doors. Where exit enclosures are provided as the required exits and are in te rconnec ted by a corridor conforming to die requi rements of~i-.a.a.a.a.a.a.a.~ 5-1.3.1. exit separation shall be permit ted to be measu red a long the line of travel within the corridor.

In new construction, where more than two exits or exit access doors are required, at least two of the required exits or exit access doors shall be a r ranged to comply with die above. The other exits or exit access doors shall be located so that if one becomes blocked, the others wi~ ~ be available.

Exception: In buildings protected t h roughou t by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7, the m i n i m u m separation distance between two exits or exit access doors measu red in accordance with 5-5.1.4 shall be at

m:,t4e~ ~ one third the length of the m a x i m u m overall diagonal d imens ion of the bui lding or area to be served.

5-5.1.5" Interlocking or scissor stairs shall be permit ted to be considered separate exits if enclosed in accordance with .~a...............~. 5- 1.3.2 and separated f rom each other by 2-hour fire resistance rated noncombust ib le construction. There shall be no penetra t ions or communica t ing openings, whether protected or not, between the stair enclosures.

5-5.1.6* Exit access shall be a r ranged so that there are no dead ends in corridors.

Exception: Where dead ends are permi t ted ,%, ~ GccaVo~cy b f i n Chapters 8 t h rough 29, such dead ends shall be permi t ted but shall no t ~ be more t han the limit specified.

5-5.1.7 Exit access f rom rooms or spaces shall be permit ted to be th rough adjoining or in tervening rooms or areas, provided such adjoining rooms are accessory to the area served. Foyers. lobbies, and reception rooms constructed as requi red for corridors shall no t be construed as intervening rooms. Exit access shall be a r ranged so that it wiak ~ not be necessary t opas s t h rough any area identified unde r Protection from Hazards in Chapters 8 th rough 30.

5-5.2 Impediments to Egress. (See also 5-1.7 and 5-2.1.5.) 5-5.2.1 In no case shall access to an exit be th rough kitchens,

s torerooms, restrooms, workrooms, closets, bedrooms or similar spaces, or o ther rooms subject to locking.

Exception No. 1: Exit access iri I , ~ ' t ' , c ~ c ~ . v a , , c : ~ oball be permit ted to pass t h rough rooms or spaces subject to locking as provided in Chapters 12, and 13.

Exception No. 2: Exit access k~ dc~c ,J , , , , a, ,d c,,,iccJt,~,A • ,ac~,~i , dc0 shall be permit ted to pass t h rough rooms or spaces subject to locking as provided in Chapters 14, and 15.

Exception No. 3: Exit access in ,~.~, ,.,,,~Jlc , , c c a v ~ , d c s shall be permit ted to pass t h rough s torerooms as provided in Chapters 24, and 25.

5-5.2.2* Exit access and exit doors shall be des igned mad ar ranged to be clearly recognizable. Hangings or draperies shall no t be placed over exit doors or ~ located to conceal or obscure any exit. Mirrors shall no t be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall no t be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a m a n n e r as to confuse the direction of exit.

Exception: Curtains shall be permit ted across means of egress openings in tent walls if."

(a) Distincdy marked in contrast to the tent wall so as to be recognizable as means of egress, and

(b) Installed across an open ing that is at l e~ t i~-,~,Ai~-,u;.~ ,~f 6 ft (1.8 m) in width, and

(c) H u n g f rom slide rings or equivalent laardware so as to be readily moved to die side to create an unobs t ruc ted open ing in die tent wall of the m i n i m u m width required of door openings.

5-5.3 Exterior Ways of Exit Access. 5-5.3.1 Exit access shall be permi t ted to be by means of any

exterior balcony, porch, gallery, or roof that conforms to the requi rements of this chapter.

5-5.3.2 The long side of the balcony, porch, gallery, or similar space shall be at least 50 percen t open and shall be ar ranged to prevent the accumula t ion of smoke.

5-5.3.3 Exterior exit access balconies shall be separated from the interior of die building by wails and opening protectives as required for corridors.

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N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

Exception: Where the exterior exit access balcony is served by at least two remote stairs that ~ are accessed without any occupant needing to travel past an unprotec ted opening to reach one of the stairs.

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

5-5.3.5 There shall be no obstructions of any kind b i ;,.i:L.gs b~;, ic, 0, ~, ts/,~, that divide file open space into sections appurtenant to individual rooms, apartments, or other subdivisions.

5-5.3.6 An exterior exit access shall be arranged so that there are no dead ends in excess of 20 ft (6.1 m).

5-5.3.7 Any gallery, balcony, bridge, porch, or other exterior exit access that projects beyond the outside wall of the building shall comply with the requirements of this chapter as to width and arrangement.

5-5.3.8 An exterior exit access shall have solid, substantially level floors and shall have guards that are at least equivalent to those ~ W r e ~ r_~q_U.i£_~ in 5-2.2.4 on unenclosed sides more than 30 in. (76 cm) above the floor or grade below. 5-5.3.9 Where accumulation of snow or ice is likely because of the

climate, the exterior exit access shall be protected by a roof. 5-5.3.10 Tile materials of construction shall be as permit ted for tile

building served. 5-5.4 Accessible Means of Egress. 5-5.4.1 Areas reouired to be accessible to people with severe

mobility impairment shall have at e_l_e_~&t_.,ii.i;c,u;;, ,~,~ two accessible means of egress. Access shall be provided to a min imum of one accessible area of refuge or one accessible exit discharge within the allowable travel distance.

e_F~xisti n g buildings. Exception No. 2: Exit access u~avel shall bepe rmi t t ed to be

common for the distances ~ ~ a s common paths of travel.

Exception No. 3: A single accessible means of egress shall be permit ted f rom buildings or areas of buildings permit ted to have a single exit.

Exception No. 4: The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted~co allow a redui=tion in the number of accessible means of egress based on an analysis of file fire protection system, the physical ar rangement of file space, the facility operation, and determinat ion that such means provide the most direct route from the accessible area.

Exception No. 5: Health'care occupancies protected .throughout by an ~pproved, supervised Xutomatic sprinkler system installedin accordance with i'-~ v' ~.i.i . . . . . fSect ion 7-7.

5-5.4.2 Each required accessible means of egress shall be continuous from each accessible occupied area to a public way or area of refuge,-wl'rie~, in accordance with 5-2.12.2.2, al-,all l,a-,~ a~c~,o i~

5-5.4.3 Where an exit stair is used within an accessible means of egress, it shall have stair flights and landings with a minimum clear width of 48 in. (122 cm) measured between handrails and ° ta l l points below handrail height, and shall either incorporate an accessible area of refuge within an enlarged story-level landing or shall be accessed f rom an accessible area of refuge. Any required area of refuge shall be in accordance with 5-2.12.

Exception No. 1: For stairs where egress is in the descending direction, a minimum 37-in. (94-cm) clear width, measured at and below handrail height, shall be permit ted if approved alternative measures are provided that do not require carrying occupied wheelchairs on the stairs.

Exception No. 2: Existing stairs and landings that provide a minimum 37-in. (94-cm) clear width, measured at and below handrail height, shall be permitted.

Exception No. 3: Stairs providing egress from areas of refuge formed by horizontal exits meet ing the requirements of 5-2.4.

Exception No. 4: A minimum 37-in. (94-cm) clear width, measured at and below handrail height, shall be permit ted in buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system ~ in accordance with Section %7. 5-5.4.4 An elevator shall be nermitted, to be considered part of an

accessible means of egress ~ (a) Accessed from an accessible area of refuge meet ing the

requirements of 5-2.19, and (b) Approved for fire fighter service as provided in Section 211 of

ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, and (c) * Located in a shaft system meeting the requirements for

smokeproof enclosures in accordance with 5-9.3. Exception No. 1 to (c): Elevators located in an area of refuge

created by horizontal exits meet ing file requirements of 5-2.4. Exception No. 2 to (c): Elevators in buildings that are protected

throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7.

5-5.4.5 A smoke barrier, in accordance with Section 6-3, that additionally has a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating, and a horizontal exit, in accordance with 5-2.4, to be considered part of an accessible means of egress shall discharge to an accessible area of refuge in accordance with 5-2.12.

575.4.6 7,A bui:,IL]_~o ;~,~,_ ~_d _:.o.:_,,,_,_~ a A.ccess!ble stories that are -

m ~ b i l l t 7 ilHV.o~, H]~.,,;. i~ four or more stories above or below a of exit discharge sh~l have ac, ,,~lg d,,,i ,'l,,,~i, at least one

elevator complying with 5-5.4.4 shall ~c ~,;,~vldcd. SECTION 5-6 MEASUREMENT OF TRAVEL DISTANCE TO

EXITS 5-6.1" The ~ travel distance in any occupied space to at

least one exit, measured in accordance with the following requirements, shall not ex -ee~ be more than the limits specified by in this Code (see 5-6,4).

5-6.2" The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the floor or other walking surface along the centerline of the natural path of travel starting from the most remote point subject to occupancy, curving a round any corners or obstructions with a 1-ft (0.3 m) clearance therefrom, and ending at the center of the doorway or other point at which the exit begins. Where measurement includes stairs, the measurement shall be taken in the plane of the tread nosing.

Exception: Travel distance measurement shall be permit ted to terminate at a smoke barrier i.-. cx~d~:g dc~c~-~d.~.~ a~d c.~,, c~G...al o~cup~,;c;~a as provided in Chapter 15.

5-6.3_ Where open stairways or ramps are permit ted as a path of travel to requiredexits , aucL ,a bc'~,;~;, , , - ~ A . . . . . . b~i~,~i~s aud d,c tic,,,; be',,,-,;, [move to appendix] the distance shall include file travel on the stairway or ramp and the travel from the end of the stairway or ramp to an outside door or other exit in addidon to the distance traveled to reach the stairway or ramp.

[new appendix item:] A-5-6.3 Examnles of locations where t h e n stairways might OCCUr

include betweeia mezzanines or balconies and the floor below. 5-6.4 T;~.c'. Di~;.~,¢c LL~;~Go. . . Travel distance limitations shall

be as provided in Chapters 8 through 30 and for high hazard areas a, o~,Cch~cd in accordance with Section 5-11.

5-6.5 Where any part of an exterior exit is within 10 ft (3 m) horizontal distance of any unprotec ted building opening, as permit ted ~ in file Exceptions to 5-2.2.6.3 for outside stairs, the travel distance to the exit shall include the length of travel to g round level

SECTION 5-7 DISCHARGE FROM EXITS 5-7.1" All exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at an exit

discharge. Yards, courts, open spaces, or other portions of the exit discharge shall be of required width and size to provide all occupants with a safe access to a public way.

Exception No. 1: Interior exit discharge as permitted ~y in 5-7.2. Exception No. 2: Rooftop exit discharge as permit ted ~ i n 5-7.5. Exception No. 3: Means of egress shall be permit ted to terminate in

an exterior area of refuge ~;. dczc.~Go~-~ al.d co;;c.~dc.....l ...~cuvo~.eies as provided in Chapters 14, and 15.

5-7.2 A . . . . . . , . . u . . . . f Not more than 50 percent of the required number of exits, bttt and n o t ~ ~ 50 percent of the required egress capacity, shall be permit ted to discharge through areas on the level of exit discharge, provided:

(a) Such discharge leads to a f r ee and unobstructed way to the exterior of the building, and such way is readily visible and identifiable from the point of discharge from the exit; and

(b) The levelof discharge is protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Sectioll 7-7 or the portion of the level of discharge used for this purpose is protected by an approved, automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Sectior~ 7-7 and separated from the nonsprinklered portion of the floor by a fire resistance ~ , a i , d ~,,; ,s~uci;, , , meet ing the requirements for the enclosure of exits (see ~ 5- 1.3.2.1); and Exception to (b): ff the discharge area is a vestibule or foyer

meet ing all of the following: 1. The depth from the exterior of the building shall ~ not be

more than lOf t (3 m) and the length shall ~ not be more than 30 ft (9.1 m)., .and

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

3. The foyer serves only as means of egress and includes an exit directly to file outside,

(c) The entire area on the level of discharge shall be separated from areas below by construction having a fire resistance rating

a t i l t that required for the exit enclosure. Exception to (c): Levels below the level of discharge shall be

permit ted to be open to the level of discharge in an atrium in accordance ~vith 6-2.4.6,

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N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

Exception to all: One hundred percent of the exits shall be permit ted to discharge through areas on the level of exit discharge k~ dc~c,,d,,;; a~d c,,;i cc~,~;~ , ,cc~t,~Gc~ as provided in Chapters 14, and 15.

5-7.3 The exit discharge shall be arranged and marked to make clear file direction of egress to a public way. (5,.,. 5-Z.2.3.6.) Stairs shall be arranffed so as to make clear the direction of e~ress to a public way. St'airs that continue beyond the level of exit discharge shaU be interrunted at the level of exit discharge by partitions, doors, or other effective meaqs. [from 5-2.2.3.6]

Exception: Stairs that continue one-half story beyond the level of exit di'scbal~e need not be so interrunted where the exit discharge is ob~ous . [from 5-2.2.3.61

5-7.4 Doors, stairs, ramps, corridors, exit passageways, bridges, balconies, escalators, moving walks, and other components of an exit discharge shall comply with the detailed requirements of dais chapter for such components. 5-7.5 S,;bjcct t,v di~ at, t,, ,,v-- , , fWhere aporoved by the authority

having jurisdiction, exits shall be permit ted ' to be accepted

(a) They discharge to the roof or other sections of the building or a~l~ining buildings, and

The rnof has a tire resistance rating at least the equivalent o f that required for the exit enclosure, and

. (c) There is a continuous and safe means of egress from the roof, and

(d) All other reasonable requirements for life safety are maintained.

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

accordance with this section for every building and structure where required in Chapters 8 through 30. For the purposes of this requirement, exit access shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading to an exit. For the purposes of this requirement, exit discharge shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, walkways, and exit passageways leading to a public way.

5-8.1.2 Illumination of means of egress shall be continuous during the time that the conditions of occupancy require that the means of egress be available for use. Artificial lighting shall be employed at such places and for such periods of time as required to maintain the illumination to the minimum criteria ~aiues herein specified.

5-8.1.3" The floors and other walking surfaces within an exit and within the portions of the exit access and exit discharge designated ~5'in 5-8.1.1 shall be illuminated to values o f , , , z Ic~, ~,a,~ at l e~ t 1 foot-candle (10 ix) measured at the floor.

Exception: In assembly occupancies, the illumination of the floors of exit access shall be ;,,,z Ices t.~a,a at l e~ t 1/5 foot-candle (2 ix) during periods of performances or projections involving directed

li~!~.L1 4 • . Any required illumination shall be arranged so that die failure of any single lighting unit, such as the burning out of an electric bulb, wiak shall not leave any area in darkness.

5-8.1.5 The equipment or units installed to meet the requirements of Section 5-10 shall be permit ted also to serve the function of illumination of means of egress, provided daat all requirements of this section for such illumination are met.

5-8.2 Sources of Illumination. 5-8.2.1" Illumination of means of egress shall be from a source of

reasonably ensured reliability, sac,'-, ,~ t, abllc ,;~lity ,.I~cc, ~,. ~ c , , ~ . [move to appendix]

[new appendix item:] A-5-8.2.1 An examnle o f a nower source with reasonably ensured

reliability is a nublic'utilitv electric service. 5-8.2.2 N~e,13attery-operated electric l igh~ rm, and.nny other .types

of portable lamps or lanterns shall not be used for primary illumination of means of egress. Battery-operated electric lights sbail be permitted to be used as an emergency source to the extent permitted under Section 5-9.

SECTION 5-9 EMERGENCY LIGHTING 5-9.1 General. 5-9.1.1" Emergencyl ight ing facilities for means ofegress shall be

provided in accordance with this section for: L ~ every building or structure where required in Chapters 8

through 30, and (b) at doors equipped with delayed egress locks, and [from 5-

2.1.6.1 (e)] (c) the stair shaft and vestibule o f smokenroof enclosures. A

standby eenerator that is installed for the s]nokenroof enclosure mechani'cal ventilation euuinment shall be nerm]tted to be used for such stair shaft and vestib'ule nower sunnlv." [from 5-2.3.14]

For the purposes of this reqt]irement~ exit access shall include only designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading to an exit. For the purposes of this requirement, exit

discharge shall include only designated stairs, ramps, aisles, walkways, and escalators leading to a public way.

5-9.1.2 Where maintenance of illumination depends upon changingf rom one energy source to another, there shal /be no appreciable interruption of illumination during the changeover. Where emergency lighting is provided by a prime mover-operated electric generator, a delay of not more than 10 seconds shall be permitted.

5-9.2 Performance of System. 5-9.2.1" Emergency illumination shall be provided for a period of

1 1/2 hours in the event of failure of normal lighting. Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is ,Jc,~. 'c~a :~,~a at l e~ t an average of 1 foot-candle (10 ix) and a minimum at any point o f 0.1 foot-candle (1 ix) measured along the path of egress at floor level• Illumination levels shall be permit ted to decline to 0.6 foot-candle (6 Ix) average and a minimum at any point of 0.06 foot-candle (0.6 ix) at the e n d of the emergency lighting time duration. A maximum-to-minimum illumination uniformity ratio of 40 to 1 shall not be exceeded.

5-9.2.2* The emergency lighting system shall be arranged to provide the required illumination automatically in file event of any interruption of normal lighting, such as any failure of public utility or other outside electrical power supply, opening of a circuit breaker or fuse, or any manual act(s), including accidental opening of a switch controlling normal lighting facilities.

5-9.2.3 Emergency generators ~ providi_D_ge power to emergency lighting systems shall be installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems. Stored electrical energy systems where required ~y in dfis Code shall be installed and tested in accordance with NFPA 11 l, Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems.

5-9.2.4* Battery-operated emergency lights shall use only reliable types of rechargeable batteries provided with suitable facilities for maintaining them in properly charged condition. Batteries used in such lights or units shall be approved for their intencglcd use and shall comply with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code "~.

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

5-9.3 Testing and Maintenance. (gcc S,~GvLJ 31-I.) 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 this

section where required '~yin Chapters 8 through 30. 5-10.1.2" Exits shall be marked by an approved sign readily visible

from any direction of exit access. Exception: Main exterior exit doors that obviously mad clearly are

identifiable as exits. 5-10.1.3 At each door into an exit stair enclosure, tactile signage

stating and complying with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, shall be installed adjacent to the latch side of the door [50 in. (152 cm) above the finished floor to the centerline of the sign.

5-10.1.4 Access to exits shall be marked by approved, readily visible signs in all cases where the exit or way to reach it is not readily apparent to the occupants. Sign placement shall be sucil that no point in the exit access is more than 100 ft (30 m) from the nearest visible sign.

Exception: Signs in existing buildings need not meet file 100-ft (30- m) distance requiremenL

5-10.1.5" Where floor proximity exit signs are at,,.GZ,,.,~IIy required ~ i r l Chapters 8 through 30, exit signs shall be placed near the floor level in addition to those signs required for doors or corridors. These signs shall be sized and illuminated in accordance with tire ic,l,Al c,;~c,~k, ;A'5-10.2 and 5-10.3. The bot tom of the sign shall be /~,,~ l~a+ d ,~ , at l e~ t 6 in. (15.2 cm) nor more than 8 in. (20.3 cm) above the floor. For exit doors, the sign shall be mounted on the door or adjacent to the door with the ~ . e ~ nearest edge of the sign within 4 in. (10.2 cm) of the door frame.

5-10.1.6" Every sign required ~yyin Section 5-10 shall be located and of such size, distinctive color, and design as to be readilyvisible and shall provide contrast with decorations, interior finish, or other signs. No decorations, furnishings, or equipment that impairs visibility of an exit sign shall bepermi t ted , nor shall there be any brighdy illuminated sign (for other than exit purposes), display, or object in or near the line of vision of tile requi redexi t sign of such a character as to detract attention from the exit sign.

* i t e es t hmark in is " 5-10.1.7 Where floor prox'mi y gr s p a " g" s~,cc'.,~ca,,)- required ~ i n Chapters 8 through 30, a listed and approved floor proximity egress path marking system that is internally illuminated shall be installed within 8 in. (20.3. cm) of the floor• Tile system shall provide a visible delineation of the path of travel along the designated exit access and shall be essentially continuous, except as interrupted by doorways, hallways, corridors, or other such

31

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

architectural features. The system shall operate continuously or at any time the building fire alarm system is activated. The activation, duration, and continuity of operation of the system shall be in accordance with 5-9.2. -5-10.2" Size of Signs. Every sign required ~yin Section 5-10 shall have the word "EXIT" or other appropriate wording in plainly legible letters ~Jo: '~o ;l,a;, at le~t 6 in. (15.2 cm) high with the principal strokes of letters ,vz Ico~ zl,,~-~ ~ 3/4 in. (1.9 cm) wide. The word "EXIT" shall have letters of a width r~oZlcss Zkae, at least 2 in. (5 cm), except the letter "I," and the reti, nimm~ spacing between letters shall be ~-~,,t Ic~ zl,a~, at le~t 3/8 in. (1 cm). Signs larger than the minimum established in this paragraph shall have letter widths, strokes, and spacing in proportion to their height. Exception No. 1: Approved existing signs. Exception No. 2: Existing signs having the required wording in

plainly legible letters ,,o~ ',~a~ ;I,~, a t i l t 4 in. (10.2 cm) high. Exception No. 3: Marking required by in 5-10.1.5-~ and 5-10.1.7. Exception No. 4: Listed exit signs, illuminated in accordance with

5-10.3, shall be permitted to have letters ~oZ Ic~ d,a~, ~ 5 1/2 in. (14 cm) in height with the principal strokes of letters ¢~ma~ at le~t 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) in width with a letter width ¢h~tT at le~t 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm), except the letter "I."

5-10.3" Illumination of Signs. 5-10.3.1" Every sign required by in 5-10.1.2 or 5-10.1.4 shall be

suitably illuminated by a reliable light source. Externally and internally illuminated signs shall be visible in both the normal and emergency lighting mode. ,

5-10.3.2" Externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated bynm at le~t 5 foot-candles (54 Ix) and shall employ a contrast

ratio of .,~,~ less d,~, at le~t 0.5. 5-10.3.5 The visibility of an internally illuminated sign shall be the

equivalent of an externally illuminated sign that complies with 5- 10.3.2. Exception No. 1: Approved existing signs. Exception No. 2*: Approved serf-luminous or electroluminescent

signs that provide evenly illuminated letters shall have a mivtimm~ luminance of ~ 0.06 foot-lamberts (0.21 cd/sq, m) as measured by a color-corrected photometer.

5-10.3.4 Every sign required ~yin 5-10.1.5 shall provide evenly illuminated letters having an ~ luminance of a t i l t 0.06 foot-lamberts (0.21 cd/sq, m). E_xce_pfion:,Signs complying with the requirements of 5-10.3.3

~5-~0.~3.~*~l~very sign required to be illuminated O),in 5-10.3 shall be continuously illuminated as required under the provisions of Section 5-8.

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

5-10.3.6 WIaere emergency lighting facilities are required Eq'ch~ a~.lollcablc ~,~ o-,%~c,;-.~ : .fin CAmpters 8 through 30 f,; k,4;;:du,~l occ~,~.,c:c~, the exit signs shall be illuminated by the emergency lighting facilities. The level of illumination of the exit sign shall be at the levels provided in acco;d~cc , ; d . 5-10.3.2 or 5-10.3.3 for the required emergency lighting time duration m ~ in accordance with 5-9.2.1, but shall bepermitted to decline to 60 percent of the illumination level at the e n d o f the emergency lighting time du ration.

Exception: Approved serf-luminous signs. 540.4 Specific Requirements. 5-10.4.1 Directional Signs. 5-10.4.1.1 A sign complying with 5-10.2 reading "EXIT" or a

similar designation with a directional indicator showing the direction of travel shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not apparent. Directional signs shall be listed.

5-10.4.1.2" Di,~G,,,,,I' I,~dl~:,,'. The directional indicator shall be located outside of the EXIT legend, , , ~ Icao ;k,~, at le~t 3/8 in. (1 cm) from any letter, and shall be permitted to be integral to or separate from the sign body. The directional indicator shall be of a chevron type as shown in Figure 5-10.4.1.2 and shall be identifiable as a directional indicator at a ~ distance of at le~t 100 ft (30 m) under all space illumination conditions. The directional indicators shall not be located at the end of the sign opposite the direction indicated.

Exception: Approved existing signs.

Figure 5-10.4.1.2 Chevron-type indicator.

5-10.4.2" Special Signs. Any door, passage, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified 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. 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 hazard,

exits of such types and numbers shall be provided and arranged to permit all occupants to escape from the building or structure or from the hazardous area thereof to the outside or to a place of safety with a travel distance of not more than 75 ft (23 m), measured as ~ f i r t ~ l r LC_q~.~ in 5-6.2.

5-11.2 Egress capacity for high hazard contents areas shall be based on 0.7 in./person (1.8 cm/person) for stairs or 0.4 in./ person (1.0 cm/person) for level components and ramps in accordance with 5-3.3.1.

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

Excep.tion'. Rooms or spaces not more than 200 sq. ft (18.6 sq. m) and hawng an occupant load of not more than three persons and

a ~ travel distance to the room door ~f not more • a n 25 ft (7.6 m).

5-11.4 Means of egress shall be arranged so that there-are no dead ends in corridors. Exception: Spaces meeting the requirements of the Exception to 5-

11.3. SECTION 5-12 MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ROOMS, BOILER

ROOMS, AND FURNACE ROOMS 5-12.1 Mechanical equipment rooms, boiler rooms, furnace rooms,

and similar spaces shall be arranged to limit common path of travel to ~ , , ~ . . . . . . . . f not more than 50 ft (15 m). Exception: A common path of travel not ¢~ ¢'-x'eet~ more than 100

ft (30 m) shall be permitted: (a) In buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised

automatic sprinkler system ~ in accordance with Section 7-7, o r

(b) In mechanical equipment rooms with no fuel-fired equipment, o r

(c) In existing buildings. 5-12.2 Stories used exclusivelyfor mechanical equipment,

furnaces, or boilers shall be permitted to have a single means of egress where the travel distance to an exit on that story ~ ' ~ i s not ¢"xee¢~ more than the common path of travel limitations of 5-12.1. SUI~TANTIATION: The changes recommended by this proposal are meant to be only editorial in nature. The changes are intended to clarify meaning and facilitate use of the chapter.

The draft does not implement the technical changes being made by the committee actions on other proposals. The technical changes made by those proposals are not intended to be superseded by these editorial changes. However, the editorial changes are to be applied, to tile degree feasible, to text that has been modified by the Committee Actions on the other proposals on Chapter 5. COMMI'ITEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


32

N F P A 101 m F 9 6 R O P

(Log #16) MEA

101- 31 - (Chapter 5 - - Security Bars): Reject SUBMITTER: Fred R. Wiley, Wiley Engineering RECOMMENDATION: I am submitting dais to you in anticipation that NFPA will adopt a standard by which the fire release mechanisms attached to security bars can be measured. I have tested such devices and have rendered opinions as to their effectiveness.

I have provided a copy of the Los Angeles Municipal Code section 91.1204, which is the security bar ordinance. Although this ordinance currently sets a high standard, I feel the following recommendat ions would improve and expand the ordinance.

1) Discourage the stirrup type fire release mechanisms. These mechanisms are dangerous because they must be operated from a standing position, increasing the risk of smoke inhalation.

2) Require that the operating wire rope of the mechanism be shielded with a wound conduit, not just a track-like cover. This would not only protect the wire rope, but aid firefighters by enabling them to open the release mechanism by slipping an ax under the conduit along die outside wall Once a simple prying motion is used, the wound conduit expands like a spring, creating tension on die operating wire rope inside the conduit and opening the security bars without damaging the wire rope.

3) Require that the push plate type release mechanism have a plate surface of at least 4 in. x 3 in. Larger targets are-easier to f ind on the inside and provide a bigger target for a fire ax.

4) The UBG calls for some mechanisms to be fitted with a key under certain conditions. The keyed release has some serious drawbacks and should not apply to a fire release mechanism that can be opened quickly by a firefighter with an ax. The same problems exist both inside and outside with keyed release mechanisms. Firefighters are human and can lose or forget keys or drop them in the dark, creating delays where time is critical.

Lost keys can also create a legal liability if later used in a robbery. It is irresponsible to mandate that kind of liability when a fire ax will open a fire release mechanism that meets this code. SUBSTANTIATION: See explanation contained above within the recommendation.

NOTE: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMIa~I'EE STATEMENT: Submltter has proposed no Code text for a special standard nor has he proposed specific requirements for security bar release devices. Current Code text, especially 21- 2.2.3(c), adequately prohibits special tools or special effort for use of means of escape. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #68) MEA

101- 32 - (5-1.2 Accessible Exit Discharge (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Philip R.Jose, VA Regional Division Office RECOMMENDATION: Add a new definition under 5-1.2 as follows: Accessible Exit Discharge. An exit discharge which is usable by

persons with severe mobility impairment. SUBSTANTIATION: Section 5-5.4.1 uses this temn, yet it bas no definition or meanin!~ in the '94 Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The term "accessible means of egress" is well defined. "Means of egress" is def ined as having three parts: exit access, exit, and exit discharge". Thus, the terms "accessible exit access", "accessible exit", and "accessible exit discharge" are understood without the Code having to provide separate definitions. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #153) MEA

101- 33 - (5-1.2 Elevator Evacuation System, Elevator Lobby, Elevator Lobby Door (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: John H. Klote, Building and Fire Research Lab, NIST RECOMMENDATION: Add three definitions to 5-1.2 as follo~.

I Elevator Evacuation System: A system including a vertical series of elevator lobbies and the associated elevator lobby doors, elevator shaft(s), and machine room(s) that provide protection from fire

effects for elevator passengers, people waiting to use elevators, and elevator equipment to allow use of elevators for egress.

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

Elevator Lobby Door. A door between an elevator lobby and another building space that is not the elevator shaft. SUBSTANTIATION: These definitions support other suggested changes to Chapter 5 of NFPA 101 that allow an elevator to be a component of a means of egress. COMMrITEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HODGENS: While I understand and appreciate the extensive

research being conducted to improve the safety of elevators during fires, particularly as this research relates to the egress of the mobility. impaired, I must indicate my concern with approving elevators for use as a secondary means of egress. Based upon documented New York City and national fire experience, elevators have failed at an unacceptable rate. Until technological changes are documented and empirical tests substantiate the proposed change, I believe it would be dangerous and premature to approve such use of elevators as a means of egress.

( Log #152) MEA

101- 34 - (5-1.2 Means of Egress): Accept SUBMITTER: John H. Klote, Building and Fire Research Lab, NIST RECOMMENDATION: Revise the 5-1.2 definition of Means of Egress by changing "ramps, stairs,..." to "ramps, stairs, elevators,..." SUBSTANTIATION: People with mobility limitations have considerable difficulty evacuating multi-story buildings without using elevators. This change and other proposed changes to NFPA 101 will allow elevators to be used by people with and without mobility limitations for fire evacuation. The approach taken for fire evacuation by elevators focuses on providing protection from fire effects for elevator passengers, people waiting to use elevators, and elevator equipment. A body of research at NIST supports the conclusion that fire

evacuation by elevator is feasible, provided that the elevator system is protected from flame, heat, smoke, water, loss of machine room cooling and loss of electric power. This research is described in references listed in the substantiation of another proposal. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accepg NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HODGENS: While I unders tand and appreciate the extensive

research being conducted to improve the safety of elevators during fires, particularly as this research relates to the egress of the mobility impaired, I must indicate my concern with approving elevators for use as a secondary means of egress. Based upon documented New York City and national fire experience, elevators have failed at an unacceptable rate. Until technological changes are documented and empirical tests substantiate the proposed change, I believe it would be dangerous and premature to approve such use of elevators as a means of egress.

(Log #178) MEA

101-35 - (5-1.3.1(a) Exception (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James I~ Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 5-1.3.1(a) to read:

Exception: In existing buildings exit stair enclosures shall have not less than a 1/2-hr fire resistance rating. SUBSTANTIATION: Exit stairs in thousands of existing buildings are enclosed with lath and plaster construction. According to the archaic fire resistance directory this typically provides only 1/2-hr fire resistance rating. This should be recognized by the Code. It does not make much sense to rip out lath and piaster in good condition to replace it with gypsum board. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

See Committee Action on Proposal 101 - 36 (Log #177) on 5- 1.3.1(b).

33

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The new appendix item created by the Committee Action on the above referenced proposal should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 20 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #177) MEA

101- 36 - (5-1.3.1 (b) Exception No. 1 and No. 2 (New), 17-2.2.1.2 and 19-2.2.L2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James tL Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add two new exceptions to 5-1.3.1 (b) to read:

Exception No.. 1 to (b): In existing non-high rise buildings existing exit stair enclosures shall have not less than a 1/2-hr fire resistance rating. Exception No. 2 to (b): In existing buildings protected throughout

by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7, existing exit stair enclosures shall have not less than a 1/2-hr fire resistance rating.

Revise and renumber the current exception to read: Exception No. 3 to (b): Hotels and dormitories in accordance with

16-2.2.1.2 and apartment buildings in accordance with 18-2.2.1.2. Delete 1%2.2.1.2 and 192.2.1.2.

SUBSTANTIATION: As with the problem discussed in the proposal for 5-1.3.1 (a) the same situation occurs in buildings greater than 3 stories in height. Numerous 4, 5 and 6 story buildings have lath and plaster enclosed stairs or enclosures of unknown fire resistance of bgypsum board or masonry block construction. In non-high rise

uildings, and in sprinldered high-rise buildings, most people look for a wall in good construction and inspect for openings and penetrations. A lath and plaster wall usually only provides about a l /2-hr fire resistance rating according to the archaic fire resistance directory. However experience has shown excellent performance of these walls as long as openings are protected and walls are maintained. Non-sprinklered high rise buildings need to be evaluated in greater detail. It may be easier to sprinkler than upgrade the enclosure. The revisions to the current exception reflect the fact that the new exceptions would eliminate the need for 17-2.2.1.2 and 19-2.2.1.2. There is nothing magical about this provision, but it is a recogni-

tion of a need to recognize the real world of applying this code to existing buildings. Proposals are also being submitted to Chapter 6 to recognize some of these same problems with regard to existing doors. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add two new exceptions to 5-1.3.1 (b) to read: Exception No. 1 to (b): In existing non-high rise buildings existing

exit stair enclosures shall have not less than a 1-hr fire resistance rating. Exception No. 2 to (b): In existing buildings protected throughout

by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7, existing exit stair enclosures shall have not less than a 1-hr fire resistance rating.

Retain existing exception to (b), but renumber as Exception No. 3 to (b). Add an asterisk to both (a) and (b) of 5-1.3.1; and create one

appendix note A-5-1.3.1(a) and (b) to read: A-5-1.3.1 (a) and (b) In existing buildings, walls in good repair

consisting of lath and plaster, gypsum wallboard or masonry units can usually provide satisfactory protection where 1-hour fire resistance rating is required. Further evaluation might be needed where 2-bour fire resistance rating is required. Addi'tional guidelines can be found in Appendix D of NFPA 914, Recommended Practice for Fire Protection in Historic Structures, and in the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The Committee Action should meet the submitter's intenL NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #318) MEA

101- 37- (5-1.3.1(d) Exception (New)): Reject SUBMITTEI~a Carl F. Baldassarra, Schirmer Engineering Corp. RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 5-1.3.1 (d) so that subpart (d) reads:

(d) Openings in exit enclosures shall be limited to those necessary for access to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces and corridors, and for egress from the enclosure.

l~¢¢~ption to (d): In covered mall buUdings designed in accordance with Section 24-4.4.1. mechanical rooms, electrical rooms. building service areas, and service elevators are oermitted to open direetly~into exit corridors provided that the reduired fire resistance rating of the exit enclosure-is maintained. SUI~TANTIATION: A similar provision has been included in the BOCA National Building Code. The code excerpt is as follows: 402.5.9 Service areas f~onting on exit passageways and corridors:

Mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, building service areas and service elevators are permitted to open directly into exit passageways and exit corridors provided that the required fire resistance rating of the exit enclosure is maintained.

The substantiation for this proposal can be found in the 1993 edition of the BOCA National Building Code commentar~ Exit corridors are presently treated similar to exit stairs in that only

openings from normally occupied spaces are permitted. This prohibits doors and utility penetrations to mechanical/electrical rooms. The proposed code . . . . text allows and exception to that general rule providedthat fire reststance raUng of the exit enclosure ~s maintained by appropriate opening protection such as fire doors, fire dampers and through-penetration firestopping.

In a covered mall building, it is necessary to provide for services to the tenant spaces that are maintained by the mall management (e.g., water, electricity, telephone, fire protection). These services must be located in a common space controlled by the mall management and, therefore, cannot be located within the tenant spaces. Frequently, these services are logically located with direct access to service corridors or exit passageway/corridors at the rear of the tenant spaces. COMMITFEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The submitter's intent is not clear. The committee suspects that the submitter's use of "exit corridor" refers to the Code term "exit passageway." Exit passageways are exit enclosures which Chapter 5 defines as being separated from all other spaces and prowding a protected way of travel. The limitations on openings in exit enclosures remain important criteria for

o F EUG LE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DE VRIES: Contrary to the committee statement, the submitter's

intent was clear (i.e., to permit mechanical equipment rooms and similar spaces within covered malls to open directly into an exit passageway). This change is needed to address a very practical t~lroblem in the design of malls. The proposal specifically requires

at the integrity of the enclosure be maintained and thus rated, self- closing doors would beprovided to protect any openings to the referenced spaces. Lastly these spaces do not present a hazard that is significantly different than that of a stock room of a store that opens into the same passageway.

(Log #CP752) MER

1(21- 38 - (5-1.3.1(d) Exception (New)): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Means of Ebwess (MEA), which has primary responsb hillty for Chapter 5, offer reformation on the acceptability of Chapters 24 and 25 exempting exit passageways in covered mall buildings from the Chapter 5 prohibition of having normally unoccupied spaces open directly onto an exit enclosure. This is related to the action taken by MEA on Proposal 101-37 (Log #318) and the action taken by MER on Proposal 101-506 (Log #CP751). SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Mercantile and Business Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Add an Exception to 5-1.3.1 (d) to read: Exception~to (d): Exit passageways in covered mall buildings as

provided in Chapters 24 and 25. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed exception is being added so there will be no conflict between Chapter 5 requirements and a new

34

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

Provision for exit passageways in covered mall buildings in Chapters 4 and 25. See Proposal 101 - 506 (Log #CP751) on 24-4.4.2.5 and

25-4.4.2.5. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 11 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 5 Briese, Lister, Madrzykowski, Snack and

Tomes EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE:

BANWARTH: This proposal would provide a special exception for mercantile occupancies to an existing general requirement in Chapter 5 which restricts the types of openings permit ted in exit enclosures. In my opinion, such a change would potentially reduce the overall safety and reliability [?rovided by exit enclosures.

My field experience as an AHJ mdicates that doors to mechanical

~a~ eS and service areas are frequently subject to mechanical age and have a poor record of being properly maintained.

Frequently, they are also blocked open. This leads to serf-closing doors not shutting and latching properly as intended. In many cases, such malfunctions may remain undetec ted by the AFIJ and uncorrected by building management for months at a time. The integrity of an exit enclosure sl~ould remain highly reliable.

BUSH: Although the opening statement in the substantiation substitutes exit corridors for exit passageways, it is unders tood that dais proposal would permit openings from adjacent service spaces and some hazardous areas which are no t normally subject to human occupancy directly into an exit. In accordance with existing code provisions and with good fire protection practices, these exit passageways must remain separated from all o ther spaces and provide and maintain a protected way of travel, f fbui lding designs dictate that such service spaces open into a public area, those public areas should be designed, arranged, and protected in accordance with the requirements for exit access corridors and not be credited as an exit f rom the building. It should also be noted that action of the Chapter 5 committee rejected this concept stating that the limitations on openings in exit enclosures remain important criteria for life safety.

(Log #164) MEA

101-30- (5-1.3.1(e) Exception No. 2 (New)): Reject Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Means of Egress (MEA) reconsider the action in view of the action that the Technical Committee on Signaling Systems takes on proposal 72-250 on NFPA 72 paragraph 3-4.2 Exception No. 3. SUBMITTER: Peter A. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Renumber the existing exception as Exception No. 1 to (e) and add a second exception as follows:

Exception No. 2 to (e): Penetrations for fire alarm circuits shall be permitted within enclosures when protected in accordance with 6- 2.3.6 and when the building is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system i.n accordance with Section 7-7. SUBSTANTIATION: The National Fire Alarm Code 3-2.4(b) Exception No. 5 and 3-4.2 Exception No. 3 permit the fire alarm circuits to run within two hour rated stair shaft to ensure survivability of the fire alarm system. If this exception does not exist, the designer must route the circuits in other locations to ensure survivability even though the stairways are likely to be penetrated by the sprinkler pipe (required by this exception) and the conduits necessary to pick up the sprinkler flow switches in the stairway. Many existing buildings are being retrofitted with fire alarm systeffts which could utilize this exception. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMM1TI'EE STATEMENT: The committee is unsure what wiring the submitter intends be allowed to be run via the exit enclosure; is it just the wiring serving alarm system devices within the enclosure? Is it all the alarm system wiring for the building, i.e., the alarm system riser? The committee noted that alarm system wiring is not required to be run within conduit. Maintaining integrity of the exit entzlosure and limiting the extent of penetrations remain important life safety criteria. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 22 NEGATIVE: 1 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ROSENBAUM: Routing of a fire safety system within an exit

enclosure provides a method to maintain the integrity of the system during a fire. However, the integrity of the enclosure must be maintained. Penetrations into a stairwell for sprinkler piping are unlimited. However, the concern of wiring no t in conduit arose. Therefore, the proposal can be accepted in principle provided all wiring penetrat ing the enclosure is in conduit. EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION:

ELVOVE: While I agree with the committee that the proposal, as written, must be rejected, I agree with the submitter 's intent. Fire alarm wiring should be permitted to be run in two hour exit enclosures to meet the survivability requirements of the National Fire Alarm Code whether or not the fire alarm wiring only serves devices in the enclosure, provided the fire alarm wiring is run in conduit, penetrations meet the requirements of 6-2.3.6 and the building is sprinklered.

(Log #280) MEA

101- 40 - (5-1.3.1 (e) Exception No. 2 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Vic D. Humm, Vic Humm & Associates RECOMMENDATION: Renumber existing exception as Exception No. 1 to (e). Add new Exception No. 2 to (e) to read as follows:

Exception No. 2 to (e): Penetrations for fire alarm circuits shall be permitted within enclosures when installed in accordance with paragraph 6-2.3.6. SUBSTANTIATION: All alarm systems need to notify all building occupants, when the public or building staff that are in exit egress enclosures or anystairweil. This exception is needed to permit audible and visual notification appliances to be heard and especially to comply with Federal Law ADA~ COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: See Proposal 101 - 39 (Log #164) on 5-1.3.1 (e) Exception No. 2 (new). However, if the submitter 's intent (as explained by his substantiation) is to 15ermit penetrat ions for purposes of connecting to alarm devices within the exit enclosure, current paragraph 5-1.3.1 (e) will allow such penetrations if the wiring is in conduit and properly protected. NUMBER OF COMMITrEEME~IBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: ELVOVE: While I agree with the committee that the proposal, as

written, must be rejected, I agree with the submitter 's intent. (See my comments on Log 164 - they apply whether or not the building is sprinklered.) Technically, current code text permits fire alarm wiring within an exit enclosure provided it is m conduit and serves only devices within the stairway ("Penetrations...are prohibited except for electrical conduit serving the stairway...").

(Log #CP214) ME&

101- 41 - (5-1.3.2 and 5-2.2.6.1 Exception (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Relocate 5-1.3.2 to become an exception to 5-2.2.6.1 (and renumber existing 5-1.3.3 through 5-1.3.5 as necessary) so as to read:

5-2.2.6.1 Enclosures. All interior stairs serving as an exit or exit component shall be enclosed in accordance with 5-1.3.1. All other interior stairs shall be protected in accordance with 6-2.4.

~"-.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.~ F, ALc..e_p.fl~: In existing buildings, where a two-story exit enclosure connects the story of exit discharge with the story next above or below only, but not both, the exit shall be required only to be enclosed on the story of exit discharge. At least 50 percent of the number and capacity of exits on the story of exit discharge shall be independent of such enclosures. SUBSTANT~TION: Currently 5-1.3.2 addresses requirements for an existing condition. The proposal moves the requirement for this existing condition to an exception for purposes of uniformity with other sections that address differing criteria for new and existing. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


35

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

(Log #67) MEA

101- 42 - (5-1.3.3 Exception (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Phil Jose, Guilderland, NY RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 5-1.3.3 to read:

Exception: Exit discharge meeting Section 5-7.2. SUBSTANTIATION: This section is in conflict with Section 5-7.2 since it does not allow for egress through the level of exit discharge Pcer 5-7.2. Note that all occupancies permit the use of 5-7.2.

OMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The exception is not needed. There is no conflict. Continuity must be to the exit discharge. The discharge through the level of exit discharge, if in accordance with 5-7.2, is "exit discharge" even though it is within the building. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #262) MEA

101- 43- (5-1.3.5): Reject SUBMITTER: Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add the followin~ sentence to 5-1.3.5: "Every corridor shall provide access to at least two approved exits

without passing through any intervening rooms or spaces other than corridors and lobbies. SUBSTANTIATION: This would establish a basic requirement for acceptable egress corridors. Chapter 12 and 13, Section 12-2.5.8 and Section 13-2.5. .8 ~give this exact requirement. It should be applied to any egress cornaor. COMMITFEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The proposed wording does not recognize open plan floors. There is already language in 5-5.1.2 and 5-5.1.7 that addresses the issue. The proposer's language makes no allowance for corridors that lead only to a single exit where single exits are permitted by the Code. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

(Log #179) MEA

101- 44- (5-1.5): Accept SUBMITTER: James IL Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: ReviseS-1.5 to read:

5-1.5 Headroom. Means of egress shall be designed and main- talned to provide adequate headroom as provided in other sections of this Code, but in no case shall the ceiling height be less than 7 ft (2.1 rn) nor shall any projection from the ceiling be less that 6 ft 8 in. (2 m) nominal height from the floor. Headroom on stairs shall be a minimum of 6 ft 8 in. (2 m), and shall be measured as the vertical distance above a plane parallel to and tangent with the most forward projection of the stair tread.

Delete the exception. SUBSTANTIATION: The current requirement is more stringent than a least one of the model building codes (Uniform Building Code). Since there is littlejustitication from a fire aspect for the ceiling height to begin with, using the lowest height permitted by U.S. model building codes would appear reasonable. With the change the exception is no longer required. The provisions for stairs have been incorporated into the paragraph without technical change. Currently the Code actually prohibits 5-2.2.2.1 from being usedbecause it says in NO CASE shall they be less than 7 ft 6 in. This should make the code more user friendly. The dimensions have been retained in 5-2.2.2.1 since many people may look there also. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 22 NEGATIVE: 1 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ELVOVE: While I agree with the submitter's substantiation that

there needs to be some consistency between the model building codes and there is little justification from a fire aspect for the ceiling height, I feel reducingheadroom requirements for new construction

discriminates against people over 7'0" tall. I therefore am opposed to the committee's action and favor maintaining existing code text. (I recognize that current code text won't help where an individual's height exceeds 7'6", however, dais will apply to far less people). As an alternative to this submission, the Code could delete all prescriptive recjuirements for headroom and use performance language instead. EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION:

HODGENS: I am abstaining from this vote because I disagree with the substantiation which indicates that the ceiling height does not have a role in the "fire aspect". I believe that the geometry of a space is a critical factor in determining the results of a fire in such space.

(Log #CP807) IND

101- 45 - (5-1.5 Exception No. 2, 5-2.2.2.1 Exception No. 2, and 5- 2.5.2 Exception No. 5): Accept

Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life (AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical , Committee on Means of Egress (MEA), which has primary responsibility for Chapter 5, offer information on the acceptability of Chapter 28 modifying the minimum width of egress components as detailed in Proposal 101-528 (Log #CPt06) for industrial equipment access walkways, platforms,, ram p. s and stairs. . SUBMITTER: Techmcal Comrmttee on Industrial and Storage Occupandes, RECOMMENDATION: Add a second exception to 5-1.5 to read: Exception No. 2: Industrial equipment access in industrial

occupancies as provided in Chapter 28. Adda second exception to 5-2.2.2.1 to read: Exception No. 2: Industrial equipment access in industrial

occupancies as provided in Chapter 28. Add a fifth exception to 5-2.5.2 to read: Exception No. 5: Industrial .equipment access in industrial

occupancies as provided in Chapter 28. SUBSTANTIATION: Proposal 101 - 528 (Log #CPt06) recom- mends the creation of a new 28-2.5.6 to allow industrial equipment access walkways, platforms, ramps and stairs to deviate from the some of the dimensional criteria of Chapter 5. The exceptions to Chapter 5 suggested by this proposal are needed to avoid conflicts between Code requirements. See Proposal 101 - 528 (Log #CP806). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 15 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 13 NOT RETURNED: 2 Rodante, Shaner

(Log #224) MEA

101- 46 - (5-1.6.2 and Exception (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Jake Pauls, Building Use & Safety Institute RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-1.6.2 and add an exception as follows:

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 the requirements of 5-2.2. The nresence and location of ramoed portions of waikwavs shall be readily apparent. The minifiaum tread clepth of such stairshall be 13 in. (33 cm) and the nresenceand location of each step shall be readily apparent.

Exception: Handrails frequired by 5-2.2.4.2) are not required for single steo or ramn which is hart of a curb seoaratin~ a sidewalk fro~a a vehicular ffav. v SUBSTANTIATION: The requirement has been expanded to cover the hazards of trips and other missteps on ramps whose presence is not clear to people walking in an area where a small change of elevation is otherwise not evident. While the consequences of a misstep are usually not as severe on ramps as they are on stairs, there are hazards that must be mitigated.

The proposed exception might be located at 5-2.2.4; however it is proposed here simply to be seen in context with the requirement specifically addressing limited elevation changes. UnliKe some building codes, the.Life Safety Code correctly does not have an exception permitting one- and two-riser stairs to be provided without a handrail. While some might regard an exception for curbs to be redundant (based on universal practice), we should note that CABO/ANSI Al17.1-1992 (4.7.8) specifically exempts curb ramps from requiring handrails.

See also an accompanying proposal suggesting revisions to the appendix note for 5-1.6.2. These proposals are based on considerable litigation experience in relation to situations where there are

36

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

l imited elevation changes, usually by stairs. This exper ience clearly justifies special a t tent ion to these situations. Finally, the falls that occur disproport ionately in these situations would be especially problematic in a crowd situation such as dur ing egress. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Revise 5-1.6.2 as follows: 5-1.6.2" Changes in level in means o f egress not more tilan 21 in.

(53.3 cm) shall be ei ther by a vamp or by a stair complying with the requi rements of 5-2.2. The presence and location of r amned nort ions of walkwavs shall be readily apparellt . The m i n i m u m tread ~lepth of such stair'shall be 13 in. (33 cm) and the presence and location of each step shall be readily apparent . "

Add the following exception to 5-2.2.4.2: Excention: Handrails shall not be reuuired for a single step or r amn whicfl is hart of a curb seoaratin~ a sk]ewalk f rom a ~Tehicofar w~y. COMMI'FrEE STATEMP2~T: The exception is better located in 5- 2.2.4.2. This minor revision made to the submittal should satisfy the submit ter ' s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 N O T RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

(Log #394) MEA

101- 47 - (5-1.7.2 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Joshua Elvove, VA Western Region RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Exception No. 3 to 5-1.7.2 that reads:

Exception No. 3: In heal th care occupancies as provided in Chapters 12 and 13. SUBSTANTIATION: In some heal th care occupancies (e.g., psychiatric facilities), there is a need to restrict the means o f egress due to clinical considerations. Therefore, the exception offered to de tent ion and correctional occupancies should also be afforded to heal th care occupancies. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Do add an except ion for heal th care occupancies, but as part of cur ren t Exception No. 2 to 5-1.7.2 so as to read:

Exception No. 2: In heal th care occupancies as provided in Chapters 12 and 13 and in de ten t ion and correctional occupancies as provided in Chapters 14 and 15. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action should mee t the submit ter ' s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #180) MEA

101- 48 - (5-1.8 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 5-1.8 to read:

5-1.8 Guards. Guards shall be provided when required by, and in accordance with, 5-2.2.4. SUBSTANTIATION: The requi rements for ~uards are contained in the subsection on stairs yet they apply no t only to stairs, but to ramps, balconies, mezzanines, or any egress e lement more than 30 in. above the floor below. Subsection 5-2.5 on ramps does provide a reference to 5-2.2.4 but a general provision is needed in Section 5-1 for all o ther elements. The other option would be to move 5-2.2.4 into Section 5+1, but a simple reference should suffice. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Insert a new 5-1.7 (and r e n u m b e r subsequen t paragraphs as necessary) to read:

5-1.7 Guards. Guards shall be provided in accordance with 5-2.2.4. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The rewording of the submit ter ' s language is editorial for clarity ,and consistency. Its relocation to 5- 1.7 positions it with related items. The Commit tee Action should meet the submi t te r ' s intent . NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: ELVOVE: I agree with the commit tee ' s decision. However, I would

ra ther see text provided in this new section, as offered by the submitter, in lieu referencing the section on Stairs (5-2.2.4) for this criteria+ Both the Stair a nd Ramp (5-2.5.4) sections should refer back to 5-1.8.

(Log #CP209) MEA

101- 49 - (5-1.8 (New) and 31-1.2): Accept SUBMITrER: Technical Commit tee on Means o f Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Move 31-1.2 to a new 5-1.8 to read as follows:

~ 1 ~ 5 . 1 . 8 Means of Egress Reliability. 31-1.,2.1 Evciy i cqa~icd cx~t a c c t , , c~d t, ,,, c,d t di~d,o~ g , 5-1.8.1"

Means of egress shall be cont inuously main ta ined free of all obstructions or imped iment s to full instant use in the case of fire or o ther emergency.

+ 5-1.8.2 Furnishings and Decorat ions in Means of Egress. ~-~vLa--'-'-'-'-'-'~ ~ No furnishings, decorations, or o ther objects

shall be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom, or visibility thereof.

Q 1 1 ~ 0 ~ T T • J • l _ _ I t , l l I _ _ . . .

Z++.. + +. , ~ . - : , .+~ + .,,+,+,,:+,;~ ++ +~...+-?. +~, +,.-7~-.+ ~ ? , +~.~ : . . . . . . . . o t l m 4 l + + + O + ~ l + . ~ ~ l l L ~ t ~ + l O l + T i l l ] ~ l O + l i m e t l ~ + ~ ~ I + ~ I t J U l

ex-itr. ~ There shall be no obstructions by railings,

barriers, or gates that divide the open space into sections appurte- nan t to individual rooms, apar tments , or o ther uses. Where the authori ty having jurisdict ion finds the required path o f travel to be obstructed by furni ture or o ther movable objects, the authori ty shall be permit ted to require that they be fas tened out of the way or shall be permit ted to require tha t railings or o ther p e r m a n e n t barriers be installed to protect the path of travel against encroachment .

Retain appendix i tem A-31-1.2.2 but move it and r e n u m b e r it to become A-5-1.8.1 as follows:

~ A proper means of egress permits unobs t ruc ted travel at all times. Any type barrier including, bu t no t l imited to, the accumulat ions of snow and ice in those climates subject to such accumula t ions is an imped imen t to free m o v e m e n t in the m ean s of egress. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal editorially moves Section 31-1 material to the core chapters (1 th rough 7) as directed by the Technical Correlating Commit tee on Safety to Life. Wording f rom 31-1 that already appears in Chapter 5 is being deleted. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. " NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #18l) MEA

101- 50 - (5-2.1.1.3): Accept in Principle SI3BMITTEI~ James I~ Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.1.1.3 to read:

5-2.1.1.3" Occupied. For the purposes o f Section 5-2, a building shall be considered to he occupied at any time it is open for general occupancy, open to or accessible to the public, or at any t ime it is occupied by more than 10 persons. SUBSTANTIATION: There are many buildings that are never open to file public. Industrial buildings, military facilities, secure sites, etc. As currently written, tile Code would require these buildings to be occupied by more than I0 people before they would be considered occupied. It has been the in tent tha t whenever a bui lding is occupied other than by cleaning crews, security guards, restock clerks etc. that the bui lding is occupied. Due to mechanizat ion, many industrial buildings are in full operat ion with 6nly a couple of people. This revision should help solve this problem. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Revise 5-2.1.1.3 to read: 5-2.1.1.3" For the purposes of Section 5-2, a bui lding shall be

considered to be occupied at any t ime it is open for general occupancy, open to the public, or at any t ime it is occupied by more than 10 persons. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action should meet the submit ter ' s intent. It editorially revises the submit ter ' s wording. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


37

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

(Log #CP204) MEA

101- 51 - (5-2.1.3.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Delete 5-2.1.3.2. SUBSTANTIATION: The 48 in. limit is to a large degree an arbitrary number. The rationale for limiting door width is to limit door weight. Provided the door can be opened without exceeding the force requirements of 5-2.1.4.4, this additional limitation is superfluous. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BUSH: The operation of doors for fire protection purposes may

not be limited to door opening operations. . In some cases, it may be necessary to close and latch the door m order to perform such functions as confining the adverse effects or a fire or safeguarding an adequate escape route. Currently, the Code contains no performance criteria for door closing operations, and, without the size limitations imposed by this paragraph, these functional limitations would be lost. It should he no ted that these closing operation criteria could apply to all types of doors including those which are normally side-swinging, power-operated, horizontal sliding, revolving, balanced or installed in a folding partition.

(Log #71) MEA

101- 52 - (5-2.1.3.2 Exception (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Richard L. Reed, Access Technologies, Division of tl)e Stanley Works RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 5-2.1.3.2 to read as follows:

Exception: Power operated doors as provided in 5-2.1.9. SUBSTANTIATION: Since a power operated door does not have to be manually operated, there is no reason to limit the width to 48 in. Emergency or power loss is covered in 5-2.1.9. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept in Principle•

See Proposal 101 - 51 (Log #CP204) on the deletion of 5-2,1.3.2. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: Because the maximum 48 in. door width limitation is being deleted by the above referenced Commit- tee-generated proposal, there is no need for an exception. This -" should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BUSH: The operation of doors for fire protection purposes may

not be limited to door opening operations. In some cases, it may be necessary to close and latch the door in order to perform such functions as confining the adverse effects or a fire or safeguarding an adequate escape route. Currently, the Code contains no performance criteria for door closing operations, and, without the size limitations imposed by this paragraph, these functional limitations would he lost. It should be noted that these closing operation criteria could apply to all types of doors including those which are normally side-swinging, power-operated, horizontal sliding, revolving, balanced or installed in a folding partition.

(Log #182) MEA

101-53- (5-2.1.3.3 Exception No. 2 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a second Exception to 5-2.1.3.3 to read:

Exception No. 2: In one- and two-family dwellings and in existing buildings a door shall be permit ted to open directly on to a stair provided the door swings away f rom the stair and the door serves an area with an occupant load of fewer than 50 persons. SUBSTANTIATION: It is very common in existing buildings for a door to open directly onto a stair. This is not a significant problem provided the door opens away from the stair. When a person opens the door they are forced to step back from the opening and therefore have several steps to become aware of the stairs. An example is the door in a private dwelling to the basement stairs. This a r rangement has been permit ted by building codes for years. This wouldserve a maximum of 50 people since over this number would require the door to swing in the direction of egress. This

38

provides a more reasonable fn¢ for such arrangements since reversing a door swing is much more realistic than rebuilding the stair. COMMITI"EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The proposed exception would allow an existing unsafe condition to be cont inued in use in public buildings. . NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: ELVOVE: The submitter makes some good points, however, he

does no t appear to address all possible scenarios with his proposed text revision. Some ref inement may make this a good proposal.

(Log #183) MEA

101- 54- (5-2.1.4): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Means of Egress (MEA) reconsider the proposed action, as appropriate, given that this proposal was letter balloted to MEA in an expedited time frame at a later time than the other proposals under its purview. SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.1.4.1 and 5- 2.1.4.2 to read:

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 and installed so that it is capable of swinging f rom any position to the full use of the opening in which it is installed.

Exception No. 1: No change Exception No. 2: Former Exception No. 4 Exception No. 3: Former Exception No. 5 Exception No. 4: Doors to private garages, industrial and storage

areas with an occupant load of not more than 10, when such areas contain low or ordinary hazard contents.

Exception No. 5: Former Exception No. 7 Exception No. 6: Former Exception No. 8 5-2.1.4.2 Doors required to be side-hinged or pivoted-swinging type

shall swing in the direction of egress travel where serving a room or area with an occupant load of 50 or more. Exception No. 1: Former Exception No. 3 to 5-2.1.4.1 Exception No. 2: Former Exception No. 2 to 5-2.1.4.1

5-2.1.4.$ Old 5-2.1.4.2 with its current exception. Renumber current 5-2.4.4.3 and subsequent paragraphs.

SUBSTANTIATION: The intent of this proposal is editorial for clarity and user friendliness. Currently the mix of requirements and exceptions in 5-2.1.4.1 is causing significant confusion. The new arrangement states in 5-2.1.4.1 when doors must be of the swinging type and the exceptions for that. 5-2.1.4.2 states when doors must swing in the direction of exit travel when required to swing by 5- 2.1.4.1.5-2.1.4.3 is the former 5-2.1.4.2 and requires doors swing in the direction of travel in certain conditions regardless. OMMIT'rEE ACTION: Accept . NUMBER OF COMMITTEEMEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ON THIS PROPOSAL: 27 VOTE ON COMMH"FEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 22 NOT RETURNED: 5 Aikman, Elvove, Hodgens, Hudrmt,

Rosecrans COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE:

BUSH: While I am in agreement with the overall intent of this proposal, there are several changes in the exact wording of portions of the revised text which warrant modification. I believe that the intent of the last sentence of the proposal was meant to renumber current 5-2.1.4.3 (not 5-2.4.4.$) and subsequent paragraphs. This change seems purely editorial in nature and should not affect the original intent of the submitter. The wording of existing Exception No. 6 to 5-2.1.4.1 without the

reference to s ide-hingedor pivoted-swinging doors should be retained as the new Exception No. 4 to 5-2.1.4.1. While I appi 'edate file submitter 's intent to reduce the amount of wordlng in the code, in this case the redundancy of the reference to private garages and industrial and storage areas is needed to prevent the words "private. garages" from also modifying the word "areas" as seems to be the casein the proposal. In addition, the word "when" should be changed to "where" in order to insure consistency with all other portions of the code. The new Exception No. 4 to 5-2.1.4.1 should read "Doors to private garages and industrial and storage areas with an occupant load of no t more than 10 where such garages and industrial and storage areas contain low or ordinary hazard contents."

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

• By retaining old Exception No. 2 to 5-2.1.4.1 as the new Exception No. 2 to new 5-2.1.4.2, there is an unnecessary reference to door swing in the new exception as it is already addressed in die base paragraph. This new exception should read "smoke barrier doors in existing health care occupancies as provided in Chapter 13."

(Log #184) MEA

101- 55 - (5-2.1.5.2 Exception No. 1 and A-5-2.1.5.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise-Exception No. 1 to 5-2.1.5.2 as follows:

(1) delete part (a), r enumber (b) through (e) as (a) through (d) (2) add a new (e) to read: (e) Doors not permitt ing reentryshall be provided with a sign on

the stair side indicating the direction to, and location of, the two closest doors permitt ing reentry or exit.

Delete references to dais exception in the occupancy chapters that currently reference it. Add the following sentence to current appendix note A-5-2.1.5.2: "It is in tended that this apply only to enclosed exit stairs and not to

exterior stairs or to smokeproof enclosures." SUBSTANTIATION: The provisions of this exception appear to be equallyvalid for all occupancies. No one has been able to provide a reasonable explanation of why this is occupancy oriented. This proposal will make the exception usable in all occupancies.

Tbe second part of the proposal will require a sign to let people know where they can go to re-enter the building. Currently one would have to search up or down to find the door marked as permitt ing reentry.

The addition to the appendix note ts to clarify the application of the paragraph. It applies to stair enclosures only. ff this were to apply to exterior stairs and to all smokeproof enclosures it would create significant security problems. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Revise Exception No. 1 to 5-2.1.5.2 as follows: (1) delete subpart (a), renumber subpar'~s (b) through (e) as

subparts (a) through (d). (2) add a new subpart (e) to read: (e) Doors not permitt ing reentry shall be provided with a sign on

the stair side indicating the location of the nearest door, in each direction of travel, permitt ing reentry or exit.

Delete references to dais exception in the occupancy chapters that currently reference it: 12-2.2.2.8 second sentence, 16-2.2.2.3, 17- 2.2.2.3, 24-2.2.2.3, and 26-2.2.2.3. Add the following sentence to the beginning of current appendix

note A-5-2.1.5.2: "It is in tended that the reentry provisions apply only to enclosed

exit stairs, not to outside stairs." COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested. The appendix sentence l~as been reworded to explain that the requirement applies to exit stair enclosures. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #325) ME_A

101- 56 - (5-2.1.6.1(b)): Reject SUBMITTER: James c . Roberts, NC Dept. o f Insurance RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.1.6.1 (b) to read (new text is under l ined for clarity):

"(b) Unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock or locking mechanism, or tiporl disablement of the automatic fire detection systerrl 9r the means of sprinkler system supervision, and" SUBSTANTIATION: Use of the Special Locking Arrangement requires the building to be protected by an approved, automatic fire detection or sprinkler system. When this vital protection is disabled for repair, maintenance, etc., the Code should require that the delayed egress locks immediately unlock. This safeguard can be easily arranged as a feature of the automatic fire detection system or sprinkler supervisory system. One way is simply to use a normally energized relay as the interface to the locking system so that shutdown of the fire detect ion/spr inkler supervisory system results in immediate door unlock for egress. COMMIT'FEE ACTION: Reject. COMMI'YI'EE STATEMENT: The submitter has provided no anecdotal data on problems with these devices. The committee is

unsure what the submitter means by the term "disablement of the automatic fire detection system". When is the threshold of "disablement" reached? NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: ELVOVE: While I agree with the committee that the proposal, as

written, must be rejected, the submitter makes an excellent point. Automatic unlocking mechanisms that are depeqden t upon the operation of the fire alarm (and sprinkler) system may be suspect if Oaere is a problem with the fire alarm system. However, defining just the type of problem (or threshold) which will trigger automatic unlocking is tricky. The submitter is encouraged to refine his proposal and establish a definitive threshold.

(Log #348) MEA

101- 57- (5-2.1.9): Accept in Principle SUBMITTEPa Joseph H. Versteeg, Torrington, CT RECOMMENDATION: Add the following two sentences to the end of current text of paragraph 5-2.1.9:

"On the egress side of each door, there shall be a readily visible, durable sign that reads 'DOOR CAN BE OPENED MANUALLY DURING A POWER FAILURE BY PUSHING.' The sign shall be in letters not less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting back- WuBound."

STANTIATION: The Code establishes specific criteria to ensure the reliable operation of power operated doors in the "emergency break-out mode", however it fails to provide a medium for informing the user that such a feature even exists. The mandate for such a sign is in line with the criteria governing locks within 5- 2.1.5.1 Exception No. 2 and Delayed Egress Locks within 5- 2.1.6.1 (d). COMMITrEEACTION: Accept in Principle. Add the following two sentences to the end of current text of

paragraph 5-2.1.9: "On the egress side of each door, there shall be a readily visible,

durable sign that reads 'IN EMERGENCY PUSH TO OPEN'. The sign shall be in letters not less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) high on a contrasting background."

To Exception No. 1 to 5-2.1.9 add: "The required sign shall state 'IN EMERGENCY SLIDE TO OPEN'." COMMITrEE STATEMENT: ANSI A156.10 for pedestrian power- operated doors dictates the above language for the sign. Exception No. 1, applicable to sliding, power-operated doors needs wording for a similar sign. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #72) MEA

101- 58 - (5-2.1.9 Exception No. 2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Richard L. Reed, Access Technologies, Division of the Stanley Works RECOMMENDATION: Revise Exception No. 2 to 5-2.1.9 as follows:

Exception No. 2: For a binartin~ slidin~ door in the emergency break out mode, a door lea~f located with'fn a multiple leaf opening shall be exempted from the minimum 32 inch (81 cm) single leaf requirement of 5-2.1.3.1 i f a minimum of 32 inches (81 cm) clear onenin~ is nrovided by all leafs broken out. SUBST.'~tN'I'IATION: "Biparting and telescoping power operated sliding doors may have 2, 3, or 4 leafs or panels moving in synchro- nous action, providing more than 32 inches clear opening in normal operation. However, any single leaf of such a door system may be less than 30 inches. This should be allowed as long as the clear

Poening is at least 32 inches with all leafs broken out. MMITrEEACTION: Accept in Principle.

Retain curxent Exception No. 2 and~nsert the submitter 's exception as a new Exception No. 3 ( renumber ing current Excep- tion Nos. 3 and 4 to become Exception Nos. 4 and5) so as to read:

Exception No. 3: For a biparting sliding door in dae emergency break out mode, a door leaf located within a multiple leaf opening shall be exempted from the minimum 32 in. (81 cm) single leaf requirement of 5-2.1.3.1 i fa minimum of 32 in. (81 cm) clear opening is provided by all leafs broken out.

39

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Submitter's replacement language for Exception No. 2 would have lost an important exception for doors other than biparting. Thus, the submitter's language has been added as a new exception. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMrrTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: BUSH: The intent of this proposal may be further explained

through the addition of arl appendix note as follows: "It is the intent of this exception to require each half of a biparting

sliding door provide a minimum 32-in. clear opening in the emergency break out mode with no more than one releasing operation. There is no limit to the number of leaves in each half of that door."

(Log #284) ME&

101- 59 - (5-2.1.15 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITI'ER: Richard Hudnut, McKeon Rolling Steel Door RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 5-2.1.15 to read:.

5-2.1.15 Doors in Horizontal or Vertical Rolling Partitions. Swinging doors in horizontal or vertical rolling partitions complying with the following shall be permitted in a means of egress:

a) The door or doors shall be in accordance with 5-2.1.4. b) The partition in which the doors are mounted shall comply with

file applicable fire protection rating and shall close upon smoke detection or power failure at a speed of not more than 9 in. (23 cm) per second or less than 6 in. (15 cm) per second. "

c) The doors mounted in the partition shall be self- or automatic- closingin accordance with 5-2.1.8. SUBSTANTIATION: Adoption of this proposal will result in the recognition of a new product line that essentially already complies with the code. It is unique enough, however, that a functional description is necessary. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Do not create a new 5-2.1.15. Rather, addthe following to the end

of current appendix item A-5-2.1.4.1: "Swinging doors in horizontal or vertical rolling partitions

complying with the following should be permitted in a means of egress where: a) The door or doors comply with 5-2.1.4. b) The partition in which the doors are mounted complies with

the applicable fire protection rating and closes upon smoke detection or power failure at a speed of not more than 9 in. (23 cm) per second and not less than 6 in. (15 cm) per second. _

c) The doors mounted in the partition are self-or automatic- closing in accordance with 5-2.1.8. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The functional description is not needed in the main body of the Code because (as the submitter states in his substantiation) the product line complies with current Code requirements. However, the above wording should be helpful as appendix material. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #381) ME&

101- 60 - (5-2.2.2, 5-2.2.3 and 5-2.2.4): Reject SUBMITTER: John M. Watts, Jr., Fire Safety Institute RECOMMENDATION: Delete subsections 5-2.2.2 through 5-2.2.4 and publish as a separate standard on safe stairs. • SUBSTANTIATION: 1. These sections are very inconsistent with the rest of the Code. Their scope is oriented more toward prevention of non-fire accidents than toward safety in fire emergencies. The interests and expertise related to non emergency stair safety are very different form those of other parts of file Code, A separate standard could properly address all safe uses of stairs.

2. There are significantly more specification requirements in these sections than in other parts of the Code. The sections on stairs specify definite numerical ranges for most dimensions of stair construction. As such, they are incompatible with other sections of tile code that are more performance oriented.

3. Harmonization among codes in the U.S. and internationally will be facilitated by publication of these specification requirements in a separate document. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject.

COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The submitter's claim of inconsis- tencywith other Code provisions is not accurate. Safe stairs are critical to safe egress under emergencies. To remove the prescriptive recjuirements from the Life Safety Code would do the users a disservice. The creation of separate stair standards would make it more difficult for users to reference all the information needed. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behreus, Tomy

(Log #CP215) ME&

101- 61 - (5-2.2.2.8): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Reformat the current wording of 5-2.2.2.8 to read:

5-2.2.2.8 Winders. Where specifically permitted for individual occupancies by Chapters 8 through 29, winders shall be allowed in stairs. Winders shallhave a minimum tread depth o f f in. (15.2 cm) and a minimum depth of tread of 11 in. (27.9 cm) at a point 12 in. (30.5 cm)L from the narrowest edge. Exception: Existing winders shall be permitted to remain in use if

they have a minimum tread depth of 6 in. (15.2 cm) and a minimum depth of tread of 9 in. (22.9 cm) at a point 12 in. (30.5 cm) from the narrowest edge. SUBSTANTIATION: Current wording addresses differing requirements for both new construction and existing conditions. The proposal places the requirements for existing conditions in an exception for purposes of uniformity with other sections that address differing criteria for new and existing. COMMYITEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITrEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: HODGENS: I am abstaining from this vote because I do not

believe that winders should be permitted in a required means of egress. Winderspresent an extremely difficult path to follow when visibility is poor due to'smoke and other conditions created by a fire.

(Log #CP28) MEA

101- 62 - (5-2.2.3.2 Exception No. 2 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Residential Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Add a second exception to 5-2.2.3.2 to read:

Exception No. 2: In residential occupancies as permitted in Chapters 16 through 21. SUBSTANTIATION: Committee proposals have been drafted by the Life Safety Technical Committee on Residential Occupancies to add an exception to 16-2.2.3, 17-2.2.3, 18-2.2.3 and 19-2.2.3 to permit the stairs to be of combustible materials if the building isprotected by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system andhas four or fewer stories. This proposed exception to Chapter 5 is needed for consistency. COMMITi'EE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Do not add the exception. Rather, change 5-2.2.3.2 to read: 5-2.2.3.2 Each new stair, platform, and landing used in buildings

,.,,, ~ d ~ , d,;cc o~+i;~ ;.,hclgLt ~ .d k~ .,c~; bu~ld~,s~ required by this Code to be of Type I or Type II construction shall be of noncombustible material throughout. Exception: Handrails. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action should meet submitter's intent. Additionally, the action broadens the language so as to allow any occupancy to be exempt from the new construction stair/platform noncombustibility requirement if the building is not required to be of Type I or Type II construction. NUMBER OF C OMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


40

N F P A 101 ~ F96 R O P

(Log #CP216) MEA

101- 63 - (5-2.2.3.2 and Exception No. 2 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Teclmical Committee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Further revise 5-2.2.3.2 from that done by Proposal 101 -62 (Log #CP28) to read:

5:2.2:3.2 Each r ~ . s t a i r ! platform, ari.d landing.,a..~. * in buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~o required by this Code to be of Type I or Type II construction shall be of noncombustible material throughout.

Exception No. 1 : Handrails. Excention No. 2: Existin~ stairs.

SUBSTANTIATION: Cur'rent wording addresses requirements for new construction. The proposal places the requirements for existing conditions in an exception for purposes of uniformity with other sections that address differing criteria for new and existing. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMbIITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log#~225) MEA

101- 64 - (5-2.2.3.4): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Jake Pauls, Building Use & Safety Institute RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.2.3.4 as follows:

5-2.2.3.4* Stairs treads shall be uniformlyslip resistant and shall b e have their walkin~ surfaces free of projections or lips that could trip stair users. If oro~ectin~, undersides of tread nosin~s shall not be abrunt. Riser~ shall be'solid, ff not vertical, risers sTaall be pcrlrfitted to sl~oe under the tread at an angle of 30 degrees maximum from vertical however the nermit ted oroiection of the nosin~ shall be 1 1 / 2 in. (3.8 cm~ maximum bevon~i tl~e tread below, SUBSTANTIATION: Dealing also with tr ipping hazards, the proposed text provides additional detail for the geometry under tread nosing. This is based largely on existing requirements in CABO/ANSI Al17.1-1992 (4.9.2.2 and 4.9.3). The clarification that, if not vertical, risers can only slope under the treads is new and has also been proposed to C, ABO/ANSI. Note that 5-2.2.2.3 does not prohibit the unusual condition where risers slope outward; however it would then not allow the full nosing-to-nosing dimension to be considered tread depth. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part.

Revise 5-2.2.3.4 as follows: 5-2.2.3.4* Stairs treads shall be uniformly slip resistant and shall {~e

have their walking surfaces free of projections or lips that could trip stair users. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter 's reference to "walking surfaces" has been added. Appendix wording associated with dais paragraph already has reference to ANSI A117.1 and its requirements. It is not necessary for dais Code to require all stairs to have solid risers. NUMBER OF COMNflTTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BUSH: This committee action should be revised to include

additional joarts of this proposal. The provisions for non-vertical risers may laave some merit. Risers which are not vertical should be restricted in the amount and direction of slope, permitted to slope only under the treads, and have a limited nosing projection to reduce tr ipping hazard potential.

(Log #337) MEA

101- 65 - (5-2.2.4.1 Exception): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: TerryA. Brouwer, Connecticut Office of State Fire Marshal RECOMMENDATION: Revise the exception to 5-2.2.4.1 as follows:

"...shall be permitted to serve as guards on existin~ stairs." SUBSTANTIATION: An existing handrail is perrm~'tted by Excep- tion No. 2 to 5-2.2.4.5(a) to be orily 30 incheshigh. This change would limit this condit ion to only existing stairs. A 30 inch guard is far too low to protect against falls over the open sides of balconies, mezzanines, roof openings, etc. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

See Committee Action on Proposal 101 -71 (Log #350) on 5-

2.2.4.5(0 Exception No. 3 (new). COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action on Proposal 101-71 (Log #350) should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #349) MEA

101- 66 - (5-2.2.4.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTEI~ Joseph H. Versteeg, Torrington, CT RECOMMENDATION: Reword current text o f 5-2.2.4.2 as follows:

5-2.2.4.2" Handrails. Each new stair and each new ramp with a slope exceeding 1 in 20 shall have handrails qn both sides. In addition, handrails shall be provided within 30 in. (76 cm) of all portions of the required egress width of stairs. The required egress width shall be along the natural path of travel. Existing stairs, existing ramps, stairs within dwelling units or within guest rooms, and ramps within dwelling units or within guest rooms shall have a handrail on at least one side. (See also 5-2.2.4.5.)

Exception: On existing stairs, handrails shall be provided within 44 in. (112 cm) of all portions of the required egress width of stairs. SUBSTANTIATION: As currendy worded, t h e requirements for handrails do not apply to existing ramps, and new ramps within dwelling units or guest rooms are required to have handrails on both sides. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Reword current text of 5-2.2.4.2 as follows: 5-2.2.4.2* Handrails. Each newstair and each newramp

~l~vc ~;c~cdk,~ I ~,~ 2,?, shall have handrails on both sides, tn addition, handrails shall be provided within 30 in. (76 cm) of all portions of the required egress width of stairs. The required egress width shall be along the natural path of travel. Existing stairs, existing ramps, stairs within dwtlling units or within guest rooms, and tarots within dwellin~ units or within truest rooms shall have a handrai l 'on at least one side. (See also 5-2.'(2.4.5.)

Exception: On existing stairs, handrails shall be provided within 44 in. (112 cm) of all portions of the required egress width of stairs.

Make Chapter 3 definition of"ramp" read same as definition of "ramp" in 5-1.2. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Ramps are defined as being s teeper that 1 in 20 so the words "with a slope exceeding 1 in 20" have been deleted. Editorially, the Chapter 3 definition will be made to read the same as that in Chapter 5. This should meet the submitter 's in t en t NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP219) MEA

101-67- (5-2.2.4.2 and Exception No. 2 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Further revise 5-2.2.4.2 from that done by Proposal 101 - (Log #349) as follows by moving wording from the base paragraph to a new exception:

5-2.2.4.2" Handrails. Ea~;, ,,c,, ~t/,L ~.,d c,~c;~ ,,c,, ;a,,q~ vdth a zl,,t,c cxccc,1'l.~8 1 k, 20 Stairs and ramns shall have handrails on both sides. In addition, handrails shall be provided within 30 in. (76 cm) of all portions of the required egress width of stairs. The re.q.u!r_ed_egr. _ess w~jd~,s_hal.(~ alon~,.the natured path. o f travel:

, ,~c,,,~ ol,all L , , c a "~ ,d , ,d l ,~u at l c ~ . ~,,~c ~:dc. (See also 5-2.2.4.5.) Exception N o . l : On existing stairs, handrails shall be provided

within 44 in. (112 cm) of all portions of the required egress width of stairs.

Excention No. 2: Existin~ stairs, existin~ ramps, ~tairs within dwelli~a~ units and within~uest ro0ms, and ramns wi~il l dwelling units affd Lmest rooms shal'! have a handrail on at least one side. SUBSTAN~I'IATION: Currently 5-2.2.4.2 addresses requirements for existing conditions. The proposal moves the requirement for the existing condition to an exception for uniformity with other sections that address differing criteria for new and existing. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


41

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

(Log #227) MEA

101- 68- (5-2.2.4.5(b)): Reject SUBM1TTER: Jake Pauls, Building Use & Safety Institute RECOMMENDATION: Add new text to 5-2.2.4.5(b) to read as follows:

(b)* New handrails shall provide a clearance of at least 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) between the handrail and the wall to which it is fastened. Surfaces within 3 in. (7.6 cm~ of handrails shall have 1/8 in. (0.3 ~m) minimum radius. SUBSTANTIATION: Rather than leave to the Appendix the recommendation that adjacent surfaces are smooth, this spells it out using the 1/8 in. minimum radius used in (c). The 3 in. is somewhat arbitrary for the time being but takes into account a grab response for the handrail which does not accurately land the hand on the rail before contact is made with adjacent surfaces. See also a related proposal for the appendix note. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed wording would require a radius, even for awail that is smooth. The enforcement of such language would be difficult. The 3 in. criterion is arbitrary and probably excessive. Additional substantiation is needed. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


open side of a stair and the walking surface of the stair was subject to the requirements for guards. Additionally, the spacing requirements for guards have always contained the exception for "Approved existing guards." As currently worded, the requirements of subpart 5-2.2.4.5(0 focus

on new handrails and mandate 4 in. spacing requirements contained within prior editions of the Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in'Principle.

In 5-2.2.4.1 delete the Exception. Delete 5-2.2.4.5 (f) and its exceptions. In 5-2.2.4.6 add a new Exception No. 3 to (b) to read: Exception No. 3 to (b): Existing guards on existing stairs shall be

not less than 30 in. (76 cm) high. Add an appendix item A-5.2.2.4.6 Exception No. 3 to (b) to read: A-5.2.2.4.6 Exception No. 3 to (b) This reduction in required

height applies only to the stair, not to the landings. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Exception hasbeen moved to the paragraph addressing height criterion where it will be properly placed. The deletion of S-2.2.4.5(f) was made because the subject is covered by 5-2.2.4.6(c). This results in better organization, but no technical change. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #226) MEA

101- 69 - (5-2.2.4.5(c) Exception No. 2 (New)): Accept SUBMFrTER: Jake Pauls, Building Use & Safety Institute RECOMMENDATION: Add a second exception to 5-2.2.4.5(c) to read as follows: Exception No. 2 to (c): Handrail brackets or balusters attached to

the bottom surface of the handrail and which do not project horizontally beyond the sides of the handrail within 1 in. (25 mm) of the bottom of the handrail and which have edges wide.l/8 in. (3.2 ram) minimum radius, shall not be considered to be obstructions to

ability - TANTIATION: This language which has also been proposed

for CABO/ANSI A117.1, is based on a new exception (accepted in 1994) in the BOCA National Building Code (1022.2). It clarifies wbat kind of necessary attachments to the handrail constitute pcermissible, minor interference to continuous graspability.

OMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

(Log #229) MEA

101- 70 - (5-2.2.4.5(e)): Accept SUBMITTER= Jake Pauls, Building Use & Safety Institute RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.2.4.5(e) as follows:

(e) New handrails that are not continuous between flights shall extend 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 tread "

beyond the bottom riser-,.,-~.c, ~ a ~u~d o; ~-all ~AL.~. SUBSTANTIATION: The continuation of the handrail beyond the bottom riser is independent of whether a guard or wall exists. There appears to have been an error here when the change was made to the previous edition which referred to a guard or wall in relation to a (no longer required) horizontal extension at the base of the flight. COMMITrEEACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTEi 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #350) MEA

101- 71 - (5-2.2.4.5(0 Exception No. 3 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER= Joseph H. Versteeg, Torrington, CT RECOMMENDATION: Add a third exception to 5-2.2.4.5 (f) as follows:

Exception No. 3 to (f): Approved existing open guards. SUBSTANTIATION: Section 5-2.2.4.1 requires new stairs to be provided with a 42 in. high guard and by exception permits existing handrails meeting the requirements of 5-2.2.4.5 to be continued in use. In prior Code editions, the area between a handrail on the

(Log #185) MEA

101- 72 - (5-2.2.4.6(c)): Reject SUBMITTER= james K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.2.4.6(c) to read:

(c)* Open guards shall have intermediate rails or an ornamental pattern such-that a sphere 4 in. (10.1 cm) in diameter cannot pass through any opening up to a height of 34 in. (86 cm). Exceptions to remain.

SUBSTANTIATION: The purpose of the 4 in. sphere rule was to protect small children from falling through the guard. This will provide that protection up to 34 in. (handrail height) but allow more space above the handrail up to the top of the guard. This will more than adequately take care of the children while allowing flexibility in design, especially on stairs. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter has not justified the choice of 34 in. as the height at which the guard opening protection can be relaxed. The data in A-5-2.2.4.5(a) Exception No. 3 appears to show that this proposed change is too lenient to assure continued safety. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #228) MEA

101-73- (5-2.2.5.4 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER= Jake Panls, Building Use & Safety Institute RECOMMENDATION: Add newS-2.2.5.4 to read as follows: 5-2.2.5.4 Water Accumulation. Outside stairs and landings shall be

designed to prevent water from accumulating on their surfaces. SUBSTANTIATION: This parallels an existing requirement for ramps which makes equal sense for outside stairs. Note that adequate drainage can be achieved within the 1-in. 48 slope limit set by 5-2.2.2.2. COMMITrEEACTION: Accept in Principle. Add new 5-2.2.5.4 to read as follows: 5-2.2.5.4 Water Accumulation. Outside stairs and landings shall be

designed to minimize water accumulation on their surfaces. Add an appendix note to read: A-5-2.2.5.4 (See A-5-2.2.2.2.) To the end of current A-5-2.2.2.2 add: "Providing a pitch of 1/8 to

1/4 in. per ft will aid the shedding of water from a nominally horizontal surface." COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested. Also, it adds appendix material to explain further the concept. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


42

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

(Log #298) MEA

101- 74- (5-2.2.5.4 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: GregoryJ, Cahanin, Exit Seminars RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 5-2.2.5.4 to read:

5-2.2.5.4 Openness. Outside stairs shall be at least 50 percent open on one side and shall be arranged to prevent the accumulation of smoke. SUBSTANTIATION: The addition defines the minimum openness required for outside stairs. This provision is correlation with the provisions found in Section 5-5.3 for exterior exit access. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new 5-2.2.5.4 to read: 5-2.2.5.4 Openness. Outside stairs shall be at least 50 percent

open on one side and shall be arranged to reslrict the accumulation of smoke. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action does what the submitter requested but changes the word "prevent" to "restrict" because preventing the accumulation of smoke would be too difficult to assure. Restricting the accumulation of smoke is accomplishable. This should met the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP201) MEA

101- 75 - (5-2.2.6.6): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.2.6.6 to read:

5-2.2.6.6* Signs. Stairs serving f~trr five or more stories shall be provided with signage ... SUBSTANTIATION: Coordination with the criteria at which the stairwell reentry provisions of 5-2.1.5.2 become applicable. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #412) MEA

101- 76 - (5-2.2.6.7, 5-2.2.6.6, 5-7.5 and 5-10.4.2 (New)): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: James Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 5-2.2.6.7 to read: 5-2.2.6.7 Egress Direction Signs. Wherever an enclosed stair

requires travel in an upward direction to reach the level of exit discharge, signs with directional indicators indicating the direction to level of exit discharge shall be provided at each floor level landing. Such sign shall be readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position.

Exception No. 1: Where signs required by 5-2.2.6.6 are provided. Exception No. 2: Stairs which extend not more than 1 story below

the level of exit discharge where the exit discharge is clearly obvious. Also revise the title of 5-2.2.6.6 to "Stair Identification Signs". Add a new 5-7.5 to read: 5-7.5 Signs. See 5-2.2.6.6 and 5-2.2.6.7. Renumber the current 5-7.5 to 5-7.6. Revise current 5-10.4.2 as follows: 5-10.4.2" Special Signs. 5-10.4.2.1 to read the same as the current 5-10.4.2 and exception

with no changes. 5-10.4.2.2 Exit stairs shall be provided with signs as required by 5-

2.2.6.6 and 5-2.2.6.7. SUBSTANTIATION: When entering and enclosed exit stair the normal response is to head down to get out. f fa person is not aware that they are below the LED, which can easily happen in a large building on sloping grade, they may get confused or worse go the wrong direction. This is a simple requirement that can be of great benefit. The additional references are for user friendliness.

COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part. Add a new 5-2.2.6.7 to read: 5-2.2.6.7 Egress Direction Signs. Wherever an enclosed stair

requires travel in an upward direction to reach the level of exit discharge, signs with directional indicators indicatingthe direction to the level of exit discbarge shall be provided at each floor level landing from which upward direction of travel is required. Such

sign shall be readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position.

Exception No. 1: Where signs required by 5-2.2.6.6 are provided. Exception No. 2: Stairs which extend not more than 1 story below

the level of exit discharge where the exit discharge is clearly obvious. Also revise the title of 5-2.2.6.6 to "Stair Identification Signs"° Add a new 5-7.5 to read: 5-7.5 Signs. See 5-2.2.6,6 and 5-2.2.6.7. Renumber the current 5-7.5 to 5-7.6.

COMMITrEE STATEMENT: Most of the submitter's recommended text was accepted with additional editorial changes made for clarity. The submitter's recommended change to 5-10.4.2 was not made because it would unjustifiably impose other Section 5-10 criteria on these signs. This should meet most of the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

(Log #CP211) MEA

101- 77- (5-2.3.13 and 31-1.3.10): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Move 31-1.3.10 to become an additional sentence to existing 5-2.3.13 to read as follows:

5-2.3.13 Testing. Before the mechanical equipment is accepted by the anthority having jurisdiction, it shall be tested to confirm that the mechanical equipment is operatingln compliance with these requirements. 31-1.3.19 Sm..k,.t,, GGEE,~,.IG~,~c~ ~ d I'. c~ . , ~zc,l'

Before mechanical equipment is accepted by the authority having jurisdiction, it shall be tested to confirm that such equipment is operating in compliance with the Code. All operating parts of the system shall be tested semiannually by approvedpersonnel, and a log shall be kept of the results. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal editorially moves Section 31-1 material to the core chapters (1 through 7) as directed by the Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITrEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: HODGENS: Section as amended is confusing and appears to be

redundant.

(Log #186) MEA

101- 78- (5-2.4.2.1): Accept SUBMITTER: James IL Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.4.2.1 to read:

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

Exception: In health care occupancies as provided in Chapters 12 and 13, and in detention and correctional occupancies as provided in Chapters 14 and 15. SUBSTANTIATION: The purpose of this proposal is two-fold. Currently the paragraph uses the terms "stairway", "doorway", and "exit that is not a horizontal exit". Tbe proposal simplifies this without changing the technical requirements. The second purpose of this proposal coordinates this paragraph with 5-2.4.1. It was recently pointed out that although 5-2.4.1 requires horizontal exits to be restricted to 50% by 5-2.4.1 for the building, it is not limited to 50% for the fire compartments that are being considered. It has been traditionally believed and applied that the 50% rule applied to each fire compartment not just to the building. It is critical to assure that horizontal exits are not overly relied upon with an excessive unbalance that could occur in a large building. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

44

N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P

(Log #187) MEA

101- 79 - (5-2.4.3.6): Reject SUBMITTEI~ James I~ Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Delete base paragraph of 5-2.4.3.6.

Move Exception No. 1 of 5-2.4.3.6 to become Exception No. 3 to 5- 2.4.3.5 but reword as follows:

Exception No. 3: Direction of door swing in existing ...... (no further change) Move Exception No. 2 of 5-2.4.3.6 to become Exception No. 2 to 5-

2.4.3.5 but reword as follows: Exception No. 2: Direction of door swing in corridors less than 6 ft

(18gcm) wide in existing buildings. Renumber the current exception to 5-2.4.3.5 as Exception No. 1.

SUBSTANTIATION: 5-2.1.4 is referenced by 5-2.4.3.4 and adequately covers the subject of door swing. The only technical change dais will make is that doors in horizontal exits that serve an area with fewer than 50 people will no longer have to swing in the direction of egress travel. There does not appear to be any reason to require this in the first place. It may have been believed years ago that horizontal exits would normally serve many people. However, with the increased use of horizontal exits due to 5-2.12 this will not always be true. It appears to be an unjustified penalty applied to horizontal exits. The signage issue is adequately addressed by Section 5-10. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI"EE STATEMENT: The door will remain open longer if it swings against the direction of travel because it takes longer to pull the door open, step through the opening, and close the door. The proposed text would create an inconsistency with the requirement for door swing in exit enclosures. NUMBER OFCOMMITrEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #351) MEA

101- 80 - (5-2.4.4.5 Exception): Accept SUBMITTER: Joseph H. Versteeg, Torrington, CT RECOMMENDATION: Reword current exception to 5-2.4.4.5 as follows:

Exception: In existing buildings in climates where balconies or bridges might be subject to the accumulation of snow or ice, one step, not to exceed 8 in. (20.3 cm), shall be permitted below the level of the inside floor. SUBSTANTIATION: As currendy worded, the section wording requires both bridges and balconies to be approximately level with the building floor level, however the exception only permits a balcony to be one step lower in climates subject to the accumulation of ice or snow. The proposal will also permit a bridge to be one step lower in

climates subject to the accumulation of ice or snow. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


( Log #312) MEA

101- 81 - (5-2.5.2 Exception No. 5 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Michael A. Crowley, RolfJeusen & Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a fifth exception to 5-2.5.2 as follows:.

Exception No. 5: Ramps providing access to vehicles, vessels, mobile structures, and aircraft are not required to comply with the maximum slope or maximum rise for a single ramp run. SUBSTANTIATION: Boarding structures for vehicles, vessels, mobile structures, and aircraft are required to comply with NFPA 101 for ramp design when attached to a building. These ramps must service multiple types of boats, vessels, and aircraft. Maintaining a maximum slope is not feasible at times. When designing boarding structures forboats and vessels, many waterways experience a wide range of water levels. The real world design of these boarding ramps have ignored the

NFPA 101 ramp requirements. One reason is vehicles, vessels and aircraft are designed with their own exiting program. FAA and Coast Guard regulates the exiting of aircraft and water craft These exit programs are independent of the boarding ramps. The structure or building housing the boarding ramps is designed to exit

independent of the boarding ramps. The boarding ramps are just access and not part of the required exit path. Access for the disabled to boats, vessels and aircraft are addressed

by the operators. Staff usually assist the boarding and unboarding process. Since the ramps are a needed function of the structure, but in

general have been ignored by the Authority HavingJurisdiction, this proposed change will exempt these ramps from regulation by NFPA 101. COMlVlITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Although the committee understands the submitter's intent for such an exception, the recommendation is too broad in scope and could be read to apply to ramps that serve within the means of egress from vehicles and vessels regulated by the

ruMBovisious of this Code. ER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

(Log#188) MEA

101- 82 - (5-2.5.3.3 Exception Nos. 1 and 2 (New)): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add two exceptions to 5-2.5.3.3 to read: Exception No. 1: Curved ramps where the smallest radius is not

less than twice the ramp width shall be permitted to change direction without a landing.

Exception No. 2: Existing ramps shall be permitted to change direction without a landing. SUBSTANTIATION: Theprovisions of 5-2.5.3.3 were added to the 1994 edition of the Code. There are numerous existing ramps that change direction without a landing which present no hazard and should not be affected retrospectively without signiiicantjustifica- tion. The curved ramp in NFPA's headquarter's atxium does not present a hazard and is easily used by wheelchair occupants. Although this particular ramp is not in a required means of egress it presents a good example of how a ramp can change direction without presenting a hazard. COMMYI'rEE ACTION: Accept in Part. Add an exception to 5-2.5.3.3 to read: Exception: Existing ramps shall be permitted to change direction

without a landing. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action does not add the submitter's proposed Exception No. 1 because such curved ramps might create an unacceptable cross slope in violation of the dimensional criteria specified in 5-2.5.2. The submitter's second exception has been added. This should meet a portion of the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP203) MEA

101- 83 - (5-2.5.5.3 and A-5-2.5.5.3): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress, ,RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.5.5.3 to read:

5-2.5.5.3* Water Accumulation. Outside ramps and landings shall be designed v,i ~vc,J~ ~;,,~, f, . . . . a c , ~ u , , , u l , d , ' , ~ to minimize water accumulation on their surfaces.

Create appendix item A-5-2.5.5.3 to read: A-5-2.5.5.3 Providing a pitch of 1/8 to 1/4 in. per ft will aid the

shedding of water from a nominally horizontal surface. SUBSTANTIATION: Coordination with Proposal 101 - 73 (Log #228) on 5-2.2.5.4 (new). COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMI'ITEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

101- 84- (5-2.8.1.3): Accept SUBMITTER: Terry A~ Brouwer, Connecticut Office of State Fire Marshal RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.8.1.3 as follows: bex, rr"...erected only where the anthoritv havin~ Jurisdiction has-it-t-m,

oetermined that outside..." " - -

44

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

SUBSTANTIATION: This change will clarify who should de termine that it is impractical to install outside stairs. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP2M17 ~

101- 85 - (5-2.8.1.4 and 5-2.8.1.2 Exception (New)): Accept SUBMITTERa Technical Commit tee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Relocate 5-2.8.1.4 (and r e n u m b e r 5-2.8.1.5 t h rough 5-2.8.1.7 as necessary) to become an exception to 5-2.8.1.2; and revise 5-2.8.1.2 to accommoda te the new exception so as to read:

5-2.8.1.2 Fire escape s tai.l.~shall no t constitute any of the required means of egress ir~ ,,~ . . . . . ~ , , ~ .

~L~rSri'r4 ~ Fire escape stairs shall be permi t ted in existing buildings as permi t ted in the applicable exist ing occupano /chap te r s but shall no t constitute more f f ~ l 50 pe rcen t o'f the required means of egress. SUBSTANTIATION: Currently 5-2.8.1.4 addresses requi rements for an existing condition. The proposal moves the r equ i r emen t for this existing c6ndi t lon to an exci~pffon for purposes of-'uniformity with o ther sections that address differing cr l tena for new and existing. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMrVrEE ACTION:


(L°g #CP2MOE6 ~

101- 86 - (5-2.9.1(c) a n d ( d ) ) : Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Means of Egress 2 RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.9.1 (c) and (d) to read:

(c) To provide a means of egress f rom towers and elevated p l a t fo rm~around machinery o"r similar spaces subj~ect to occupancy

no more than three nersons all canable of us ine file l adder , or (d) To provide a s~condary meahs of egress f rom boiler rooms or

similar spaces subject to occupancy by ,,,'I) ~blc-U,,d;cd ~ddlZo Z , , ~ , ~ ,L,, .~6; c ~ . ~ . ZI.;cc k~ ,,u,..Lc; no more than three nersons all can~ble of usin~ the l adde r , or SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal deletes the potentially offensive "able-bodied persons" limitation and substi tutes a per tormance r equ i r emen t for capability to use the ladder. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #103) MEA

101- 87 - (5-2.9.2 Exception No. 2 and No. 3): Accept SUBMITTER: Phil 10se, VA Regional Division u m c e RECOMMENDATION: Delete-Exception No. 2 and No. 3 and add the following to base paragraph 5-2.9.2:

"CombustiBle ladders anit tliose installed with a pitch of less tban 75 ° shall no t be permitted." SUBSTANTIATION: As currently written these two exceptions are meaningless. In fact they are prohibit ious on use, no t exceptions to the reqt'/irements in the base 15ara~aph. The use of an exception is optionM. Therefore, I can igfiore ~h~" e'm. The proposed rewrite resolves this issue. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 2 4 ' NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

(Log #CPM2 ~

101- 88 - (5-2.11.1(c) and (d)): Accept SLrBMITTER: Technical Commi t t ee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-2.11.1(c) and (d) to read:

(c) To provide a means of egress f rom towers and elevated platforms a round machinery or similar spaces subject to occupancy

no more than three persons all canable of usln~ the a l ternatm~ t read device , or

(d) To provide a secondary means of egress f rom boiler rooms or similar spaces subject to occupancy by ,,,~r ~blc-bGd~cd a,~'~'.zo t , , ~ ' ~ ,Lv m,,i c ~,o~. d,; cc :,L ,~u.~.Lc; no more than three nersons all capKble of usinff the alternatin~ t read device , or SUBSTANTIATION: The propo~'al deletes the potentially offensive "able-bodied persons" limitation and substi tutes a per formance r equ i r emen t for capability to use the al ternat ing t read device.

COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


Log% 101- 89 - (5-2.12.2.4): Accept SUBMITTER: lohn H. Klote, Building and Fire Research Lab, NIST RECOMMENffATION: Replace 5-2.1"2.2.4 and its exceptions with the folowing:

5-2.12.2.4 "Where an elevator is used toprovide access f rom an area of refuge to a public way, as required by 5-2.12.2.2, the elevator shall be in accordafice with 5-2.13. - SUBSTANTIATION: This proposed change suppor ts o ther proposed changes to Chapter 5" of NFPA 1(71 tha t allow an elevator to be a c o m p o n e n t of a means of egress. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. - - NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 N O T RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HODGENS: While I unde r s t and and appreciate the extensive

research being conducted to improve the safety of elevators dur ing fires, particulffrly as this researcl i relates to the egress of the mobility i m p u t e d , I mus t indicate my concern with appr6ving elevators for -- use as a secondary means o f egress. Based u h b n d o c u m e n t e d New York City and national fire experience, elevfftors have failed a t a n unacceptable rate. Until teclinological changes are d o c u m e n t e d and empirical tests substantiate the proposed-change, I believe it would be dangerous and p remature to approve such use of elevators as a means of e g r ~ . COMMENT ONAFFIRMATIVE:

MENUZ: UL believes that additional informat ion to the occupants is required before people will readily use elevators in the means of egres's. This shou ld be 'establ ished when elevators are permit ted to serve up. to 50 percent of the occupan t load. UL acknowledges the h u m a n behavioral s tudy that NIST per fo rmed related to dais very topic, but it is not likely that after all the t raining tha t the public has had no t to use elevators dur ing an evacuation, tha t suddenly they will use it if we tell t h e m to.

Log% 101- 90 - (5-2.13 (New)): Accept in Principle

Note: The Technical Correlating Commmee on Safety to Life (AAC) directs that a public c o m m e n t be submit ted in the correlating commit tee ' s name request ing that the Life Safety Technical Commit tee on Means o f Egress (MEA) reconsider its p roposed requi rements and text on using elevators in means o f egress to address concerns that have been raised by the Life Safety Technical Commit tees on Health Care Occupancies (HEA), Residential Occupancies (RE.S), and Mercantile and Business Occupancies (MER). The correlating[ commit tee notes that off icialpubllc commen t s will be submit ted on the subject by HEA and MER. The correlating commit tee also directs that the provisions o f proposed 5- 2.13.12 on ear thquake protection (i.e., use o f words "seismic zones 3 or greateff ') be correlated with NFPA 13 and other recognized s tandards on the subject. SUBMITTER: [ohn-H. Klote, Bu i l d ingand Fire Research Lab, NIST RECOMMENIIATION: Add a new subsection 5-2.13 on elevators as follows:

5-2.13 Elevators 5-2.13.1 General. Elevators used as a c o m p o n e n t in the m ean s of

egress shall conform to the requi rements o f this subsection. 5-2.13.2 Elevator Capacity. The capacity of an elevator evacuation

system is the capacity bf the elevator3obby or the sum of the capacities of the elevator cars used for egress that serve the lobby, wliichever is less.

5-2.13.3 Elevator Lobby. O n every floor served by die elevator, there shall be an elevator lobby that meets the following requirements:

(a) the barriers fo rming the elevator lobby shall have a m i n i m u m fire resistance rat ing of 1-hour, and

(b) the lobby shall have one wheelchair space of 30 in. by 48 in. (76 cm x 122 cm) for each 200 occupants or port ion thereof, based on the occupan t load serviced by an elevator evacuation system, and

(c) the cap'acity of the elevator lobby shall be the n u m b e r of wbeelchair spaces plus one person capable of walking for each remain ing 3"sq ft o-f lobby flbor area. -

Exception to (b): On unoccup ied floors, the elevator lobbyshal l have a m i n i m u m floor area of g s q ft and a m i n i m u m width of 18 inches.

5-2.13.4 Elevator Lobby Doors. Elevator lobby doors shall have a m i n i m u m tire protect ion rating of 1 hour , and elevator lobby doors shall be:

w~{a) self closing doors or automat ic closing doors in accordance th 5-2.1.8, or

45

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

b) power-operated doors in accordance with 5-2.1.9. xce'ption: Elevators with lobbies that are more than 1,000 sq ft

(93 S~l m) in size and are crea t td by horizontal exits meet ing trm requi rements of 5-2.4.

5-2.13.5 Door Activation: The elevator lobby doors shall close in response to a signal from a smoke detector in or near an elevator lobby. Closing of lobby doors in response to a signal f rom die building fire a larm system shall be p'ermitted. CYosing of one elevato?'lobby door by means of snioke detector or agignal f rom the building fire a larm system shall result in closing of all elevator lobby doors se-rvingthat elevator evacuation system. - Exception: Elevators with lobbies that are more than 1,000 sq ft (93

sq uQ in size and are created by horizontal exits mee t ing the - r eqmrements of 5-2.4.

5-'2,. 13.6" Smoke Protection. The elevator lobby, elevator shaft and elevator machine room shall mee t the pressurization requi rements of 5-2.3.9. Pressurization shall be activated by the door a:ctivafion signals of 5-2.13.5. Pressurization will be deactivated by signal f rom 135°F fixed tempera ture heat detectors located in elevator lobbies or machine room.

Exception No. 1: Elevators with lobbies that are more than 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) in size and arc created by horizontal exits mee t ing the re.quirements of 5-2.4.

Exception No. 2: Tbe elevator lobby has a m i n i m u m open ing of 64 sq ft ol~ open ing in an exterior wall facing an exterior cohrk yard, or pfiblic s~ace atTeast 20 ft in width, and these open ing shall be protected as required in 5-2.2.6.3.

Exception No. 3: Elevators in buildings tha t are protected throug-bout by an approved, supervised-automatic-sprinkler s~ t em.

5-2.1~.7" Water Protection. Building e lements shhll be used to restrict water exposure of elevator eqmpmen t .

5-2.13.8" Powe'r. Elevator equ ipmtn t - e l eva to r communica t ions and elevator mach ine room c to l ing shall be suppl ied by both normal and standby power. Wiring for this power shall be located and properly protected to ensure f fmin imuha of 1 hour of operat ion in the event of fire.

5-2.13.9" Communica t ions . Two-way communica t ion systems shall beprov ided between elevator lobbies and a central control po in t ~ l d b e t w e e n elevator cars and a central control point. Communica- tions wiring shall be protected to ensure a mininhum of I hou r of operation m the event of fire.

5-2.13.10 Elevator Operat ion. Elevator operat ion shall be: (a)* fire fighter serwce as provided in ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety

Code Elevators and Escalators, or . (b) automat ic elevator control in accordance with the requirements of ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safe tyCode Elevators and Escalators.

5-2.13.11 Elevator Car Capacity. T h e n u m b e r of people in a car load is based on the inside floor area of the elevator car and is calculated by us ing 3 sq ft p e r p e r s o n for people capable of walking and by us ing a space o f 30 tactics by 48 inches for each person in a wheelchair. The capacity of an elevator car is:

(a)* for elevator 6perat ion in accordance with 5-2.13.10(a), 1 car l o a d p e r floor; .and

(b) ~ for elevator operat ion in accordance with 5-2.13.10(b), the n u m b e r of car loads that can be moved from die fire floor, the two floors above the fire floor, and the floor below the fire floor within 15 minutes .

5-2.13.12 All elevator lobbies shall be served by more than one elevator car flint meets the requi rements of 5-2.13.5.

Exception: Elevator lobby tha t is served by only one elevator car, and die elevator evacuation system has a p rogram of scheduled ma in tenance dur ing t imes ofbuildinl~ shhtd6wn or low bdi lding activity and of unsc~edu led maintenaTnce within 24 hours of breakdown.

5-2.13.13 Ear thquake Protection. In seismic zones 3 or greater, elevator e q u i p m e n t shall be in accordance with the seism~'c requireme'nt~ of Part XXIV of ASME A17.1.

A-5-2.13.6 Design informat ion about elevator smoke control systems is in NFFA 92A R e c o m m e n d e d Practice for Smoke-Control Systems and die ASHRAE/SFPE publication Design of Smoke Managemen t Systems. A-5-2:13.7 One or more of the following approaches can be used to

restrict water exposure of elevator equipment : (a) A combinat" ion of sealed elevatbr Iobby doors, s loped floors,

floor drains and sealing of elevator shaft walls. (b) The elevators m o u n t e d on the bui lding exterior that normal ly

operate in the e lements plus seals on the elevator lobby doors. (c) The elevator shaft sep.arated f rom the bui lding at each floor by

an exterior elevator lobby He.signed to prevent water entry into the elevator shaft.

Information gained f rom ongo ing research concern ing water flow and elevators could lead to the deve lopment o f water resistive or water protected elevator e q u i p m e n t speciflcallyfor fire applications. Such equ ipmen t should be used only_ with the bui ld ing e l t men t s (sealed'ele'vator lobby doors, s loped floors, floor drain-s, etc.) for which it is developed. Fur ther ififormation is available f rom the NIST publication Feasibility o f Fire Evacuation by Elevators at FAA Control Towers. A-5-2.13.8 Cooling e q u i p m e n t dedicated to the elevator mach ine

room can be used to m'in[mize requ i rements for s tandby power. A-5-2.13.9 Communica t ions between elevator lobbies and a central

control point can be by te lephone or intercom. Auditory a l a r m . should Be des igned so tha t flaey do not interfere with people talking on communica t ion systems..

A-5-2.13.10(a) The elevator(s) will he taken out of service and operated by emergency service personnel .

A-5-2.13.10(b) F t r elevators tfiat are used as a c o m p o n e n t in the

means of egress; the elevator lobbies, elevator shaft and mach ine room are protected f rom the effects of fire. Thus the elevator is opera t ing m an env i ronment without fire. There is no physical reason why an elevator so protected canno t cont inue to operate normally provided that t h t e l eva to r is no t taken out of service. To prevent elevators f rom being premature ly taken out of service, elevator recall should be acffv:ated by 135°F fixed tempera ture heat detectors in place of the smoke detectors normally required in ~ection 211 of ASME/ANSI A17.1.

Development of special automat ic elevator operat ion for fire evacuation needs the combined effort of the elevator industry, the fire protection community, the fire services and other e lements of society. Operat ion of such an automat ic elevator for means of egress could include impor t ing signals f rom the fire a larm system, prevent ing cars f rom stopp]nl~ at floors where condit ions in the blevator lobby are unten~ble,~preventing full cars f rom s topping to pick uppassenger s , andproviOJng priority evacuation oft_fie fire floor, b f t h e tw5 floors alSove t h e n c e floo~ and of the floor below the fire floor. The abilities to impor t sigr~als f rom other systems, an d to adapt evacuation stratel~ to the fire si tuation could be incorporated.

Ddvelopment of such ~'system should include h u m a n consi~ier- ations. H u m a n factors concerned with elevator evacuation are discussed by Groner and Levin's paper H u m a n Factors Consider ing in the Potential for Using Elevatorsln Building Emergency Evacuation Plans, Levin~and Groner ' s paper H u m a n ~ a c t o r s Considerat ions for The Potential Use o'f Elevators for Fire Evacua- t ion of FAA Air Traffic Control Towers.

A-5-2.13.11 (a) The t ime to move an elevator car load of people depends on the distance traveled, the car speed, the t ime [o load and un load elevator passengers. After waiting for the emergency service personnel to ~tart us ing elevators for ~'vacuation, the~times to evacuate the fire floor and otl~'er floors in the vicinity of the fire floor are listed in Table A-5-2.13.11 (a).

A-5-2.13.11 (b) A concern with no rma l operat ion for evacuation is that a full elevator car migh t stop at many floors on its way to the exit" floor. A capacity of 1 car Ioad pbr floor is appropria te for elevators u n d e r normal operat ion that serve three floors or less. Normal operat ion is appropria te when the total n u m b e r of people evacuated b~elevator is fw'o car loads or less. Otherwise, the chpac'itv of elevator evacuation unde r normal elevator opera t iodshof i ld be suppor ted by people m o v e m e n t calculat ions ' that incorporate the effect of the car s topping at floors on its way to the exit floor.

Deve lopment o f a speohl automatic elevator operat ion discussed in A-5-2.13.10(b), cou ld resu l t in increased capacity. For some elevator configurat ions with automat ic control tha t prevents full cars f rom s topping to pick up passengers, and provides priority evacuation of the- t bu ( f l oo r in tile vicinit~ of the fir-e floor; the capacity is listed in Table A-5-2.13(b). Informat ion about people m o v e m e n t by elevators is p.rovided in Stmkosch 's book VerticalTransjaortation. The NIST publicat ion Feasibility and Design Cons idera tmns of Emergency Evacuation by Elevators includes example estimates of the t ime needed for elevator evacuation calculated by the compute r p rogram for elevator evacuation (ELVAC). ELVAC is in the public dbma~n and is d o c u m e n t e d by the paper Rout ine for Analysis of the People Movement T ime for Elevator Evacuation.

Table A-5-2.13.10(A)

Time (minutes) to evacuate 1 car load from the fire floor and other floors in the vicinity of the fire af ter elevator recall.

Floors Car to Speed

Safety 1 (fpm)

10 400

20 700

30 1000

50 1400

Car Load of 8 People

Time to Time to evacuate evacuate

fire 4 floors 3 floor 2


Time to Time to evacuate evacuate'

fire 4 floors 3 floor 2

1.0 4.2 1.4 5.6

1.1 4 . 6 1.5 6.0

1.2 ~ 8 1.5 6.2

1.4 5.4 1.7 6.9

1Number of floors a t a floor-to-floor he igh t of 10 ft (3 m) f~om the fire floor to a discharge floor of safety.

2The t ime needed for round trip evacuate a car load of people from the fire floor.

3The t ime needed for round trip to evacuate a car from each of the f ire floor, the two floors above the fire floor, and the floor below the fire floor.

46

N F P A 101 ~ F96 R O P

Table Capacity elevator systems with special automatic A-5-2.13.10(B) elevator operation for discussedin A-5-2.13.10/b).

Floors Car to Speed

Safetyl (fpm)

Car Load of 8 Car Load of 14 Car Load of 20 People People People

No. Car Time 3 No. Car Time 3 No. Car Time 3 Loads 2 (rain) Loads 2 (min) Loads 2 (mint

10 400 3 12.6 3 15.0 2 11.0

20 700 3 13.9 2 11.1 2 12.7

30 1000 2 10.3 2 11.9 2 13.5

50 1400 2 11.2 2 12.8 2 14.4

1Number of floors at a floor-to-floor height of 10 ft (3 m) from the fire floor to a discharge floor of safety. 2Number of car loads moved from each of the fire floor, of the two floors above the fire floor and of the floor below the fire floor. 3The time needed to move the car loads described in 2 above plus the time for elevator recall.

SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal is based on a decade of research tha t shows that elevators can be des igned to operate safely unde r fire condit ions and provide e n h a n c e d evacuation capabilities for both the general populat ion of buildings and people with mobility limitations. Tli is proposal and a n u m b e r of related proposals provide the basis fo rp rov id ing protected elevators as a ?ecogn izedmeans of egress. Tile techni-c,hl substantiation is presented in the following reports:

Groner, N.E. and Levin,M.L. 1992. H u m a n Factors Consider ing in the Potential for Using Elevators in Building Emergency Evacuation Plans, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST-GCR- 92-615.

Klote,J.H. 1984. Smoke Control for Elevators, ASHRAEJournal , Vol 26, N o 4, pp 23-33.

Klote,J.H. 1988. An Analysis of the Influence of Piston Effect on Elevator Smoke Control, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), NBSIR 88-3751.

Klote,J.H. and Alvord, D.M. Routine for Analysis of the People Movement T ime for Elevator Evacuation, National Institute o f Standards and Technology, NISTIR 4730.

Klote,J.H. and Alvord, D.M., Levin, B.M., and Groner, N.E. 1992. Feasibihty and Design Considerat ions of Emerl~ency Evacuation by Elevators, National Inst i tute of Standards and Technology, NISTIR 487O.

Klote,J.H., Deal, S.P., Levin, B.M., Groner, N.E., and Donoghue , E.A. 1992. Workshop on Elevator Use Dur ing Fires, Nat iona l Institute of Standards and Technology, NISTIR 4993.

Klote,~.H., Levin, B.M. and Groner, N.E. 1994. Feasibility o f Fire Evacuauon by Elevators at FAA Control Towers, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NISTIR 5445.

Klote,J.H. and Tamura , G.T. 1991. Design of Elevator Smoke Contro lSys tems for Fire Evacuation, ASHRAE Transactions, Vol 97, Part 2, pp 634-642.

Levin, B.M. and Groner, N.E. 1992. H u m a n Behavior Aspects of Staging Areas for Fire Safety in GSA Buildings, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST-GCR-92-606.

Levin, B.M. and Groner, N.E. 1992. H u m a n Factors Considerations for the Potential Use of Elevators for Fire Evacuation of FAA Air Traffic Control Towers, National Institute of Standards and Teclmology, NIST-GCR-94-656.

Note: At NEll 's request, I note that responses to Section A-5- 2.13.10(b) of this proposal and to a NEll" proposal to NFPA 72 concern ing file signal for initiation phase I (recall) elevator operat ion may need coordination.

NOTE: Suppor t ing material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters . COMI~IITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Add a new subsect ion 5-2.13 on elevators as follows: 5-2.13 Elevators. 5-2.13.1" General. Elevators used as a c o m p o n e n t in the means of

egress shall conform to file requi rements of this subsection. 5-2.13.1.1 Elevators shall be permi t ted to be used as a c o m p o n e n t

of tile means of egress provided the bui lding is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automat ic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7.

5-2.13.1.2 Elevators shall be permit ted to be subst i tuted for o ther exits to the extent tha t the total egress capacity of the other exits (stairs, ramps, doors leading outside tile building) o ther than horizontal exits is no t reduced to less than half dlat required for the entire floor area served.

5-2.13.2 Elevator Capacity. The capacity of an elevator evacuation system shall no t exceed the lesser of the following quantities:

(a) tile capacity of the elevator lobby as de t e rmined by 5-2.13.3(b), or

(b) the sum of the capacities of tile elevator cars that serve the lobby minus the capacity of the largest elevator car as de t e rmined by 5-2.1'3.10.

5-2.13.3 Elevator Lobby. On every floor served by tile elevator, there sball be an elevator lobby that meets the following require- merits:

(a) tile barriers fo rming the elevator lobby shall bave a m i n i m u m fire resistance rat ing of l h o u r , and

(b) the capacity of the elevator lobby shall be one person per 5 sq ft (0.46 sq m) of lobby floor area.

5-2.13.4-Elevator Lobby Doors. Elevator lobby doors shall have a m i n i m u m fire protection rating of 1 hour , and elevator lobby doors shall be:

(a) sell closing doors or automat ic closing doors in accordance with 5-2.1.8, or

(b) power-operated doors in accordance with 5-2.1.9. Exception: Elevators with lobbies that are more than 1,000 s q f t

(93 sq m) in area and are created by horizontal exits mee t ing the requi rements of 5-2.4.

5-2.13.5 Door Activation. The elevator lobby doors shall close in response to a signal f rom a smoke detector located directly outside the elevator lobby adjacent to or on each door opening. Closing of lobby doors in response to a signal f rom the bui lding fire a larm system shall be permitted. Closing of one elevator lobby door by means of smoke detector or a signal f rom tbe building fire alarm system shall result in closing of all elevator lobby doors serving that elevator evacuation system.

Exception: Elevators with lobbies that are more tban 1,000 sq f t (93 s~ m) in area and are created by horizontal exits mee t ing t h e requt rements of 5-2.4.

5-2.13.6" Water Protection. Buildinl~ e lements shall be used to restrict water exposure of elevator eqmpmen t .

5-2.13.7" Power. Elevator equipment , elevator communicat ions , and elevator machine room cooling shall be suppl ied by both normal and standby power. Wiring for this power shall be located and properly protected to ensure a m i n i m u m of 1 hou r of operat ion in the event o f fire.

5-2.13.8" Communica t ions . Two-way communica t ion systems shall bep rov ided between elevator lobbies and a central control point a n d b e t w e e n elevator cars and a central control point. Communica- tions wiring shall be protected to ensure a m i n i m u m of I hour of operat ion in the event of fire.

5-2.13.9 Elevator Operation. Elevator operat ion shall be: (a)* fire fighter service as provided in ASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety

Code Elevators and Escalators, or (b)* automat ic elevator control in accordance with the require-

merits of P~SME/ANSI A17.1, Safety Code Elevators and Escalators. 5-2.13.10 Elevator Car Capacity. The n u m b e r of people in a car

load shall be based on the inside floor area of the elevator car and is calculated byus ing 3 sq ft (0.28 sq m) per person for people capable of walking and by using a space of 30 in. by 48 in. (76 c m x 122 cm) for each person in a wheelchair. The capacity of an elevator car shall be:

(a)* for elevator operat ion in accordance with 5-2.13.9(a), 1 car load per floor; and

(b)* for elevator operation in accordance with 5-2.13.9(b), the n u m b e r of car loads that can be moved f rom the fire floor, the two floors above the fire floor, and the floor below the fire floor within 15 minutes .

5-2.13.11 N u m b e r of Cars. All elevator lobbies shall be served by more than one elevator car that meets the requi rements of 5-2.13.5.

Exception: Elevator lobby that is served by only onee leva tor car, and the elevator evacuation system has a p rogram of scheduled main tenance dur ing t imes of bui lding shutdown or low building activity and of unschedu led main tenance witlfin 24 hours of breakdown.

5-2.13.12 Earthquake Protection. In seismic zones 3 or greater, elevator equ ipmen t shall be in accordance with the seismic requi rements of Part XXIV of ASME A17.1, Safety Code Elevators and Escalators.

A-5-2.13.1 Researcb has shown that elevators can be designed to operate safely u n d e r fire condit ions and provide e n h a n c e d evacuation capabilities for both the general populat ion of buildings and people with mobility limitations.

A-5-2.13.6 One or more of the following approaches can be used to restrict water exposure of elevator equipment :

(a) A combinat ion of sealed elevator lobby doors, s loped floors, floor drains and sealing of elevator shaft walls.

(b) Tile elevators m o u n t e d on the bui lding exterior that normally operate in the e lements plus seals on the elevator lobby doors.

(c) The elevator shaft separated f rom tire bui lding at each floor by an exterior elevator lobby des igned to prevent water entry into the elevator shaft~

Informat ion gained f rom ongoing research concern ing water flow and elevators could lead to the deve lopment of water resistive or water protected elevator equ ipmen t specifically for fire applications.

47

N F P A 10.1 ~ F96 R O P

Such equipment should be used only with the building elements (sealed elevator lobby doors, sloped floors, floor drains, etc.) for which it is developed. Further information is available from the NIST publication Feasibility of Fire Evacuation by Elevators at FAA Control Towers. A-5-2.13.7 Cooling equipment dedicated to the elevator machine

room can be used to mimmize requirements for standby power. A-5-2.13.8 Communications between elevator lobbies and a central

control point can be by telephone or intercom. Auditory alarm should be designed so that they do not interfere with people talking on communication systems. A-5-2.13.9(a) The elevator(s) will be taken out of service and

operated by emergency service personnel. A-5-2.13.9(b) For elevators that are used as a component in the

means of egress; the elevator lobbies, elevator shaft and machine room are protected from the effects of fire. Thus the elevator is operating in an environment without fire. There is no physical reason whyan elevator so protected cannot continue to operate normally provided that the elevator is not taken out of service. To prevent elevators from being prematurely taken out of service, elevator recall should be activated by 135°F fixed temperature heat detectors in place of the smoke detectors normally required in Section 211 ofASME/ANSI A17.1, Safety Code Elevators and Escalators.

Development of special automatic elevator operation for fire evacuation needs the combined effort of the elevator industry, the fire protection community, the fire services and other elements of society. Operation of such an automatic elevator for means of egress could include importing signals from the fire alarm system, preventing cars from stopping at floors where conditions in the elevator lobby are untenable, preventing full cars from stopping to pick up passengers, and providing priority evacuation of the fire floor, of the two floors above the fire floor and of the floor below the fire foor. The abilities to import signals from other systems, and to adapt evacuation strategy to the fire situation could be incorporated.

Development of such a system should include human considerations. Human factors concerned with elevator evacuation are discussed by Groner and Levin's paper Human Factors Considering in the Potential for Using Elevators in Building Emergency Evacuation Plans, Levin mad Groner's paper HumanFactors Considerations for The Potential Use of Elevators for Fire Evacua- tion of FAA Air Traffic Control Towers. A-5-2.13.10 (a) The time to move an elevator car load of people

depends on the distance traveled, the car speed, the time to load and unload elevator passengers. After waiting for the emergency service personnel to start using elevators for evacuation, the times to evacuate the fire floor and other floors in the vicinity of the fire floor are listed in Table .A-5-2.13.10 (A). A-5-2.13.10(b) A concern with normal operation for evacuation is

that a full elevator car might stop at many floors on its way to the exit floor. A capacity of 1 carload per floor is appropriate for elevators under normal operation that serve three floors or less. Normal operation is appropriate when the total number of people evacuated by elevator is two car loads or less. Otherwise, the capacity of elevator evacuation under normal elevator operation should be supported by people movement calculations that incorporate the effect of the car stopping at floors on its way to the exit floor. Development of a special automatic elevator operation discussed in

A-5-2.13.9(b), could result in increased capacity. For some elevator configurations with automatic control that prevents full cars from stopping to pick up passengers, and provides priority evacuation of the four floor in the vicinity of the fire floor; the capacity is listed in Table A-5-2.13.10 (B).

Information about people movement by elevators is provided in Strakosch's book Vertical Transportation. The NIST publication Feasibility and Design Considerations of Emergency Evacuation by Elevators includes example estimates of the time needed for elevator evacuation calculated by the computer program for elevator evacuation (ELVAC). ELVAC is in the public domain and is documented by the paper Routine for Analysis of the People Movement Time for Elevator Evacuation.

Table A-5-2.13.10(A) Time (minutes) to evacuate 1 car load from the fire floor and other floors i~ the vicinity of the fire after elevator recall.

Floors to

Safety 1

Car Speed (fpm)

Car Load of 8 People Car Load of 20 People

Time to Time to Time to Time to evacuate fire evacuate 4 evacuate fire evacuate 4

fl0or 9 floors 3 floor 2 floors 3

10 400 1.0 4.2 1.4 5.6

20 ~ 0 1.1 4.6 1.5 6.0

30 1 ~ 0 1.2 4.8 1.5 6.2

50 1400 1.4 5.4 1.7 6.9

1Number of floors at a floor-to-floor height of 10 ft (3 m) from the fire floor to a discharge floor of safety.

2The time needed for round trip evacuate a car load of people from the fire floor.

3The time needed for round trip to evacuate a car from each ofdae fire floor, the two floors above the fire floor, and the floor below the fire floor.

Table A-5-2.13.10(B) Capacity elevator systems with special automatic elevator operation for discussed in A-5-2.13.10 (b).

Floors to Car Speed Safety 1 (fpm)

10 400

20 700

30 1000

50 1400


No. Car Time 3 Loads 9 (min)

3 12.6

3 13.9

2 10.3

2 11.2





9 11.0

2 12.7

9 13.5

2 14.4

3 15.0

2 11.1

2 11.9

2 12.8

1Number of floors at a floor-to-floor height of 10 ft (3 m) from the fire floor to a discharge floor of safety. • 2Number of car loads moved from each of the fire floor, of the two floors above the fire floor and of the

floor below the fire floor.

3The time needed to move the car loads described in 9 above plus the time for elevator recall.

48

NFPA 101 - - F 9 6 ROP

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action modifies the submit ter ' s text by:

(1) requir ing automat ic sprinkler protect ion for buildings in which the elevators will be permi t ted to serve as m e a n s of egress. Such sprinkler protection is necessary to keep condit ions tenable while elevators are used.

(2) d.eleting criteria on smoke control because one of the submit ter ' s except ions exempts spr inklered buildings f rom the proposed smoke control requirement .

(3) adding criteria l imiting the credit for elevators to no more than half the floor egress capacity,

(4) adding criteria to keep all the elevators f rom being credited because elevators are at t imes out of service.

(5) rewording the door activation criterion to require that the detectors be posi t ioned to detect fire immediately outside the elevator lobby, not jus t within the lobby.

The changes made by the commit tee should meet the submit ter ' s intent.

The commit tee recognizes that fur ther work on tiffs new subject may be n e e d e d and welcomes inpu t dur ing the public c o m m e n t period.

NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HODGENS: While I unde r s t and and appreciate the extensive

research being conduc ted to improve the safety of elevators dur ing fires, particularly as this research relates to the egress of the mobility impaired, I mus t indicate my concern with approving elevators for use as a secondary means of egress. Based upon d o c u m e n t e d New York City and national fire experience, elevators have failed at an unacceptable rate. Until technological changes are d o c u m e n t e d and empirical tests substantiate the proposed change, I believe it would be dangerous and premature to approve such use of elevators as a means of egress. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE:

MENUZ: UL suggests changes in order to maximize the protection and evacuation of the occupants in the means of egress. Of concern would be i f a fire occurs in one elevator shaft of a large bank of elevators or on a floor where the elevator lobby door is compromised, some or all of the elevators could be placed out of service in less than the anticipated 1 hou r t h rough the elevator en t rance doors ' distortion and subsequen t d i sengagemen t of the interlocks. Dur ing the public c o m m e n t review the following shou ld be considered:

Lobby doors should be tempera ture rise rated to prevent hea t build up while occupants wait for the elevator.

Only elevators that deposit occupants at the level of exit discharge should be considered for egress. W h e n the occupants move f rom one elevator to another , problems and confusion may occur at the r e f u g e / c h a n g e over area as the occupants wait for the nex t elevator.

To nainimize a localized fire f rom disrupt ing service, ANSI/A,SME A17.1 shou ld be revised to require elevator ent rance assemblies used in the means of egress to maintain interlock continuity for the ftdl t ime required for evacuation. In the Canadian Elevator Code this is anticipated as one hou r (f i reman's service). A17.1 currently does no t address continuity as par t of the elevator en t rance evaluation. ASME A17.1 should also be revised to indicate that when the

elevators are used in "automatic" operation and the fire alarm is activated, the egress elevator should service only the fire floor, the two floors above the fire floor and the one floor below the fire floor until the elevator is placed into an automat ic recall mode or the fire a larm is reset, ff this system is no t p resen t t hen the evacuation would be slowed as occupants on addit ional floors press the elevator call but ton, in a large facility, these occupants may not even know that an evacuation is in progress.

(Log ) 101- 91 - (5-4.1.2): Reject Note: This proposal appea red as c o m m e n t 101-125 which was held

for fu r ther study f rom the Fall 93 TCD, which was on proposal 101- 143. SUBMITTER: IvanJ. H u m b e r s o n , Montgomery County Fire Code Enforcement RECOMMENDATION: Add a parenthet ical reference to 5-5.1.3 at the end of 5-4.1.2, before the exception. SUBSTANTIATION: A reference to 5-5.1.3 will he lp clarify the in tent that, when m ore than two exits are required, all required exits

mus t be remote in order to be considered separate exits. Otherwise, it would seem that, for instance, two doors, placed side by side, could be counted as two exits. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Paragraph 5-4.1.2 deals with the case where more than two exits are required. Reference to 5-5.1.3 would be inappropriate because only two of the total n u m b e r of exits n eed be remote f rom each other. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: HODGENS: W h e n 3 or more exits are required, such exits should

be required to be as remote f rom each other as possible. All the characteristics of a required exit should apply whether there is one, two or many exits.

(Log #43) MEA

101- 92 - (5-5.1.4): Reject SUBMITTER: Jona than Humble , Jona than Humble , AIA RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-5.1.4 to read as follows:

5-5.1.4" In new const ruct ion, - i f - t t~where exits or exit access doors ,are required, tat~y all shall be placed tee a distance ~

equal to ~ve not less than one half the length of the m a x i m u m overall diagonal d imens ion of the bui lding or area to be served, measured in a straight line between the neares t edge of the exit doors or exit access doors. Where exit enclosures are provided as the required exits and are in te rconnec ted by a corridor conforming to the requ i rements of 5-1.3.5, exit separat ion shall be permit ted to be m e ~ u r e d ~ o n g tile line_o_f travel widlin ~ e corridor.

t i , L . • . _ _ • " . . I . " . - - " .

~d,c, ; ;;:l ' "c .va;l.~Llc. Exception: (No change to the exception).

SUBSTANTIATION: As currently written Section 5-5.1.4 contains language which is ambiguous concern ing the specific location(s) of the third, fourth, fifth, etc., exits or exit access doors when required. Anyone may read dais as only requir ing tha t two exits or exit access doors need comply with the D / 2 m i n i m u m separat ion distance f rom each other, and remain satisfied that the code had been complied with by locating any other addit ional (3rd, 4th, 5th, etc.) exits or exit access doors adjacent to either one of the initial two exits or exit access doors.

By modifying.the text in the first paragraph, and delet ing the second paragraph entirely, conveys the original in tent of this section that all exits and exit access doors are to be remotely located f rom all others.

Figure 1 illustrates an application of the language of Section 5-5.1.4 to a room. Pursuant to the language in the section a third, fourth, etc., exit could be located anywhere in space.

!----/ ' , 2 /

No Minimum

49

N F P A 101 ~ F96 R O P

Figure 2 illustrates an application of the language of the proposed code change to Section 5-5.1.4 to a room. Allexi ts are to be remotely located f rom other exits.

~ i

/ k / \

/ \ Diagonal / \ Diagonal

2 / \ 2 / \ / \

/ \ / \

/ \ i . _ / k.

I- i Diagonal

2

I

COMMII ' I 'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMI'I'rEE STATEMENT: Safety can be achieved in accordance with cur ren t 5-5.1.4 without requi r ing that all exits be remote. O the r requi rements such as those applicable to c o m m o n path of travel help to provide adequate safety. NUMBEROF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITrEE ACTION:


C O M M E N T O N AFFIRMATIVE: HODGENS: W h e n 3 or more exits are required, such exits should

be requi red to be as remote f rom each o ther as possible. All the characteristics of a required exit should apply whether there is one, two or many exits.

(Log #382) ME#_

101-93- (5-5.1.4): Reject SUBMITTER: J o h n M. Watts, Jr., Fire Safety Institute RECOMMENDATION: Replace cur rent 5-5.1.4 text with the following:

5-5.1.4" In new construction, ff two exits or exit access doors are required, they shall be placed so tha t f rom any poin t within an enclosed space the angle between routes o f travel to the centers of the exit doors or exit access doors is no t less than 45 degrees.

In new construction, where more than two exits or exit access doors are required, at least two of the required exits or exit access doors shall be a r ranged to comply with the above. The o ther exits or exit access doors shall be located so that if one becomes blocked, the others will be available.

Exception: Where a c o m m o n path of travel is permi t ted by Chapter 8 t h rough 29, travel in one direction shall no t exceed the permit ted length of c o m m o n path of travel before diverging to two exits or exit access doors at an angle not less than 45 degrees. SUBSTANTIATION: T he rationale for the p resen t text is no t obvious. There is no appa ren t logic relating bui ld ing cuagonal to the emergency areas of people. Fur thermore , this approach permits configurat ions in whicb the exits migh t no t otherwise be conside .~d remote. For example, consider a space with a length of 100 feet and a width of 60 feet with both its exits at one of the narrow ends.

Remoteness of exits may be more logically a func t ion of direction of travel rather than separat ion distance. A measure of dais concept would be the angle d is tended between lines cor responding to routes f rom may point in the room or space to the exits or exit accesses.

Additional suppor t ing informat ion has been submi t ted for peer review and publication to Fire Technology. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: Proposed text would not adequately consider all possible geometrical a r r angemen t s currently permi t ted within buildings. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 ABSTENTION: 1 N O T RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: ELVOVE: Prior to and dur ing the ROP, I was not privy to the

suppor t ing material the submit ter refers to. Therefore, I could not make an in formed decision regarding the validity of the proposal.

(Log #CP218) MEA

101-94- (5-5.1.4 and Exception No. 2 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Reword 5-5.1.4 and add a second exception so as to read:

5-5.1.4" I . . . . . . . . . . . . h u~dv,,, ;~Where two exits or exit access doors are required, they shall be placed at a distance f rom one ano the r equal to but no t less than one half the length of the m a x i m u m overall diagonal d imens ion of the bui lding or area to be served, measu red in a straight line between the neares t edge of tim exit doors or exit access doors. Where exit enclosures are provided as the required exits and are in te rconnec ted by a corridor conforming to the requ i rements of 5-1.3.5, exit separat ion shall be permit ted to be measured a long the line of travel within the corridor.

i . . . . . . . . . . . c,u~t; . . . . Where more than two'exits or exit access doors are required, at least two of the requi red exits or exit access doors shall be a r ranged to comply with the above. The o ther exits or exit access doors shall be located so that if one becomes blocked, t h e - others will be available.

Exception N_.o_J.: In buildings protected t h r o u g h o u t by an approved, supervised automat ic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7, the m i n i m u m separat ion distance between two exits or exit access doors measu red in accordance with 5-5.1.4 shall be no t less than one third the length of the m a x i m u m overall diagonal d imens ion of the bui lding or area to be served.

Excention No. 2: In existin~ buildings, where more than one exit is reauir 'ed f rom a buildin~ or ~ort ion ~ e r e o L such exits shall be Dei-mitted to be r e m o t e ~ Iodated in accordance with 5-5.1.3. ~UBSTANTIATION: P ~ a g r a p h 5-5.1.4 addresses new construction. The reader is left uncer ta in what r equ i r emen t applies to existing buildings. The new second except ion sends the user to 5-5.1.3 for

ju~gmg'ud "n the remoteness of exits in existing buildings. o rrEEACTION: Accep NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 N O T RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HODGENS: W h e n 3 or more exits are required, such exits should

be required to be as remote f rom each o ther as possible. All the characteristics of a required exit should apply whether there is one, two or m a n y exits.

(Log #CP202) MEA

101- 95 - (5-5.3.2): Accept SUBMI'Iq'ER: Teclmical Commi t tee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-5.3.2 to read: "... be a r ranged to

restfict the accumula t ion of smoke. IATION: Coordinat ion with Proposal 101 - 74 (Log

#298) on 5-2.2.5.4 (new). Preventing the accumula t ion of smoke is too difficult to assure. Restricting the accumula t ion of smoke is accomplishable. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #189) MEA

101- 96 - (5-5.3.3 Exception, 5-5.3.6, 5-5.3.7): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Assodates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a second exception to 5-5.3.3 to read:

Exception No. 2: Where dead ends on the exterior exit access do no t exceed 20 ft (6.1 m).

Revise 5-5.3.6 to read: 5-5.3.6 Dead ends 'on exterior exit access ways shall be l imited as for

a corridor. Revise 5-5.3.7 to read: 5-5.3.7 Exterior exit access shall complywi th the requi rements of

the Code as to width and a r rangement .

50

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

SUBSTANTIATION: A review of the history of dais section reveals a series of add ons with no period of reflection of the total package. For years the 20 fi dead end limit prevented exposure to too many unpro tec ted openings. W h e n 5-5.3.3 was added in the mid 80's no exception was provided for the traditional design of l imiting the dead ends but no t restricting openings. Currently we limit the openings and restrict the dead ends (in most occupancies this dead end is m u c h more s t r ingent than for the rest of the building). By adding the exception, we ['Lx an oversight created several years ago ,and provide ano the r reasonable alternative. By revising 5-5.3.6 we let the dead ends established by the occupancy prevail as long as the exterior exit access is properly protected. A dead end on exterior exit access ways is obviously less hazardous than in a corridor. The cur ren t restriction of 20 ft is unjustif ied in mos t occupancies. COMMITrEEACTION: Accep t i n Principle.

Add a second exception to 5-5.3.3 to read: Exception No. 2: Where dead ends on the exterior exit access do

no t exceed 20 ft (6.1 m). Revise 5-5.3.6 to read: 5-5.3.6 Dead ends on exterior exit access ways shall be limited as for

dead end corridors. Revise 5-5.5.7 to read: 5-5.3.7 Exterior exit access shall comply with the requi rements of

the Code as to width and a r rangement . COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The minor editorial improvemen t made to the submit ter ' s language should m e e t his intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #263) MEA

101- 97- (5-5.3.9): Reject SUBMITTER: Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Depa r tmen t of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-5.3.9 to read:

5-5.3.9 Any gallery, balcony, bridge, porch , roof, or other exterior exit access shall be protected by a roof where accumulat ion of snow or ice is likely. SUBSTANTIATION: To help clarify that a roof is only required over exterior exit ~ area, as opposed to exit discharge doorways and stairs. Some Authori t ies Having Jurisdiction are requir ing roofs over exit discharge points and wrongly referencing this section as the basis for the requi rement . Exit discharge areas can be cleared of snow and ice by personnel , a path across a roof to an exit is m u c h less likely to be manual ly c leaned of snow. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Section 5-5.3 is mean t to apply to exit access, no t exit discharge. The proposed text does no t provide a clarification. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #190) MEA

101- 98 - (5-5.4, 5-1.2 Accessible Means of Egress, 5-2.12.2.3 Exception No. 4 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-5.4.1 to read:

5-5.4.1 Areas accessible to people with severe mobility impa i rmen t shall have a m i n i m u m of two accessible means of egress (see definit ion of accessible means of egress in 5-1.2). Access shall be provided ......

No changes to the 5 exceptions. Revise 5-5.4.2 to read: 5-5.4.2 Each requi red accessible means of egress shall be continu-

ous f rom each accessible occupied area to a public way or an area of refuge, complying with 5-2.12, which shall have access to a public way.

Revise 5-5.4.3 to read: 5-5.4.3 Where an exit stair is used in an accessible means of egress

it shall, comply with 5-2 .12 ...2 3. and shall either inco rp orate an accessible area of refuge within an enlarged story-level landing or shall be accessed f rom an accessible area of refuge.

Delete all the exceptions to 5-5.4.3. Revise 5-5.4.4 to read: 5-5.4.4 An elevator, to be considered par t of an accessible means of

egress, shall:

(a) Be accessed f rom an accessible area of refuge, and (b) Complywi th 5-2.12.2.3. Delete all the exceptions to 5-5.4.4. No changes to 5-5.4.5 and 5-5.4.6 Revise 5-1.2 definit ion of Accessible Means of Egress by changing

the parenthetical reference to "(See 5-2.12.)" Revise 5-2.12.2.3 by adding a four th exception as follows: Exception No. 4: A m i n i m u m 37-in. (94-cm) clear width, measured

at and below handrail height, shall be permi t ted in buildings protected t h r o u g h o u t by an approved, supervised automat ic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7. SUBSTANTIATION: This change is in tended to be totally editorial. The cur rent repetit ion of material f rom 5-2.12 causes confusion and can be a problem in the future if changes are no t coordinated. By referencing appropriate material the Code emphasizes how these two sections work together. Al though 5-2.12.2 is exempted for sprinklered buildings by 5-2.12.1 the exception, similar to 5-2.12.2.4, has been added since it is being deleted in 5-5.4. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 ABSTENTION: 1 N O T RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: HODGENS: Elevators shou ld no t be used, at this t ime, as

accessible means of egress.

(Log #320) ME&

101- 99 - (5-5.4.1 Exception No. 5): Reject SUBMITTER: Carl F. Baldassarra, Schirmer Engineer ing Corp. RECOMMENDATION: Revise Except ion No. 5 to 5-5.4.1 as follows:

Exception No. 5: IIc,,IcL , ~ c Gccut, o~,¢ics ~ protected t h roughou t by an approved, supervised automat ic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the provisions of Section 7-7. SUBSTANTIATION: Applying a sprinkler exception for all buildings protected t h roughou t with a supervised automat ic sprinkler system is consistent with Section 4-1.3(a) of the Amer icans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. COMMITI'EE ACTION" Reject. COMMYrrEE STATEMENT: The cur rent Code already permits what the submit ter is requesting. In a sprinklered building, two standard-width staffs are permit ted to serve as the accessible means of egress to the public way. The submit ter ' s wording does not el iminate the n e e d for the separate r oom as required in 5-1.2 Area of Refuge subi tem (a). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ELVOVE: This proposal shou ld be accepted: I d o n ' t see the

submit ter ' s in tent addressed; if so, Exception No. 5 wouldn ' t be needed in the first place. A sprinklered bui lding should be considered to have two accessible means of egress. This exception should not be l imited to heal th care occupancies.

(Log #CP212) MEA

101- 100 - (5-5.4.1 Exception No. 2 and 5-5.4.2 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Meaus of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Revise Except ion No. 2 to 5-5.4.1 to read:

Exception No. 2: Exit access travel alon~ the accessible means of shall be permit ted to be c o m m o n (or the distances allowed as

c o m m o n paths of travel. Insert a new 5-5.4.2 (and r e n u m b e r cur rent 5-5.4.2 t h rough 5-5.4.6

as necessary) to read: 5-5.4.2 If two accessible means of egress are required, the exits

serving these paths shall be placed at a distance, f rom one ano the r no t less than one haft the length of the m a m m u m overall diagonal d imens ion of the bui lding or area to be served, measured in a straight line between the neares t edge of the exit doors or exit access doors. Where exit enclosures are provided as the required exits and are in terconnected by a corridor conforming to the requi rements of 5-1.3.5, exit separat ion shall be permit ted to be measu red along the line of travel within the corridor.

Exception No. 1: Buildings protec ted t h r o u g h o u t by an approved, u. pervised automat ic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-

51

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

Exception No. 2: Where the physical a r rangement of means of egress prevents the possibility that access to both accessible means of egress will be blocked by any one fire or other emergency condition

~ Su~OTroved by the authority having jurisdiction. ANTIATION: The proposal clarifies that accessible means of

egress, just like means of egress, need to have exits remote from each other. Satisfying the remoteness of exits requi rement does not assure that exits accessible to mobility impaired persons are also remote. COMMI'ITEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMrFFEE ACTION:


(Log #156) MEA

101- 101 - (5-5.4.4): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Means of Egress (MEA) reconsider its action in view that it has not provided technical justification for the significant change. The proposed wording would replace the current requirement that the elevator serving as part of accessible means of egress be provided with f'me fighter service, thus requiring that the same elevator meet all the criteria applicable to the elevator detailed in

~ roposed 5-2.13. UBMITTER: John H. Klote, Building and Fire Research Lab, NIST

RECOMMENDATION: Replace 5-5.4.4 with: 5-5.4.4 To be considered part o f an accessible means of egress, an

elevator shall be in accordance with Section 5-2.13 and shall be accessible from an accessible area of refuge meet ing the requirements of 5-2.12. SUBSTANTIATION: This material supports other suggested changes to Chapter 5 of NFPA 101 that allow an elevator to be a componen t of a means of egress. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMrrTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: HODGENS: Elevators should not be used, at this time, as

accessible means of egress. While I unders tand and appreciate the extensive research being conducted to improve the sa~'ety of elevators during fires," particularly as this research relates to the egress of the mobility impaired, I must indicate my concern with approving elevators for use as a secondary means of egress. Based upon documented NewYork City and national fire experience, elevators have failed at an unacceptable rate. Until technological changes are documented and empirical tests substantiate the proposed change, I believe it would be dangerous and premature to approve such use of elevators as a means of egress.

(Log #CP205) MEA

101- 102 - (5-7.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Revise 5-7.1 to read:

5-7.1" All exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at an exit discharge. Yards, courts, open ...

SUBSTANTIATION: Clarification that Exception No. 1, which permits interior exit discharge in accordance with 5-7.2, is truly an exception to this base paragraph. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITI'EE ACTION:


(Log #290) MEA

101:103 - (5-8.1.2 Exception (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Jim Bisker, U.S. Depar tment of Energy RECOI~IENDATION: Add an exception to 5-8.1.2 as follows:

Exception: Automatic, motion sensor type lighting switches may be used within the means of egress, provided that switch controllers are

eq.u!pped for fail-safe operation and illumination timers are set for a minimum 15 minute duration. SUBSTANTIATION: A. It seems unrealistic continuous illumination for the means of egress based on conditions of occupancy. These conditions are usually not static in most buildings; and, therefore result in highly conservative estimates of normal business hours. I have seen many situations where illumination for the means of egress is maintained continuously, simply because the building owner cannot identify conditions of occupancy sufficient enough to protect against liability. The code's vagueness therefore causes an increase in energy costs, an increase in environmental po!lution, and a reduction of our national energy base.

B. Previous code interpretations allow the installation of manual switches, but the automatic motion sensor type. This may be due to the fact that these switches are a fairly new Concept aimed at reducing energy consumption. It seems to me that manual switches would be more hazardous since these can easily be turned offdur ing conditions of occupancy.

C. Buildings a r ebe ing equipped with these devices, including the means of egress. The technology is therefore available and proven to be effective for these situations. The above proposal however is aimed at controlling their installation and use in an otherwise silent port ion of the code. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add an exception to 5-8.1.2 as follows: Exception: Automatic, motion sensor type lighting switches shall "

be permit ted within the means of egress, provided that switch controllers are equipped for fail-safe operation, illumination timers are set for a minimum 15 minute duration, and the motion sensor is activated by any occupant movement in the area served by the lighting units. COMMITTEE STATEMF2qT: The Committee Action adds a performance requirement that the motion sensor be activated by any occupant movement in the area served by the lighting units. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITYEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRM_&TIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

(Log #326) MEA

101- 104 - (5-9.2.1 andA-5-9.2.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Keith Yancey, Brinjac, Kambic & Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: Replace existing 5-9.2.1 with the following:

5-9.2.1 Emergency illumination shall be provided for a per iod of 1- 1 /2 hours in the event o f failure of normal lighting. Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is no less than an average of .5 fc (5 lux) and a minimum at any point of.05 fc (.5 lux) measured along the pa th of egress at floor level. Illumination levels may decline to .3 fc (3 lux) average and a minimum at any point of .03 fc (.3 lux) at the end of tile emergency lighting time duration. A maximum to minimum illumination uniformity ratio of 40 to 1 shall no t be exceeded. The illumination uniformity ratio is de te rmined by the following formula:

MAXIMUM ILLUMINATION AT ANY POINT MINIMUM ILLUMINATION AT ANY POINT

Delete A-5.9.2.1. SUBSTANTIATION: The attitude toward lighting in this country has been quite profligate. Even emergency lighting requirements are amongst the highest in the world. From personal experience and research, I've found that many occupancies do not meet the lighting requirements set forth by code under normal conditions, let alone emergency conditions; i.e., restaurants, night clubs, corridors, stairways, etc.

In 1990, John Kaufman on behalf of the IES Emergency Lighting Committee presented a detailed repor t (ref: log150) showing that 0.05 fc average (not minimum) was sufficient lighting to prevent collisions with large objects during evacuation of a space. The technical, committee for NFPA. accepted this in principle and revised Secuon 5-9.2.1 to read as written herein above. Later in the review process the technical committee accepted a response to this study (ref: log 357) that stated the reduction in emergency lighting levels was excessive and should read "...1 fc average.., and 0.1 fc minimum..." This public response showed no technical data or support for the claim and missed the essence of the original report. It wasn't so much an "excessive reduction" as "were we gett ing these levels in the first place".

As an architect and engineer specializing in lighting design, l 'm very much aware of lighting levels and their effect on visual acuity. I commend the IES Emergency Lighting Committee on their research

52

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

and concur with their results. For this reason I propose we go back to the committee's original proposed action stated in log 150 in 1990. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMrrrEE STATEMENT: Sufficient lighting is needed to avoid collision with small objects, not just large objects. Also the proposed lower lighting level does not provide the initial high level needed for sight prmr to the time it takes for the eye to adapt to lower lighting levels. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HELTON: We believe the presently required 1 fc average

illumination along the path of egress at floor level is more illumination than is needed to allow people to quickly and safely evacuate a building. We do not know what actual minimum illumination is required but 0.50 fc appears to be more than adequate. Therefore, we vote to accept this proposal.

(Log #335) MEA

101- 105 - (5-9.2.1 Exception (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Terry A. Brouwer, Connecticut Office of State Fire Marshal RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 5-9.2.1 to read:

Exception: Emergency lighting systems utilizing emergency generators as a power source shall be permitted to have illumination levels that are not less than 0.6 footcandle average and a minimum at any point of 0.06 footcandle. SUBSTANTIATION: A generator powered system is a constant and does not decline like a battery powered system. As such agenerator system should be permitted to maintain the minimum acceptable level throughout the 1 1/2 hour period. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: Current Code allowance for decline to 60 percent of initial level is expected to occur long into the 90 minute period, usually after the building has been evacuated. The lower level permitted also recognizes the time period necessary for eye adaptation to light for those who remain in the area for longer

riOds of time. ER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

(Log #449) MEA

101- 106- (5-9.2.3 Exception (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 5-9.2.3 to read:

Exception: Existing installations shall be permitted to be continued in service provided the lack of conformity with this standard does not present a serious hazard to the occupants. SUBSTANTIATION: Many occupancies, particularly health care, have emergency generators and systems which were installed decades ago and do not meet the latest edition of NFPA 110. The existing essential electrical systems are perfectly reliable and although not up to current standards provide a level of safety consistent with existing building requirements. COI~IMITrEEACTION: Acceptin Principle. See Committee Action on Proposal 101 - 3 (Log #CP100) on

Chapter 1. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: Rather than add numerous such exceptions throughout the Code, the generalized exception in Chapter 1 should suffice. The change being made to Chapter 1 should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


( Log #CP210) MEA

101- 107- (5-9.3 and 31-1.3.7): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress,

I RECOMMENDATION: Move 31-1.3.7 to become part of existing 5- 9.3 as follows:

53

5-9.3 Testing and Maintenance ( g ~ 3~J'.v,, 3l-l.) 31-;.3.7 P~. i,,dlc Tear, uS of Emergency Lighting Equipment. A functional test shall be conducted on every required emergency lighting system at 30-day intervals for a minimum of 30 seconds. An annual test shall be conducted for the 1 1/2-hour duration. Equipment shall be fully operational for the duration of the test. Written records of visual inspections and tests shall be kept by the owner for inspection by the authority having jurisdiction.

Exception: Serf-testing/self-diagnostic, battery-operated emergency lighting equipment that automatically performs a minimum 30- second test and diagnostic routine at least once every 30 days and indicates failures by a status indicator shall be exempt from the 30- day functional test, provided a visual inspection is performed at 30- day intervals.

[Note that the above wording is further modified technically via the committee action on Proposaf 101 - 552 (Log#163) on 31-1.3.7.] SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal editorially moves Section 31-1 material to the core chapters (1 through 7) as directed by the Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life. COMMrITEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITIXE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #339) MEA

101- 108 - (5-10): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: Billy G. Helton, Lithonia Emergency Systems RECOMMENDATION: Revise Section 5-10 in accordance with the following:

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 this

section where required by Chapters 8 through 30. 5-10.1.2" Exits shall be marked by an approved sign readily visible

from any direction of exit access. Exception: Main exterior exit doors that obviously and clearly are

identifiable as exits. 5-10.1.3 At each door into an exit stair enclosure, tactile signage

stating and complying with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, shall be installed adjacent to the latch side of the door 60 in. (152 cm) above the finished door to the centerline of the sign.

5-10.1.4 Access to exits shall be marked by approved, readily visible signs in all cases where the exit or way to reach it is not readily apparent to the occupants. Sign placement shall be such that no point in exit access is more than 100 ft (30 m) from the nearest visible sign.

5-10.1.5* Where floor proximity exit signs are specifically required by Chapters 8 through 30, exit signs shall be placed near the floor level in addition to those signs required for doors or corridors. (See Appendix for recommended illumination.) The bottom of the sign shall not be less than 6 in. (15.2 cm) nor more than 8 in. (20.3 cm) above the floor. For exit doors, the sign shall be mounted on the door or adjacent to the door with the closest edge of the sign within 4 in. (10.2 cm) of the door frame. 5-10.1.6" Every sign required by Section 5-10 shall be located and

of such size, distinctive color, and design as to readily visible and shall provide contrast with decorations, interior finish, or other signs. No decorations, furnishings, or equipment that impairs visibility of an exit sign shall be permitted, nor shall there be any brightly illuminated sign (for other than exit purposes), display, or object in or near the line of vision of the required exit sign of such a character as to detract attention from the exit sign.

5-10.1.7* Where floor proximity egress path marking is specifically required by Chapters 8 through 30, a listed and approved floor proximity egress path marking system that is internally illuminated shall be installed within 8 in. (20.3 cm) of the floor. The system shall provide a visible delineation of the path of travel along the designated exit access and shall be essentially continuous, except as interrupted by doorways, hallways, corridors, or other such architectural features. The system shall operate continuously or at any time the building fire alarm system is activated. The activation, duration, and continuity of operation of the system shall be in accordance with 5-9.2. This path marking system shall be supplemental to the requirements of Sections 5-8 and 5-9 and Paragraphs 5-10-1.5 and 5-10.1.6. 5-10.2 Size of Signs. (See Appendix.) 5-10.3 Illumination of Signs. 5-10.3.1 Every sign required by 5-10.1.2 or 5-10.1.4 shall be suitably

illuminated by reliable light source. For both externally and internally illuminated signs, the word "EXIT" or other appropriate

NFPA 101 m F96 ROP

wording shall be plainly legible at a minimum distance of 100 fi when operating in both the normal and emergency lighting mode, 30 fc (300 Ix) average and I fc (10 Ix) average floor illumination (see 5-9.2.1), respectively. This visibility is to be determined in accordance with ANSI/UL 924.

5-10.3.2 Every sign required to be illuminated by 5-10.3 shall be continuously illuminated as required under the provisions of Section 5-8.

Exception No. 1: Illumination for signs shall be permitted to flash on and off upon activation of the fire alarm system. Exception No. 2: Approved self-luminous or electroluminescent

signs that provide evenly illuminated letters shall have a minimum luminance of 0.06 footlamberts (0.21 cd / sqm) as measured by a color-corrected photometer. These signs shall be limited to hazardous areas or areas where regular maintenance is impractical and shall be located such that the viewing distance along the path of egress never exceeds 50 ft.

5-10.3.3 Where emergency lighting facilities are required by the applicable provisions of Chapters 8 through 30 for individual occupancies, the exit signs shall be illuminated by the emergency lighting facilities. The level of illumination of the exit sign shall be at the levels provided in accordance with 5.10.3.1 for the required emergency lighting time duration as specified in 5-9.2.1, but shall be permitted to decline to 60 percent of the illumination level at the end of the emergency lighting time duration. 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" with a

directional indicator showing the direction of travel shall be placed m every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not apparent. . . . . . . . Directional signs shall be listed. 5-10.4.1.2 D~recuonal Indicator. The direcuonal indicator shall be

located outside of the EXIT legend and shall be permitted to be integral to or separate from the si[gn body. The directional indicator shall be of chewon type as shown m Figure 5.10.4.1.2 and shall be

lalnly legible as a directional indicator at a minimum distance of 25 (7.6 m) under the same illumination conditions as those for 5-

10.3.1. The directional indicators shall not be located at the end of the sign opposite the direction indicated.

Exception: Approved existing signs. Appendix A-5-10.2 It is not the intent of this paragraph to specify the exact

dimensions of the word EXIT or other appropriate wording or the directional indicator. However, pastpractice has shown that the following are very visible. The word "EXIT" with letters not less than 6 in. (15.2 cm) high with the principal strokes of letters not less than 3/4 in. (1.9 cm), with letters of a width not less than 2 in. (5 cm), except the letter "I", and the minimum spacing between letters shall be not less than 3/8 in. (1 cm). Signs larger than the minimum established in this paragraph shallhave letter widths, strokes, and s p acing in pro, polortion to. their height . . . A-5.10.3.1.1 Past practice has shown that externally dlurmnated

signs illuminated by not less than 5 footcandles (54 Ix) and having a contrast ratio of not less than 0.5 are very visible. A-5.10.3.1.2 Past practice has shown that if the visibility of an

internally illuminated sign is the equivalent of an externally illuminated sign that complies with A-5-10.3.1.2, then it will be very visible.

A-5-10.3.1.3 Signs required by 5-10.3.1 have been shown to be very visible and legible when the letters are evenly illuminated with a maximum ratio of the brightest point to the darkestpoint not to exceed 2:1 and having a minimum luminance of 0.06footlamberts (0.21 cd/sq m) when measured using a photometer having a target area not greater than 3/8 in. diameter. A-5-10.3.1.4 Directional indicators required by 5-10.4.1.2 have been

shown to be most legible when located outside of the EXIT legend and spaced not less than 3/8 in. (1 cm) from any letter. SUBSTANTIATION: At the present time, Section 5-10 has a number of prescription-based requirements. This type of requirement causes designs to be inflexible and invariably more costly. On the other hand, performance-based requirements stimulate design and allow innovative solutions that are frequently better and less costly. The information above proposes performance-based requirements for Section 5-10 and moves prescription-based requirements to the Appendix. The information above also proposed that the chevron viewing distance be reduced from 100 ft to 25 ft because the 100 ft is an "overkill" which is unnecessary. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part.

Revise 5-10.2, 5-10.3 and 5-10.4 to read as follows: 5-10.2" Size of Signs.

-5__,1-1-1-1-1-1-1~. . E v c . ; ,,'.r~,, . c q u L ~ d b y ,? ,cc 'G, , , , 5-I ,?, " " " e signs reouired by 5.10.1 and 5-10.4.11 shall have the word "EXIT" or .°~her ap'propriate, wording in plainly, legible letters not less than 6 m. (15.2 cm) h~gh with the principal strokes of letters not less than 3/4 in. (1.9 cm) wide. The word '¢EXIT" shall have letters of a width

not less than 2 in. (5 cm), except the letter "I," and the minimum spacing between letters shall be not less than 3/8 in. (1 cm). Signs larger than the minimum established in this [paragraph shall have letter widths, strokes, and spacing in proporuon to their height.

Exception No. 1: Approved existing signs. Exception No. 2: Existing signs having the required wording in

plainly legible letters not less than 4 in. (10.2 cm) high. Excepfi.on No. 3." Max. k!ng req.uired..l~y 5-I0:I.~. a~d 5-10.1.7. ,..

;,~. (O.,S c,,-,) i,, ;~:d~l, ..id, a I.t~, ;,;d~l, ,,~ Ic~ d,~, 1 I/2 L,. (3.6 ,~,,~), c,,,.,rZ d,c ',c~c. "I." 5-10.2.2" Internallv illuminated signs reauired bv 5-10.1 and 5-

10.4.1 ,l shall have tile word "EXIT or other anprobriat¢ wordin~ in ]etters nlainlv legible from a distance of at least 100 ft (30 m~ un~der all nor/hal and e~mergencv lighting conditions (30 fc and 1 fc. resnectiv¢lvL Intern~allv i]lurnina(ed signs shallbe liste~l in accor-

Excention No. 1: Annroved existing signs. Excebtion No. 2: E~'sting signs hav]n~the reuuired wording in

Dlainlv legible letters not less t.han 4 in.-(10.2 crh~ high. "Exceotiffn No. 3: Marking reouired bv 5-10.1.3 and~5-10.l.7. A-5.10.2.2 Exnerience has shown that" the word "EXIT" or other

annronriate wo~rding is Dlalnlv legible at 100 ft (30 m) if the letters ai'e not less than 6 in- (i5.2 c/n~ ~igh with the 0rinci0al strokes of letters not less than 3/4 in. (1.9 crn~) wide and havin6 letters of a width not less than 2 in. (5 ~m). excent the letter "I.~and the minimum SDacing between letters is riot less than 3/8 in. (1 cmL Signs large~: than~the minimum dimensions in this Dara~raDh should have letter widths, strokes, and sDacin~ in proportion to-their height. Listed exit signs may have letters not~ess'than 5 1/2 in. (14 cm)]n

height with the DrinciDal strokes of ]g~ters not less than ] / 4 in. (0.6 cm]" in width wiih a letter width not less than 1 1/2 in. (3,8 cmL exceot the letter "I." 5-10.3" Illumination of Signs. 5-10.3.1" Every sign required by 5-10.1.2 or 5-10.1.4 shall be

suitably illuminated, by a reliable light source. Externally and internally illuminated signs shall be ~ ~ in both the normal and emergency lighting mode. 5-10.3.2" Externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated by not

less than 5 footcandles (54 Ix) and shall employ a contrast ratio of not less than 0.5. 5-10.3.3" The visibility of an internally illuminated sign shall be the

equivalent of an externally illuminated sign that complies with 5- 10.3.2. Exception No. 1: Approved existing signs.

, Exception No. 2 : Approved self-luminous or electroluminescent signs that provide evenly illuminated letters shall have a minimum luminance of 0.06 footlamberts (0.21 cd/sq m) as measured bya color-corrected photometer. New signs shall be located ~uch that the viewing distance alon~ the Dath of e~ress does not exceed 50 ft

t~, ,,,, --~ c.'Z~"vdY~';l~;~'"° c"'Vl':"g ,;id, ~l,c ,cq,; ..... c,,',~ ,,~ 5-19.3.3 ,l,,,]l

5-10.3~* Every sign required to be illuminated by 5.10.3 shall be continuously illuminated as required under the provisions of Section 5-8.

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

5-10.3.6~ Where emergency lighting facilities are required by the applicable provisions of Chapters 8 through 30 for individual occupancies, the exit signs shall be illuminated by the emergency lighting facilities. The level of illumination of the exit sign shall be at the levels provided in accordance with 5.10.3.2 or 5-10.3.3 for the required emergency lighting time duration as specified in 5-9.2.1, but shall be permitted to decline to 60 percent of the illumination level 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 a

similar designation with a directional indicator showing the direction of travel shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the Dearest exit is not apparent. Directional signs shall be listed.

5-10.4.1.2" Directional Indicator. The directional indicator shall 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 separate from the sign body. The directional indicator shall be of a chevron

F e as shown in Figure 5-10.4.1.2 and shall be identifiable as a irectional indicator at a minimum distance of I~9 .~ (30 ~) 25ft

54

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

(7.6 m) at 30 fc and 1 fc averaae illumination on the floor reoresent- in~ normal and emerizencv li~Iatinlz levels respectively ~t,~cc i',lu..fi,,,d,,,, cv~,dlz:~,,.~. The-directional indic,'~tors shall t~e be located at the end of the sign ~ for the direction indicated. Exception: Approved existing signs.

and electroluminescent signs are a third category of signs and therefore not subject to the size and other requirements.

I am dismayed by the placement of size specifications for internally illuminated signs to the appendix. While externally illuminated signs are still subjectto such requirements, internally illuminated signs will no longer have the consistency and uniformity which helps building occupants quickly and easily distinguish an exit sign from another sign. In addition, the committee has accepted Log #191 which deletes the 100 ft. placement requirement for exit signs, which makes it even more important that ALL exit signs be easily distinguishable.

Figure 5-10.4.1.2 Chevron-type indicator.

5-10.4.2" Special Signs. Any door, passage, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified 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. COMMITFEESTATEMENT: The Committee Action modifies/ accepts the submitter's text as shown above for the following reasons:

5-10.2.1: contains the original prescriptive requirements for externally illuminated signs; retains three of the exceptions; relocates the fourth exception to the new 5-10.2.2 on internally illuminated signs. The prescriptive criteria have been retained for the purpose of determining acceptability.

5-10.2.2: contains new text specifically addressing performance criteria for internally illuminated signs; requires testing and listing to determine compliance with the performance criteria. A-5-10.2.2: contains wording advising that internally illuminated

signs can be determined to be legible if meeting the dimensional criteria specified by 5-10.2.1 for externally illuminated signs. 5-10.3.1: replaces the word "visible" with the word "legible" because

the intent is that the sign must be readable versus merely being detectable as a sign.

5-10.3.3 Exception No. 2: changes the viewing distance from 100 ft to 50 ft based on recent research that demonstrated that the majority of observers are unable to determine the legibility of such signs at 100 ft. See the report: Specifier Reports - Exit Signs - Energy Efficient, Internally IlluminatedExit Signs & Retrofit Kits, Volume 2, Number 2,January 1994, National Lighting Product Information Program from the RPI Lighting Research Center, Troy, NY. 5-10.3.4: deleted because redundant with the requirements in 5-

10.3.2 and 5-10.3.3. 5-10.4.1.2: The visibility distance of 100 ft has been reduced to 25

ft. This change was made because persons do not need to be made aware of the directional indicator when they are 100 ft away from the sign. At a distance of 25 ft from the sign, the person will become aware of the direction indicated and have the necessary time to adjust direction. In addition, the average illumination levels were specified, in lieu of the general terminology currently in the Code, to add criteria that can be used to determine identifiabUity of the directional indicator during the sign evaluation process.

The Committee Action should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITrEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DI PILI.~ This proposal gave the committee an opportunity to

make editorial chan~,es to Chapter 5. In four sections of 5-10, the term "plainly legible'is used. The term "plainly" is superfluous, since signs are either legible or they are not. By using the word "plainly" an opportunity is provided to debate a subjective level of legibility. The first reference in this chapter to "approved self-luminescent or

electroluminescent signs" is Exception No. 2 to 5-10.3.3, which addresses the visibility of internally illuminated signs. This suggests that self-luminescent and electroluminescent signs are considered internally illuminated signs. As such, they should be mentioned along with internally illuminated sign~ in 5-10.2.2. ff this is not done, the section could be interpreted to mean that self-luminescent

55

(Log #27) MEA

1Ol- 109 - (5-10.1.3 Exception (New)): Reject SUBMITI~R: Joseph G. Redmond, Nuclear Compliance Services, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 5-10.1.3 to read:

Exception: Facilities required to complywith Title I (Employment) of the Americans with Disabilities Act, where fitness for duty standards or agility and strength requirements restrict personnel access to the facility. SUBSTANTIATION: Paragraph 5-10.1.3 of the 1994 edition of NFPA 101® requires that "At each door into an exit stair enclosure, tactile signage stating and complying with CABO/ANSI A117.1, American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, shall be installed adjacent to the latch side of the door 60 in. (152 cm) above the finished floor to the centerline of the sign." The subject NFPA 101 ® code does not contain an Exception to provide relief from this requirement. Based on the justification

~ rovided below, an Exception from the subject requirement should e provided. An example is provided above: The NFPA 101® requirement for tactile signage is intended to

support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which establishes regulations that increase access for disabled people to public accommodations, commercial facilities, employment facilities, and state and local government facilities. There are five Titles (I, II, III, IV and V) to the ADA; Title I addresses employment facilities and is administered by the United States Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Title I allows an employer to have a prospective employee demonstrate his or her ability to perform job-related tasks, including agility and strength tasks; it also permits pre-employment physical exams and fitness for duty standards for specific job functions. Since Title I permits restrictive employment screening criteria, it is the least restrictive Title in that it only requires reasonable accommodation for disabled people when they are employed at a facility. This may include making the work site more accessible by removing architectural barriers at the place of employment and in the path of travel to that site. For facilities that are not accessible to physically impaired person-

nel, because of a employers fitness for duty requirements, etc., the ADA requirements do not apply; and therefore, the Life Safety Code® requirement to provide "tactile signage" on doors leading to all exit stairways is not justified in all cases. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Providing these signs in new buildings is not an unreasonable requirement. An exception has been added, via another proposal, to exempt existing buildings from the tactile signage requirement. A portion of ADA Title I prohibits employers from delving into potential employee's disability. Reasonable accommodation is required to allow a disabled person to

~ erform a given job. Therefore, one cannot be certain that a uilding will not have disabled persons within it. Enforcement of

the submitter's conditional exception would be very difficult. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Behrens, Tomy

(Log #37) MEA

101- 110- (5-10.1.3 Exception (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: George DHartsell, Chicago Fire Dept RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 5-10.1.3 to read:

Exception: Facilities required to comply with Title I (Employment) of the Americans with Disabilities Act, where fimess for duty standards or agility and strength requirements restrict personnel access to the facility. SUBSTANTIATION: Paragraph 5-10.1.3 of the 1994 edition of NFPA 101®, requires that "At each door into an exit stair enclosure, tactile signage stating and complying with CABO/ANSI A117.1,

N F P A 1 0 1 - - F 9 6 R O P

American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and FadUties, shall be installed adjacent to the latch side of the door 60 in. (152 cm) above the f inished floor to the centerl ine of the sign." The. subject . . . . . . NFPA 101 @ code does not contain an Exception to prowde rehef from this requirement . Based on thejnst i f icauon

~ rovided below, an Exception from the subject requi rement should eprovided. An example is provided above: The NFPA 101@ reqmrement for tactile signage is in tended to

support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which establishes regulations that increase access for disabled people to public accommodations, commercial facilities, employment facilities, and state and local government facilities. There are five Tides (I, II, Ill, IV and V) to the ADA; Title I addresses employment facilities and is administrated by the United States Equal Opportunity Commission" (EEOC). Title I allows an employer to have a prospective employee demonstrate his or he r ability to perform job-related tasks, including agility and strength tasks; it also permits prezemployment physical exams and fitness for duty standards for specific j ob functions. Since Title I permits restrictive employment screening criteria, it is the least restrictive Title in that it only requires reasonable accommodation for disabled.people when they are employed at a facility. This may include making the work site more accessible by removing architectural barriers at the place of employment and in the path of travel to that site.

For facilities that are not accessible to physically impaired personnel, because of a employers fitness for duty requirements, etc., the ADA requirements do not apply;, and therefore, the Life Safety Code@ requirement to provide "tactile signage" on doors leading to all exit stairways is no t justified in all cases. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: See Gonunittee Action on Proposal 101 - 109 (Log #27) on 5-10.1.3 Exception (new). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP15) MEA

101- 111 - (5-10.1.3 Exception (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Means of Egress,

I RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 5-10.1.3 to read: Exception: Existing buildings, provided the occupancy classifica-

tion does not change. SUBSTANTIATION: Paragraph 5-10.1.3 requires tactile signage complying with C, ABO/ANSI All7 .1 , American National Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, to be posit ioned at each door into an exit stair enclosure. The requi rement was added to the 1994 edition of the Life Safety Code to coordinate egress requirements for disabled individuals with ADAAG - Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines and model building codes. However, the application section of the 1992 edition of CABO/ANSI A117.1 states that the provisions of the standard are suitable for new construction and remodel ing of existing buildings.

Given that the requirement for tactile signage was added as part o f the package of revisions including accessible means of egress via 5- 5.4, and Exception No. 1 to 5-5.4.1 exempts existing buildings, it was not the intent to require tactile signage retroactively. With the above change incorporated into the 1997 edition of the

Code, Formal Interpretat ion F.I . 94-4 (NFPA 101) can be retired. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIV-K: DI PILLA: The exception should read "Existing buildings."' The

remainder of the proposal is superfluous. 101:1-6.3 states that any change of occupancy classification subjects the facility to the requirements of new construction. In effect, any existing building with an occupancy classification change becomes new construction, and is not considered an existing building.

ELVOVE: Leave the code text as written in the formal interpretation (FI 94-4) unchanged.

FAVRO: I am voting negatively on Log number CP15 because the exception for existing buildings as proposed is no t consistent with the remainder of Section 5-10 which grants no exemptions f rom the marking of exits in existing buildings. Nor is it consistent with Chapter 5 in general which states unequivocally in Section 5-1.1 that "means of egress for both new and existing buildings shall comply with thischapter ." It seems clear to me that the intent of the code is to mark exits in all buildings so that occupants are able to find their.

way out in case of fire or other emergency. I see no reason why the marking of means of egress for persons with visual disabilities should be singled out for exclusion.

(Log#191) MEA

101-112- (5-10.1.4): Accept SUBMrlTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Delete the last sentence of 5-10.1.4 which reads: "Sign placement shall be such that no point in the exit access is more than 100 ft (30 m) from the nearest sign."

Delete the exception to 5-10.1.4. SUBSTANTIATION: This provision causes more problems than it solves. It requires signs to be placed in locations where doors that are not exits can be mistaken as exits. It makes signs be placed in locations where they are totally useless and in fact are misleading. It was put into the Code in 1981 with no technical justification in the TCIL At the meet ing the stated reason was based on readability at 100 ft Since the signs are visible at well more than 100 ft the fact that they are not readable until 100 ft. is no t as important as the confusion caused by these signs. The paragraph is more than satisfactory to get directional signs installed where needed without the last sentence. For example: Corridors in sprinklered hotels can approach 400 ft between exits. Placing a sign halfway down the corridor to comply with the 100 ft requi rement could encourage people to go the wrong way to get to the closest exit and when they get to the halfway point they start looking for an exit door and all there is are room doors. In a warehouse with 300 ft-long aisles, signs have to be installed half-way down the aisles; these are useless and interfere with use of the aisle in mechanized warehouses. COMMITI"EE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HELTON: We believe that exit signs should bep l aced such that no

point in the exit access is more than 100 ft f rom the nearest legible exit sign. In order to avoid panic, a person evacuating a building needs to keep receiving assurance that he is going in the right direction, ffyou have a very long hallway with no doors, then you could make a case for not requiring exit signs throughout the hallway. However, if doors are present, the person needs reassur- ance that he is going in the right direction. Therefore, we vote to reject this proposal.

(Log #277) MEA

i01- 113 - (5-10.1.4): Reject SUBMITTER: Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Depar~'nent of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Change last sentence of 5-10.1.4 to read:

"Sign placement shall be such that no point in the exit access is more than 100 feet from a position where the nearest sign is visible." SUBSTANTIATION: To clarify code. I believe the in tended requirement is to see on exit access sign if I have 100 feet maximum from where I stand. Some interpret current code language to mean there must be a sign within 100 feet from any point. COMMrrrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: See Proposal 101- 112 (Log #191) on 5-10.1.4 which deletes the 100 ft criterion. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #365) MEA

i01- 114 - (5-10.1.4 Exception No. 2, 5-10.1.6 Exception (New)): sR~Ct

MITrER: Marina Batzke, American Permalight, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a second exception to 5-10.1.4 to read:

Exception No. 2: Photolumlnescent signs shall provide luminance for at least 1 1 /2 hours in the event of failure of normal lighting. The minimum luminance shall fulfill the requirements of the German standard DIN 67510 in four parts (latest edition). The signs - shall be sized according to A-5.10.2.

56

N F P A 1 0 1 - - F 9 6 R O P

Add an exception to 5-10.1.6 to read: Exception: Photoluminescent floor proximity egress path marking

shall provide a luminance for at least 1 1/2 hours in the event of failure of normal lighting. The minimum luminance shall fulfill the requirements of the German standard DIN 67510 in four parts (latest edition). SUBSTANTIATION:

We believe that changes to NFPA 101, Sections 5-10.1.4 and 5- 10.1.6 are necessary and propose to integrate photoluminescent floor proximity EXIT signs and photoluminescent floor proximity egress path marking as a requirement (not only recommendation). Our proposal is based on the following explanations.

Recent building disasters have shown that electrical emergency lighting can fall - due to power failures 1 + 2 - due to emergency back-up generator failures 3 - due to building fires with thick smoke that obscures the electrical . lighting installed at a high level (under the ceiling or above doors). 4 Photoluminescent floor proximity EXIT signs are a life-saving

supplement to high level installed EXIT signs. The photoluminescent EXIT signs function in all the before-mentioned situations because the photoluminescent material was charged sufficiently before (a) the power failure, (b) before the back-up generator failed to kick in, or (c) before thick smoke rose to the ceiling, thus obscuring the electrical lighting.

Photoluminescent floor proximity EXIT signs and path markings ovide sufficient light indications and a continuous egress marking. ey function underneath a dangerous smoke level and help

building occupants to find the way out while crawling on their hands and knees. J After the explosion at the World Trade Center, NewYork in

February 1993, more than 1,000 people were treated for injuries they suffered during the explosion and during the evacuation. Smoke from the fire and the bomb, as well as structural dust, spread up the elevator shafts and migrated to upper floors. The article in the March/April 19.95 issue of NFPAJOURNAL evaluates this incident in more detail. UThe World Trade Center now has photoluminescent paint installed in their stair wells (each stair tread and the handrails painted), as shown in a photo on page 63 of NFPA JOURNAL's report. As we were their supplier of photoluminescent epoxy paint, we know how concerned they have become since that incident. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey carefully compared different grades of photoluminescence, available on ~ e market, until they finally used our luminance-certified mate r ia l - that exceeds the requirements of DIN 67510. They will also get photoluminescent signage installed. The Port Authority of New York and NewJersey has installed latest state-of-the-art technology safety measures (in this case photoluminescent paint) to offer utmost safety to their building occupants

Power failures do not always have to be caused by a bomb attack. In January 1995, at Newark Airport New Jersey, a heavy construction operator sliced through the electrical power supply and left the airport paralyzed and in the dark. o

Back-uap power supplies require . . . . maintenance. Very often, p~eople only realize after an electrical power failure - when it is too late - that their back-up batteries do not operate. As the report Windstorm leaves Washington in the Dark points out there is a general complacency regarding testi4ag and maintenance of critical emergency power supplies. ~

Photoluminescent safety products do not require any maintenance. They get charged when the lights are on and perform without any delay whenever the power supply collapses. This guarantees sufficient activation of photoluminescent material before an emergency occurs. 5-10.3,4 requires every floor proximity EXIT sign required by 5-

10.1.4, which includes self-illuminated signs, to have a minimum luminance of 0.06 fooflamberts (0.21 cd/sq m).

Question: In the industry, photoluminescence is often called self illuminated, ff NFPA talks about self-illuminating, what do you mean? Photoluminescent material or internally illuminated signs that contain a light source within the device? We believe that photoluminescent material does not need to fulfill

this requirement of 0.21 cd/sqm (Section 5-10.3.4) because photoluminescent material has the color 'green-yellow' in darkness situations which can best be seen by the human eyes in the dark. The color green-yellow emits a light wavelength averaging between 500 and 550 nanometer, best perceived by human eyes. ~

Even though luminance declines over time, the human eye adjusts to this dec~ioe. Our eyes adapt to dark conditions. Eye sensitivity increases: - -

10 times in the first 2 minutes of darkness 100 times after 6 minutes 1,000 times after 12 minutes 10,000 times after 20 minutes 100,000 times after 10 hours

photoluminescent materials were justifiably considered to be unsatisfactory as part of an escape route system. These products showed a short glow duration and a quick decline of luminance in the dark. The photoluminescent safety industry has developed considerably throughout recent years, constantly working on increasing the brighmess of their products and the duration of the glow. Since various grades of photolumlnescent materials for different application purposes are available on the US market, we believe that a minimum luminance for photoluminescent floor proximity EXIT signs and path markings should be indicated in NFPA 101, Sections 5-10.1.4 and 5-10.1.6. Minimum luminance values for l~hotoluminescent safety products should he required to avoid that glow-in-the-dark" gimmick, toy or novelty grades are accidentally used for safety installations.

In Germany, a standard was developed in 1994 exclnsively for photoluminescent pigments and escape route systems, specifying minimum luminance values for various types of photoluminescent safety~qroducts, available on the market. DIN 67510 consists of four parts "~, specifying

Part 1: measurement and marking at the place of production Part 2: measurement of photoluminescent products at the ~ of

installation Part 3: the photoluminescent escape route system Part 4: photoluminescent products for safety markings

(specifications for the floor proximity path marking components) Under Part 4, DIN 67510 indicates the minimum luminance

requirement for each available type of photoluminescent safety product. Low-glowing products cannot qualify, as they would fail twice:

(a) while testing the luminance at the place of production, and (b) when testing the luminance at the place of installation. As of April 1, 1995, the Accident Prevention Regulation VBG 125 of

the German Trade Assoc~%tions has made DIN 67510 an obligatory legal norm in Germany. ~ " The German standard has become the forerunner for other

European countries: they either have already adopted or are in the process of currently evaluating and adopting the German DIN 67510 as their standard for photoluminescent floor proximity escape route systems. Mexico also is almost ready to adopt their version of the German DIN 67510. To the best of our knowledge, the German standard DIN 67510

from 1994 in four parts is currently the most up-to-date standard that addresses photoluminescence. It contains latest state-of-the-art technology for this material like no other standard world-wide. The International Maritime Organization with the US Coast Guards

as an important member implemented IMO Resolution A.752(18) in November 1993, requiring Low Location Lighting on board passenger ships with more than 36 passengers. IMO clearly specifies the luminance and decay time of photoluminescence at the ~ of hlstallation, guaranteeing that the user gets a safety product installed. All photoluminescentproducts have to emit 2.0 milli candela per square meter (mcd/m2) luminance at the place of installation sixty minutes after the removal of the exciting light source. This minimunhr~equirement makes sure that only safety qualities get installed. 1~

These international standards and regulations require a continuous, uninterrupted marking of the entire escape route. In Section 5- 10.1.6, NFPA also requires a ~sible delineation of the path of travel which shall be g~Le.ll_fi__a~ continuous except as interrupted by doorways, hallways, corridors, or other such architectural features but only where specifically required by Chapters 8 through 30. Photoluminescent safety products are available in many different forms, such as signs, wall and floor paints, aluminum wall profiles, plastic or metal floor inserts, wall base, corner guards, feature- and guidance strips, pvc floor tiles, grating markers, stair treads, and many more glowing safety items. The report EVACUATING IN SMOKE by IGP AS, Trondheim,

Norway finds that: even in the most extreme of smoke density known to be encountered in evacuation from fires (not tested), optimum designs of ... photoluminescent marking will perform O etter than most and equal to the best of powered visual systems. ~" With regards to traditional [electrical] emergency lighting systems, the Norwegian study says:

Recently, it has been proven by statistics, studies of behavior and experiments that these systems do not suffice. Further, it has become documented that casualties in evacuation catastrophes to a large extent are linked to a lack of relevant emergency egress information.

Installed according to the building specific requirements, a , selection of photoluminescent safety products creates a continuous, uninterrupted marking of the entire escape route, whereas electrical lightingonly offers point lighting. Photoluminescent products can highlight uneven floor levels, stoats and ramps. The continuous photoluminescent yellow low-location lighting offers building occupants a lighted clue and continuous indicator that helps to safely locate and reach the exit, as found in the BRE Information

57

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

Paper that researched photoluminescent markings for escape routes: escape rou,t¢ marking ~ can s e r e the same

up__U...rlLo.t~ as ~ ~ advocated in BS [British Standard 5266 - i.e., in identifying exit doors, providing a readily identifiable path for safe movement and locating fire-fighting equipment. The use in emergency escape systems of photoluminescent material therefore warrants serious cor~vleration by designers, specifiers and the safety industry in general. J o At the place of installation, the luminance of photoluminescent

products can be measured with a pqrJable luminance meter. Technical information is enclosed. T M The fire marshals and other inspection officials who ensure that buildings comply with emergency evacuation codes use this luminance meter to ensure that installed material complies with the standard requirements.

The report PROPERTY LOSS RISES IN LARGE-LOSS FIRES in NFPAJoumal November/December 1994 showed under TABLE 5 that in 1993 direct property loss resulting from large fires increased even though many buildings were equipped with automatic smoke detection systems, sprinkler systems and otherpreventlve measures. Various contributing factors may causeparts of these measures to fail in an emergency, as reflected in Table 5. Therefore, utmost safety has to be the goal, requiring latest state-of-the-art technologies. Photoluminescent safety material has become technically justifiable, since measuring its luminance at the place of production and at the Place of installation a~ures product quality and guarantees escape- aiding performance, x '

Currently, NFPA 101, Section 5-10 allows serf-luminous EXIT signs as Marking of Means of Egress. The light output of serf-luminous signs is achieved by using a radioactive tritium gas. These signs will become radioactive waste after their lifetime has expired (I0 to 20 years depending on the supplier's specification). We read sales literature of various self-luminous sign suppliers but found no indication that their signs actually contain radioactive ingredients (phosphor & tritium gas). We are afraid end-users may not be aware of the fact that they have radioactive signs installed. In 10 or 20 years, they may simply dispose of such signs with their standard waste, not realizing the damage this causes to the environment we live in.

Photoluminescent safety products are non-radioactive and non- toxic. The glow-effect is achieved by using a completely safe zinc- sulfide pigment. In former times, the term "phosphorescent" was used to describe the glow-effect. Nowadays, this old term is not used anymore to avoid confusion among end-users and to sharply distinguish safe photoluminescent products from self-luminous, radioactive material. We are already in contact with ASTM, Philadelphia , pursuing

adoption of all four parts of the German DIN 67510 in order to create an expedited standard for photoluminescent floor proximity egress path marking in the United States. For further information, please contact ASTM, Mr.John Vowell, Phone (215) 2995496.

We believe photoluminescent EXIT signs and floor proximity path markings should be required by NFPA and propose to add their conformance to the Life Safety Code. Please add photoluminescent EXIT signs as Exception 1 to 5-10.1.4. and allow and mandate photoluminescent floor proximity path marking under 5-10.1.6. As members of NFPA's Industrial Fire Protection Section and Building Fire Safety Systems Section, we would like to actively participate in the incorporation of photoluminescent safety products into the Life Safety Code requirements.

~OURCES ARCHITECTURAL RECORD article byJ.S.R.: Systems Failed in

A~3tack; April 1993 DAILY BREEZE: Quake in Los Angeles, January 18, 1994 DISASTER RECOVERY JOURNAL article by Steve Gomes:

Windstorm Leaves Washington In The Dark; July/August/Septem- ber 1994

LOS ANGELES TIMES article by John Mitchel and Shawn I-[.abler: Apartment Fire Kills 9 in LA. 's Westlake Area

FAMILY SAFETY & HEALTH NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL magazine by Julia L. Lawson: Stop Home Fires Before They Begin; F~il 1994

NFPAJOURNAL article by Rita F. Fahy & Guylene Proulx: A Study of Human Behavior During the World Trade Center Evacua- tion; March/April 1995

Luminance Test Certificate for PERMALIGHT@ Two-Compo- nent-Photoluminescent Epoxy Paint, Flexible Vinyl, Rigid PVC Sheets, Floor Covering

o STAR LEDGERartide by Elizabeth Moore and Ted Sherman: A~rport had little backup to replace lost power;January 11, 1995

Activation and Emission Spectra of Longlasting P~t?toluminescent Pigments; Source: PERMALIGHT AG, Germany

"" An Introduction to Photoluminescent Escape Route Systems Extract from "Safety in the Built Environment" Edited by Jonathan Di~Sime First Published in 1988 by E & FN Spon Ltd.

a DIN 67510 in four parts, most recent issue from 1994

19 VBG 125, Accident Prevention Regulation of the German Trade A~{ociations

IMO Resolution A. 752"18) from Novem- beg 1993

~ IGP AS, Trondheim, Norway: EVACUATING IN SMOKE; 1993 BUILDING RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT, Wafford, England

BRE Information Paper by GMB. Webber and PJ. Hallman: P[a~otoluminescent Markings for Escape Routes;September 1989

17 "~y' Luminance Meter information orovided by LMT, San Diego NFPAJOURNAL report by MichaelJ. Sullivan: Property Loss

R~{gs in Large-Loss Fires; November/December 1994 - - u Letters from Fire Marshals Association of North America, International Association of Fire Chiefs, New England Association of Fire Marshals in favor of floor proximity egress path markings

NOTE: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Code currently permits photoluminescent floor proximity egress path marking, so one of the proposed exceptions is not needed. With regard to floor proximity exit signs, the submitter's documentation suggests that the illumination levels that would be provided are less than required by current Code. The submitter has not justified these reductions. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #157) MEA

101- 115 - (5-10.4.3 and A-5-10.4.3 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMrIq'EI~ John H. Klote, Building and Fire Research Lab, NIST RECOMMENDATION: Add a subsection 5-10.4.3 on elevators signs as follows:

5-10.4.3 Elevator Signs. Elevators that are a part of a means of egress shall have the following signs in every elevator Iobby~

(a)* signs that indicate that the elevator can be used for egress including any restrictions on use, and

(b)* signs that indicate the operational status of elevators. A-5-10.4.3(a) These signs are to be used in place of signs that

indicate that elevators should not be used during fires, and examples of these signs are:

(1) For elevator operation in accordance with 5-2.13.10(a): "In the event of fire, this elevator will be used by the fire department for evacuation of people with mobility limitations."

(2) For elevator operation in accordance with 5-2.13.10(b): "In the event of fire, use marked exit stairs or elevators."

A-5-10.4.3(b) The wording these messages should reflect considerations of human behavior in fires and the control specifics of the elevator system. This section addresses signs, but provisions for notification of the seeing impaired need to be considered. For information about human considerations with elevator evacuation see Groner and Levin's paper Human Factors Considerations in the Potential for Using Elevators in Building Emergency Evacuation Plans, Levin and Groner ' spaper Human Behavior Aspects of Staging Areas for Fire Safety in GSA Buildings, and Levin and Groner's paper Human Factors Considerations for The Potential Use of Elevators of Fire Evacuation of FAA Air Traffic Control Towers. Some examples messages on signs that could be displayed are: .

Elevator Status Message

Normal Use

Elevators recalled and waiting for fire service

Fire service arrived and evacuating people

Occupants using normal elevator operation for evacuation

Elevator out of service

Elevator in Service

Please Wait For Fire Department

Elevator Evacuation in Progress


Elevator Out of Service

SUBSTANTIATION: This material supports other suggested changes to Chapter 5 of NFPA 101 that allow .an elevator to be a component of a means of egress.

58

N F P A 101 1 F 9 6 R O P

COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add the text for a new subsect ion 5-10.4.3and cor responding

appendix i tems on elevators signs as r e c o m m e n d e d by the submitter, and add letter he igh t criteria so tha t the material will read (under- l ined text added by commit tee) :

5-10.4.3 Elevator Signs. Elevators tha t are a par t of a means of egress shall have the following signs, with m i n i m u m letter he igh t of 5 / 8 in. (1.0 cm). in every elevator lobby:.

(a)* signs tha t indicate tha t the elevator can be used for egress including any restrictions on use, and

(b)* signs that indicate the operational status of elevators. A-5-10.4.3(a) These signs are to be used in place of signs that

indicate that elevators shou ld no t be used dur ing fires, and examples of these signs are:

(1) For elevator operat ion in accordance with 5-2.13.10(a): "In the event of fire, dais elevator will be used by the fire depa r tmen t for evacuation of people with mobility limitations."

(2) For elevator operat ion in accordance with 5-2.13.10(b): "In the event of fire, use marked exit stairs or elevators."

A-5-10.4.3(b) The wording these messages should reflect considerations of h u m a n behavior in fires and the control specifics of the elevator system. This section addresses signs, bu t provisions for notification of the seeing impaired need to be considered. For informat ion about h u m a n considerat ions with elevator evacuation see Groner and Levin 's paper H u m a n Factors Considerat ions in the Potential for Using Elevators in Building Emergency Evacuation Plans, Levin and Groner ' s paper H u m a n Behavior Aspects of Staging Areas for Fire Safety in GSA Buildings, and Levin and Groner ' s paper H u m a n Factors "Considerations for The Potential Use of Elevators of Fire Evacuation of FAA Air Traffic Gontrol Towers. Some examples messages on signs tha t could be displayed are:

Elevator Status Message

Normal Use

Elevators recalled and waiting for fire service

Fire service arrived and evacuating people

Occupants us ing normal elevator operat ion for evacuation

Elevator out of service

Elevator in Service

Please Wait For Fire Depar tmen t



Elevator Out of Service

Section 5-10 for battery opera ted emergency exit signs. Wh en the testing and ma in tenance criteria were in Chapter 31, users were required to test the emergency exit signs because they were part of the emergency lighting system; but with the move of 31-1.3.7 to 5-9.3 the testing requ i rements no longer apply to exit signs. The proposed language refers the user to 5-9.3 for the ma in tenance and testing requ i rements for exit signs powered by batteries.

Also, 5-10.5.1 was written to require month lyvisua l inspect ion of the exit signs to de te rmine if any of the lamps have failed. The cont inued operat ion of the exit sign i l lumination source is important to occupant safety and the usability of the egress system. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #299) MEA

101- 117 - (5-11.5 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: GregoryJ. Cahanin, Exit Seminars RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 5-11.5 to read:

5-11.5 Doors serving hazardous areas with occupant loads greater than five and equ ipped with latching devices shall be permi t ted when equipped with panic or fire exit hardware. SUBSTANTIATION: This section addresses the m i n i m u m requi rements for h igh hazard areas. This section limits the travel distance, increases the egress capacity, and prohibits dead ends. It therefore would seem reasonable to provide the means to access th rough a doorway without a latching restriction for those who are escaping. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Add a new 5-11.5 to read: 5-11.5 Doors serving h igh hazard contents areas with occupant

loads of more than five and equipped with latching devices shall be permi t ted where equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware complying with 5-2.1.7. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action does what the submit ter reques ted and also adds wording to refer the user to 5- 2.1.7 which contains criteria for panic and fire exit hardware. This should mee t the submit ter ' s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action does all that the submit ter reques ted and also adds m i n i m u m sign letter he igh t criteria. This should mee t the submit ter ' s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: HODGENS: While I unde r s t and a n d appreciate the extensive

research being conduc ted to improve the safety of elevators dur ing fires, particularly as dais research relates to the egress of the mobility impaired, I mus t indicate my concern with approving elevators for use as a secondary means of egress. Based upon d o c u m e n t e d New York City and national fire experience, elevators have failed at an unacceptable rate. Until technological changes are d o c u m e n t e d and empirical tests substantiate the proposed change, 1 believe it would be dangerous and p remature to approve such use of elevators as a means of egress.

(Log #CP213) MEA

101- 116- (5-10.5 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Means of Egress, RECOMMENDATION: Create a new 5-10.5 to read as follows:

5-10.5 Testing and Maintenance. 5-10.5.1 Exit signs shall be visually inspected at m a x i m u m 30-day

intervals for operat ion of the i l lumination sources. 5-10.5.2 Exit signs connec ted to or provided with a battery

operated emergency i l lumination source, when required in 5-10.3.6, shall be tested and ma in ta ined in accordance with 5-9.3. SUBSTANTIATION: The p lacement of paragraph 31-1.3.7 into 5- 9.3 has created a need for testing and ma in tenance criteria in

(Log#151) FIR

101- 118- (6-2.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Peter P. Petresky, Pennsylvania Deparmaent of Heal th RECOMMENDATION: Retain existing text in 6-2.1 Construction; ADD:

Where the building or facility includes addit ions or connec ted structures of different construct ion types, tile rat ing an d classifica- t ion of the s tructure shall be based on (a) separate buildings i f a 2- hou r or greater vertically a l igned fire-rated wall exists between the port ions of the building, or, (b) the least fire resistive type of construct ion of the connected port ion(s) , if no such separation is provided. Openings which may occur within 2-hour fire walls separat ing buildings shall be protected in accordance with 6-2.3.3, 6- 2.3.5, and 6-2.3.6. SUBSTANTIATION: Section 1.6 of each occupancy chapter contains the m i n i m u m construct ion requi rements for the particular classification of occupancy. Over the life of the original bui lding addit ions may be built which have varied types of construction, making it difficult to de te rmine the overall type of construct ion of the structure. In the case of heal th care occupancies, Sections 12- 1.1.4.1 and 13-1.1.4.1 do not require a 2-hour fire barrier between new construct ion and a conforming existing building. The Code does no t explain how the.construct ion classification of the overall s t ructure is based after one or more unsepara ted addit ions of differing types of construct ion a n d / o r story he igh t are j o ined as one building. It is permissible by Code to add a 3-story Type II (III) Protected Noncombust ib le addit ion to an existing Type V (000) Unpro tec ted Wood Frame heal th care facility without a fire barrier? If this is permit ted, is the entire s tructure considered, in a worst case scenario, as a 3-story unpro tec ted wood f rame building?

As the authori ty having jurisdict ion responsible for the approval of construct ion documen t s and inspect ions involving heal th care facilities within my jurisdiction, I have exper ienced both

59

N F P A 101 m F 9 6 R O P

unsepara ted horizontal additions, and vertical addit ions (adding stories), of different construct ion types to existing fadlities. In some cases un t rea ted wood construct ion is in t roduced or discovered within an otherwise fire resistive or noncombus t ib le structure, contrary to Code, affecting the por t ion conta in ing wood construction, and possibly die entire unsepara ted complex due to a lack of fire wall (s).

The proposed text requires vertically al igned fire walls to define "buildings" of different construct ion types. The te rm fire wall is utilized purposely to el iminate die possibility of stacking one construction type over ano the r construct ion type, or port ion or ano the r type.

In suppor t of the proposed a m e n d m e n t reference NFPA 101 M, Alternative Approaches to Life Safety. Safety Parameter (Table $-4), 1. Construction. which contains similar language. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Revise 6-2.1 to read: 6-2.1 Construction. 6-2.1.1" (current 6-2.1") with the delet ion of the boldface

head ing "Construction". 6-2.1.2 Where the building or facility includes addit ions or

connec ted structures of different construct ion types, the construction classification of the s t rncmre shall be based on:

(a) separate buildings if a 2-hour or greater fire resistance rated barrier exists between the connec ted port ions of the building, or

(b) die least fire resistive type of construct ion of the connec ted portions, if no such separat ion isprovided.

Openings within the m i n i m u m 2-hour fire resistance rated barriers separat ing buildings in accordance with (a) shall be protected in accordance with 6-2.3.3, 6-2.3.5, and 6-2.3.6. C O M M I T r E E STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action reformats the r e c o m m e n d e d text for clarity;, changes wording editorially for consistency with o ther usage in the Code; and deletes the submit ter ' s reques t tha t the fire barriers be 'Seertically aligned." The commit tee see no reason to limit such separat ing construct ion to '~,,ertically aligned" barriers. This should mee t the submi t te r ' s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O v o T E : 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF, NEGATIVE: STONE: The concept of us ing a 2-hour fire separat ion or fire

barrier to separate types of construct ion is in direct conflict with bui lding code criteria which does no t permi t mixed construct ion types without a "fire wall" which creates a separate building. I believe the NFPA 101 criteria was developed to assist in addi t ions without having to upgrade existing facilities, with the under ly ing assumpt ion that the type of construct ion would remain consistent and no t be downgraded. A fire wall in accordance with NFPA 221 should be provided to permi t a change in construct ion type. The in tent is structural independence . COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE:

MESSERSMITH: Revise Section 6-2.1.2 (a) to read: "(a) separate buildings if a 2-hour or greater fire resistance rated barrier exists between the connec ted port ions of the bni4~rrg S ~ u c t u r e o r " .

Reason: f f t he 2-hour fire barrier creates "separate buildings", t hen both buildings considered as a whole mus t be some t h i ng o ther than a "building". Most bui lding codes refer to dais some th ing as a "stru cture .

(Log #CP310) FIR

101- 119 - (6-2.2.2,'6-2.4.2 and 32-1.1): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs the subject of this proposal to the Technical Commit- tee on Building Construction for correlation and comment for consideration by FIR at its ROC-preparation meeting, given that NFPA 221 will be referenced but its fimitation of percentage width of openings shall not apply. SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Fire Protection Features, RECOMMENDATION: Add the following two sentences to the end of the base paragraph of 6-2 .2 .2 (i.e., before the Exception): '~¢Valls used as fire barriers shall comply with Chapter 3 of NFPA 221, S tandard for Fire Walls and Fire Barrier Walls. T he NFPA 221 limitation on percentage width of openings shall no t apply."

Revise 6-2.4 .2 to read: ". . .movements, shall be enclosed with fire barriei-~ (-.~. zlcal) . . . . . '-, ~ ,,,,II ;,,- v ~ d d . . . . . . . . . Ll:~o walls. Such enclosures shall be cont inuous f rom floor to floor or floor to roof. Open ings shall be ..."

To 32.1.1 add the following: NFPA 221, S tandard for Fire Walls and Fire Barrier Walls, 1994

edition. (6-2.2.2) SUBSTANTIATION: The new NFPA 221 on fire walls and fire barrier walls is available for use and referencing. Al though the Code does no t require the use of fire walls (mainly a property protect ion feature), it does require fire barriers, or fire barrier walls, for life safety purposes. As such, it should reference the criteria of NFPA 221. Because the Life Safety Code permits 25 percent of the fire barrier wall area to be comprised of windows, the conflicting NFPA 221 limitation of 25 percent of wall length for openings is made not

v(~MMilicable for use with NFPA 101. T r E E ACTION: Accept.

NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 N O T RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notar ianni

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: KLEIN: I th ink our reference to NFPA 221, "Standard for Fire.

Walls and Fire Barrier Walls" is p remature singe our commit tee ' s use of the te rm "fire barrier" may no t be in t ended for application in same way as is in tended by NFPA 221. We pe rmi t a "fire tmrfier" unde r existing Section 6-2.3.2 to be a m i n i m u m of 20 minutes an d unde r proposed Log #192 to be a m i n i m u m of 30 minutes . If we reference Chapter 3 of NFPA 221, Chapter 3 (3-1) requires compliance with Chapter 4 of NFPA 221. Section 4-2 of NFPA 221 requires "Penetrat ion Seals" per ASTM E814, which would t h en be applicable to NFPA 101 "fire barrier" that is fire rated less than one hour . Also, Section 3-2 of NFPA 221 on "Terminat ion Points" may no t be what our commit tee is perceiving when des igning a 20 or 30 minu te "fire barrier" unde r NFPA 101. As long as we use u n d e r NFPA 101 the te rm "fire barrier" for assemblies unde r one h o u r fire rated, we better be very c l e a r o f our reference to ano the r NFPA s tandard that may no t have considered how we use this term. We may cause these c o m m o n 20-30 minu te "fire barriers" to be very costly to build and mainta in without any reasonable justification.

(Log #CPal 2) FIR

101- 120 - (6-2.3): Accept SUBMITrER: Technical Commi t tee on Fire Protection Features, RECOMMENDATION: Revise 6-2.3 to read:

6-2.3 Fire Barriers. 6-2.3.1 Fire Resistance Rated Assemblies. 6-2.3.1.1 (current 6-2.3.1) 6-2.3.1.2 (current 6-2.3.2) 6-2.3.2 Fire Protection Rated Ot)enin~ Protectives 6-2.3.2.1" Doors and window assembffes tested in accordance With

]~4FPA 251. Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Building Construct ion v and Materials. shall comPlY with 6-2.3.1. ' A-6-2.3.2.1 Some door ~md window assemblies have been tesl;ed to mee t the cond i t ions of accentance of NFPA 251. S tandard MethodS of Fire Tests o f Buildin~ Co[astruction and Materials. Where such assemblies are used. the orovisions of 6-2.3.1 should be annl ied . L instead of 6-2.3.2,

6-2.3.2.2 (current 6-2.3.3) and revise the second line to read: "... with appropriate fire protection rat ing ..."

6-2.3.2.3 (current 6-2.3.4) and revise the th i rd line to read: "... with appropriate fire nrotect ion rat ing ..."

6-2.3.2.4 (current 6-2.3.5) 6-2.3.2.5 (current 6-2.3.6.1")

SUBSTANTIATION: With the in t roduct ion o f fire window assemblies having 60 minu te fire protect ion ratings, confusion exists as to the use and applicat ion of 60 minu te open ing protectives and 1 hou r fire resistance rated assemblies. The proposed reformat t ing and use of the te rm "fire protection rating" should help to clarify the Code text. Proposed 6-2.3.2.1 is i n t e n d e d t o clarify the applicable requi rements for door and window assemblies that mee t the condit ions of acceptance as a "fi re resistance rated" assembly (via NFPA 251). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notar ianni

EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: STONE: In accordance with Standards Council policy, special

experts mus t refrain f rom voting on subjects for which they have been retained to represent the interests of a client.

60

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

(Log #47) FIR

101- 121 - (6-2.3, 6-3.1 (New)): Reject SUBMITrER: Russell G. Fuller, Jr, The Ritchie Organization RECOMMENDATION: Add the following to subsections 6-2.3 and 6-3.1:

"Provide stenciled identification for rated partition construction placed above the finished ceiling at 10 ft - 0 in. intervals or once on any partition less than 10 ft in length. The identification for fire barriers will be in accordance with 6-2.3.2. Smoke partitions will be designated "1 Hour Smoke". Stenciling characters to be of 4 in. min imum height and of any easily identifiable color." SUBSTANTIATION: To inform tradesmen, such as t e l ephone / communicat ion workers, that the partition is a fire or smoke partition and that new holes and penetrations must be properly sealed with the appropriate stopping material. This wU/also facilitate improvedmain tenance of the entire partition assembly and will allow for ease of tracing the partitions when the need arises.

This should also apply in existing buildings upon verification of partition rating anct routing. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The proposed requirement is not necessary as part of a minimum code. Such markings are not uoiBaranteed to deter new unauthorized penetrations.

ER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITrEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notarianni

(Log #CP306) FIR

101- 1 2 2 - (6-2.3.1): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features (FIR) reconsider the substantiation for the proposal in view of the explanation of negative vote received from Mr. McGee. The current substantiation states that the revision is editorial. SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features, RECOMMENDATION: Revise the first sentence of ~2.3.1 to read: "Floor-ceiling assemblies and walls used as fire barriers, including supporting construction, shall be of a design that has been tested to meet the conditions of acceptance of NFPA 251, ..." SUBSTANTIATION: The revision is editorial for clarity. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 22 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notarianni

EXPIakNATION OF NEGATIVE: MCGEE: The substantiation of change is inadequate. The term,

"including support ing construction" should be deleted. The insertion of the above words in the first sentence is inappropriate and adds noting to the requirement that the floor-ceiling assemblies and walls shall be of a design that has been tested to meet the requirements of NFPA 251.

KLEIN: I am changing myvote to a negative based on the negative comment of Mr. McGee.

(Log #140) FIR

101- 123 - (6-2.3.1 (New)): Reject SUBMITTEI~ J o h n G. Degenkolb, Carson City, NV RECOMMENDATION: Insert a new paragraph after the Exceptions to 6-2.3.1 to read:

"When the travel distance from an exterior door, fire barrier, horizontal exit or enclosed stairway door exceed 250 ft to another such facility, an additional fire barrier shall be provided to reduce that travel distance. That additional fire barrier may be either fixed in position or may be retractable. A retractable barrier shall be assured of the ability to remain free to close by compliance with the appropriate sections of UL 864, Control Units for Fire Protection Signaling Systems." SUBSTANTIATION: According to the Fire Journal, in 1993 there were 54 major loss fires, o f these, 14 were in sprinklered buildings. So the fire fighters had to proceed to fight the fire with hand lines. Because it is a fire in the interior of the building, it is quite likely that 1 3/4-in. hose would be used. Three lengths of hose charged with water weights 220.5 Ib; 4 lengths, weigh 294 lb, and 5 lengths, 367.5

61

lb. Four lengths would reach 230 ft when the 30 ft of nozzle reach is added. Fire fighters sho01d be able to advance far into thebui ld ing through a reasonably protected area and then have a limited distance of travel into the exact fire area with a charged hose. The building can be "wide open" and then be compar tmented into smaller fire areas by movable fire rated partitions which will close automatically at the time of fire. By use of UL 864 there can be assurance that the movable fire barrier will not be obstructed. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: A change being made to Chapter 1 will clarify that emergency response personnel who enter a building unde r f i r e emergencies are not in tended to be protected by the requirements of this Code. If additional fire barriers were to be required to subdivide a large open floor space, the in tended use of the structure might be adversely affected, e.g., aircraft manufactur- ing building or open plan automated warehouses. The submitter has not provided technical substantiation for the proposed requiremenL NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMrlWEE ACTION:


(Log #CP653) HEA

101- 124- (6-2.3.2): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features (FIR), which has primary responsibility for Chapter 6, offer information on the acceptability of Chapter 13 retaining its reference to existing 20 minute f'me resistance rated corridor walls given that Proposal 101-125 proposes to delete all references to 20 minute fire resistance rating. SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Healtil Care Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Further revise 6-2.3.2 from that being done by Proposal 101 - 125 (Log #192) to add an Exception to revise subpart (c) to read:

Exception to (c): Existing health care occupancy corridor walls in accordance with Chapter 13. SUBSTANTIATION: The action taken by the referenced proposal on 6-2.3.2 deletes reference to 20 minute fire resistance ratings. Current 13-3.6.2.1 recognizes existing 20 minute fire resistance rated corridor walls. Rather than changing that requirement to 30 minutes and risk throwing existing code-complying installations into noncompliance, it is preferable to add the Exception to Chapter 6. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 16 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #192) FIR

101- 125 - (6-2.3.2, 6-2.3.5 and various other paragraphs throughout document): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 6-2.3.2 to read as follows:

6-2.3.2 Fire barriers used to provide enclosure, subdivision or protection under this Code, shall be classified in accordance with their fire resistance rating as follows:

(a) 2-hour fire resistance rating (b) 1-hour fire resistance rating (c)* 1/2-hour fire resistance rating. Add a new appendix note to read: A-6-2.3.2(c) Walls in good condition with lath and plaster, or

gypsum board of at least 1/2-in., on each side can be considered as providing at least a 1/2-hour fire resistance rating.

Revise 6-2.3.5 by deleting parts (c), (d) and (e) and adding a new (c) to read:

(c) 1/2-hour fire barrier - 20-minute fire protection rating when tested in accordance with NFPA 252, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, without the hose stream test.

Change all references to 3/4-hour fire resistance rating and 20- minute (or 1/3-hour) fire resistance rating to 1/2-hour fire resistance rating throughout the Code. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal does three things.

First, the introduction of 6-2.3.2 has been changed to reflect the fact that these barriers are used for much more than just protection of vertical openings and subdivision of building spaces. It may be more desirable torewri te the intro to read "Fire barriers shall be classified...."

N F P A 101 1 F96 R O P

Second, it simplifies the Code with regard to those barriers with ratings less than 1-hour. The Code, uses 3/g-hour, 1/2-hour, and 20-minute almost arbitrarily throughout the document . Whenever dais has been discussed byvarious NFPA 101 technical committees, the main objective was to allow existing walls that are in good shape and that provide reasonable fire resistance to continue in use. Although these are sometimes found in the "new" chapters, it is generally there for conversions since these ratings are not-typical in modern construction. It has generally been accepted that a lath and plaster wall in good shape should no t have to be replaced where a one-hour barrier is required. Reviewing the archaic fire resistance directory there are numerous ratings for various lath and plaster walls. It is virtually impossible to verify the exact make up of most lath and plaster walls. However, 30-minute fire resistance appears to be a reasonable expectation for a lath and plaster wall in good condition. Therefore the proposal simplifies the Code, eliminates confusion and is slightly more accurate. It also helps people who have to enforce the Code on existing buildings significantly by reducing the fudge factor. Third, the fire door for the 1/2-hour fire protection rate~l assembly

has been coordinated with the requirements for a corridor wall (see 6-2.3.5 (b)). COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Part.

Revise 6-2.3.2 to read as follows: 6-2.3.2 Fire barriers used to provide enclosure, subdivision or

protection under this Code, shall be classified in accordance with their fire resistance rating as follows:

(a) 2-hour fire resistance rating (b) 14tour fire resistance rating (c) * 1/2-hour fire resistance rating. Add a new appendix note to read: A-6-2.3.2(c) Walls in good condition with lath and plaster, or

gypsum board of at least 1/2-in. thickness, on each side of the wall, can be considered as providing at least a 1/2-hour fire resistance rating.

Revise 6-2.3.5 by delet ing parts (c), (d) and (e) and adding a new (c) to read:

(c) 1/2-hour fire barrier - 20-minute fire protection rating. Exception to (c): Fire doors shall be permit ted to have a minimum

20 minute fire protection rating when tested in accordance with NFPA 252, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, without the hose stream test.

Do NOT. change all references to 3/4-hour fire resistance rating and 20-rmnute (or 1/3-hour) fire resistance rating to 1/2-hour fire resistance rating. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action revises subpart (c) and adds a corresponding exception because (c) needs to address all opening protectives such as windows, no t just doors.

The Technical Committees responsible for the other chapters, especially the occupancy chapters, will be shown the above changes. They can generate committee proposals to accomplish the submitter 's last recommendat ion, as appropriate. The submitter has not specified which paragraphs will require such changes for consistency. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BILLING: While I do not disagree with the intent of this proposal,

it needs to be correlated with the occupancy chapters of the Code. Ciaapter 23, equates parti t ioning finished on both sides with lath and plaster, or material providing a 15-minute thermal barrier, to a 20- minute rating, as does Appendix item A-13-3.6.2.1. By not changing the references to 3 /4-hour and 20-minute fire barriers throughout the code, a void is being created. Where 3 /4-hour and 20-minute fire barriers are currently used, there would be no requirement for protection of the opening, unless the occupancy chapter specifically indicated a localized requirement. If we cannot correct the Code, we should no t create conflicts and confusion by a piece meal approach.

(Log #450) FIR

101- 126 - (6-2.3.3(a) Exception No. 2 (New)): Reject Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC), although not taking issue with the committee action on this proposal, directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features (FIR) reconsider its committee statement for accuracy. Plant-ons are generally decorative and, thus, are different from armor plating. Such plates

62

can be added to a door only if that door has been tested successfully for such application.. SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: Add a second exception to 6-2.3.3(a) to read:

Exception No. 2: Armor plating extending 48 in. above the bottom of the door shall be permit ted as specified in Chapters 8 through 30. SUBSTANTIATION: Kick plates on corridor doors and cross corridor doors have been used in health care facilities for decades without ever having been a negative factor in a fire related death or major loss of property. As corridor doors, even into hazardous areas, of health care facilities have the primary function of resisting the passage of smoke, there is no reason to prohibi t the installation of armor plating on the lower half of the door. Exposing the lower half of corridor doors to cart and equipment traffic in a health care facility will jeopardize the doors integrity by damage caused by punctur ing the outer veneer and tearing up the door edges. It is unfortunate,, . that one self preclaimed AHJ. has de termined that 1 3 / 4 sohd bonded wood core doors are equwalent to a 20 minute rated assembly and therefore are prohibi ted from having armor plating above 16 in. from the bottom of the door. To make matters worse, they are also applying this requirement retroactively. C O M M I T r E E ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: Nonrated doors are permit ted to have plant-ons such as armor plating, f f the door is a fire door, a rmor plating is available as part of the door assembly purchased. Such plates should not be added to existing fire doors because they might affect the performance of the door. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DALY: The committee statement fails to take into account

changing conditions in the field. The use of non-combustible armor plating is likely to have little affect on fire performance of the door and is more likely to assist in maintaining the fire.integrity of the door given less likelihood for physical damage.

STONE: "Equivalent" construction does not in tend to verify the fire rating for a door. I agree the kickplate should not be an issue with doors that do not bear a label and are not required to meet NFPA 80 requirements.

(Log #307) FIR

101- 127- (6-2.3.3(c) (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: GregoryJ. Cahanin, Exit Seminars RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 6-2.3.3(e) as follows:

(c) Where required byanother Section of this Code, fire doors tested under positive pressure with the neutral plane 40 in. f rom the floor shall be utilized. Testing and door configuration shall comply in other regards with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows and NFPA 252, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies. SUBSTANTIATION: Where severe fires may expose occupants to delayed egress ifi large or tall buildings or to waiting out the fire in areas of refuge there should be provisions for the inclusion of stronger f i rebarr ier doors. Discussions and testing of doors under positive pressure conditions which might be expected in an extended fire bring validity to the consideration of another type of fire door for special applications. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. CO MMITrEE STATEMENT: Work on positive pressure door testing by the National Fire Protection Research Foundation has not been completed. Revised fire door testing procedures need to be written. Suggested wording is premature. Also, if the proposed wording were to be adopted, file burden would be unfairly placed on the occupancy chapters to specify what door testing is required. By waiting until the new test procedures are available, it is possible that the same tests can applied to all new fire doors. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VO TE O N COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: CAHANIN: I am voting negatively on the committee action for this

proposal. The committee statement does no t correctly reflect the issues or a reason for rejection. My justification for a negative vote a r e :

The National Research Foundation has completed positive pressure testing. The test data are the end result of this project. There will be no conclusions or interpretations as a part of this project.

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

There are new provisions in NFPA 252 which cover positive pressure testing. While NFPA 80 does no t address positive pressure testing, it does reference NFPA 252. The p roposed change would therefore be technically accurate and would allow for per formance changes in fire door application.

Occupancy chapters do not have to specify what fire door testing is required, they need only to reference the proposed 6-2.3.3(c) when a fire door having an ex tended per formance period is needed. A proposal to require the installation of fire doors tested u n d e r positive pressure in bui lding stairwells over 150 ft in he igh t was submi t ted for 30-8 with a reference to this change. The proposed h igh rise change would no t place an unfair bu rden on the committee in that the change isjnstified by the ex tended period of t ime occupantS of a h igh rise may spend in a stairwell.

The original proposal, is i n t ended to apply, only when occupancy chapters see a specific need for a door with ex tended protection. As the submitter, it is no t my intent to require all fire doors to be tested unde r positive pressure as the "same tests can be applied" sen tence of the commit tee s ta tement concludes. Positive pressure tested doors need only be required when there exists a potential for occupants to be exposed to the fire threat for an ex tended period of t ime due to stairwells which become waiting spaces or areas of refuge which mus t mainta in tenability.

(Log #75) FIR

101- 128 - (6-2.3.4, 6-2.3.5): Reject SUBMITTER: Donald W. Belles, Belles & Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise Sections 6-2.3.4 and 6-2.3.5 as follows:

6-2.3.4 Fire window assemblies shall be permi t ted in fire barriers having a required fire resistance of 1-hour, 3 /4-hour . 1/2-hour . or 20-minutes m-+e~ and shall be an approved type with appropriate rating for the location in which installed. Fire windows shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80, S tandard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, and shall comply with the following:

(a) Fire windows, including sidelights and t ransoms of fire door assemblies, shall be of a desigm t h a ( h a s been tested to mee t the condit ions of acceptance, includin~ fire endurance and hose s tream tests of NFPA 257, S tandard for Fir~ Tests of Window Assemblies.

(b) No change. 6-2.3.5 Every open ing in a f i re barrier shall be protected to limit

the spread of fire and restrict the m o v e m e n t of smoke from one side of the fire barrier to the other. The fire protect ion rating for doors vt,~,A,,g p, v ~ d , ~ ° shall be as follows:

(a) No change. (b) No change. Exception No. 1 to (b): No change. Exception No. 2 to (b): Where the fire barrier is provided as a

result of a r equ i rement that corridor walls or smoke barriers be of 1- hour or less fire resistance rated construction, doors zl.c ~ ,~ , ,k ,g t', vzccdceo shall have a fire protection rat ing of not less than 20 minutes when tested in accordance with NFPA 252, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, without hose s tream test.

Except ion No. 3 to (b.): N o c l a . a n g e . . . . . . . . ~,~( ~,,L ;~ v~" -~,~ ~ . . :~, - ,~ . . , ? , ~ -.,~ v . ~ . y . . . . ~.,,~

SUBSTANTIATION: Fire doors are evaluated in accordance with NFPA 252, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies. NFPA 252 requires fire doors be installed in a wall and exposed to fire. To achieve a fire protect ion rating, fire doors mus t resist both the fire exposure and the subsequen t impact, cooling and erosion effects of a hose stream. Doorways in a one (1) hour exit access corridor are usually protected by 20 minu te doors. Exception No. 2 to 6-2.3.5(b) exempts 20 minu te fire doors f rom the application of a hose stream. Because of the special requi rements for 20 minu te doors, uncertaint ies exist as to requi rements for fire rated glazing in one hour partitions. Is 20 minu te glazing allowed to protect openings in 1 hou r partitions? Is fire ra ted glazing in one hour partitions subject to the hose s t ream requirement? How should one regulate fire rated glazings in sidelights and t ransoms when they are tested as a part of a fire door assembly? The existing verbiage of 6- 2.3.4 and 6-2.3.5 leave these issues in doubt . T he requi rements for fire rated glazing in one hou r parti t ions are open to varying interpretation.

20 minu te doors (1 3 / 4 inch wood, solid core doors) have proven satisfactory t h rough fire experience. It appears reasonable to exempt such doors f rom the requi rements of a hose stream following fire testing. 1 3 / 4 inch wood doors would not normally be subject to failure as a result of thermal shock caused by failure of a water line or operat ion of a sprinkler. Fire rated glazing, on the other hand, may be subject to failure as a result o f thermal shock, ff a fire rated glazing is allowed to protect an open ing in a one hou r

63

corridor partition and the glazing is no t evaluated for resistance to thermal shock the glazing may vacate the open ing several minutes after a fire starts because a water line fails and sprays water onto the glazing. We believe this type per formance is unacceptable an d could cause the exit access routes to become un tenab le before building occupants have an oppor tuni ty to escape.

A n u m b e r of 20 minu te labeled (without hose stream) fire windows are being sold in the Uni ted States. Labeled 20 minu te (without hose stream) fire protect ion rated glazing is currently being used in 1 hour fire rated partitions. Because of quest ions about the per formance of glazing exposed to water dur ing a fire, a 20 minu te labeled (without hose stream) fire window was recently tested at a nationally recognized i n d e p e n d e n t laboratory. See the repor t I have provided entit led "Small Scale Fire Resistance Test ing of Glazing with Water Applications," Project No. 12890-97201, August 18, 1994, O m e g a Point Laboratories. The tests were des igned to de te rmine if the glazing would per form adequately du r ing s tandard fire endurance tests when the glazing was exposed periodically to a small water spray. In four of the tests the glazing failed prior to the first application of water spray- p lanned for two minutes , thirty seconds. In the remain ing two instances the glazing failed shortly after application of the first water spray. In all six cases the glazing failed prior to five minutes , evacuating the frame, leaving an approximately 900 square inch unpro tec ted opening.

In summary, fire rated glazings are generally more "fragile" than 20 minute doors and may be subject to failure as a result of thermal shock. Fire rated glazing should be evaluated for both fire an d the thermal effects of water dur ing fire tests. Adopt ion of this revision will clarify the requi rements for fire protection rated glazing in one (1) hou r partitions. The revisions to 6-2.3.4 and 6-2.3.4(a) make it clear that fire windows, be t h e y p a r t of a fire door assembly or simply a fire window, mus t be sub jec ted to both the fire endurance and hose s t ream tests of NFPA 257. Inse r t ing the terms 1-hour ~ in 6-2.3.5 eliminates the need for paragraphs 6-2.3.5(c), (d), an d (e). Finally Exception No. 2 to 6-2.3.5(b) is revised to clarify that tile hose s t ream exception only applies to doors. The terms "opening protectives" in 6-2.3.5 are being replaced with the more specific word "doors" as this section only appears to apply to doors. It shofild be noted that Section 6-2.3.3, 6-2.3.4 and 6-2.3.5 only make reference to NFPA 80, (Fire Doors and Windows), NFPA 252 (Doors) and NFPA 257 (Windows). f f t he in tent of the Commit tee is to deal with open ing protectives of all types ( including dampers) then reference to documen t s like NFPA 90 and UL 555 should be included.

Note: Suppor t ing material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters . COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The submit ter ' s rationale is riot convincing because it is based on tests where some spec imens failed prior to application of the hose stream. These proposed changes should no t be accepted because testing was based on an u n c o m m o n scenario where little water is appl ied to glazing; water application stops; and glazing is heated. The testing did not replicate a real world situation. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notarianni


experts mus t refrain f rom voting on subjects for which they have been reta ined to represent the interests of a clierit.

(Log #137) FIR

101- 129- (6-2.3.4(b)): Accept in Principle Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a pubfic comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features (FIR) reconsider its action in view of the weak substantiation provided by the submitter for this significant technical change. FIR is directed to consider the explanation of negative votes received from six of the committee members. Further, FIR is asked to provide justification for its choice of the 250°F criterion; and assure that there is a recognized fire test standard in place given that NFPA 257 addresses the subject in an advisory appendix. SUBMITrER: J o h n G. Degenkolb, Carson City, NV RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows:

6-2.3.4(b) Fire windows used in fire barriers shall no t exceed 25 percent of tile area of the fire barrier in which they are used. Such windows shall be l imited to a t emnera tu re rise on the u n ex o o sed surface of no t to exceed 250°F after 30 minutes of fire exn()sure.

N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P

SUBSTANTIATION: Until recen t years d le re was only wired glass available for installation in the fire barrier. T he fire barrier itself is l imited to a tempera ture rise of 250°F above the ambient . Now that glass is available which will have a low hea t transmission, it shou ld be used in place o f a material which has no limit on the tempera ture rise. COMMIT]tEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Revise text to read as follows: 6-2.3.4(b) Fire windows used in fire barriers shall no t exceed 25

percent of the area of the fire barrier in which they are used. I n n e w corlstg~ction such windows shall be l imited to a temt)erature rise on the unexoosed surface no t to exceed 250°F after 30"minutes of fire e $U e

~ T r E E STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action accomplishes what the submi t te r reques ted but does no t make the r equ i r emen t retroactively applicable to existing fire windows. This should mee t the submi t te r ' s intent, NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 17 NEGATIVE: 6 ABSTENTION: 1 N O T RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notar ianni

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BILLING: If it is the desire of the submi t te r to add tempera ture

rise as a condi t ion of acceptance for fire windows, the appropria te location would be in NFPA 257. Currently, NFPA 257 contains no requi rements for even recording the t empera tu re rise in Chapter 5, much less using t empera tu re rise as a condi t ion of acceptance.

BUDNICk~ There is inadequate evidence to indicate a concern exists. No substantiat ion or fire history is provided to indicate that the limit on tempera ture rise of 250°F for windows in fire barriers is critical. The 250°F tempera ture rise for the l imited areas allowed for windows, as opposed to an entire partition, could only be cridcal in certain a r rangements . In these cases, the a r r angemen t s could be controlled, instead o f the window characteristics.

DALY: I agree with the rationales out l ined in the negative votes of Messrs. Billing, McCormick, Budnick and Messersmith.

KLEIN: I am changing myvo t e to negative based on the negative comment s of the commit tee members .

MCCORMICK: The cur rent code language has been in effect for many cycles. No experience has been presented to demons t ra te the ineffectiveness of the cur ren t requirement . While I agree tha t the change will be more conservative and perhaps more effective, the need has no t been substantiated. I believe that this change is overly restrictive.

MESSERSMITH: This proposal will require that windows installed in fire barrier walls have a m a x i m u m tempera tu re rise on the unexposed surface at the end of the first 30 minu tes of the fire test of no more than 2500°F. I am no t opposed to limiting dae temperature rise on fire windows; however, windows are no t the only componen t s dmt are installed in fire barrier walls. While windows are l imited to no more than 25% of the area of the wall in which installed, fire doors can be installed within the wall without area limitations. In addition, there is no t empera tu re rise limitation in the code for fire doors installed in fire barrier wails, except for those in exit stair enclosures. Based on the foregoing, I am opposed to this proposal since fire doors are no t being subjected to die same tempera ture rise limitation. EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION:

STONE: In accordance with Standards Council policy, special experts mus t refrain f rom voting on subjects for which they have been retained to represent the interests of a client.

(Log #193) FIR

101- 130 - (6-2.3.5 and various o ther paragraphs within occupancy chapters): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 6-2.3.5 as follows:

6-2.3.5 Open ing Protectives. 6-2.3.5.1 (Use cur ren t 6-2.3.5 as otherwise modified) 6-2.3.5.2 Wherever a 20-minute fire protect ion rated door is

specified, an existing 1-3/4 inch (4.4 cm) solid bonded wood core door shall be permitted.

Delete references to 1-3/4 inch doors t h r o u g h o u t all occupancy chapters for existing buildings (do no t delete in occupancy chapters for new construct ion since tha t will no t be covered by this gener ic

~ rovision). ~ , . UBSTANTIATION: T he Code has permi t ted fllis tor years, nu t has

delegated it to an appendix note which m e a n s the occupancy chapter mus t specifically state it if it is to be permit ted. As stated in A-6-2.3.5, the Code recognizes this so lets pu t it in the Code and

64

delete the mul t i tude o f references to it in the occupancy chapters. It mus t be r e m e m b e r e d that the 20-minute door was originally derived f rom the 1-3/4 in. solid b o n d e d wood core door. C O M M I T r E E ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part.

Revise 6-2.3.5 as follows: 6-2.3.5 O p e n i n g Protectives. 6-2.3.5.1 (Use cur ren t 6-2.3.5 as otherwise modified) 6-2.3.5.2 Where a 20-minute fire protect ion ra ted door is requi red

in existing buildings, an existing 1-3/4 inch (4.4 cm) solid bonded wood core door with positive latch and door closer shall be permit ted.

Exception: As permi t ted in Chapters 8 t h rough 30. DO N O T make the r e c o m m e n d e d occupancy chapter changes.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action accomplishes most of what the submit ter requested. Wording has been added tha t the door mus t have a closer and latch to be considered the equivalent of a 20-minute fire protect ion ra ted door. A new exception allows for o ther sections of the Code to modify this further. For example, existing hea l th care occupancies recognize the 1 3 / 4 in. thick door but also exempt the closer if the door is used as a |)atient r oom/co r r i do r door. This should mee t mos t of the submit ter s intent.

The Technical Commit tees responsible for the occupancy chapters will b e shown the above changes. They can genera te commit tee proposals to accomplish the submit ter ' s last r ecommenda t ion , as appropriate. The submit ter has no t specified which paragraphs will require such changes for consistency. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: MCGEE: If the text of the s tandard is to be changed f rom a

prescriptive criteria to a pe r fo rmance criteria and acceptable product descriptions it should include all products. It is therefore r e c o m m e n d e d the revision be revised to read as follows:

"an existing 1-3/4 inch (4.4cm) solid bonded wood core door or an existing steel (tin) covered wood door or an existing solid core steel door with positive latch and door closer shall be permit ted."

(Log #209) FIR

101- 131 - (6-2.4.2 Exception No. 8 (New)): Reject SUBMITrER: Ken Fanlstich, Depa runen t of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Exception No. 8 as follows:

Exception No. 8: Mail chutes. SUBSTANTIATION: Mail chutes can be found in existing buildings and are still provided occasionallyin new construction. Providing vertical open ing pro tec t ion is usually impractical and generally no t provided. Usually it is no t addressed as a Code en fo rcemen t issue but on occasion AHJs require vertical enclosure. However, the potential for smoke and hea t spread is minimal since mail chutes are usually only 2 in. by 8 in. in cross section and have openings usually no larger than 1 /2 in. by 5 in. U.S. Postal Service requirements limit the size and provide o ther hazard protect ion such as prevent ing cigarette buts to en ter the chute. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. C O M M I T r E E STATEMENT: The submit ter has no t proposed any limitation on the size of the mail chute openings. There is no assurance tha t the potential for smoke and hea t spread is minimized. The proposal does no t address newversus existing chutes, nor any limitations on the location of the chute within the building. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE T O VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DALY: The proposal shou ld be approved as it would present little

hazard. KLEIN: I am changing myvo te to a negative based on Mr. Daly's

negative comment .

(Log #413) FIR

101- 132 - (6-2.4.5 (New) and exceptions to J0-3.1, 11-3.1, 12-3.1.1, 13-3.1.1, 14-3.1.1 and 15-3.1.1): Accept in Principle in Part

Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life (AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features (FIR) reconsider its action

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

for correlation with NFPA 13 and the actions by RES on proposals 101-364 and 101-404 by addressing the acceptability of exempting the draft sto~. and closely spaced sprinklers around convenience openings within a guest room or guest suite. SUBMITTER: James Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Insert a new 6-2.4.5 to read:

6-2.4.5 Gonvenience Openings . Where permi t ted by Chapters 8 t h rough 29, unenc losed vertical openings not concealed within the bui lding construct ion shall be pe rmi t t edas follows:

(a) Such openings shall connec t a m a x i m u m of two stories (pierce one floor only), and

(b) Such openings shall be separated f rom unpro tec ted vertical openings serving o ther floors by a barrier complying with 6-2.4.4, and

(c) Such openings shall be separa ted f rom corridors, and (d) Such openings shall no t serve as a required means of egress. R e n u m b e r existing 6-2.4.5 and subsequen t paragraphs. Add the following exception to the occupancy chapters that follow: Exception: Unpro tec ted vertical openings in accordance with 6-

2.4.5 shall be permit ted. 10-3.1 as exception no. 1 , delete excel~tion no. 3 and r e n u m b e r

cur ren t exceptions. 11-3.1 as exception no. 1 and r e n u m b e r cur ren t exceptions. 12-3.1.1 replace cur ren t exception no. 1. 13-3.1.1 replace cur ren t exception no. 1. 14-3.1.1 replace cur ren t except ion no. 1. 15-$.1.1 replace cur ren t exception no. 1.

SUBSTANTIATION: This is an a t tempt to coordinate several exceptions that occur t h r o u g h o u t the Code. Some of these currendy only allow stairs, bu t as poin ted out by the Technical Commit tee on Health Care Occupancies the main criteria is that the open ing no t be concealed. Whe the r a stair is in the open ing or not is irrelevant. With the exception of industrial and storage occupancies, only those occupancies that currently address such openings are in the list above. Industrial a n d storage have been added for two reasons. First they are commonly a mixed occupancy with business which allows such openings and secondly, there appeared no reason

• no t to include them. If an occupancy wants to fur ther restrict it, that is fine if it is occupancy justified, bu t the provisions here should serve as a good base. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part.

Insert a new 6-2.4.8 (and r e n u m b e r existing 6-2.4.8 th rough 6- 2.4.11 as necessary) to read:

6-2.4.8 Convenience Openings . Where permi t ted by Chapters 8 t h rough 29, unenc losed vertical openings no t concealed within the bui lding construct ion shall be pe rmi t t edas follows:

(a) Sucb openings shall connect a m a x i m u m of two adjacent stories (pierce one floor only), and

(b) Such openings shall be separated f rom unpro tec ted vertical openings serving o ther floors by a barrier complying with 6-2.4.4, and . (c) Such openings shall be separated f rom corridors, and

(d) Such openings shall no t serve as a required means of egress. DO NOT make the r e c o m m e n d e d occupancy chapter changes. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action accomplishes most of what the submit ter requested. Editorially, the commit tee has posit ioned the new text as 6-2.4.8 because it is more closely related to cur ren t 6-2.4.7. Also, in (a) the commit tee has clarified that the two floors mus t be adjacent. This should mee t most of the submit ter ' s intenL

The Technical Commit tees responsible for the occupancy chapters will be shown the above changes. They can genera te commit tee proposals to accomplish the submit ter ' s last r ecommenda t ion , as y Eriate

R OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: ENDTHOFF: Creation of the new Section 6-2.4.8 on convenience

openings appears to contradict 6-2.4.5, since there are no size or o ther limitations on these unpro tec ted openings between floors. This proposed criteria, as wellas existing 6-2.4.7 should be considered only in the context of exceptions to 6-2.4.5.

(Log #328) FIR

101- 133- (6-2.4.6): Accept in Principle in Part SUBMITTER: William N. Brooks, Brinjac, Kambic &Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise the language in 6-2.4.6 as follows:

6-2.4.6 Atriums. Where permi t ted by Chapters 8 t h rough 29, an a t r ium shall be permit ted, provided the following condit ions are met:

• • . T 0 • i J . • i • • r i

(a~ Designate exist in~ n ~ n h 6-2.4.6(~) as new ~') .4•6(aL (b) . , ~ , ~ A ; ~ . . . . v2A ,~dT~ , ,L ' , vo~ " .', v~,~ d,~ ~a ; . . . . :,, ~L~v,-

,~ , , ,~ . . ;d, ~-~.3.5• Access to exits is permi t ted to be wi th in the atr ium. Ex i t discharge in accordance with 5-7.2 is permi t ted to be wi th in the atr ium.

(c) The occupancy wi th in the space meets the specif ications fo r classification as low or o rd inary hazard contents. (See 4-2.2)

(d) The ent i re bu i ld ing is protected th roughou t by an approved, .upervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-

Exception to (d). Where the en~ineer in~ analysis reouired bv 6- 2.4.6¢e) de termines that life safety objectives carl be achieved l~ri0r

• • T ~ n . L - T I • ~ . L • . •

to SDrlnl~er ooerauo~h ,,,,,. i ,. ~,~ ,.,.,,,i,~ ,,~ ~,,. ,,~,,u,,, ,~ ,~v,,. Ch~

(e) An emtineer in~ analysis is ne r fo rmed which demons t ra tes that life safety dt~rin~ the-e~re~ ner iod will no t be comnromised . The e n ~ n e e r i n ~ analysis rn~ust ir~clude the followin~ elements:

1. Fire dvnamics, includin~ fire size and location, materials likelv to be burn inm fire o lume ~eometrv. fire n lume or smoke laver imoact on means~)f e~ress, and~tenabUity conclitions dur ing the per iod of occupaqt egress.

2. Response and oer formance of buildin~ systems, including passive barriers, automatic detecti01a and e~xfinguishing, an d smoke

3. Resnonse t ime reoui red for bui lding occupants to reach buildin6 exits, including any t ime reouired to eNit t h rough the a t r ium as nermit ted bv i~-2.4.6(bL "

(f) In new construction, if an engineered smoke control m~--ekat~ ca+ system is installed to mee t the requi rements of (e) above, the .,,.,.',,o~.',eM system is independent ly activated by ~,~h,, ,f d;£

manua l controls that are readilv accessible to the fire denar tmenL

2 . T L ~ X . , x . , t ~ : i , . d & L I ; . - . , t k ~ . ~ C ,,~,;i£,kl,..* 57oL,..,,x, ~ , , . I ~

SUBSTANTIAT ION: This proposal is in tended to clari fy the in tent o f the Li fe Safety Code with regard to at r ium spaces, and to move more towards a per formance basis fo r l i fe safety requirements.

Five condi t ions are set fo r th in o rder to create a new atr ium, or to cont inue an exist ing one in use. The hear t o f the proposal is the new language in (e). The intent of the proposed language is to clearly state the in tent of the Life Safety Code with respect to a t r ium spaces. Therefore, the phrase "life safety dur ing the egress per iod will no t be compromised" is moved f rom the Exception to the primary paragraph. The "engineer ing analysis" now conta ined in the Exception also moves to the primary paragraph. Th e concept is s imple - unless life safety can be demonst ra ted , an a t r ium cannot be included in new construction, or cannot be main ta ined in existing construction.

Specific e lements of the engineer ing analysis are suggested to be included in tbe Code language. They are split into three categories in order to better clarify their relationships, and to provide designers with a m i n i m u m basis to define an acceptable analysis.

It is impor tan t to note that the analysis may or may not require a smoke control system. Such a system would only be required if the life safety objectives could no t be me t without it. Similarly, early detect ion may be essential, requir ing detectors beyond those now men t ioned in 6-2.4.6 (0 1.

Such an analysis will provide flexibility for designers, while, at the same time, provide a m i n i m u m basis for the design. This will be helpful to code officials and authori t ies having jurisdiction.

Not every opinion expressed in the engineer ing analysis will have to be backed up by some sort of numerical analysis, fire model, or probability statistics, engineer ing is m u c h more than plugging n u m b e r s into fire models. Rather, it is ant icipated that, by stating e lements which mus t be incorporated into the analysis, a logical f ramework can be provided, f rom which assessments can be made more rationally. Such a m e t h o d will allow current state of the art knowledge to be used and will allow incorporat ion of new technology as it is developed.

65

N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P

Tbe analysis will not depend on the geometry of the space. Tberefore, it is proposed that 6-2.4.6(a) be eliminated. It is suggested that the existing 6-2.4.6(g) be moved into a more prominent place in the paragraph.

The committee needs to eliminate the reference to 55 ft sprinkler heights. Although it is difficult to abandon something which has been in the Code for several cycles, the need for sprinklers at the top of the atrium should not be based on the height of the space, but should be del~endent on the results, of the. engineering analysis. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept tn Principle in Part.

Revise 6-9.4.6 and A-6-2.4.6 to read as follows: 6-9.4.6* Atriums. Where permit ted by Chapters 8 through 29, an

atrium shall be permitted, provided the following conditions are met:

(,,)* N,, L,,, :z,,,,ad dimc,,~;,,;, bcz,;cc,~ ,,vv,,~;~ cdtsc~ ~f d~c 2 , ~ ,

L~- ~gg" In new construction, atriums are separated from the adjacent spaces by fire barriers with at least a 1-hour fire resistance rating with opening protectives for corridor walls. [See 6-2.3.5(b) Exception No. 2.]

Exception No. 1 to ~ . ~ Any three levels of the building shall be permit ted to open directly to the atrium without enclosure. [NOTE: This exception will undergo additional revision by the committee action on Proposal 101 - 135 (Log CP307).]

Exception No. 2 to .(_~.. ~q'*: Glass walls and inoperable windows shall be permit ted in lieu of the fire barriers where automatic sprinklers are spaced 6 ft (1.8 m) apart or less along both sides of the glass wall and inoperable windows, no t more than 1 ft (0.5 m) from the glass, and with the automatic sprinklers located so that the entire surface of the glass is wet upon operation of the sprinklers. The glass shall be tempered, wired, or laminated glass held in place by a gasket system that permits the glass framing system to deflect without breaking (loading) the glass before the sprinklers operate. Automatic sprinklers shall not be required on the atrium side of the glass wall and inoperable windows where there is no walkway or other floor area on the atrium side above the main floor level. Doors in such walls shall be glass or other material that will resist the passage of smoke. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing upon detection of smoke.

(b) TLc c~d~ ~ ~ s,.vo~ hZ,.ly c~acl6zcd f,-oa: d~c at, ~,~i~i ;h ,,cc,,i- d=,•cc ;;id, ~2.g.5. Access to exits is permit ted to be within the atrium. Exit discharge in accordance with 5-7.2 is permit ted to be within the atrium.

(c) Tlae occupancy within the space meets the specifications for classification as low or ordinary hazard contents. (See 4-2.Z)

(d) The entire building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7.

Exception to (d)*: Where the ceiling of the atrium is more than 55 ft 0 7 m) above the floor, the authority having jurisdiction shall be

ermitted to allow the omission of sprinklers at the top of the atrium. OTE: This exception will be deleted by the committee action on

Proposal 101 - 134 (Log CP305).] " (e)* An en~,ineerin~ analvsis is oerformed which demonstrates that

the buildina ~s deskmed to keeo the smoke laver interface above the highest uuorotecte¢l ooenin~ t() adioinin~ sn~.ces, or 6 ft (1.85 m] above the fii~hest floor levelof exitaccessoDen to the atrium for a time neriod euual to 1.5 times the calculatea earess time or 20 minutes, whicfiever is ~reater.

Exceotion to (e): Ex~stin~ nreviouslv anDroved atria.

a O l ~ t ~ U I % ~ O ~ l q l I ~ t l ~ V l l l ~ d U l £ # ~ u ~ [ & I o ~ l U W I ~ U - I ~ q l O #U~L I

a,c...~ ..f,;~, ¢~ . . . .d ~,,~+k~ cv.:.-ol ,X adjacc.•~ ~wcc~ ;~ c~asldc, ~d. E~c~t.~i.5 q z.5 (c) . . ' . . .5 , .g; . :cc , cd ~,~ .,fk~ c..;.a u: ~yoZc,.• sl;Ml ,'.~t b~

, . ~ . • ~ . : . , . : ~ . . . . . ~ . . . . . . , .p 2::yyo:o . . . . . . . - . . s - . ~ d,.t :Z,~

(0" In new construction, if,, ,,,~d,~u;,~l an entrineered ~moke control system is installed to meet the requirements of (e) above, the . . . . c l ,~ , I~I system is independently activated by each of the following'.

L The required automatic sprinkler system, and ~. Manual controls that are readily accessible to the fire depart-

m e n t A-6-9.4.6 Where atriums are used, there is an added degree of safety

to occupants because of d~e large volume of space into whicb smoke can be dissipated. However, there is a need to ensure that dangerous concentrations of smoke are promptly removed from the atrium, and the exhaust system needs careful design. [NOTE: This paragraph will undergo additional revision by the committee action on Proposal 101 - 608 (Log #85).]

i c ~ , , , ~ . : ~ o",/.r.~, ~,c 2~f~ (6A-m) i;-,c=.d . . . . . CL;[ ob,,, ,u,ly e.a.-.~t

A-6.2.4.6~g~ ~ Exception No. 2 The intent of the requirement for closely spaced sprinklers to wet the atrium glass wall is to ensure that the surface of the glass is wet upon operation of the sprinklers with a maximum spacing of sprinklers of 6 ft (1.8 m) on centers. Provided that it can be shown that the glass can be wet by the sprinklers using a given discharge rate and that the 6-ft (1.8-m) spacing is not exceeded, the intent of the requirement is met. A-6-2.4.6(d) Exception Automatic sprinklers have been successfully

tested at ceiling heights up to 50 ft (15 m). The authority having jurisdiction has permission to omit sprinklers at higher ceiling heights, since it has not been demonstrated that sprinklers directly over the fire will effectively respond to the fire in a timely manner. Sprinkler response should be evaluated prior to permitting the deletion of this element of building fire protection. Although height is an important factor in determining the response time of the sprinkler, other factors such as the size of the fire, its heat release rate, sprinkler characteristics, ventilation, and the total volume of the atrium should be considered.[NOTE: This paragraph will be deleted by the committee action on Proposal 101 - 134 (Log CP305).] A-6-2.4.6(e) gcc A-7-3.1. See NFPA 92B. Guide for Smoke

Management Systems in Malls. Atria. and Large Areas. The enmneer{ng analysis should include •he-following elements: 1. Fireclvnamics. includin~ fire size and location, materials likely tO

be burning, fire plume ~eor~etrv. fire plume or smoke laver imnact on means ~ f e~r~ss, and~tenabilitv conditions durin~ the ner iod of 9ccupant egress.

2. Resnonse and nerformance of buildin~ systems, includin~ nassive barriers" automatic'detection and extin~ruk~hin~, and smoke c-ohtr01.

3. Resnonse time reouired for buildin~ occuoants to reach buildin~ exits, in~:ludin~ anv time reouired to ex~ throt~gh the atrium as PA_ermitted by 67.2.4~6(b). "

6-2.4.6(f) Activation of the ventilation system by manual fire alarms, extinguishing systems, and detection systems can cause unwanted operation of the system, and it is suggested that consideration be given to zoning of the activation functions so the ventilation syS, tem opemteson.ly when actually n e e d e d . . . . . .

~h,,;.~d ,~, ~ , , . f2~d, , . ,~,.d,,,d .%, ,I,/,.,.,.'.'.o, ,,f o,,,c.kc, ,,,.,.,2~iL~l;;.y f~,

elc cccCo,~ =c cliff . . . . . g levels is , cc , , , . .¢ ,~dcd . COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes

much of what the submitter requested. Specific performance-based criteria were substituted in (e) with respect to the engineering analysis. The criteria specified are reasonable to accomplish and provide the needed level of safety. The new Exception to (e) is meant to keep existing atria, which formerly had to meet the 20 ft and 1000 sq ft criteria, from being unsafe. The Committee believes that activation of the sprinkler system should remain a condition under which the engineered smoke control system will be activated. The remainder of the changes made by the Committee are editorial for clarification. Thisshould meet much of the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE O N COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATfVE: 23 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notarianni

EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: KLEIN: I am notvo t ing against this proposal, but I highly recom-

mend that the new Section 6-2.4.6 (e) be substantiated in the Committee Statement with an example in the Committee Statement and a new appendix note to this section on how to do these calculations for a typical atrium.

(Log #CP305) FIR

101- 134- (6-2.4.6 Exception to (d) and A-6-2.4.6 Exception to (d)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features, RECOMMENDATION: Delete the Exception to subpart (d) o f 6- 2'.4.6; also delete its corresponding appendix item A-6-2.4.6 Exception to (d). SUBSTANTIATION: There is no technical basis to allow in all cases the omission of automatic sprinklers at the top of atria which are more than 55 ff above the floor. The present text provides no criteria for the authority having jurisdiction to use in approving such an omission. If an engineer ing analysis determines that the omission of antumatic sprinklers at the top of the atrium will not adversely affect the safety of occupants, a request for exemption can

66

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

be made to the authori ty having jur isdict ion in accordance with the equivalency concept of Section 1-5. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DALY: The commit tee s ta tement that there is "no technical

basis..." should be suppor ted by reference to a literature search since it is an all encompass ing s ta tement and overly broad.

(Log #CP307) FIR

101- 135 - (6-2.4.6 Exception No. 1 to (g)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Fire Protection Features, RECOMMENDATION: Replace existing Exception No 1 to (g) with the following:

Exception No. 1 to (g): Any thrt-e n u m b e r of levels of the bui lding shall be permi t ted to open direcdy to the a t r ium without enclosure based on the results of the en~ineerint~ analvsis reau i red in (el. SUBSTANTIATION: The Co~mmittee~Action on Proposal 10i - 133 (Log #328) will require new atria des ign to unde rgo an engineer ing analysis address ing smoke control for tha t particular atr ium. Such analyses are capable of de te rmin ing if any, and how many, floors can safely be left open to the atxium. T he proposed change uses performance-based criteria to assure that adequate safety is provided.. The necessary, modeling, and calculation, techniques exist to do th~s; they did not exmt when the a t r ium criteria were first written for this code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITrEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: CAHANIN: The change f rom a m a x i m u m n u m b e r of floors open

to an a t r ium is not justif ied ei ther technically or by fire experience. I know of no cataloging of fires which have occurred in a t r iums with only three openings and having a smoke control system based u p o n NFPA 101 requi rements or an engineer ing analysis.

Currently there is a limitation of combustibles in an a t r ium which will be classified as ei ther low or ordinary hazard. Control of the fuel loading on only three floors is readily achieved in part due to the availability of enclosed floors which can have a h igher fuel loading. With more than three or all floors open to the atr ium, the m a n a g e m e n t of the fuel loads present on the open floors becomes more difficult.

The engineer ing analysis is focused on fire growth and smoke spread and control does no t use a calculative or compute r m e t h o d which is part of an ANSI standard. Calculative me thods used can produce variable results depend ing u p o n the knowledge and abilities of the user. Exper ienced fire protect ion professionals us ing sound j u d g m e n t combined with extensive knowledge of fire growth can predict with some certainty what will h a p p e n in a des igned fire. Should the fire which occurs in an a t r ium space be larger than predicted in a calculated model due to actual fuel loading or configuration, the des igned smoke and fire control systems may not work.

T h r o u g h o u t the bui lding codes and NFPA 101 there are provisions which reduce fire barriers based u p o n the installation of automat ic sprinklers. The reduct ion in barrier protection is based, no t upon some calculated justification, bu t rather upon a fire experience record which demons t ra tes the success rate of fire sprinklers for both large and small buildings.

The a r g u m e n t for the inclusion of any n u m b e r of floor openings into an a t r ium where the smoke obscurat ion potential f rom a fire presents an inability for occupants to reach an exit warrants great ' consideration. Smoke control depends upon a complex mechanical smoke control system which mus t be properly maintained. In reduct ions of barriers due to sprinklers we only have to con tend with a sprinkler valve and fusible link whose dependabil i ty are well proven. In an a t r ium engineer ing analysis there is no factor for the systems dependabil i ty or the owners ma in tenance of the air m o v e m e n t componen t s of the smoke m a n a g e m e n t system.

Building owners now have the ability unde r 1-5 to ask code officials for more than three openings in an atr ium. An appeal for equivalency typically requires a more r igorous review of changes outside the s tandard provisions of the code. I believe a p r u d e n t code official would review the concerns I have expressed as a part of the equivalency process and g ran t addit ional openings where wan~nted .

67

Approval would include s t rong commi tmen t s on the smoke m a n a g e m e n t system design and ma in tenance requ i rements in combinat ion with the strict control of combustibles. MESSERSMITH: Currendy only three floors in a bui lding

conta in ing an a t r ium are allowed to open directly to the atr ium. This proposal will remove this limitation thus allowing all floors, regardless of the number , to be open to the atr ium. While our l imited exper ience with m o d e r n atria has been positive, it is too soon to remove this restriction which is of vital impor tance to life- safety.

(Log #84) FIR

101- 136 - (6-2.4.6(a)): Reject SUBMITTER: J o h n H. Klote, Building and Fire Research Lab, NIST RECOMMENDATION: Replace 6-2.4.6 (a) with:

(a)* The he igh t shall no t be less than 40 ft (12.2 m) , no horizontal d imens ion between opposite edges of the floor open ing shall be less than half the height, and the open ing is a m i n i m u m of 1000 sq ft (93 sq m). SUBSTANTIATION: This material has caused confusion to users of NFPA 92A. The d imens ions of the cur ren t 6-2.4.6 allow a space 20 ft wide and of any height to be considered an atrium. Because of the na ture of fire plumes, the smoke product ion equat ion s of NFPA 92B do not apply to spaces where the smallest width is more than haft the height. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: See Proposal 101 - 133 (Log #328) on 6-2.4.6. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notar ianni

(Log #97) FIR

101- 137 - (6-2.4.6(a)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Smoke M a n a g e m e n t Systems, RECOMMENDATION: Delete Section 6-2.4.6(a). SUBSTANTIATION: Technical advances in the protect ion of smoke m a n a g e m e n t of a t r iums have changed since the initial requi rements for a t r iums was incorporated into the Life Safety Code. Today there is no basis for the d imens ions specified. Cur ren t engineer ing me thods can be used to assist with de te rmin ing the effects of fire in an a t r ium of any dimension. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

See Commit tee Action on Proposal 101 - 133 (Log #328) on 6-2.4.6. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action on the re fe rencedproposa l should mee t submi t te r ' s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 N O T RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notar ianni

(Log #414) FIR

101- 138 - (6-2.5.3 Exception No. 3): Accept SUBMITTER: James Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise E x c e p t o n No. 3 to read:

Exception No. 3: A mezzanine having two or more means of egress need no t open into the room in which it is located f i a t least one of the means of egress provides direct access f rom the enclosed area to an exit at the mezzanine level. SUBSTANTIATION: The intent of this exception was to allow larger mezzanine areas than permit ted in Exception No. 2 to be enclosed as long as a fire on the lower level did no t e n d an g e r people egressing f rom the balcony. W h e n the exception was written at BCMC, the board was th inking of totally enclosed mezzanines. If a mezzanine is partially enclosed, bu t the enclosed area exceeds an occupan t load of 10, the cur ren t wording would allow an arrange- m e n t which requires the people to come out of the enclosed area to reach the exit, thereby be ing exposed to smoke, hea t an d fire f rom the area below. COMMrI'TEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AF'FIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 N O T RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notar ianni

NFPA 101 m F96 ROP

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: KLEIN: I think the existing text is adequately clear. I do no t see

the need for one of the means of egress to be directly accessed from the ¢ndosa/mezzanine area because the/ocat/on of t he exit is no t as important as the travel distance to the exit.

(Log #329) FIR

101- 139 - (6.3.4 and 6.3.5 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: William N. Brooks, Brinjac, Kambic & Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 6-3.4 and insert a new 6.3.5 as follows:

6-3.4 Doors 6-3.4.1" Doors in smoke barriers shall close the opening with only

a minimum clearance necessary for proper operation and shall be without undercuts, louvers, or grills.

6-3.4.2* Where are fire resistance rating for smoke barriers is specified elsewhere in the Code, door opening protectives shall have a fire Orotection rating of no t less than 20 minutes where tested in accor~xlce with NFPfi_ 252. Standard Methods of Fire Tests o f Door Assemblies. without the hose stream test.

Exception No. 1: f fa different fire protect ion rating for smoke barrier doors is specified by Chapters 8 through 29.

Exception No. 2: Latching hardware shall not be required on doors in smoke barriers where so indicated by Chapters 8 through 29.

6-3.4.3* Doors in smoke barriers shall be self-dosing or automatic- closing in accordance with 5-2.1.8 and shall comply with the provisions of 5-2.1.

6.3.5 Windows. Where a fire resistance rating for smoke barriers is snecified elsewhere in the Code. fire windows shall comnlv with 6.

Renumber following paragraphs. SUBSTANTIATION: A recent F.I. illustrated the confusion which the present language causes. By separating the two different types of openings (doors and windows), it is possible to clarify that a hose stream test is unnecessary for the doors, including any installed vision panels. If the committee wishes to eliminate the hose stream test for fire window assemblies, dais reordering of the Section will PCermit such a change to be made.

OMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposed change doesn ' t clarify current code text. The vision panel in a door does no t have to meet fire window requirements; rather, it is a lite and therefore considered as part of the door assembly. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notafianni

EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: STONE: In accordance with Standards Council policy, special -

experts must refrain from voting on subjects for which they have been retained to represent the interests of a Client.

(Log #CP304) FIR

101- 140 - (6-3.5.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features,

I RECOMMENDATION: Revise 6-3.5.1 to read: ". . .damper designed to resist the passage of smoke shall be provided ~¢e for each air- transfer opening.. ." SUBSTANTIATION: The change in words from "at" to "for" clarifies that the damper need no t be installed in the plane of the smoke barrier. NFPA 90A permits the required smoke damper to be installed up to 2 ft f rom a required smoke barrier. The current wording of 6.3.5.1 has been interpreted by some as prohibi t ing the use of the 2 ft allowance of NFPA 90A. This is the subject of Formal Interpretation 101-91-6. With the change printed in the 1997 edition of the Code, the formal interpretation can be retired. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TOyOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMrlWEE ACTION:


(Log #327) FIR

101- 141 - (6-3.6): Reject SUBMYIWER: William N. Brooks, Brinjac, Kambic & Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: a. Delete "Floors and" from 6.3.6.

b. Delete "floors and" from 6-3.6.1. c. Delete "floors or" from 6.3.6.2.

SUBSTANTIATION: Floors have no t been considered to be smoke barriers to this point. The use of the term "floors" in this context seems to indicate that either (1) all floors are to be considered smoke barriers, or (2) there is some need to distinguish an opening in a floor from an opening in a smoke barrier. Penetrations and miscellaneous openings in floors should be addressed in 6-2. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMrITEE STATEMENT: Paragraph 6-2.4.1 requires floors to be constructed as smoke barriers. NUMBER OF COMMITIT~ MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITIT.,E ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notariannl

(Log #113) FIR

101- 142- (6-4.1.1(a)): Reject SUBMITTER: Peter A. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veteraus Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Revise 6-4.1.1(a) as follows:

(a) Enclose the area with a fire barrier having a 1-hr fire resistance rating in accordance with Section 6-2, ,,i~,c,~,;. ;;;.,,2G~;o, or SUBSTANTIATION: There are numerous existing fire rated walls with 1 /4 in. wired glass windows installed in steel frames in accordance with NFPA 80 which do not qualify as be ingpro tec ted according to this paragraph. Why are windows acceptable to provide separation for stairs and not for hazardous areas? COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The submitter has not substantiated why code requirements should be relaxed to permit windows in the fire barriers serving as hazardous contents area enclosures. Also, the second sentence ofsuhmit ter ' s substantiation is incorrect. Para-

hB5El.3.1 (c) prohibl t s windows in exit stair enclosure walls. R OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLETO VOTE: 26

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 23 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Bender, Notarianni


experts must refrain from voting on subjects for which they have been retained to represent the interests of a client.

(Log #114) FIR

101- 143 - (64.1.3 Exception (New)): Reject SUBMITTEI~ Peter A. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veteraus Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add an Exception to 6-4.1.3 to read:

Exception: Where the hazardous area is protected by quick response sprinklers installed in accordance with Section 7-7 and connected to a fire alarm system installed in accordance with Section 7-6, the doors can be held open if they close upon the activation of the sprinkler system. SUBSTANTIATION: A space protected with quick response sprinklers will limit the amount of smoke generated when installed per Section 7-7 thus preventing a means of egress or other areas outside the hazardous area to become jeopardized. In addition, the doors would close when the signal f rom the sprinkler flow or pressure switch is activated. This wouldprovide a situation equivalent to that provided by meet ing the literal requirement of the code. It would encourage sprinklers to be installed which would actually reduce the effects of a fire below those which would occur if only a detector in accordance with 5-2.1.8(c) and no sprinkler protection was provided as is permit ted now. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMrlTEE STATEMENT: Not all fires start as flaming ignition. Smoke can pass through the open door prior to sprinkler activation. NUMBER OF COMMITFEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


68

N F P A 1 0 1 - - F 9 6 R O P

(Log #33) FIR

101- 144- (6-4.5 (New)): Reject Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life ,

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features (FIR) reconsider the committee action on this proposal in view of the explanation of negative vote received from Mr. IGein. The committee statement appears to be less than responsive to the submitter's recommendation and substantiation. Also, FIR is asked to correlate its action with that taken by HEA on proposal 101-258 (Log #34). SUBMITTER: Mayer D. Zimmerman, DHHS; HCFA RECOMMENDATION: Add a new subsection 6-4.5 on roof-top heliports, to read as follows:

6-4.5 Roof-top Heliports. New buildings which have a roof-top Heliport shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 418, Standard for Heliports. SUBSTANTIATION: Section 6-4.1 currently states that "protection from any area having a degree of hazard greater than that normal to the general occupancy of the building or structure shall be provided..." "...a fire barrier having a one-hour fire resistance rating..." or "an automatic extinguishing system in accordance with 7-7, or both..." A Roof-top, Helienpoort presents "a degree of hazard greater, than

normal to a health care occupancy; however, the provis on of an enclosure with a one-hour fire resistance rating a n d / o r a sprinkler system is inappropriate for the nature of this hazard; NFPA 418 contains requirements for fixed or portable AFFF suppression systems appropriate for a Roof-top Heliport. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The submitter 's recommendat ion leaves unanswered how helistops (versus heliports) should b e addressed. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 26 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: KLEIN: The Committee Statement for rejection was that

"helistops...should be addressed". The term "helistops" is not used in NFPA standards. The term "heliport" is used in NFPA 418, and is the proper term to use for an area where helicopters land on the roof of a building. Such a roof-top use should be addressed by NFPA 101 by reference to flais appropriate NFPA standard.

(Log #CP403) FUR

101-145 - (6-5.2 and 6-5.3): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents, RECOMMENDATION: Revise 6-5.2 and 6-5.3 to read as follows (NOTE: not all of the technical changes resulting from the committee actions on the other proposals are reflected in the following draft):

6-5.2* Use of Interior Finishes. 6-5.2.1 Requirements for interior wall and ceiling finish shall apply

as specified elsewhere in this Code for specific occupancies. (See Chapter 5 and Chapters 8 through 29.)

Exception: Light-transmitting plastics, in accordance with 6-5.3.6. 6-5.2.2* Requirements for interior floor finish shall apply only

where (a) there is a floor finish of unusual hazard; or (b) where floor finish requirements are specified elsewhere in this Code for specific occupancies. (See Chapters 8 through 29 for specific occupancy requirements.)

6-5.3 Use of Interior Wall or Ceiling Finish. 6-5.3.1 Interior wall or ceiling finish shall be classified based on test

results from NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. The wall or ceiling finish shall, by its own structural quality or the manner in which it is applied, be capable of supporting itself in position during classification testing. If the interior wall finish is not capable of supporting itseff in position during classification testing, it shall be tested in accordance with 6-5.4.4. If the interior ceiling finish is not capable of supporting itself in position during classification testing, it shall be tested in accordance with 6-5.3.2. The materials or products described in 6- 5.3.3 through 6-5.3.8 shall be tested as required in those paragraphs.

6-5.3.2 Interior finish products to be used as ceiling finish, if they cannot be tested according to NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, because of their own structural quality or the manner in which they are applied, byvirtue of being incapable of support ing themselves in position during classification testing, using a product mount ing system.

including adhesive, representative of actual use, shall be tested~in accordance with ISO 9705, Fire Tests - - Full-scale Room Test for Surface Products, as described in 6-5.4.6.

6-5.3.3 Textile materials shall not be used as interior wall or ceiling finish unless they comply with 65.3.4.

6-5.3.4 Materials required to comply with this paragraph shall meet one of following the conditions, wherein the provisions of 6-5.8 shall no t apply.

(a) Materials having a Class A rating (see 6-5.4) shall be permitted on the walls or ceilings of rooms or areas protected by an approved, automatic sprinkler system.

(b) Materials having a Class A rating (see 6-5.4) shall be permitted on partitions which are not more than 3 /4 of the floor-to-ceiling height nor more than 8 ft in height, whichever is less.

(c) Materials having a Class A rating (see 6-5.4) shall be permit ted on ceiling-height walls and ceiling-height partitions up to 4 ft above the finished floor.

(d) Previously approved, existing installations of materials having a Class A rating (see 6-5.4) shall be permit ted to be cont inued in use.

(e) Materials shall be permit ted on walls and partitions, without requiring classification in accordance with 6-5.4, where tested in accordance with NFPA 265, Standard Fire Test for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contt ibution of Textile Wall Coverings.

6-5.3.5 Expanded Vinyl Wall Coverings. 6-5.3.5.1" Expanded vinyl wall covering shall comply with the

requirements in 6-5.3.4. 6-5.3.5.2 Expanded vinyl wall coverings in existing installations

complying with the appropriate wall finish classification for the occupancy involved shall be classified in accordance with the provisions in 6-5.4.1.

6-5.3.6* Light-transmitting plastics shall be permit ted to be used as interior wall and ceiling finish, if approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

6-5.3.7 Cellular or foamed plastic materials shall not be used as interior wall and ceiling finish.

Exception No. 1: Cellular or foamed plastic materials shall be permit ted on the basis of fire tests that substantiate on a reasonable basis their combustibility characteristics for the use in tended under actual fire conditions.

Exception No. 2: Cellular or foamed plastic shall be permit ted for trim not in excess of 10 percent of the w, pll or ceiling area, provided it is not less than 20 lb /cu ft (320 k g / m -~) in density, is limited to 1 / 2 in (1.3 cm) in thickness and 4 in (10.2 cm) in width, and complies with the requirement of Class A or B interior wall and ceiling finish as described in 6-5.4; however, the smoke rating shall not be limited.

6-5.3.8 For requirements on decorations and furnishings no t meeting the definition of interior finish, see Section 6-6.

6-5.4 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish Testing. 6-5.4.1" Products required by 6-5.3 to be tested in accordance with

NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteris- tics of Building Materials, shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread a n d s m o k e development:

(a) Class A Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 0-25, smoke developed 0-450. Includes any material classified at 25 or less on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale. Any element thereof when so tested shall no t continue to propagate fire.

(b) Class B Interibr Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 26-75, smoke developed 0-450. Includes any material classified at more than 25 but not more than 75 on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale.

(c) Class C Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish. Flame spread 76-200, smoke developed 0-450. Includes any material classified at more than 75 but not more than 200 on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale.

Exception: Existing interior finishes complyingwith the above flame spread ratings only shall be permit ted to be cont inued in use.

6-5.4.2 Wherever the use of Class C interior wall and ceiling finish is required, Class A or B shall be permitted. Where Class B interior wall and ceiling finish is required, Class A shall be permitted.

6-5.4.3 The classification of interior finish specified in 6-5.4.1 shall be that of the basic material used by itself or in combination with other materials.

Exception: Exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements for Type IV(2HH) construction per NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction.

6-5.4.4* Products required by 6-5.3 to be tested in accordance with NFPA "265, Standard Fire Test for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, shall be tested using a product mounting system, including adhesive, representative of the actual use, and shall comply with either 6-5.4.4.1 or 6-5.4.4.2.

6-5.4.4.1 When using the me thod A test protocol: (a) flame shall not spread to the ceiling during the 40 kW

exposure, and

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N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P

(b) during the 150 kW exposure the following criteriashall be met:

(1) flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on the 8 f tx 12 ft wall, a n d

(2) the specimen shall not burn to the outer extremity of the 2 ft wide samples mounted vertically in the comer of the room, and

(3) burning droplets shall not be formed and dropped to the floor that are judged to be capable of igniting the sample or that persist in burning for 30 s or more, and

(4) flashover shall not occur, and (5) the maximum instantaneous net peak rate of heat release

shall not exceed 300 kW. 6-5.4.4.2 When using the method B test protocol: (a) flame shall not spread to the ceiling during the 40 kW

exposure, and (b) during the 150 I~W exposure the following criteria shall be

met: (1) flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the sample

on the 8 f tx 12 ft wall, and (2) flashover shall not occur.

6-5.4.5 Interior wall finish materials, which are tested in accordance with NFPA 265, Standard Fire Test for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, and comply with 6- 5.4.4 shall be permitted to be installed without requiring the wall finish to be classified in accordance with 6-5.4.1.

6-5.4.6 Products required by 6-5.3 to be tested in accordance with ISO 9705, Fire Tests - - Full-scale Room Test for Surface Products, shall be tested using the burner regime prescribed at the 40 kW and 160 kW levels, and withproduct covering the ceiling, using a mounting system, including adhesive, representative of actual use and shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) the flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the sample on the ceiling, and

(b) flashover shall not occur. 6-5.4.7 Interior ceiling finish materials, which are tested in

accordance with ISO 9705, Fire Tests - - Full-scale Room Test for Surface Products, and comply with 6-5.4.6 shall be permitted to be installed without requiring the wail'finish to be classified in accordance with 6-5.4.1.

(Renumber current 6-5.4 through 6-5.7 to become 6-5.5 through 6- 5.8.) A-6-5.2 Table A-6-5.2 gives a compilation of the interior finish

requirements of the occupancy chapters (Chapters 8 through 29) of this Code. A-6-5.2.2 This paragraph recognizes that traditional finish floors

and floor coverings such as wood flooring and resilient floor coverings have not proved to present an unusual hazard. A-6-5.3.5.1 Expanded vinyl wall covering consists of a woven textile

backing, an expanded vinyl base coat layer, and a non-expanded vinyl skin coat The expanded base coat layer is a homogeneous vinyl layer whidl contains a blowing agent During processingthe blowing agent decomposes which causes this layer to expand by forming closed cells. The total thickness of the wall covering is approximately 0.055 to 0.070 in. A-6.5.3.6 Light-transmitting plastics are used for a variety of

purposes, including light diffusers, exterior wall panels, skylights, canopies, glazing, and the like. Previous editions of the Code have not addressed the use of light-transmitting plastics. Light-transmitting plastics will not normally be used in applications representative of interior finishes. Accordingly, NFPA 255, Stffndard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, may produce test results that may or may not be applicable.

Light-transmitting plastics are regulated by the United States model building codes; see, for example, the Uniform Building Code, the Standard Building Code, and the National Building Code. The provisions of existing model building codes provide adequate regulation for most applications of light-transmitting plastics. Where an authority having jurisdiction determines that a use is contem-

~i lated that differs from uses regulated by model building codes, ght-transmitting plastics in such applications may be substantiated

by fire tests that demonstrate the combustibility characteristics of the light-transmitting plastics for the use intended under actual fire conditions. A-6-5.4.1 It has been shown that the method of mounting interior

finish materials may affect actual performance. Where materials are tested in intimate contact with a substrate to determine a classification~ such materials should be installed in intimate contact with a similar substrate. Such details are especially important for "thermally thin" materials. For further information, refer to NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.

Some interior wall and ceiling finish materials, such as fabrics not applied to a solid backing, may not lend themselves to a test made in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. In these cases, the

large-scale test outlined in NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films, may be used.

Prior to 1978, the test report described by NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, included an evaluation of the fuel contribution as well as the flame spread rating and the smoke development value. However, it is now recognized that the measurement on which the fuel contribution is based does not provide a valid measure. Therefore, although the data are recorded during the test, the information is no longer normally reported. Classification of interior wall and ceiling finish thus relies only on flame spread index and smoke development value. A-6-5.4.4 Previous editions of the Code have regulated textile

materials on walls and ceilings using NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Full scale room/comer fire test research has shown that flame spread indices produced by NFPA 255 may not reliably predict all aspects of the fire behavior of textile wall and ceiling coverings. Testing by NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluat-

ing Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, uses a reasonable sized ignition source to show that the material will not

~]~ read fire to involve objects remote from the area of origin, and at the textile product will not generate sufficient energy to cause

the room of origin to flashover. Acceptance of textile wall covering materials shouldbe contingent upon qualification tests in which a specific textile/adhesive pair has been evaluated.

The 450 smoke development value limit is based solely on obscuration. SUBSTANTIATION: The reformatting of 6-5.2 and 6-5.3 into subsections 6-5.2 through 6-5.4 is mainly editorial for organization and ease of use. Note that 6-5.3.1 (via reference to 6-5.4.4 and 6- 5.3.2) includes new requirements for testing wall finish materials in accordance with NFPA 265, and ceiling finish materials in accordance with ISO 9705, if the wall or ceiling material is not self- supporting or is not supported in a fashion representative of its intended use during NFPA 255 / ASTM E84 testing. This corrects a deficiency in the current requirements. COMMI'ITEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 17 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 17

(Log #415) FUR

101- 146- (6-5.2.3): Accept in Principle SUBMITTE~ James Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add the following to 6-5.2.3:

"The provisions of 6-5.7 shall not be permitted." SUBSTANTIATION: Everyone that I have discussed this with concurs that 6-5.2.3 was written to stand on its own. 6-5.2.3.1 is to cover the situation where sprinklers are installed. However, 6-5.7.1 clearly states that its use ispermitted unless specifically prohibited. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add the following to 6-5.2.3: "The provisions of 6-5.7 shall not apply."

COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action rewords the submitter~s proposed language for clarity. This should meet the submitter's intent NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 17 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 17

(Log #76) FUR

101-147 - (6-5.2.3.2 Exception (New)): Reject $UBMITTER: Tracey D. Bellamy, Aiken, SC RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 6-5.2.3.2 as follows:

Exception: Previously approved, existing installations do not require a Class A rating. SUBSTANTIATION: The installation of less than ceiling height prefabricated panel furniture systems, with a textile material covering all or part of their surface, were previously permitted to be installed without regard to their surface burning characteristics. This allowance for the installation of such panels was provided by Formal Interpretation 88-12, for those panels whose height did not so subdivide the space that separate rooms were formed. The installation of these panels was recol~.ized as furniture and as such were not regulated as an interior fimsh. The provisions of the 1994 Edition of NFPA 101 do not provide such an allowance, for either new or existing installations. This lack of an allowance for the continued use Of a previously approved installation is inconsistent

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N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

with the other allowances commonly found elsewhere within NFPA 101. Many existing installations of less than ceiling height prefabricated panel furniture systems with a textile material covering all or part of their surface, do not have an identified interior wall finish classification rating and would otherwise require replacement under the provisions of Section 6-5.2.3.2. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: Many of these existing partitions did not previously undergo any approval process; thus they were not "previously approved". Provision is made elsewhere for modifying the requirements applicable to existing installations (see 1-4.4 and A- 1-4.4). NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBF..RS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 17 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 17

(Log #CP401) FUR

101- 148- (6-5.2.3.5): Accept SUBMITTER= Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents, RECOMMENDATION: Revise 6-5.2.3.5 to read:

6-5.2.3.5 Textile materials shall be permit ted on walls and partitions, without reouirina classification in accordance with 6-5.3. where tested in accorclance:with NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings,. using, a product mounting.system, includin, g . adhesive, representauve of actual use, prowded the texule matenal complies with the criteria of 6-5.2.3.5.1 or 6-5.2,3.5.2. SUBSTANTIATION: In the absence of specific verbiage some authorities having jurisdiction have required textile wall coverings to be tested in both the NFPA 265 " room/corne r test" and NFPA 255 "tunnel test". Textile wall coverings, which are qualified for use in accordance

with 6-5.2.3.5, are tested in full scale room/co rne r fire procedure NFPA 265. NFPA 265 is required because NFPA 255 sometimes fai!s to properly assess the hazard of textile wall coverings. Since NFPA 265 provides an evaluation of a product 's flammability behavior, it is not necessary to test and classify a product using NFPA 255. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. , NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 17 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 16 ABSTENTION: 1

EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: BELLES: I abstained on this proposal because I serve as a special

expert but have a client interest in this revision.

(Log #455) FUR

101- 149- (6-5.2.5, A-6-5.2.5 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: James Lathrop, GenCorp RECOMMENDATION: Insert a new 6-5.2.5 to read as follows and renumber subsequent paragraphs as necessary:.

6-5.2.5* Expanded Vinyl WallCoverings. Expanded vinyl wall covering shall comply with require.ments for textile wall and ceiling materials and its use shall be in accordance with 6-5.2.3.

Exception: Existing installations complying with the appropriate wall or ceiling finish classification for the occupancy involved.

Add an appendix note A-6-5.2.5 as follows: A-6-5.2.5 Expanded vinyl wall covering consists of a woven textile

backing, an expanded vinyl base coat layer, and a non-expanded vinyl skin coat. The expanded base coat layer is a homogeneous vinyl layer which contains a blowing agent. During processing the blowing agent decomposes which causes this layer to expand by forming closed cells. The total thickness of the wall covering is approximately 0.055 to 0.070 in. SUBSTANTIATION: Expanded vinyl wall coverings currently create a di lemma as to what requirements to follow with regard to interior wall and ceiling finish. Some authorities say they are prohibited by 6-5.2.4. As addressed in our proposal to A-6-5.2.4, this is inappropriate. Therefore it must be tested in accordance with NFPA 255 or NFPA 265. Vinyl wall covering has been used for many years, and there has at times been controversy over its performance in fires. Since a textile backing is usually involved it appears that 6-5.2.3 would be more appropriate.. In addition, 6-5.2.3 provides a more rigorous and a more definitive test for this type of material. Since there is no definitive data on this it would be inappropriate to apply this to existing interior finishes.

COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Insert a new 6-5.2.4 to read as follows and renumber subsequent

paragraphs as necessary 6-5.2.4 Expanded Vinyl Wall Coverings. Expanded vinyl wall

covering shall comply with requirements for textile wall and ceiling materials and its use shall be in accordance with 6-5.2.3.

Exception: Existing installations complying with the appropriate wall or ceiling finish classification for the occupancy involved. Add an appendix note A-6-5.2.4 as follows: A-6-5.2.4 Expanded vinyl wall covering consists of a woven textile

backing, an expanded vinyl base coat layer, and a non-expanded vinyl skin coat. The expanded base coat layer is a homogeneous vinyl layer which contains a blowing agent. During process ingthe blowing agent decomposes which causes this layer to expandby forming closed cells. The total thickness of the wall covering is

roximately 0.055 to 0.070 in. T r E E STATEMENT: The Committee Action adopts .the

submitter 's language but renumbers it to become 6-5.2.4 for better placement and clarity. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 17 VOTE ON COMMITI'EE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 17

(Log #CP4O2) FUR

101- 150- (6-5.2.5 and A-6-5.2.5): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents, RECOMMENDATION: Insert a new 6-5.2.6 (and renumber existing paragraphs as necessary) to read:

6-5.2.6 Interior wall finish materials which are tested in accordance with, and comply with, 6-5.2.3.5 shall be permit ted to be installed without requiring the wall finish to be classified in accordance with 6-5.3. Such wall finish shall be tested using a pffroduct mount ing system representative of actual use, with adhesive

appropriate. Add an associated appendix paragraph to read: A-6-5.2.6 Although NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for

Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Wall Coverings, was developed for assessing the performance of textile wall coverings, the method can be, and has been, used to evaluate other types of wall finish. As long as awall finish is tested using a mount ing system, substrate, and adhesive (if appropriate) representative of actual use, NFPA 265 provides an evaluation of a product 's flammability behavior. Manufacturers, installers and specifiers should be encouraged to use NFPA 265 because it has the ability to characterize actual product behavior. This is in contrast to NFPA 255 data which only allows comparisons of one product 's performance with another, f fa manufacturer or installer chooses to test a wall finish in accordance with NFPA 265, additional testing in accordance with NFPA 255 is not necessary. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 265 is suitable for evaluating wall coverings other than textiles. The use of NFPA 265 should be encouraged as it provides information on product flammability behavior. When a product is tested in accordance with NFPA 265, there is no reason to require additional testing in accordance with NFPA 255. COMMrI ' rEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 17 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 16 ABSTENTION: 1

EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: BELLES: I abstained on this proposal because I serve as a special

expert but have a client interest in this revision

(Log #162) BSF

101- 151 - (Chapter 7): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Ross K. Burnside, Z223 Advisory Panel on Equipment Installation RECOMMENDATION: On behalf of the Z223 Equipment Installation Advisory Panel, I r ecommend that the NFPA 101 Life Safety code add coverage to reference the Z223.1/NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code for installation of gas utilization equipment and to also exempt unren ted gas room heaters installed in compliance with the National Fuel Gas Code.

Please refer to excerpt from the March 1995 Meeting Minutes of the Z223 Equipment Installation Advisory Panel.

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N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P

SUBSTANTIATION: This recommendation is made to resolve the current conflict between NFPA 101 and Z223.1/NFPA 54 regarding the installation of unvented gas heaters in certain occupancies (i.e. Day Care Centers, Health Care Genters, Hotels and Dormitories, Apartments, Lodging and Rooming Houses and Schools).

NOTE: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITI'EEACTION: Accept in Principle. See Proposal 101 -235 (Log#CP507) on 10-5.2.2 et al., Proposal

101 - 382 (LOg #CP508) on 17-5.2.2 et al. and Proposal 101 - 465 (Log #CP509) on 22-2.5.2.3 et al. COMMI[TI'EE STATEMENT: The three proposals referenced above were drafted by the Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment in response to this proposal requesting that gas space heaters installed in compliance with NFPA 54; National Fuel Gas Code, be exempted from the numerous prohibitions scattered throughout the Life Safety Code that are worded slmilar to the following: "Unrented fuel-fired heating equipment shall be prohibited." Chapter 7 mandatorily references the use of NFPA 54 which

permits gas space heaters to be installed in accordance with the provisions of that document in all but "institutions such as homes for the aged, sanitariums, convalescent homes, orphanages, etc." Yet, anthorities having jurisdiction are interpreting the Life Safety Code occupancy chapter prohibitions on unrented fuel-fired heaters to mean that gas fired space heaters in compliance with NFPA 54 are prohibited. The exceptions proposed by the three referenced proposals will

permit the affected occupancy chapter committees to clarify their intent on the subject of gas fired space heaters in compliance with NFPA 54.

This action should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #40) BSF

101- 152- (7-1.3 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Mayer D. Zimmerman, US DHHS; HCFA

Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life (AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Health Care Occupancies (HEA) be given the opportunity to consider similar wording to that proposed by the submitter, if atp.~propriate,, but for inclusion in Chapter 13 as . addressed by the committee statement prepared by BSF on this O oO,al

MMENDATION: Add a new subsection 7-1.3 to read as follows:

7-1.3 Essential electrical systems installed in health care occupancies shall be in accordance with NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. SUBSTANTIATION: Compliance with NFPA 99 is required bya chain of references from NFPA 101, section(s) 12-5 and 15-15 to NFPA 101, Chapter 7, to NFPA 70, ArticleS17 to NFPA 99. A more direct requirement in Chapter 7would clarify the intent of

NFPA 101 that health care occupancies complywith the applicable requirements of NFPA 99. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The subject is already covered for new health care occupancies by 12-5.1.3. If the Technical Commit- tee on Health Care Occupancies wants the same requirement to apply retroactively to existing health care occupancies, it can add similar wording to Chapter 13. Also, Chapter 7should not be changed to have a requirement that is so very specific to one occupancy only. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #41) BSF

101- 153- (7-1.4 (New)): Reject Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Health Care Occupancies (HEA) be given the opportunity to consider similar wording to that proposed by the submitter, if appropriate, but for inclusion in Chapters 12 and 13 as addressed by the committee statement prepared by BSF on this proposal.

SUBMI'I~[XR: Mayer D. Zimmerman, US DHHS; HCFA RECOMMENDATION: Add a new subsection 7-1.4 to read as follows:

7-1.4 Medicalgas and vacuum systems installed in health care occupancies shall be in accordance with NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. SUBSTANTIATION: Gompliance with NFPA 99 is required by a chain of references from NFPA 101, section(s) 12-5 and 15-15 to NFPA 101, Chapter 7, to NFPA 70, Article 517 to NFPA 99. A more direct requirement in Chapter 7 would clarify the intent of

NFPA 101 that health care occupancies comply with the applicable requirements of NFPA 99. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: Chapter 7 should not be changed to have a requirement that is so very specific to one occupancy only. If the Technical Committee on Health Care Occupancies wants the requirement to apply to health care occupancies, it can add a requirement to Chapters 12 and 13. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TOVOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMrI~EE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #150) BSF

101- 154 - (7-2.5 (New)): Accept in Principle Note: Tl~e Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requestinl~ that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment (BSF) reconsider its action in relation to its committee scope. It appears that the specification of operating temperatures under normal (nonemergency) use might be outside the scope. S U B - - R : Edward A. Donoghue, National Elevator Industry, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new subsection 7-2.5 to read:

7-2.5 Elevator Machine Rooms. Elevator machine rooms, which contain solid-state equipment, shall be provided with independent ventilation or air conditioning systems to maintain the temperature required to ensure safe operation. The operating temperature shall be established by the elevator equipment manufacturer's specifications. When standbypower is connected to the elevator, the machine room ventilation or air conditioning shall be connected to standby power. SUBSTANTIATION: Continued operation of solid-state elevator equipment is contingent on maintaining the ambient temperature in the range specified by the elevator manufacturer. If the machine room ventilation/air conditioning is connected to the general building system, and that system is shut down during a fire, the fire deparmaent may lose the use of elevators due to excessive heat in the elevator machine room. COMMITI'EEACTION: Acceptin Principle.

Insert a new 7-4.7 (and move current 7-4.7 to become 7-4.9) to read:

7-4.7 Elevator Machine Rooms. Elevator machine rooms which contain solid-state equipment for elevators having a travel distance of more than 50 ft above the level of exit discharge or more that 30 ft below the level of exit discharge shall be provided with independent ventilation or air conditioning systems to maintain the temperature required to ensure safe elevator operation. The operating temperature shall be established by the elevator equipment manufacturer's specifications. When standby power is connected to the elevator, the machine room ventilation or air conditioning shall be connected to standby power.

Exception'. Existin. g elevators . Add appendix text as follows: A-7-4.7 Continued operation of solid-state elevator equipment is

contingent on maintaining the ambient temperature in the range specified bythe elevator manufacturer. If the machine room ventilation/air conditioning is connected to the general building system, and that system is shut down during a fire, the fire department might lose the use of elevators due to excessive heat in the elevator machine room. COMMIT'FEE STATEMENT: The submitter's proposed language fits better in Section 7-4 which specifically addresses elevators. The additional "height" criteria contained in the committee action text will make the requirement applicable in buildings with numerous floors for which the loss of elevators would make rescue via stairs too difficult. The appendix text explains the intent of the requirement. This should meet the submitter s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 14

72

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

(Log #CP503) BSF

101- 155 - (7-4.1 and A-7-4.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment, RECOMMENDATION: Delete 7-4.1 and A-7-4.1 and renumber the 7-4's as necessary. SUBSTANTIATION: The Committee Action on Proposal 101 -90 (Log #155) establishes a new 5-2.13 which recognizes elevators as a component in a required means of egress. Subsection 5-5.4 currently recognizes elevators for use within an accessible means of

eSS. Current 7-4.1 and A-7-4.1 are not needed. MMITFEE ACTION: Accept.


AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #330) BSF

101- 156 - (7-4.8, 7-6.1.7, %7.5): Reject SUBMITTER: William N. Brooks, Brinjac, Kambic & Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: Move paragraphs 7-4.8, 7-6.1.7 and 7.-7.5 to Chapter 31. SUBSTANTIATION: Testing and maintenance requirements are approl?riately placed in Chapter 31. Chapter 7 requirements should be limited to installation of Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Chapter 31 is being deleted after the current verbiage is moved to Chapters I through 30. NUMBER OF COMMrVrEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #331) BSF

101- 157- (%5.2): Reject SUBMITTER: William N. Brooks, Brinjac, Kambic & Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: In 7-5.2 delete the words "and maintained". Add appropriate paragraph to Chapter 31. SUBSTANTIATION: Chapter 7 should be limited to installation requirements. Testing and maintenance are more appropriately addressed in Chapter 31. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: Chapter 31 is being deleted after the current verbiage is moved to Chapters i through 30. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #CP505) BSF

101- 158- (%6.1.7): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment, RECOMMENDATION: To the end of 7-6.1.7 add: "Where a required fire alarm system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified."

Add to the end of appendix A-7-6.1.7 the following: "When the fire alarm system is out of service the authority having jurisdiction should consider notification of building occupants and the establishment of an approved fire watch until the system is re turned to service. Also see NFPA 601, Standard on Guard Services in Fire Loss Prevention. Add the necessary reference to NFPA 601 in Appendix B-I.1.

SUBSTANTIATION: It is important that the authority having jurisdiction be notified when the fire alarm system is out of service so that appropriate action can be taken. The appendix note provides further guidance and references NFPA 601. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #296) BSF

101- 159- (7-6.2.3): Accept in Principle Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requestin~g that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Building Serwee and Fire Protection Equipment (BSF) reconsider its action for terminology, intent and correlation with other changes made such as that in proposal 101-180. BSF is also asked to reconsider its action in view of the correspondence drafted by the Technical Committee on Residential Occupancies (RES) advising that the change proposed by this section would require a mintmum of one m~nual pull station but seem to permit more than one pull station to be required. The proposed wording does not allow the occupancy chapters to exempt themselves from the requirement for one manual pull station. The proposed wording for Chapter 7 might permit manual pull stations to be omitted based on the presence of water flow indicators or detectors when it might be the occupancy chapters ' intent to require manual pull stations. SUBMtTTER: GregoryJ. Cahanin, Exit Seminars RECOMMENDATION: Add a new sentence to 7-6.2.3 to read:

"In fully sprinklered buildings, containing a fire alarm system, a manual fire alarm station shall be provided at the building's main enlxy/exit." SUBSTANTIATION: Currently there is a conflict between the NFPA 72 and 101 on the requirement for manual fire alarm stations. NFPA 101 permits some fully sprinklered facilities to omit the manual activation of the required fire alarm systems. This revision will provide consistency between the two codes. The addition of one manual fire alarm station under NFPA 101 will not constitute an excessive requirement. It would also provide a means to alert occupants prior to the operation of the sprinkler system. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accep t in Principle. -

Insert a new 7-6.2.5 (and renumber subsequent paragraphs as necessary) to read:

7-6.2.5 For fire alarm systems utilizing fire detectors or waterflow detection devices, at least one fire alarm station shall be provided to initiate a fire alarm signal. This fire alarm station shall be located where required by the authority having jurisdiction. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes what the submitter requested but does so via wordin~ consistent with NFPA 72 paragraph 3-8.1.2 so as to apply to automatic fire detection initiation as well as automatic sprinkler water flow initiation of the required fire alarm system. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 13 NEGATIVE: 1

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: LAKE: The language of the proposed %6.2.5 excludes other

extinguishing systems as referenced in Section %6.2.1 by limiting these provisions to only those systems utilizing fire detectors or waterflow detection devices. Furthermore, there is no indication as to whether this alarm station is manual or automatic. It should be noted that a waterflow detection device on a sprinkler system is not a fire alarm system, so the proposed wording of this section should be improved.

(Log #297) BSF

101- 160- (%6.2.3): Accept SUBMITTER: GregoryJ. Cahanin, Exit Seminars RECOMMENDATION: Revise %6.2.3 to read:

"%6.2.3 A manual fire alarm station shall be provided in the natural ~ path ~ near each..." SUBSTANTIATION: The current language is not consistent with changes in 1994 edition of Code. "Path of escape" is def ined for that t ravelport ion from within a dwelling unit. Changing the verbiage to "exit access" clarifies that it includes all areas from within the facility to an exit. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log#44)

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N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

BSF 101- 161 - (%6.2.4): Accept in Part

Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life (AAC) directs that a pubfic comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment (BSF) reconsider the wording of the committee statement to include recognition that the deletion of 7-6.2,4 will not have the effect of deregulating the spacing of manual pull stations because the mandatory reference to NFPA 72 will retjuire compliance with any spacing requirements contained in that aocument. SUBM]TTER: Martin H. Reiss, RolfJensen & Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: In 7-6.2.4 delete existing wording and replace it with the following:

7-6.2.4 A manual fire alarm station shall be located in each area of refuge. SUBSTANTIATION: A manual fire alarm station should be required in each area of refuge for occupants not evacuating. There is no need for additional fire alarm stations within a travel distance of 200 ft if the occupant is evacuating and travels to an exit. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. Delete 7-6.2.4.

i

COMMITrEE STATEMENT: A manual pull station is not needed in an area of refuge because such areas either have a communication system or are sprinkler protected. Additionally there will be manual pull stations at the exit doors from that floor. The deletion of 7-6.2.4 addresses the 200 ft distance requirement. This should meet most of the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: JARDIN: The deletion of 7-6.2.4 will create, depending on the

circumstance a longer time period before alarm initiation occurs. This delay in alarm (compared to the current provision) is not , contemplated in the proponent 's substantiation or the committee statement. Hence, there is insufficient technical justification to warrant this change.

KIRBY: NFPA 101 7-6.2.4 is consistent with 1993 NFPA 72 5- 9.1.2(b) in requiring a maximum travel distance of 200 feet. The further someone has to travel to initiate a manual alarm the higher the risk that the responding fire services will be misdirected to the location of the fire. The additional distance can potentially extend the time to initiate the alarm.

system. Remote annunciation shall be permitted. (retain exceptions) SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed changes are for clarification, consistency and coordination with the various terms used within this paragraph and text in the residential occupancy chapters. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. - - NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #20) BSF

101- 164 - (%6.3.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Martin H. Reiss, Roff]ensen & Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 7-6.3.2 text by adding the words "and visible" after the word "audible". SUBSTANTIATION: Notification of occupants also includes visible signals in following paragraphs that are referenced. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise the base paragraph of 7-6.3.2 to read: 7-6.3.2* Notification shall be provided by audible and visible,

signals in accordance with 7-6.3.3 through 7-6.3.10. (Current exceptions remain.) COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The wording used in the Committee Action further clarifies meaning. This should meet submitter's intent. NUMBER OF (~OMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMrrTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #86) BSF

101-165 - (7-6.3.2 Exception No. 3): Accept SUBMITTER: Martin H. Reiss, RoffJensen &Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: In Exception No. 3 to %6.3.2 add the words "andvisible" after the word "audible". SUBSTANTIATION: The signal at the location should be both audible and visible forproper identification. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

I

(Log #161) , BSF

101- 162 - (7-6.2.5): Accept SUBMITrER: Martin H. Reiss, RolfJensen &Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATIONe In 7-6.2.5 change the words "visible, and of the same general type" to "and visible". SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal would delete the requirement for manual stations being o f the same general type. Some projects, such as psychiatric hospitals, need key operated stations in patient areas and conventional statious elsewhere. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #CP504) BSF

101- 163 - (7-6.2.9): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical-Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment, RECOMMENDATION: To 7-6.2.9 add the phrase "suite of rooms, or similar area," in threeplaces so as to read:

%6.2.9* Where required by another section of this Code, single station smoke detectors shall be installed in accordance with the household fire warning equipment requirements of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Smoke detectors shall receive their operating power from the building electrical system. In new construction, where two or more smoke detectors are required within a living unit, suite of rooms, or similar area, they shall be arranged so that the activation of anydetector causes the operation of an ~larm that shall be clearly audible throughout the living unit, suite of rooms, or similar area, over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. The detectors shall sound an alarm only within an individual living unit, suite of rooms, or similar area and shall not actuate the bu_ilding protective signaling and conlrol

74

(Log #115) BSF

101- 166 - (7-6.3.2 Exception No. 3): Accept in Principle SUBMITrER: Peter A. Larrimer, Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Reword Exception No. 3 to 7-6.3.2 as follows:

Exception No. 3": Elevator lobbyand associated ,~ac,~.iac ,,~-,a, smoke detectors and heat detectors used for elevator recall and power shutdown shall not be required to sound the building evacuation alarm ff the power supply and installation wiring to these detectors are monitoredby the building fire alarm system, and the activation of these detectors results in an audible alarm signal at a constandy attended location. SUBSTANTIATION: The only reason these heat detectors are installed are to shut down the power prior to sprinkler water discharge in accordance with NFPA 72. Since they are not there for early warning, sounding the building alarm should not be required. The sprinklers will activate the alarm system. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Reword Exception No. 3 to %6.3.2 as follows: Exception No. 3*: Elevator lobby, ~ and associated machine

room smoke detectors used ~ for elevator r e c a l l ~ detectors used solely for elevator nower shutdown shall not be required to sound the building evacuation alarm if the power supply and installation wiring to these detectors are monitored 'by the building fire alarm system, and the activation of these detectors resu[~ in an'andible alarmsignal at a constantly attended location. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The rewording done in the Commit- tee Action was necessary because the heat detectors are for power shutdown oialy, not for elevator recall. The Committee Action should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMn'TEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITrEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log#87)

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

BSF 101- 167 - (%6.3.2 Exception No. 3, Exception No. 4, Exception No. 5, and Exception No. 6): Accept SUBMITFER: Martin H. Reiss, RolfJensen & Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: In Exception No. 3, Exception No. 4, Exception No. 5, and Exception No. 6 to 7-6.3.2, change the word "sound" to the word "activate". SUBSTANTIATION: The alarm signals can be both audible and visible. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #116) BSF

101- 168 - (7-6.3.2 Exception No. 4): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Peter A. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Reword Exception No. 4 to 7-6.3.2 as follows:

Exception No. 4*: ~ ~ used ~Le_]g for closing dampers or heat ing/vent i la t ing/air condit ioning system shutdown shall not be required to sound the building alarm. SUBSTANTIATION: Installations have spot type detectors used for slmtting dampers which should fall under this exception provided they are not installed for early warning. (See NFPA 101 6-3.5.2). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Reword Exception No. 4 to 7-6.3.2 as follows: Exception No. 4*: ~ Smoke del;¢ctors used ~ for closing

dampers or heat ing/vent i la t ing/air condit ioning system shutdown shall not be required to ac t i~ te ~ the building evacuation alarm. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The rewording done in the Commit- tee Action was necessary for consistency. The Committee Action should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #CP501) BSF

101- 169 - (7-6.3.2 Exception No. 5 and Exception No. 6): Accept SUBMITTER: Teclmical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment, RECOMMENDATION: In Exception No. 5 and Exception No. 6 insert the word "evacuation" to read: "... building evacuation alarm

SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed change is for consistency in wording with other changes being made to portions of Section 7-6. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #117) BSF

101- 170 - (7-6.3.3): Reject SUBMITTEPe Peter A. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Reword 7-6.3.3 as follows:

7-6.3.3* Where a standard evacuation signal is required by another section of this Code, the evacuation signalshall be the standard fire alarm evacuation signal and operate in the Public Ooeratin~r Mode as described in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. L SUBSTANTIATION: The definition of Public Operat ing Mode from NFPA 72 is "Audible or visible signaling to occupants or inhabitants of the area protected by the fire alarm systems." This is the standard operating mode for a building which would be evacuated upon alarm activation. Chap te r7 references NFPA 72 in many locations and then redefines what is already defined in the National Fire Alarm Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter 's r ecommended wording "public operating mode" is not needed because 7-6.3.4 sends the user to NFPA 7fl where the 6-3 requirements for audible characteristics are detailed. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #118) BSF

101- 171 - (7-6.3.5 Exception No. 2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Peter A. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Reword Exception No. 2 to %6.3.5 as follows:

Exception No. 2: Where occupants are incapable of evacuating themselves because of age, physical/mental disabilities, or physical restraint, the nrivate ooeratin~ mode as identified in NFPA 72 may be used. Only the atte'ndants'~tnd other personnel required to " evacuate occupants from a zone, area, floor, or building shall be required to be notified. This notification shall include means to readily identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation. SUBSTANTIATION: The definition of private operating mode f rom NFPA 72 is as follows: "Audible or visible signals used for alerting the general public or specific individuals responsible for implementat ion and direction of emergency action." This is actually what this paragraph is saying and will clarify that visual indicating devices are not mandated. Visual indicating devices do not provide a means to identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation. In fact, in health care, they may be less than helpful when they are activated and place ocdupants in a state of confusion, not to ment ion the problem with strobes eliciting epileptic seizures. Nursing staff responsible for taking emergency action, wearing pagers at all times which identify where to respond, would meet the intent of the p a r a ~ p h . COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Reword Exception No. 2 to 7-6.3.5 as follows: Exception No. 2: Where occupants are incapable of evacuating

themselves because of age, physical/mental disabilities, or physical restraint, the private operating mode as described in NFPA 72 sball be permitted to be used. Only the attendants and other personnel required to evacuate occupants from a zone, area, floor, or building shall be required to be notified. This notification shall include means to readily identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes what the submitter requested bu t editorially uses the phrase "shall be permitted to be" to avoid permissive language. This should meet the submitter 's intenL NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #119) BSF

101- 172 - (7-6.3.5 Exception No. 2): Reject SUBMITTERa Peter A. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Delete Exception No. 2 to 7-6.3.5 and rewrite it as paragraph %6.3.6, modified as follows. Renumber the other paragraphs as necessary.

7-6.3.6 Where occupants are incapable of evacuating themselves because of age, physical/mental disabilities, or physical restraint, the nrivate operatin~ mode as identified in NFPA 7~ shall be nermitted i:o be used. Only the attendants and other personnel required to evacuate occupants from a zone, area, floor, or building shall be required to be notified. This notification shall include means to readily identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation. SUBSTANTIATION: The paragraph is addressing health care facilities, f f a general evacuation signal is provided in a health care facility (nursing home) , the staff does not know where to respond because the alarm system will only generate an evacuation signal.

It is imperative that these facilities provide information to the staff as to the zone, area, floor, or building so that they can carry out the fire plan required in health care occupancies. The staff is the single most important part of a fire response for dais type of occupancy. Permitting a general evacuation alarm to be installed effectively reduces the response of staff below what should be considered a minimum by dais code. The definition of private operating mode from NFPA 79 is as follows: "Audible or visible signals used for alerting the general public or specific individuals responsible for implementat ion and direction of emergency action.' This is actually what this paragraph is saying and will clarify that visual indicating devices are not mandated. Visual indicating devices do no t provide

75

N F P A 101 m F 9 6 R O P

a means to identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation. In fact, in health care, they may be less than helpful when they are activated aod place occupants in a state of confusion, not to ment ion the problem with strobes eliciting epileptic seizures. Nursing staff responsible for taking emergency action, wearing pagers at all times which identify where to respond, would meet the intent o f the paraKraph. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The subject is more appropriately covered as an exception to 7-6.3.5. Also see Committee Action on Proposal 101 - 171 (Log#118) which makes the submitter 's r ecommended change to Exception No. 2 to 7-6.3.5. NUMBER OF COMMITIT_,E MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: KLEIN: The submitter argues that, for certain occupancies such as

health care, it is critical that the staff be provided a means to readily identify the specific zone, area, floor, o rbu i ld ing in need of evacuation. This is necessary so that the staff can rapidly respond to that location and carry out the facility fire safety plan. A general evacuation alarm signal does not provide the necessary information. By presenting the text as an exception ra ther than. as a separate. paragraph, the code does no t mandate that speof ic zone information be provided to the staff. That is, if a fire alarm system meets the requirement of 7-6.3.5 that "the general evacuation alarm signal shall operate throughout the entire building" then the exception does not have to be considered, and the alarm system is not required to identify the zone, area, floor, or building in need of evacuation. Making Exception No. 2 to 7-6.3.5 a separate paragraph would require that the necessary information be provided by the fire alarm system to help ensure p rompt staff response for evacuation of those who require assistance.

(Log #264) BSF

101- 173 - (%6.3.5 Exception No. 2): Reject SUBMITTER: EugeneA. Gable, U.S. Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add wording to the end of the last sentence of Exception No. 2 to 7-6.3.5, so as to read:

"... in need of evacuation accordinff to smoke comoar tment separation and the fire safety Plan. v SUBSTANTIATION: Additional language is needed to clarify that if only a zone is to be evacuated, than the alarm signal must differentiate by zone. I have had situations where a floor is separated into three zones, the fire plan to evacuate only one zone, and the fire alarm system is zoned only by floor. COMMITYEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITYEE STATEMENT: The exception as it is currently worded can be applied to more occupancies than just health care. Some of those occupancies to which the exception could be applied do not require smoke compartmentat ion or fire safety plans. Such wording might apply better within the health care occupancy chapters. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE AC'13ON:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #120) BSF

101- 174- (7-6.3.6): Reject SUBMITFER: PeterA. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Delete paragraph 7-6.3.6. SUBSTANTIATION: The audibility of appliances is covered in NFPA 72 Chapter 6 for both private and public mode. This is referenced in 7-6.1.4. COMMITFEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The redundancy in this case is desirable. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #11) BSF

101- 175 - (7-6.3.9 Exception No. 1): Accept Note: This proposal appeared as comment 101-205 which was held

for fur ther study f rom the Fail 93 TC.,D. SUBMrVI'ER: Larry Miller, NEMA RECOMMENDATION: In current 7-6.3.9,Exception No. 1, add "s" to "communication" and change " m a y to shall be permitted to". SUBSTANTIATION: Edi tor ia iand style manual. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITIalIE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log#121) BSF

101-176 - (7-6.4 Exception No. 2, Exception No. 3 and Exception NO. 4 (New)): Reject SUBMI'I'I3IgPa Peter A. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add the following three exceptions after the current exception to 7-6.4:

Exception No. 2: Elevator lobby and associated smoke detectors and heat detectors used for elevator recall and power shutdown shall no t be required to alert the emergency forces if the power supply and installation wiring to these detectors are moni tored by the building fire alarm system, and the activation of these detectors results in an audible alarm signal at a constandy a t tended location.

Exception No. 3: Detectors used solely for closing dampers or heating~ventilating~air condit ioning system shutdown shall no t be required to alert the emergency forces.

Exception No. 4: Detectors at doors for the exclusive operation of automatic door release shall not be required to alert the emergency forces. SUBSTANTIATION: By the exceptions under 7-6.3.2, the occupants are no t required to be notified t_herefore there is no actual alarm. These devices are not installed in any building for early warning. In addition, if the people in the building do no t have to move, why would you want to bring the emergency forces.

I would consider these signals as supervisory signals and not alarm signals and would consider the response required for supervisory signais, more appropriate. Interconnect ion with the fire depar tment to b n n g the emergency for~:es should not be manda ted simply because a detector may have been installed for another purpose, such as releasing service. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Committee believes that the emergency forces should be notified so they can then take appropriate actions. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #12) BSF

101- 177- (7-6.5): Accept in Part Note: This proposal appeared as comment 101-207 which was held

for fur ther study from the Fail 03 TGD. SUBMITTER: Larry Miller, NEMA RECOMMENDATION: This section should either be deleted and replaced with a reference to Section 3-9 in NFPA 72-1993, or it should be revised to eliminate the conflicts with 3-9. Specifically, NFPA 72 intends that the requirements of 7-6.5.5 would also apply to HVAC system controls. SUBSTANTIATION: See Technical CommittEe on Protected Premises response to Comment 72-388 (copy submitted).

See prepr int of NFPA 72 Section 3-9 f rom the NFPA 72 TCR; see also changes made for the NFPA 72 TCD (copies submitted).

NOTE: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Part. Delete 7-6.5.5. Add to beginning of 7-6.5.4: "Installation of emergency control

devices shall be in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. Renumber A-%6.5.5 to become A-%6.5.4.

COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The detailed installation provisions of 7-6.5.5 are adequately covered in NFPA 72. Thus, 7-6.5.5 is being deleted. The remainder of 7-6.5 needs to be retained because it has cont inued applicability. The appendix material remains useful. This should meet a part of the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14

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N F P A 1 0 1 1 F 9 6 R O P

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #CP502) BSF

101- 178- (7-6.5.3): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment, RECOMMENDATION: Insert ", hoistway" to read: "... from elevator lobby,_[a_Qit.t~x~_ or associated machine room detectors." SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed change is for consistency in wording with other changes being made to portions of Section 7-6. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #46) BSF

101- 179- (7-7.2.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Michael D. Cato, Delray Beach Fire Rescue, FL RECOMMENDATION: Revise text of 7-7.2.1 to read:

"Where supervised automatic sprinkler systems are required, supervisory attachments shall be installed and monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, Chapter 4-3 Central Station, 4-4 Proprietary Station or 4.7 Auxiliary Systems, when available and acceptable to the authority having Jsurisdicd on."

UBSTANTIATION: Current wording no longer specifies appropriate standards for supervision of automatic sprinklers. Remote Station Service (NFPA 72, Section 4-5.3.2) does not require notification of the fire departxnent nor the authority having jurisdiction, upon receipt of supervisory signals which may indicate sprinklers required by Code non-functional or out of service. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Current text adequately addresses the subject. There is no substantiation to exclude remote station systems from the list of acceptable options. NUMBER OF COMMI'UI'EE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #74) BSF

10b 180- (7-7.3): Accept in Principle Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a pubfic comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment (BSF) reconsider its action for terminology, intent and correlation with other changes made such as that in proposal 101-126. BSF is also asked to reconsider its action on thlsproposal in view of the explanation of negative vote from Mr. Reiss which, in part, states that the committee action and statement are incorrect. SUBMITTER: Martin H. Reiss, RolfJensen & Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: To the end of existing paragraph 7-7.3, add the following:

"If present, the building fire alarm system shall monitor the actuation of the extinguishing system." SUBSTANTIATION: If an extinguishing system is activated, there should be notification given to the building fire alarm system, if one is present, such that appropriate action can occur. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. To the end of existing paragraph 7-7.3, add the following: "The

actuation of the extinguishing system shall activate the building fire .alarm system, if provided." COMMITFEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes what the submitter requested but uses terminology more consistent with that of Section 7-6 and NFPA 72. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE:

OSMAN: I wish to change my vote on this log to negative in agreement with Mr. Reiss' comments.

REISS: The committee action and statement are incorrect. Monitoring the actuation of the extinguishing system by the building fire alarm system is not the same as activation of the building fire alarm system upon extinguishing system actuation. Also, the proper reference in NFPA 72-1993 is paragraph 3-8.9.1 which only requires that the operation of other suppression (extinguishing) systems be "indicated on" the building fire alarm system, as compared to "activation of', which is tile committee action. Activation of the building fire alarm system, due to such events as operation of a kitchen hood system at a food court in a large mall, may not be appropriate. The committee should accept the original proposal or change the word "activate" to the words "be indicated on" in the committee action.

(Log #334) BSF

101- 181 - (%7.3): Reject SUBMITTER: William N. Brooks, Brinjac, Kambic & Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: In %7.3 delete the words "inspected, and maintained" from last sentence of the paragraph. Add appropriate

~ aragraph to Chapter 31. UBSTANTIATION: Chapter 7 should be limited to installation

requirements. Inspection and maintenance are more appropriately covered in Chapter 31. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Chapter 31 is being deleted after the current verbiage is moved to Chapters 1 through 30. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMME[WEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #265) BSF

101- 182 - (7-7.5): Reject SUBMITTER: EugeneA. Cable, U.S. Deparmaent of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Move the last sentence of %7.5 into a new subsection "7-7.6 Sprinkler System Shutdown." Wording of moved sentence remains the same.

SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal is intended to highlight or break out a very important issue to Life Safety. Currently it is hidden, and often missed by Code users. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Wording should be kept in same Pdaragraph that mandatorily references NFPA 25 because that

ocument contains related provisions. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 14 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 14

(Log #CP600) AXE

101- 183 - (Chapter 8 and Chapter 9): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Editorially revise Chapters 8 and 9 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 8 NEW ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCIES SECTION 8-1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 8-1.1 Application. The requirements of this chapter applyto: (a) New buildings or portions thereof used as an assembly

occupancy (see Section 1-4); and (b) A,4ditions made to, or used as, an assembly occupancy (see 1-

4.5) ; and (c) Alterations, modernizations, or renovations of existing

assembly occupancies (see 1-4.6); and (d) Existingbuildings or portions thereof upon change of

occupancy to an assembly occupancy (see 1-6.3). 8-1.2 Mixed Occupancies. (See also 4-1.11 ) 8-1.2.1" Any assembly occupancy and its access to exits in buildings

of other occupancy, such as ballrooms in hotels, restaurants in stores, rooftop assembly occupancies, or assembly rooms in schools, shall be located, separated, or protected to avoid any undue danger to the occupants of the assembly occupancy from a fire originating in the other occupancy or smoke therefrom.

8-1.2.2 Occupancy of any room or space for assembly purposes by

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fewer than 50 persons in a building of other occupancy and incidental to such other occupancy shall be classified as part of the other occupancy and shall be subject to the provisions applicable thereto.

8-1.2.3 Assembly occupancies in buildings of other occupancy shall be permitted to use exits common to the assembly occupancy and the other occupancy provided the assembly area and the other occupancy considered separately each have exits sufficient to meet the requirements of this Code.

8-1.2.4 Exits shall be sullicient for simultaneous occupancy of both the assembly occupancy and other parts o f the building.

Exception*: Where the authority having jurisdiction determines that the conditions are such that simultaneous occupancy will not OCCUr.

8-1.2.5 Combined Assembly and Residential Occupancies. 8-1.2.5.1 No dwelling unit of a residential occupancy shall have its

sole means of egress pass through any assembly occupancy in the same building.

8-1.2.5.2 No multiple-dwelling unit of a residential occupancy shall be located above an assembly occupancy.

Exception No. 1: Where the dwelling unit of the residential occupancy and exits therefrom are separated from the assembly occupancy by construction having a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour.

• Excep tion No. 2'. Where the assembly~ occupancy, is protected. throughout by an approved, supervased automatac sprmlder system in accordance with Section 7-7.

8-1.3 Special Definitions. Aisle Accessway.* That initial port ion of an exit access that leads to

an aisle. Assembly Occupancy. Occupancies that include, but are not

limited to, all buddings or portions of buildings used for gatherings of 50 or more persons for such purposes as deliberation, worship, entertainment, dining, amusement , or awaiting transportation. Exhibitor. An individual or entity engaged in the display of the

PErOducts or services offered. xhibits. A space or portable structure used for the display of

products or services. Exposition. An event in which the display of products or services is

organized to bring together the provider and user o f the products or services.

Exposition Facility. A convention center, hotel, or other building at which exposition events are held.

Festival Seating.* That form of audience/specta tor accommodation in which no seating, other than a f loor or ground surface, is provided for the audience/spectators gathered to observe some performance.

Flow Time. The time during which there is crowd flow past a po in t in the means of egress system; flow time is a componen t of t o t a l evacuation time.

Fly Gallery. A raised floor area above a stage from which the movement of scenery and operation of other stage effects are controlled.

Gridiron. The. structural, f raming over a stage support ing equipment for hanging or flying scenery and other stage effects.

Life Safety Evaluation.* A written review dealing with the adequacy of life safety features relative to fire, storm, collapse, crowd behavior, and other related safety considerations.

Multipurpose Assembly Occupancy. An assembly room designed to accommodate temporarily any of several possible assembly uses.

Pinrail. A rail on or above a stage through which belaying pins are inserted and to which lines are fastened.

Platform.* The raised area within a building used for the presentation of music, plays, or other entertainment; the head tables for special guests; the raised area for lecturers and speakers; boxing and wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round; add for similar purposes wherein there are no overhead drops, p.ieces of scenery, or stage effects other than lighting and a screemng valance.

Platform, Temporary. A platform erected within an area for not more than 30 days.

Proscenium Wall. The wall that separates the stage from the auditorium or house.

Smoke-Protected Assembly Seating. (See 8-4.2.) Special Amusement Bu?lding. Any building that is temporary,

permanent , or mobile that contains a device or system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, around, or over a course in any direction as a form of amusement arranged so that the egress path is not readily apparent due to visual or audio distractions or an intentionally confounded egress path, or is not readily available due to the mode of conveyance through the building or structure. Included are amusements such as a "haunted house," a "roller coaster" . . . . . . type ride within a buildin g, a ."merry~g°-r°und" within a budding, a submanne ride, and similar amusements where the occupants are not in the open air.

Stage. An area within a building used for the purpose of entertain-

ment and utilizing drops or scenery or other stage effects, which shall be classified as one of the following:

(a) Stage, Legitimate. A stage wherein scenery is retractable mechanically, ei ther horizontally or vertically, or suspended over"head.

(b) Stage, Regular. A stage wherein scenery is not retractable. A valance, light trough, the main curtain, and a singie backdrop can be retractable without the stage being cons idereda legitimate stage.

(c) Stage, Thrust. A platform extending beyond the proscenium arch and into the audience.

8-1.4 Classification of Occupancy. (See 4-1.2.) 8-1.4.1" Subclassification ofAssemblyOccupancies. Each assembly

occupancy shall be subclassified according to its occupant load as follows: Class A, occupant load greater than 1,000 persons; Class B, occupant load greater than 300 but no t greater than 1,000persons; Class C, occupant load of 50 or more but not greater than 300 persons. The occupant load of a stage area that is part of an assembly occupancy shall be included in determining the subdassification.

8-1.5 Classification of Hazard of Contents. Contents of assembly occupancies shall be classified in accordance with the provisions of Section 4-2.

8-1.6 Minimu~n Construction Requirements. (See 6-2.10 The location of an assembly occupancy shall be limited as shown in Table 8-1.6.

8-1.7 Occupant Load.

Table 8-1.6 Construction Type Limitations

Number of Levels Above LED

Type of Construc- Below 4 and

tion LED LED 1 2 3 Above

I(443)** A*B*C* ABC ABC ABC ABG A*B*C I(332)** Any number

II(222)** of Levels

I I ( l l l ) * * A*B*C ABC ABC A*BG B 'C* N.P. One Level Below LED

III(211) A*B*C* ABC ABG A*B*C B 'C* N.P.

W(2HH) One Level

V ( l l l ) Below LED

II(000) B ' C * A*BC C* N.P. N.P. N.P. One Level Below LED

III(200) B 'C* BC C* N.P. N.P. N.P.

V(000) One Level Below LED

*Permitted if all the following are protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7:

(a) The level of the assembly occupancy, and (b) Any level below the level of the assembly occupancy, and (c) In the case of an assembly occupancy located below the

level of exit discharge, any level intervening be/ween that level and the level of exit discharge, including the level of exit discharge. **Where every part of the structural framework of roofs in Type I or Type II construction is 20 ft (6.1 m) or more above the floor immediately below, omission of all fire protection of the structural members shall be permitted, including protection of trusses, roof framing, and decking. N.P.: Not permit ted LED: Level of Exit Discharge

NOTE: For the purpose of this table, a mezzanine is not counted as a level.

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8-1.7.1" The occupant load permit ted in any assembly building, structure, or port ion thereof shall be de termined on the basis o f the following occupant load factors:

(a)* An assembly area of concentra ted use without fixed seats, such as an auditorium, place of worship, dance floor, discotheque, or lodge hall: one person per 7 ne t .sq ft (0.65 net sq m).

(b) An assembly area of less concentrated use, such as a conference room, dining room, drinking establishment, exhibit room, gymnasium, or lounge: one person per 15 net sq ft (1.4 net sq m).

(c) Bleachers, pews, and similar bench-type seating: one person per 18 linear in. (45.7 linear cm).

(d) Fixed Seating. The occupant load of an area having fixed seats shall be de te rmined by the number of fixed seats installed. Required aisle space serving the fixed seats shall not be used to increase the occupant load.

(e) Kitchens. One person per 100 gross sq ft (9.3 gross sq m). (f) Libraries. In stack areas, one person per 100 gross sq ft (9.3

gross sq m); in reading rooms, one person per 50 net sq ft (4.6 net sq m).

(g) Swimming Pools. One person per 50 gross sq ft (4.7 sq m) of water surface. Pool decks, one person per 30 gross sq ft (2.8 sq m).

(h) Stages. One person per 15 net sq ft (1.4 net sq m). (i) Lighting and Access Catwalks, Galleries, and Gridirons. One

person per 100 net sq ft (9.3 net sq m). Exception: Larger occupant loads as permit ted by 8-1.7.2. 8-1.7.2 The occupant load permit ted in a building or portion

thereof shall be permit ted to be increased above that specified in 8- 1.7.1 if the necessary aisles and exits are provided. To increase the occupant load, a diagram indicating placement of equipment, aisles, exits, and seating shall be provided to and approved by the authority having jurisdiction prior to any increase in occupant load. In areas not greater than 10,000 sq ft (930 sq m), the occupant load shall not exceed one person in 5 sq ft (0.46 sq m); in areas greater than 10,000 sq ft (930 sq m), the occupant load shall not exceed one person in 7 sq ft (0.65 sq m).

8-1.7.3 Waiting Spaces. In theaters and other assembly occupancies where persons are admitted to the building at times when seats are not available to them, or when the permit ted occupant load has been reached based on 8-1.7.1 or 8-1.7.2 and persons are allowed to wait in a lobby or similar space until seats or space is available, such use of lobby or similar space shall no t encroach upon the required clear width of exits. Such waiting shall be restricted to areas other than the required means of egress. Exits shall be provided for such waiting spaces on tile basis of one person for each 3 sq ft (0.28 sq m) of waiting space area. Such exits shall be in addition to the exits specified for the main auditorium area and shall conform in construction and ar rangement to the general rules for exits given in this chapter.

8-1.7.4 Where the occupant load of an assembly occupancy is ~ greater than 6,000, a life safety evaluation shall be performed in accordance with 8-4.5.

Exception: Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction, the number of usually seated occupants provided with a minimum of 15 sq ft (1.4 sq m) of lawn surface in outdoor facilities shall be permitted to be excluded in determining the need for a life safety evaluation.

SECTION 8-2 MEANS OF EGRESS REQUIREMENTS 8-2.1 General. All means of egress shall be in accordance with

Chapter 5 and this section. 8-2.2 Means of Egress Components . 8-2.2.1 Components of means of egress shall be limited to the types

described in 8-2.2.2 through 8-2.2.8. 8-2.2.2 Doors. 8-2.2.2.1 Doors complying with 5-2.1 shall be permitted. 8-2.2.2.2 Class C assembly occupancies in covered malls (see 24-

4.4.1 Exception) shall be permit ted to have horizontal or vertical security grilles or doors compJying with Exception No. 4 to 5-2.1.4.1 on tile main entrance/exits .

8-2.2.2.3 Panic Hardware or Fire Exit Hardware. Any door in a required means of egress from an area having an occupant load of 100 or more persons shall be permit ted to be provided with a latch or lock only if it is panic hardware or fire exit hardware complying with 5-2.1.7.

Exception No. 1: In assembly occupancies havingan occupant load not greater than 500, where the main exit consists of a single door or single pair of doors, locking devices complying with Exception No. 2 to 5-2.1.5.1 shall be permitted on the main exit. Any latching device on this door(s) shall be released by panic hardware.

Exception No. 2: Delayed egress locks as permit ted in 8-2.2.2.4. Exception No. 3: Access-controlled egress doors as permitted in 8-

2.2.2.5. 8-2.2.2.4 Delayed egress locks complying with 5-2.1.6.1 shall be

permitted on doors other than main en t rance /ex i t doors. 8-2.2.2.5 Doors in the means of egress shall be permit ted to be

equipped with an approved, access control system complying with 5- 2.1.6.2. Doors shall not be locked from the egress side when the assembly occupancy is occupied. (See 5-2.1.1.3.)

8-2.2.2.6 Revolving doors complying with the requirements of 5- 2.1.10 shall be permitted.

8-2.2.2.7 Turnstiles. No turnstiles or other devices that restrict the movement of persons shall be installed in any assembly occupancy in such a manner as to interfere in any way with required means of egress facilities. 8-2.2.3 Stairs. 8-2.2.3.1 Stairs complying with 5-2.2 shall be permitted. Exception No. 1": Stairs serving seating that is designed to be

reposit ioned shall not be required to comply with 5-2.2.3.1. Exception No. 2: Stages and platforms as permit ted by 8-4.5. 8-2.2.3.2 Catwalk, Gallery and Gridiron Stairs. 8-2.2.3.2.1 Noncombustible grated stair treads and landing floors

shall be permit ted in means of egress from lighting and access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons.

8-2.2.3.2.2 Spiral stairs complying with 5-2.2.2.7 shall be permitted in means of egress from lighting and access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons.

8-2.2.3.2.3 A second means of egress shall not be required from lighting and access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons where a means of escape to a f loor or a roof is provided. Ladders alternating tread devices, or spiral stairs shall be permit ted in such means of escape.

8-2.2.3.2~4 Exit access stairs from lighting and access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons shall not be required to be enclosed.

8-2.2.4 Smokeproof Enclosures. Smokeproof enclosures complying with 5-2.3 shall be permitted.

8-2.2.5 Horizontal Exits. Horizontal exits complying with 5-2.4 shall be permitted.

8-2.2.6 Ramps. Ramps complying with 5-2.5 shall be permitted. Exception: Ramps serving only stages or nonpublic areas and

ramped aisles shall be permit ted to have a slope not steeper than 1 in 8.

8-2.2.7 Exit Passageways. Exit passageways complying with 5-2.6 shall he permitted.

8-2.2.8 Areas of Refuge. Areas of refuge complying with 5-2.12 shall be permitted.

8-2.3 Capacity of Means of Egress. 8-2.3.1 The capacity of means of egress shall be in accordance with

Section 5-3 or, for means of egress serving theater-type seating or similar seating arranged in rows, in accordance with 8-2.3.2.

8-2.3.2* Minimum clear widths of aisles and other means of egress serving theater-type seating or similar seating arranged in rows shall be in accordance with Table 8-2.3.2. The minimum clear widths shown shall be modified in accordance with all of the following:

(a) ff risers exceed 7 in. (17.8 cm) in height, multiply the stair width in the table by factor A, where

A = 1 + [.(riser height-7 in').]

(b) Stairs not having a handrail within a 30-in. (76-cm) horizontal distance shall be 25 percent wider than otherwise calculated, i.e., multiply by factor B = 1.25.

(c) Ramps steeper than 1 in 10 slope where used in ascent shall have their width increased by 10 percent, i.e., multiply by factor C = 1.10.

Exception No. 1: Lighting and access catwalks as permit ted by 8- 4.5.9.

Exception No. 2: Grandstands, bleachers, and folding and telescopic seating as permit ted by 84.8.

Table 8-2.3.2 Capacity Factors

Nominal Inch of Clear Width Per Seat Served

No. of Seats Flow Time Passageways, Ramps, (sec) Stairs and Doorways

Unlimited 200 0.300AB 0.200 C

(1 in, = 2.54 cm)

8-2.3.3 Main Entrance/Exit . Every assembly occupancy shall be provided with a main entrance/exi t . The main en t rance /ex i t shall be of sufficient width to accommodate one half of tile total occupant load and shall be at the level of exit discharge or shall connect to a stairway or ramp leading to a street. Each level of an assembly occupancy shall have access to the main entrance/exi t , and such access shall have sufficient capacity to accommodate 50 percent of the occupant load of such levels. Where the main ent rance /exi t f rom an assembly occupancy is through a lobby or foyer, the aggregate capacity of all exits from the lobby or foyer shall be

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N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P

permit ted to provide the required capacity of the main en t rance / exit regardless of whether all such exits serve as entrances to the building.

ExceptJ on No. 1: A bowling establishment shall have a main ent rance /exi t of sufficient capacity to accommodate 50 percent of the total occupant load without regard to the number of aisles that it s e r v e s .

Exception No. 2": In assembly occupancies where there is no well- def ined main entrance/exi t , exits shall be permit ted to be distributed around the perimeter o f the building provided the total exit width furnishes a minimum of 100 percent o f the width needed to accommodate the permit ted occupant load.

8-2.3.4 Other Exits. Each level o f an assembly occupancy shall have access to the main en t rance /ex i t and shall be provided with additional exits of sufficient width to accommodate a min imum of one half of the total occupant load served by that level. Such exits shall discharge in accordance with 8-2.7. Such exits shall be located as far apart as practicable and as far from the main en t rance /ex i t as practicable. Such exits shall be accessible from a cross aisle or a side aisle. (See 8-2.3.3.)

Exception: In assembly occupancies where there is no well-defined main entrance/exi t , exits shall be permit ted to be distributed around the per imeter of the building, provided the total exit width furnishes a minimum of 1 O0 percent of the width needed to accommodate file permit ted occupant load.

8-2.4" Number of Exits. (See also Section 5-4.) 8-2.4.1 Every Class A assembly occupancy shall have at least four

separate means of egress as remotely located from each other as practicable.

Exception: Fenced outdoor assembly occupancies in accordance with 8-2.4.4.

8-2.4.2 Every Class B assembly occupancy shall have at least two separate means of egress as remotely located from each other as practicable and, if of an occupant load greater than 500, at least three separate means of egress.

Exception: Fenced outdoor assembly occupancies in accordance -with 8-2.4.4.

8-2.4.3 Every Class C assembly occupancy shall have at least two means of egress consisting of separate exits or doors leading to a corridor or other spaces that provide access to two separate and independent exits located in different directions.

Exception: Fenced outdoor assembly occupancies in accordance with 8-2.4.4."

8-2.4.4 A fenced outdoor assembly occupancy shall have at least two widely separated means of egress f rom the enclosure, ff more than 6,000 persons are to be served bysuch means of egress, there shall be at least three means of egress; if more than 9,000 persons are to be served, there shall be at least four means of egress.

8-2.4.5 Balconies or mezzanines having an occupant load not greater than 50 shall be permit ted to be served by a single means of egress and such means of egress shall be permit ted to lead to the floor below.

8-2.4.6 Balconies or mezzanines having an occupant load greater than 50 but not greater than 100 shall have at least two remote means of egress, but both such means of egress shall be permit ted to lead to the floor below.

8-2.4.7 Balconies or mezzanines having an occupant load greater than 100 shall have means of egress provided as for a floor.

8-2.5 Arrangement of Meaos of Egress. (See also Section 5-5.) 8-2.5.1 Exits shall be located remotely from each other and shall be

arranged to minimize the possibility that they might be blocked by any emergency.

Exception: A common path of travel shall be permit ted for the first 20 ft (6.1 m) from any point where serving any number of occupants and for the first 75 ft (23 m) from any point where serving not more than 50 occupants.

8-2.5.2 Means of egress shall not be permit ted through kitchens, storerooms, restrooms, closets, or hazardous areas as described in 8- 3.2.

8-2.5.3 Where the floor area of auditoriums and arenas is used for activities/events described by 8-1.7.1, at least 50 percent of the occupant load shall have means of egress provided without passing through adjacent fixed seating areas.

8-2.5.4 The minimum width of any exit access corridor serving 50 or more persons shall be 44 in. (112 cm).

8-2.5.5 General Requirements for Access and Egress Routes within Assembly Areas.

8-2.5.5.1 Festival seating shall be prohibited within a building. (See Section 3-2.)

Exception No. 1: Festival seating shall be permit ted in Class B and Class C assembly occupancies.

Exception No. 2: Festival seating shall be permit ted in Class A assembly occupancies with an approved life safety evaluation. (See 8- 4.1.)

8-2.5..5.2* Access and egress routes shall be maintained so that any

individual is able to move without undue hindrance, on personal initiative and at any time, from an occupied position to exits.

8-2.5.5.3* Access and egress routes shall be maintained so that crowd management, security, and emergency medical personnel shall be able to move Without undue hindrance at any time to any individual.

8-2.5.5.4* The width of aisle accessways and aisles shall provide sufficient egress capacity for the number of persons accommodated by the catchment area served by the aisle accessway or aisle in accordance with 8-2.3.1. Where aisle accessways or aisles converge to form a single path of egress travel, the required egress capacity of - that path sha l lno t be less than the combined required capacity of the converging aisle accessways and aisles.

8-2.5.5.5 Those portions of aisle accessways and aisles where egress is possible in either o f two directions shall be uniform in required width.

Exception: Those portions of aisle accessways where the required width, not including the seat space described by 8-2.5.8.2, does not exceed 12 in. (30.5 cm).

8-2.5.5.6 In the case of side boundaries, o ther than nonfLxed seating at tables, for aisle accessways or aisles, the clear width shall be measured to boundary elements such as walls, guardralls, handrails, edges of seating, tables, and side edges of treads, with the measurement made h'orizontally to the vertical projection of the elements resulting in the smallest width measured perpendicularly to ihe line of travel.

8-2.5.6* Aisle Accessways. 8-2.5.6.1" To determine the required clear width of aisle

accesswayg between rows of seating, horizontal measurements shall be made (between vertical planes) from the back of one seat to the front of the most forward projection of the seat immediately behind it. Where the entire row consists of automatic or self-rising seats that comply with ASTM F851, Test Method for Self-Rising Seat Mecha- nisms, the measurement shall be permit ted to be made with the seats in the up position.

8-2.5.6.2 The aisle accessway between rows of seating shall have a clear width of not less than 12 in. (30.5 cm), and this min imum shall. be increased as a function of row length in accordance with 8-2.5.6.3 and 8-2.5.6.4.

Exception: f fused by not more than four persons, there shall be no minimum clear width requirement for the portion of the aisle accessway having a length not exceeding 6 ft (1.8 m) measured from the center of the seat farthest f rom the aisle.

8-2.5.6.3* Rows of seating served byaisles or doorways at both ends shall have no more than 100 seats per row. The 12-in. ($0.5-cm) minimum clear width of aisle accessway between such rows shall be increased by 0.3 in. (0.8 cm) for every seat over a total of 14, but need 9ot exceed 22 in. (55.9 cm).

Exception: Smoke protected assembly seating as permit ted by 8- 4.2.5.

8-2.5.6.4 Rows of seating served by an aisle or doorway at one end only shall have a path of travel not exceeding 30 ft (9.1 m) in length from any seat to an aisle. The 12-in. (30.5-cm) min imum clear width of aisle accessway between such rows shall be increased by 0.6 in. (1.6 era) for every seat over a total of seven. Exception: Smoke protected assembly seating as permit ted by 8-

4.2.6 and 8-4.2.7. 8-2.5.6.5 Rows of seating utilizing tablet-arm chairs shall be

permit ted only if the clear width of aisle accessways complies with the requirements of 8-2.5.7 where the tablet is in the usable position.

Exception: Tablet arms shall be permit ted to be measured in the stored position where the tablet a rm automatically returns to the stored position when raised manually to a vertical position in one motion and falls to the stored position by force of gravity.

8-2.5.7 Aisles. 8-2.5.7.1 Dead-end aisles shall not exceed 20 ft (6.1 m) in length. Exception 'No. 1: A longer dead-end aisle shall be permitted where

seats served by the dead-end aisle are not more than 24 seats from another aisle, measured along a row of seats having a minimum clear width of 12 in. (30.5 cm) plus 0,6 in. (1.5 cm) for each additional seat over a total of seven in the row.

Exception No. 2: A 16-row dead-end aisle shall be permit ted in fo ld ingand telescopic seating.

8-2.5.7.2 The mi mmum clear width of aisles shall be sufficient to rovide egress capacity in accordance with 8-2.3.2 but shall be not ss than: (a) 48 in. (122 cm) for stairs having seating on each side. (b) 36 in. (91 cm) for stairs having seating on only one side. (c) 23 in. (58 cm) between a handrail andsea t ing or a guardrail

where the aisle is subdivided bya handrail. (d) 42 in. (107 cm) for level or ramped aisles having seating on

both sides. (e) 36 in. (91 cm) for level or ramped aisles having seating on only

one side. (f) 23 in. (58 cm) between a handrail or guardrail and seating

80

N F P A 101 B F 9 6 R O P

where the aisle does not serve more than five rows on one side° 8-2.5.7.3* Aisle Stairs and Ramps. Aisles having a gradient steeper

than 1 in 20, but not s teeper than 1 in 8, shall consist of a ramp. Aisles having a gradient s teeper than 1 in 8 shall consist of an aisle stair.

8-2.5.7.4 Aisle Stair Treads. (a) There shall be no variation exceeding 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) in file

depth of adjacent treads. (b)* Treads shall be a minimum o f l l in. (27.9 cm). (c) All treads shall extend the full width of the aisle. 8-2.5.7.5 Aisle Stair Risers. (a) Riser heigl!ts shall be a minimum of 4 in. (10.2 cm). (b) Riser heights shall not exceed 8 in. (20.3 cm). Exception No. 1 to (b): Where the gradient of an aisle is s teeper

than 8 in. (20.3 cm) in rise in 11 in. (27.9 cm) of run (to maintain necessary sight lines in the adjoining seating area), the riser height shall be permit ted to exceed 8 in. (20.3 cm) but shall not exceed 9 in. (22.9 cm).

Exception No. 2 to (b): Folding and telescopic seating in accordance with 84.8.4.3.

(c) Riser heights shall be designed to be uniform in each aisle, and the construction-caused nonuniformities shall not exceed 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) between adjacent risers. Exception to (c): Riser height shall be permitted to be nonuni-

form only for the purpose of accommodating necessary changes in gradient to maintain necessary sight lines within a seating area and shall be permit ted to exceed 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) in any flight. Where nonuniformitles exceed 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) between adjacent risers, the exact location of such nonuniformities shall be indicated by a distinctive marking stripe on each tread at the nosing or leading edge adjacent to the nonuni form risers.

8-2.5.7.6* Aisle Handrails. Ramped aisles having a gradient exceeding 1 in 12 and aisle stairs shall be provided with handrails at one side or along the centerline. Where there is seating on both sides of the aisle, the handrails shall

be discontinuous with gaps or breaks at intervals not exceeding five rows to facilitate access to seating and to permit crossing from one side of the aisle to the other. These gaps or breaks shall have a clear width of no t less than 22 in. (55.9 cm) and not greater than 36 in. (91 cm) measured horizontally, and the handrail shall have rounded terminations or bends. Where handrails are provided in the middle of aisle stairs, there shall be an additional intermediate rail located approximately 12 in. (30 cm) below the main handrail.

Exception No. 1: Handrails shall not be required for ramped aisles having a gradient not steeper than 1 in 8 and having seating on both sides.

Exception No. 2: The requirement for a handrail is satisfied by the use of a guard providing a rail that complies with the graspability requirements for handrails and is located at a consistent height between 34 in. (86 cm) and 42 in. (107 cm) measured vertically fi-om the top of the rail to the leading edge (nosing) of stair treads or to the adjacent walking surface in the case of a ramp.

8-2.5.7.7* Aisle Marking. A contrasting marking stripe shall be rOvided on each tread at the nosing or leading edge such that the cation of such tread is readily apparent, particularly when viewed

in descent. Such stripes shall be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide and shall not exceed 2 in. (5 cm) in width.

Exception: The marking stripe shall not be required where tread surfaces and environmental conditions under all conditions of use are such that the location of each tread is readily apparent, particularly when viewed in descent.

8-2.5.8* Aisle Accessways Serving Seating at Tables. 8-2.5.8.1 The minimum required clear width of an aisle accessway

shall be 12 in. (30.5 cm) where measured in accordance with 8- 2.5.8.2 and increased as a function of length in accordance with 8- 2.5.8.3.

Exception*: If used by not more than four persons, there shall be no minimum clear width requirement for the portion of aisle accessway having a length not exceeding 6 ft (1.8 m) and located farthest from an aisle.

8-2.5.8.2* Where nonfLxed seating is located between a table and an aisle accessway or aisle, the measurement of required clear width of the aisle accessway or aisle shall be made to a line 19 in. (48.3 cm) away from the edge of the table. The 19-in. (48.3-cm) distance shall be measured perpendicularly to the edge of the table.

8-2.5.8.3* The min imum required clear width of an aisle accessway measured in accordance with 8-2.5.8.2 and 8-2.5.5.6 shall be increased beyond the 12-in. (30.5-cm) requirement by 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) for each additional 12 in. (30.5 cm) or fraction thereof beyond 12 ft (3.7 m) of aisle accessway length where measured from the center of the seat farthest from an aisle.

8-2.5.8.4 The path of travel along the aisle accessway shall not exceed 36 ft (10.9 m) from any seat to the closest aisle or egress doorway.

8-2.5.9 Aisles Serving Seating at Tables. 8-2.5.9.1" Aisles that contain steps or that are ramped, such as the

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aisles serving d inner theater style configurations, shall comply with the requirements of 8-2.5.7.

8-2.5.9.2* The minimum width of aisles serving seating at tables shaU be 44 .in" (112 cm) where serving, an occupant load greater than 50, and 36 in. (91 cm) where se rang an occupant load of 50 or fewer.

8-2.5.10 Approval of Layouts. Where required by the anthority having jurisdiction, plans drawn to scale showing the arrangement of furnishings or equipment shall be submitted to the authority by the building owner,, manager, or..auth°rized, agent, to substantiate conformance vath the provls~ons of this sectmn and shall constitute the only acceptable arrangement until revised or additional plans are submi t tedand approved.

Exception: Temporary deviati'ons from the specifications of the approved plans shall be permit ted provided the occupant load is no t increased and the intent of this section is maintained.

8-2.6 Travel Distance to Exits. 8-2.6.1 Exits shall be arranged so that the total length of travel

from any point to reach an exit shall not exceed 150 ft (45 m) in any assembly occupancy.

Exception No. 1: The travel distance shall not exceed 200 ft (60 m) in assembly occupancies protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7.

Exception No. 2: Smoke-protected assembly seating as permit ted by 8-4.2.1 and its Exception.

8-2.7 Discharge from Exits. 8-2.7.1 Exit discharge shall comply with Section 5-7. 8-2.7.2 The level of exit discharge shall be measured at the point of

principal entrance to the building. 8-2.7.3 Where the principal entrance to an assembly occupancy is

via a terrace, either raised or depressed, such terrace shall be permitted to be considered to be the level of exit discharge for the purposes of 8-1.6 if:

(a) The terrace is at least as long (measured parallel to the building) as the total width of the exit(s) it serves, but not less fllan 5 ft (1.5 m) long, and

(b) The terrace is at least as wide (measured perpendiculai'ly to the building) as the exit(s) it serves, but not less than 10 ft (3 m) wide, and

(c) Required stairs leading from the terrace to grade are protected in accordance with 5-2.2.6.3 or are a minimum of 10 ft (3 m) from the building.

8-2.8 Illumination of Means of Egress. Means of egress shall be illuminated in accordance with Section 5-8.

Exception: Private party tents not larger than 1,200 sq ft (111.5 sq m).

8-2.9 Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting shall be provided in accordance with Section 5-9.


8-2.10 Marking of Means of Egress. Means of egress shall have signs in accordance with Section 5-10.

8-2.11 Special Means of Egress Features. 8-2.11.1 Guards and Railings. 8-2.11.1.1 Boxes, Balconies, and Galleries. (a) The fasciae of boxes, balconies, and galleries shall not rise less

than 26 in. (66 cm) above the adjacent floor or shall have substantial railings not less than 26 in. (66 cm) above the adjacent floor.

(b) The height of the rail above footrests on the adjacent floor immediately in front of a row of seats shall be not less than 26 in. (66 cm). Railings at the ends of aisles shall be not less than 36 in. (91 cm) high for the full width of the aisle and shall be not less than 42 in. (107 cm) high for the width of the aisle where steps occur.

(c) Aisle accessways adjacent to orchestra pits and vomitories, and all cross aisles shall be provided with railings not less than 26 in. (66 cm) above the adjacent floor.

Exception to (c): Where the backs of seats located at the front of the aisle project 24 in. (61 cm) or more above the adjacent floor of the aisle.

(d) Guardrails shall not be required on the audience side of stages, raised platforms, and other raised floor areas such as runways, ramps, and side stages used for enter ta inment or presentations.

(e) Permanent guardrails shall not be required at vertical openings in the performance area of stages.

(f) Guardrails shall not be required where the side of an elevated walking surface is required to be open for the normal functioning of special lighting or for access and use of other special equipment.

SECTION 8-3 PROTECTION 8-3.1 Protection of Verticai Openings. Any vertical opening shall

be enclosed or protected in accordance with 6-2.4. Exception No. 1". Unprotec ted vertical opening.,s connecting not

more than three floors in accordance with 6-2.4.5 shall be permitted. Exception No. 2: Atriums in accordance with 6-2.4.6 shal /be

permitted. Exception No. 3*: Stairs or ramps shall be permit ted to be

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

unenclosed between balconies or mezzanines and main assembly areas located below provided the balcony or mezzanine is open to the main assembly area.

8-3.2 Protection from Hazards. 8-3.2.1 Service Equipment, Hazardous Operations or Processes,

and Storage Facilities. 8-3.2.1.1 Rooms containing high pressure boilers, refrigerating

machinery of other than domestic refrigerator type, large transformers, or other service equipment subject to possible explosion shall not be located directly under or abutting required exits. All such rooms shall be separated from other parts of'the building by fire barriers in accordance with 6-2.3 having a fire resistance rating of not less thfin 1 hour or shall be protected by automatic extinguishing systems in accordance with Sectioff 6-4.

8-3.2.1.2 Adequate vents to the outside air shall be provided in accordance with Section 6-4. 8-3.2.1.3 Rooms or spaces for the storage, processing, or use of

materials specified below shall be protected in accordance with the following:

(a) Separation from the remainder of the building by fire barriers having a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour or protection of such rooms by automatic extinguishing systems as specified in Section 6-4 in the following areas:

(1) Boiler and furnace rooms. Exception to (1): Rooms enclosing only alr-handiing or compres-

sor equipment. (2) Rooms or spaces used for the storage of combustible supplies

in quantities deemed hazardous by the authority havingjurisdic-tion. (3) Rooms.or spaces used for tile storage of hazardous materials

or flammable or combustible liquids in quantities deemed hazardous by recognized standards.

(4) Rooms containing fuel. (b) Separation from the remainder of the building by fire barriers

having a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour and protection of such rooms by automatic extinguishing systems as specified in Section 6-4 in the following areas:

(1) Laundries. (2) Maintenance shops, including woodworking and painting

areas. (3) Rooms or spaces used for processing or use of combustible

supplies deemed hazardous by the authority having jurisdiction. (4) Rooms or spaces used for processing or use of hazardous

materials or flammable or combustible liquids in quantities deemed hazardous by recognized standards.

(c) Where automatic extinguishing is used to meet the requirements of this section, the protection shall be permitted to be in accordance with 7-7.1.2.

8-3.3 Interior Finish. 8-3.3.1 The interior finish requirements of this section shall be in

accordance with Section 6-5. 8-3.3.2 Interior finish in all corridors and Iobbios shall be Class A

or Class B and, in enclosed stairways, Class& 8-3.3.3 Interior finish in general assembly areas of Class A and

Class B assembly occupancies shall be Class A or Class B. In Class C assembly occupancies, interior finish shall be Class A, Class B, or Class C. Exception: In any assembly occupancy, exposed portions of

structural members complying with the req-uirem~nts for Type IV(2HH) construction shall be permitted. 8-3.3.4 Screens on which pictures are projected shall comply with

requirements of Class A or Class B interior finish. 8-3.4 Detection, Alarm, and Communications Systems. 8-3.4.1 General. Class A and Class B assembly occupancies and all

theaters with more than one audience-viewing room shall be provided with an approved fire alarm system in accordance with % 6.1 and dais section. Exception No. 1: Assembly occupancies that are a part of a mixed

occupancy (see 4-1.11 ) shall be permitted to be served by a common fire alarm system provided the individual requirements of each occupancy are met.

Exception No. 2: Voice communications or public address systems complying with 8-3.4.3.3 shall not be required to comply with %6.1.

8-3A.2 Initiation. 8-3-4.2.1 Initiation of the required fire alarm system shall be by

manual means in accordance with 7-6.2.1 (a), which shall be provided with an emergency power source. The initiating device shall be capable of transmitting an alarm to a receiving station, located within file building, that is constantly attended when the assembly occupancy is occupied.

Exception No. 1: Initiation by means of an approved, automatic fire detection system in accordance with 7-6.2.1 (b) that provides fire detection throughout the building.

Exception No. 2: Initiation by means of an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 7-6.2.1 (c) that provides fire detection and protection throughout the building.

8-3.4.2.2* In all Class A and in all Class B assembly occupancies,

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automatic detection shall be provided in all hazardous areas that are not normally occupied.

Exception: Areas that are protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance v~th 7-7.1.

8-3.4.3 Notification. 8-3.4.3.1 The required fire alarm system shall sound an audible

alarm in a constantly attended receiving station within the building when occupied for purposes of initiating emergency action. A

~ resignal system in accordance with Exception No. 1 to 7-6.3.2 shall e permitted. Positive alarm sequence in accordance with Exception

No. 2 to 7-6.3.2 shall be permitted. 8-3.4.3.2 Occupant notification shall be by means of voice

announcements, either live or prerecorded, initiated by the person in the constantly attended location. 8-3.4.3.3 The announcement shall be made via an approved voice

communications or public address system, provided with an emergency power source, that is audible above the ambient noise level of the assembly occupancy.

8-3.4.3.4 Where the authority having jurisdiction determines that it is impractical to have a constantly attended location, a fire alarm system in accordance with Section 7-6 that is initiated by manual stations in accordance with %6.2.1 (a) or other approved means of initial] on and that automatically provides prerecorded evacuation instructions in accordance with %6.3.8 shall be used. 8-3.5 Extinguishment Requirements. (See also 8-1.6, 8-2.6, 8-3.2,

and 8-3.6.) 8-3.5.1 Buildings containing Class A or Class B assembly occupan-

cies shall be protected by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7 as follows:

(a) Throughout the story containing the assembly occupancy, and (b) Throughout all stories below the story containing the assembly

occupancy, and (c) In the case of an assembly occupancy located below the level of

exit discharge, throughout all stories intervening between that story and the level of exit discharge including the level of exit discharge.

Exception No. 1: Assembly occupancies used primarily for worship with fixed seating and not part of a mixed occupancy. (See 4-1.11.)

Exception No. 2*: Assembly occupancies consisting of a single multipurpose room of less than 19,000 sq ft (1,100 sq m) and not used for exhibition or display.

Exception No. 3: Gymnasiums, skating rinks, and swimming pools used exclusively for participant sports with no audience facilities for more than 300 persons. 8-3.6 Corridors. Interior corridors and lobbies shall be con-

structed in accordance with 5-1.3.5 and 6-2.3. Exception No. 1 : Corridor and lobby protection shall not be

required where assembly rooms served by the corridor or lobby have at least 50 percent of their exit capacity discharging directly to the outside, independent of corridors and lobbies. Exception No. 2: Gorridor and lobby protection shall not be

required in buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7.

Exception No. 3: Lobbies serving only one assembly area that meet the requirements for intervening rooms (see 5-5.1.7) need not have a fire resistance rating. Exception No. 4: Where the corridor ceiling is an assembly having

a 1-hour fire resistance rating where tested as a wall, the corridor - walls shall be permitted to terminate at the corridor ceiling.

SECTION 8-4 SPECIAL PROVISIONS 8-4.1 Life Safety Evaluation. 8-4.1.1 Where a life safety evaluation is required by other provi-

sions of the Gode, it shall be done by persons acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The life safety evaluation shall include a written assessment of safety measures for conditions listed in 8- 4.1.2. The life safety evaluation shall be approved annually by the authority having jurisdiction and shall be updated for special or unusual conditions. 8-4.1.2 Life safety evaluations shall include an assessment of the

following conditions and the related appropriate safety measures: (a) Nature of the events and the participants and attendees, (b) Access and egress movement including crowd density

problems, (c) Medical emergencies, (d) Fire hazards, (e) Permanent and temporary structural systems, (f) Severe weather conditions, (g) Earthquakes,

• (h) Civil or other disturbances, (i) Hazardous materials incidents within and near the facility, and (j) Relationships among facility management, event participants,

emergency response agencies, and others having a role in the events accommodated in the facility.

8-4.1.3 Life safety evaluations shall include assessments of both

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

building systems and management features upon which reliance is placed for the safety of facility occupants. 8-4.2* Smoke-Protected Assembly Seating. 8-4.2.1 For smoke-protected assembly seating conforming with the

requirements of 84.2.2, the travel distance from each seat to the nearest entrance to an egress vomitory portal or egress concourse shall not exceed 200 ft (60 m). The travel distance from the entrance to vomitory portal or from egress concourse to an approved egress stair, ramp, or walk at the building exterior shall not exceed 200 ft (60 m).

Exception: In outdoor assembly seating facilities providing smoke- protected assembly seating conforming with the requirements of 8- 4.2 and where allportions of the means of egress are essentially " open to the outside, the distance of travel to an approved egress stair, ramp, or walk at the building exterior shall not exceed 400 ft (122 m). In outdoor assembly seating facilities of Type I or Type II construction, where all portions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside, the distance shall not be limited.

8-4.2.2 Fire Protection Requirements. To be considered smoke- protected, an assembly seating facility shall comply with the following:

(a) All enclosed areas with walls and ceilings in buildings or structures containing smoke-protected assembly seating shall be PlanrOtected with an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accor-

ce with Section 7-7. Exception to (a): The floor area used for the contest, perfor-

mance, or entertainment, provided the roof construction is more than 50 ft (15 m) above the floor level and use is restricted to low fire hazard uses.

(b) All means of egress serving a smoke-protected assembly seating area shall beprovided with smoke-actuated ventilation facilities or natural ventilation designed to maintain the level of smoke at least 6 ft (1.8 m) above the floor of the means of egress.

8-4.2.3 Life Safety Evaluation. For fadlities to utilize the provisions of smoke-protected assembly seating, a life safety evaluation shall be done in accordance with 8-4.1.

8-4.2.4 For Table 8-4.2.4 the number of seats specified must be within a single assembly space, and interpolation shall be permitted between the specific values shown. The minimum clear widths shown shall be modified in accordance with all of the following:

(a) If risers exceed 7 in. (17.8 cm) in height, multiply the stair width in the tables by factor A, where

(b) Stairs not having a handrail within a 30-in. (76-cm) horizontal distance shall be 25 percent wider than otherwise calculated, i.e., multiply by factor B = 1.25.

(c) Ramps steeper than 1 in. 10 slope where used in ascent shall have their width increased by 10 percent, i.e., multiply by factor (5 = 1.10.




2,000 200 0.300 AB 0.200 C

5,000 260 0.200 AB 0.150 (5

10,000 360 0.130 AB 0.100 C

15,000 460 0.096 AB 0.070 C .

20,000 560 0.076 AB 0.056 (5

25,000 or 600 0.060 AB 0.044 C more

(1 in. = 2.54 cm)

8-4.2.5 With smoke-protected assembly seating conforming to the requirements of 8-4.2, for rows of seats served by aisles or doorways at both ends, there shall be no more than 100 seats per row and the minimum clear width of 12 in. (305 cm) for aisle accessways shall be increased by 0.3 in. (0.8 cm) for every additional seat beyond the number stipulated in Table 8-4.2.5, but the minimum clear width need not exceed 22 in. (55.9 cm).

Table 8-4.2.5 Smoke-Protected Assembly Seating

Total number of seats in the space

No. of seats per row permit ted to have a minimum 12-in. (30.5-cm) clear width aisle accesswa},

Aisle or Aisle or doorway at both doorway at one ends of row end of row

<4,000 14 7

4,000 - 6,999 15 7

7,000 - 9,999 16 8

10,000 - 12,999 17 8

13,000- 15,999 18 9

16,000-18,999 19 9

19,000 - 21,999 20 10

>22,000 21 11

8-4.2.6 With smoke-protected assembly seating conforming to the requirements of 84.2, for rows of seats served by an aisle or doorway at one end only, the aisle accessway minimum clear width o f l 2 in. (30.5 cm) shall be increased by 0.6 in. (1.6 cm) for every additional seat beyond the number stipulated in Table 8-4.2.5, but the minimum clear width need not exceed 22 in. (55.9 cm).

8-4.2.7 Smoke-protected assembly seating conforming with the requirements of 8-4.2 shall be permitted to have a common path of travel of 50 ft (15 m) from any seat to a point where a person has a choice of two directions of egress travel. 8-4.2.8 Aisle Termination. For smoke-protected assembly seating

conforming to the requirements of 8-4.2, the dead ends in aisle stairs shall not exceed a distance of 21 rows.

Exception: A longer dead-end aisle shall be permitted for smoke- protected assembly seating where seats served by the dead-end aisle are no more than 40 seats from another aisle, measured along a row of seats having an aisle accessway with a minimum clear width of 12 in. (30.5 cm) plus 0.3 in. (0.8 cm) for each additional seat above seven in the row.

8-4.3 Windowless or Underground Buildings. 8-4.3.1 Windowless or underground buildings shall complywith

this section and Section 30-7. 8-4.3.2 Underground buildings or portions of buildings having a

floor level more than 30 ft (9.1 m) below the level of exit discharge shall comply with the requirements contained in 8-4.3.3 through 8- 4.3.5.

Exception No. 1: Areas within buildings used only for service to the building, such as boiler/heater rooms, cable vaults, dead storage, and the like.

Exception No. 2: Auditoriums without intervening occupiable levels ~omplying with the requirements of this chapter.

8-4.3.3 Each level more than 30 ft (9.1 m) below the level of exit discharge shall be divided into not less than two smoke compartments by a smoke barrier complying with Section 6-3 and having a 1- hour fire resistance rating.

(a) Each smoke compartment shall have access to at least one exit without passing through the other required compartment. Any doors connecting required compartments shall be tight-fitting, minimum 1-hour rated fire doors designed and installed to minimize smoke leakage and to close and latch automatically upon detection of smoke.

(b) Each smoke compartment shall be provided with a mechanical means of moving people vertically, such as an elevator or escalator.

(c) Each smoke compartment shall have an independent air supply and exhaust system capable of smoke control or smoke exhaust functions that provides a minimum smoke exhaust rate of six air changes per hour.

(d) Each smoke compartment shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system throughout. The system shall be designed such that the activation of any two detectors shall cause the smoke control system to operate and the building voice alarm to sound.

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N F P A 1 0 1 1 F 9 6 R O P

8-4.3.4 Any required smoke control or exhaust system shall be provided with a standby power system complying with Article 701 of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.

8-4.3.5 The building shall be provided with an approved, supervised voice alarm system in accordance with Section 7-6. The voice alarm system shall comply with 7-6.3.8. A prerecorded evacuation message shall be provided.

8-4.4 High Rise Buildings. High rise assembly occupancy buildings and high rise mixed occupancybuildings that house assembly occupancies in the high rise portions of the building shall comply with Section 30-8.

8-4.5 Stages and Platforms. (See 8-1.3.) 8-4.5.1 Materials and Design. Materials used in the construction of

platforms and stages shall conform to the applicable requirements of the local building code.

8-4.5.2 Platform Gonstruction. Temporary platforms shall be permitted to be constructed of any materials. The space between the floor and the platform above shall not be used for any purpose other than electrical wiring toplatform equipment.

Permanent platforms sfiall be constructed of materials as required for the type of construction of the building in which the permanent platform is located except that the finish floor shall be permitted to be of wood in all types of constrnction. Where the space beneath the platform is used for storage or any purpose other than equipment wiring or plumbing, the floor consffuction shall be not less/ban 1- hour fire resistive.

8-4.5.3 Stage Construction. Regular stages and thrust stages shall be constructed of materials as required for the type of construction of the building in which they are located. In all cases, the finish floor shall be permitted to be of wood.

Legitimate stages shall be constructed of materials required for Type I buildings except that the area extending from the proscenium opening to the back wall of the stage, and for a distance of 6 ft (183 cm) beyond the proscenium opening on each side, shall be permitted to be constructed of steel or heavy timber covered with a wood floor not less than 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) in actual thickness.

Openings through stage floors (traps) shall be equipped with tight- fitting trap doors of wood having an actual thickness of not less than 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) with approved safety locks.

8-4.5.4 Accessory Rooms. Workshops, storerooms, permanent dressing rooms, and other accessory spaces contiguous to stages shall be separated from each other and other building areas by 1-hour fire resistance rated construction and protected openings.

Exception: A separation shall not be required for s/ages having a floor area not exceeding 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m).

8-4.5.5 Ventilators. Regular stages greater than 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) in area and legitimate stages shall be provided with emergency ventilation to provide a means of removing smoke and combustion gases directly to the outside in the event of a fire. Ventilation shall be by one or a combination of the following methods:

(a) Smoke Control. A means complying with Section 7-3 shall be provided to maintain the smoke level not less than 6 ft (183 cm) above the highest level of assembly seating or above the top of the proscenium opening where a proscenium wall and opening protection is provided. The system shall be activated independently by each of the following: (1) activation of the sprinkler system in the stage area, (2) activation of smoke detectors over the stage area, and (3) by manually operated switch at an approved location. The emergencyventilation system shall be supplied by both normal and standby power. The fan(s) power wiring and ducts shall be located and properly protected to ensure a minimum 20 minutes of operation in me event of activation.

(b) Roof Vents. Two or more vents shall be located near the center of and above the highest part of the stage area. They sball be raised above the roof and shall provide a net-free vent area equal to 5 percent of the stage area- Vents shall be constructed to open automatically by approved heat-activated devices. Supplemental means shall be provided for manual operation and periodic testing of the ventilator from the stage floor. Vents shall be labeled.

(c) Other Controls. Approved, alternate means of removing smoke and combustion gases shall be permitted.

8-4.5.6 Proscenium Walls. Legitimate stages shall be completely separated from the seating area bya proscenium wall of not less than 2-hour fire-resistive noncombustible construction. The proscenium wall shall extend at least 4 ft (122 cm) above the roof of the auditorium in combustible construction. All openings in the proscenium wall of a legitimate stage shall be

protected by a fire assembly having a 1 1/2-hour fire protection rating.

Exception: The main proscenium opening used for viewing performances shall be provided with an automatic<losing fire- resistive curtain as described in 8-4.5.7.

8-4.5.7 Proscenium Opening Protection. Where required by 8- 4.5.6, the proscenium opening shall be protected by a fire curtain or an approved water curtain complying vath NFPA 13, Standard for the lnstaIladon of Sprinkler Systems. The fire curtain shall be

84

designed to close automatically upon automatic detection of a fire and upon manual activation and shall resist the passage of flame and smoke between the stage area and the audience area for 20 minutes. A fire curtain shall be an opening protective assembly labeled by an

approved agency or shall be constructed as follows: (a) Asbestos Fabrics. Where not prohibited by applicable federal,

state, or local law, a curtain shall bepermit ted to be made of one or more thicknesses of a minimum 2 3/4-1b/sq yd (1.5-kg/sq m) AAA grade wire-inserted asbestos fabric or of another wire-inserted asbestos fabric of greater fire resistance than 2 3/4-1b/sq yd (1.5-kg/ sq m) AAA grade wire-inserted fabric. Nonasbestos portions of these fabrics, if any, shall be flame-resistant treated so as not to support combustion.

(b) Other Fabrics. Curtains not meeting the above criteria shall be made of one or more thicknesses of a noncombustible fabric or a fabric with a noncombustible base material, which shall be permitted to be given a coating provided the modified fabric meets the criteria detailed in this section. Curtain fabrics shall have a minimum weight of 2 3 /8 lb / sqyd (1.3 kg/sq m).

(c) TensileStrength Requirements. Curtain fabric shall have minimum tensile strength requirements of 400 Ibf/in. (540 N/m) in both the warp and fill directions.

(d) Wire-Insertion Reinforcement Requirements. The fabric shall be reinforced with noncorrosive wire intertwined with the base fiber at a minimum rate of one wire per yarn. Wire shall not be required and fabric weight shall be permitted to be less than 2 3/8 lb/sq yd (1.3 kg/sq m) if it can be substantiated by approved tests that it is equivalent in strength and durability.

(e) Fire Test. A sample curtain with a minimum of two vertical seams shall be subjected to the standard fire test specified in NFPA 251, Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Buildlng Construction and Materials, as applicable to nonbearing walls and partitions for a period of 30 minutes. The curtain shall overlap the furnace edges by an amount that is appropriate to seal the top and sides. It shall have a bottom pocket containing a minimum 4 Ib/linear ft (5 kg/m) of batten. The unexposed surface of the curtain shall not glow, and neither flame nor smoke shall penetrate the curtain during the test period. Unexposed surface temperature and hose stream test requirements shall not be applicable to this proscenium fire safety curtain test.

(f) Smoke Test. Curtain fabrics shall have a smoke density of no greater than 25 when tested in accordance with NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface BurningCharacteristics of Building Materials. The curtain fabric shal lbe tested in the condition in wbich it is to be used.

The complete installation of every proscenium curtain shall be subjected to operating tests, and any theater in which a proscenium curtain is placed shall not be open to public performance until after the proscenium curtain has been accepted and approved by the authority having jurisdiction. The curtain shall be kept in the normally closedposition when each day's performances are completed.

The curtain shall be automatic-closing without the use of applied power. The curtain also shall be capable of manual operation.

(g) All proscenium curtains shall be in the closed position except du ring performances, rehearsals, or similar activities.

8-4.5.8 Gridiron, Fly Galleries, and Pinrails. Structural framing designed only for the attachment of portable or fixed theater equipment, gridirons, galleries, and catwalks shall be constructed of materials consistent with the building type of construction, and a fire resistance rating shall not be required.

Exception: Combustible materials shall be permitted for use as the floors of galleries and catwalks of all types of construction.

8-4.5.9 Catwalks. The minimum clear width of lighting and access catwalks and the means of egress from galleries and gridirons shall be 22 in. (56 cm).

8-4.5.10 Fire Protection. Everystage shall be protected by an approved, automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 7-7. The protection shall be provided throughout the stage and in storerooms, workshops, permanent dressing rooms, and other accessory spaces contiguous to such stages.

Exception No. 1: Sprinklers shall not be required for stages 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) or less in area and 50 ft (15 In) or less in height where curtains, scenery, or other combustible hangings are not retractable vertically. Combustible hangings shall be limited to a single main curtain, borders, legs, and a single backdrop.

Exception No. 2: Sprinklers shall not be required under stage areas less than 4 ft (1.2 m) in clear height used exclusively for chair or table storage and lined on the inside with 5 /8 in. (1.6 cm) Type X gypsum wallboard or the approved equivalent.

8-4.5.11 Flame-Retardant Requirements. Combustible scenery of cloth, film, vegetation (dry), and similar effects shall meet the requirements of NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films. Foamed plastics (see Section $-2) shall be permitted to be used only by specific approval of the authority having jurisdiction. Scenery and stage properties on thrust

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

stages shall be of either noncombustible or limited-combustible materials.

In theaters, motion picture theaters, and television stage settings, with or without horizontal projections, and simulated caves and caverns of foamed plastic, any single fuel package shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW where tested in accordance with UL 1975, Standard for Fire Tests for Foamed Plastic Used for Decorative Purposes.

8-4.5.12 Standpipes. Regular stages over 1,000 sqft (93 sq m) in area and all legitimate stages shallbe equipped with a Class III standpipe located at each side of the stage and installed in accordance with 7-7.4.2.

8-4.6 Projection Booths. 8-4.6.1 Film or video projectors or spotlights utilizing light sources

that~plroduce p articulate, matter, or toxic gas.es or light, sources, that produce hazardous radiation vathout protectave shielding shall be located within a projection room complying with 8-3.2.2.2. Where cellulose nitrate film is used, the projection room shall comply with NFPA 40, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film.

8-4.6.2 Projection Rooms for Safety Film. Projection rooms for safety film shall comply with the following:

(a) Every projection room shall be of permanent construction consistent with the construction requirements for the type of building in which the projection room is located. Openings shall not be required to be protected. The room shall have a floor area of not less than 80 sq ft (7.4 sq m) for a single machine and not less than 40 sq ft (3.7 sq m) for each additional machine. Each motion picture projector, floodlight, spodight, or similar piece of equipment shall have a clear workingspace of not less than 30 in. (76 cm) on each side and at its rear, but only one such space shall be required between adjacent projectors.

The projection room and the rooms appurtenant to it shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 ft 6 in. (2.$ m).

(b) Each projection room shall have at least one out-swinging, self- closing door not less than 30 in. (76 cm) wide and 6 ft 8 in. (2 m) high.

(c) The aggregate of ports and openings for projection equipment shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of the wall between the PwirOjection room and the auditorium. All openings shall be provided

th g.lass or other approved material so as to completely close the opening.

(d) Projection room ventilation shall be not less than the following:

(1) Supply Air. Each projection room shall be provided with adequate air supply inlets arranged to provide well-distributed air throughout the room. Air inlet ducts shall provide an amount of air equivalent to the amount of air being exhausted by projection equipment. Air shall be permitted to be taken from the outside; from adjacent spaces within the building, provided the volume and infiltration rate is sufficient; or from the building air conditioning system, provided it is arranged to supply sufficient air whether or not other systems are in operation.

(2) Exhaust Air. Projection booths shall be permitted to be exhausted through . . . . the lamp exhaust system. The lamp exhaust system shall be posltavely interconnected wath the lamp so that the lamp will not operate unless there is sufficient airflow required for the lamp. Exhaust air ducts shall terminate at the extedor of the building in such a location that the exhaust air cannot be readily recirculated into any air supply system. The projection room ventilation system shall be permitted to also serve appurtenant rooms, such as the generator room and the rewind room.

(e) Each projection machine shall be provided with an exhaust duct that will draw air from each lamp and exhaust it directly to the outside of the building. The lamp exhaust shall be permitted to exhaust air from the projection room to provide room air circula- tion. Such ducts shall be of rigid materials, except for a flexible connector approved for the purpose. The projection lamp and

~ rojection room exhaust systems shall be permitted to be combined ut shall not be interconnected with any other exhaust or return air

system within the buildings. (1) Electric Arc Projection Equipment. The exhaust capacity shall

be 200 cfm (0.09 cu m/s) for each lamp connected to the lamp exhaust system, or as recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Auxiliary air shall be permitted to be introduced into the system through a screened opening to stabilize the arc.

(2) Xenon Projection Equipment. The lamp exhaust system shall exhanst not less than 300 cfm (0.14 cu m/s) per lamp, or not less than that exhaust volume required or recommended by the equipment manufacturer, whichever is greater.

(f) Miscellaneous equipment and storage shall be protected as follows:

(1) Each projection room shall be provided with rewind and film storage facilities.

(2) A maximum of four containers for flammable liquicls of not greater than 16 oz (0.5 L) capacity and of a nonbreakable type shall be permitted in each projection booth.

(3) Appurtenant electrical equipment, such as rheostats, transformers, and generators, shall be permitted to be located within the booth or in a separate room of equivalent construction.

8-4.6.3 Projection Room Posting. Unless the projection room is constructed in accordance with NFPA 40, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film, there shall be posted on the outside of each projection room door, and within the projection room proper, a conspicuous sign with 1-in. (2.5-cm) block letters stating, "SAFETY FILM ONLY PERMITTED IN THIS ROOM"°

8-4.7* Special Amusement Buildings. 8-4.7.1 Special amusement buildings shall meet the requirements

for assembly occupancies in addition to the requirements of this subsection. Special amusement buildings with an occupant load not greater than 300 persons shall be considered Class C assembly occu to:andes.

8-4.t7.2 * Every special amusement building shall be protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system installed and maintained in accordance with Section 7-7. Where the special amusement building is movable or portable, sprinkler water supply shall be permitted to be by an approved temporary means.

8-4.7.5 Where the nature of the special amusement buildingis such that it operates in reduced lighting levels, the building shall be protected throughout by an approved, automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 7-6. Actuation of any smoke detection system device shall sound an alarm at a constantly attended location on the premises. Actuation of the automatic sprinkler system or actuati'on of a smoke detection system having an approved verification or cross zoning operation capability shall:

(a) Cause illumination in the means of egress to increase to that required by Section 5-8, and

(b) Stop any conflicting or confusing sounds and visuals. 8-4.7.4 Exit Marking. 8-4.7.4.1 Exit marking shall be in accordance with Section 5-10. 8-4.7.4.2 Exit marking in mobile special amusement buildings shall

be of the luminescent, self-luminous, or electroluminescent type. 8-4.7.4.3 Floor proximity exit signs shall be provided in accordance

with 5-10.1.5. 8-4.7.4.4* In special amusement buildings where mazes, mirrors, or

other designs are used to confound the egress path, approved directional exit marking that will become apparent in an emergency shall be provided.

8-4.7.5 Interior Finish. Interior finish shall be Class A throughout in accordance with Section 6-5.

8-4.8 Grandstands, Bleachers, and Folding and Telescopic Seating. 8-4.8.1 Where bleacher or grandstand seating without backs is used

indoors, rows of seats shall be spaced not less than 22 in. (55.9 cm) back to back.

8-4.8.9 An opening between the seat board and footboard located more than 50 in. (76 cm) above grade shall be provided with intermediate construction so that a 4-in. (10.2-cm) diameter sphere cannot pass through the opening. 8-4.8.3 Aisles andAisle Accessways. 8-4.8.3.1 Aisles shall be provided so that the number of seats

between any seat and the nearest aisle shall not exceed the number shown in Table 8-4.8.3.1.

Table 8-4.8.3.1 Maximum Number of Seres Permitted between Furthest Seat and an Aisle

Application Outdoors Indoors

Grandstands 11 6

Bleachers 20 9 (see 8-4.8.3.1 Exception No. 1)

Exception: No. 1 Aisles shall not be required in bleachers if all of the following are met:

(a) Egress from front row is not obstructed by rail, guard, or other obstruction.

(b) Row spacing is 28 in. (71.1 cm) or less. (c) Rise per row, including first row, is 6 in. (15.2 cm) or less. (d) Number of rows does not exceed 16. (e) Seat spaces are not physically defined. (f) Seat boards that are also used as stepping surfaces for descent

shall have a minimum width of 12 in. (30.5cm), and, where there is a depressed footboard, the gap between seat boards of adjacent rows shal[ not exceed 12 in. (30.5 cm) measured horizontally. Leading

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N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

edges of such su .ffaces shall be provided with a contrasting marking smpe so ttmt the location of such leading edge is readily apparent, particularly where viewed in descent. Such stripe sball be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide and shall not exceed 2 in. (5.1 cm) in width. The marking stripe shall not be required where bleacher surfaces and environmental conditions under all conditions of use are such that the location of each leading edge is readily apparent, particularly when viewed in descent. Such stripe shall be at least I in. (2.5 cm) wide and shall not exceed 2 in. (5.1 cm) in width. The marking stripe shall not be.required where bleacher surfaces and environmental conditions under all conditions of use are such that the location of each leading edge is readily apparent, particularly when viewed in descent.

Exception No. 2: In seating composed entirely of bleachers, in which row-to-row dimension is 28 in. (71 cm) or less, and from which front egress is not limited, aisles shall not be required to be more than 66 in. (168 cm) in width. Such aisles shall not be considered as dead-end aisles.

84.8.3.2 In grandstand seating, dead ends in vertical aisles shall not exceed a depth of 16 rows. Exception: A longer dead-end aisle shall be permitted where seats

served by the dead-end aisle are not more than 24 seats from another aisle, measured along a row of seats having a minimum dear width of 12 in. (30.5 cm) plus 0.6 in. (1.5 cm) for each additional seat over a total of seven in the row.

8-4.8.4 Folding and Telescopic Seating. 8-4.8.4.1 The back-to-back horizontal distance of seats in folding

and telescopic seating shall be not less than 22 in. (55.9 cm) for seats without backs. There shall be a space of not less than 12 in. (30.5 cm) between the back of each seat and the front of each seat immediately behind it. ffseats are of the chair type, the 12-in. (30.5- crn) dimension shall be measured to the front edge of the rear seat n its normal unoccupied position. All measurements shall be taken etween plumb lines. 8-4.8.4.2 Aisles in folding and telescopic seating shall be permitted

to be by stepped aisles. 8-4.8.4.3 The riser height of stepped aisles in folding and tele-

scopic seating shall be permitted to be a minimum of 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm) and a maximum of 11 in. (27.9 cm).

8-4.8.4.4 The depth of footboards (footrests) and seat boards in grandstands and folding and telescopic seating shall not be less than 9 in. (22.9 cm). Where the same level is not used for both seat foundations and footrests, footrests independent of seats shall be provided.

8-4.8.5 Guards and Railings. 8-4.8.5.1 Railings or guarcts not less than 42 in. (107 cm) above the

aisle surface or footrest or 36 in. (91 cm) vertically above the center of the seat or seat board surface, whichever is adjacent, shall be provided along those portions of the backs and ends of all grandstands and folding and telescopic seating where the seats are more than 4 ft (1.2 m) above the floor or ground.

Exception: Where an adjacent wall or fence affords equivalent safeguard.

8-4.8.5.2 Where the front footrest of any grandstand or folding or telescopic seating is more than 2 ft (0.6 m) above the floor, railings or guards not less than 33 in. (84 cm) above such footrests shall be provided.

Exception: In .________________[.~rr~mdstands, or where the front row of seats includes backrests, the rmls shall be not less than 26 in. (66 cm) high.

8-4.8.5.3 Cross aisles located within the seatingarea shall be provided with rails not less than 26 in. (66 cm) high along the front edge of the cross aisle.

Exception: Where the backs of the seats in front of the cross aisle Pthroject 24 in. (61 cm) or more above the surface of the cross aisle,

e rail shall not be required. 8-4.8.5.4 Vertical openings between guardrails and footboards or

seat boards shall be provided with intermediate construction so that a 4-in. (10.2-cm) diameter sphere cannot pass through the opening.

SECTION 8-5 BUILDING SERVICES 8-5.1 Utilities. Utilities shall complywith the provisions of Section

7-1. 8-5.2 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Equipment.

Heating, ventilating, and mr conditioning equipment shall comply with the provisions of Section 7-2.

8-5.3 Elevators, Escalators, and Conveyors. Elevators, escalators, and conveyors shall comply with the provisions of Section 7-4.

8-5.4 Rubbish Chutes, Incinerators, and Laundry Chutes. Rubbish chutes, incinerators, and laundry chutes shall comply with the PsrOVisions of Section 7-5.

ECTION 8-6 RESERVED SECTION 8-7 OPERATING FEATURES 8-7.1 Special Provisions for Food Service Operations.

• 8-7.1.1 All devices in connection with the preparation of food shall oe installed anct operated to avoid hazard to the safety of occupants.

8-7.1.2 All devices in connection with the preparation of food shall be of an approved type and shall be installed in an approved m a n n e r .

8-7.1.3 Food preparation facilities shall be protected in accordance with 7-2.3 and shall not be required to have openings protected between food preparation areas and dining areas.

8-7.1.4 Portable Cooking Equipment. Portable cooking equipment that is not flue-connected shall be permitted only as follows:

(a) Equipment fueled by small heat sources that can be readily extinguished by water, such as candies or alcohol-burning equil~- ment (including "solid alcohol"), shall be permitted to be used provided adequate precautions satisfactory to the authority havin

risdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustib'le g materials.

(b) Candles shall be permitted'to be used on tables used for food ~ ervice if securely supported on substantial noncombustible bases ocated so as to avoid danger of ignition of combustible materials

and only if approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Candle flames shall be protected.

(c) "Flaming sword" or other equipment involving open flames and flamed dishes, such as cherries jubilee or crtpe suzette, shall be pe .n-nitted to be used provided necessary precautions are taken and sunject to me approval ot ttae authority having jurisdiction.

(d)* Listed and approved LP-C, as commercial food service appliances as permitted byNFPA 58, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases.

8-7.2 Open Flame Devices. No open flame devices or pyrotechnic device shall be used in any assembly occupancy.

Exception No. 1: Pyrotechnic special effect devices shall be permitted to be used on stages before proximate audiences for ceremonial or religious purposes, as part of a demonstration in exhibits, or as part of a performance, provided adequate precautions satisfactory to the authority having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible material and use of the pyrotechnic device complies with 8-3.2.6.

Exception No. 2: Open flame devices shall be permitted to be used in the following situations, provided adequate precautions satisfactory to the authority having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible material or injury to occupants:

(a)* Where necessary for ceremonial or religious purposes. (b) On stages and platforms as a necessary part of a performance. (c) Where candles on tables are securely supported on substantial

noncombustible bases and candle flame is protected. Exception No. 3: Heat-producing equipment complying with 7-2.2. Exception No. 4: Food service operations in accordance with 8-7.1. Exception No. 5: Gas lights shall be permitted to be used provided

aetequate precautions satisfactory to the authority having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any cothbustible materials.

8-7-3* Pyrotechnic Devices. Pyrotechnic devices shall be permitted to be used on stages and before proximate audiences in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience, and the following reqmrements.

(a) Binary materials shall be preweighed, premeasured, prepack- aged, and identified by the manufacturer as being suitable for indoor use.

(b) Only ~ o t e c h n i c materials specified by the manufacturer of the pyrotecnnic equipment shall be fired from that equipment. See Exceptions Nos. 1 and 2 to Section 1-3 definition of Manufacturer in NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proxi- mate Audience.

(c) Air bursts shall be permitted to be fired above the assembled public subject to the following conditions:

(1) The air burst shall be suspended by a minimum 30-gauge metal wire that is substantially attached to a secure noncombustible support.

(2) The air burst shall be at a minimum height of three times the diameter of the effect.

(3) Upon request, a walk through and a representative demonstration of the/~yrotechnic special effects shal lbe given to the satisfaction of me authority having jurisdiction before a permit shall be approved. The demonstration shall be scheduled with enough time allowed to reset/reload the effects before the arrival of the audience.

Exception: The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to waive this requirement.based on past history, prior knowledge, and omer tactors, tt the authority is confident that the discharge of pyrotechnic devices can be conducted safely.

(e) Flash Pots. Flash pots shall not be loaded beyond the recommendations of the manufacturer of the flash pot, or with any material not recommended for that device.

(f) Smoke Control. Where pyrotechnics are fired, the quantity of smoke developed shall not obscure the visibility of exitsigns or paths of egress travel.

8-7.4 Furnishings, Decorations, and Scenery.

86

" N~It.lir,101 - - Fg~I[OP '

8-7.4.1 Fabrics and:filmlt used fo~ 4eco~ purposes, all draperies and curtains, and sin-diar~ lhall be in accordance wtth.the provisiom.of 81-L4~ 1 . • 8-7.4.2 The anthorlty havlngjurisdictiOn shall Impose.controbon

the amount and ~ of combtmibte content) m amemmy

8-7.4.3 Expmed toarned:ptmucmateeum an~t xmp .r~ecxe~ o materials containing foamed plastic usedfor c~corame purposes r stage scenery shall have a maximum heat release rate of 10~W where tested in accordance with UL 1975, Standard for Fire Tests£or Foamed Plastics Used for Decorative Purposes. .

Exception: Individual foamed plastic items or items contatmng foamed plasti'c where the foamed plastt~c does not exceed I I b 40.45 kg) in weight. ~-7.5 Special Provisions for Exposition Facilities. ,

8-7.5.1 N o display or exhibit shall be inmalled or opera.ted t o . . interfere in any way with~access to any required e~Jt o rw im visibility of any required exit or any required exit sign; nor shall any display block access to fire-fighting equipment. _ . '

8-7.5.2 A storage room having an endoeure c o n ~ ' n g ot a smoge barrier havin~ a fire resistance rating of l hour and pt~Jtested ~b~an automatic exttnguishing system shall be.provided for c . 0 ~ ¢ . materi~ds not on ~ y , induding comdlSmdble packing crates tO ship exhibitors supplies and products. 8-7.g Exhibits. 8-7.5.~.1 Exhibim shall complywith 8-7.5.3;2 through 8.7.5.3.11. 8-7-5.3.2 The travel distance within the exhibit booth or exhibit

endosure to an exit ~.cess aisle shall not be greater than 5Oft (15 m).

8-7.5.3.3 The upper deck of multilevel exhibits greater than 300 sq ft (27.9oq m) s l~i 'hase at least two remote means of egre~

8-7~5.3.4 Exhibit booths shall be constructed of: (a) Noncombmdble or limited-combustible materials. (b) Wood greater than 1/4 in. (0,6 era) nominal thickness or

wood not greater than I ' /4 in. (0.6 cm) nominal thickness that is pressure treated fire-retardant wood m~eting the requ_irements of NTPA 703, Standard for Ftre Retmdant Impregnated Wood and Fire Retardant Coatings for BuildingMaterials.

( c ) * Flame.retardant matertai~ complying With NFPA 701, . Standard Methods of Fire Testa for Flame-Resistant Textiles ana • F'dms; both small and large scale tests.

(d) Texme-wall covering such as carpeting having napped, tufted, looped, or similar suri~tc¢ used as wall or ceiling finish complying with 6-5.2.3.

(e) Plastic that is limited to a Class A or Class B Interior wall and ceiling finieh in accordance with 6-~.3.

(f) l.Yoamed plastics and materials~¢ontainiqgfoamed plastics . havin~ a maximum heat release rate for anysingle fuel pa~e.oz I00 k ~ where tested-in accordance w#h UL.I97~, Standard for Flre Tests for Foamed Plastic Used for Decormive ~ .

(g) Cardboard,r honeycombed paper, and othe~combusghie materials having a maximum heat release rate for any single fuel package ofASO ~W where tested in accordance with UL1975, Standard for Fwe Tests for Foamed Plastic Used for Decorative

~ Curtains, drapes, and decoratinm shall comply with the aO~icalde portions of 31-I.4. - ,

b-'?.5.3.6 ,~mstical.and decorative material including, but not . limited to, cotton, ha,/, paper, maw, ~ q~ltt tmnbob, and wooo chips shall be f l a m e - r ~ t treated to the satisfaction of the

flame re~rdancyshaltnot be used. Foamea ptamcsano mmenam . containing foamedplastim used as decorative objectssuch as, but not limite~ to, mannequins, murals,, and signs diall have a maximum heat release rate for any single.fuel pa~ of 150kWwher¢ te~,eo in accordance with UL 197~, Smndmd for Fire Tests for Foamed Plastic Used for Deceptive Purposes. . . . • Exception: Vtq~ere the ali~grelR~a~ area of such materials i$ le~ than 10 percent of the i n d i v i d ~ floor or wall area,'mch m a t e ~ , be l~ermitted to be used subject to the apprbval of theauthority havingjurisdiction. " 8.7.5.3.7 The following shall be protected by automatic extinguish-

~ g ~ o ~ J . e v e " boo t~ e a t e r t h a n ~ O s q R ( 2 7 9 s q m ) ) Siuo ...... I exhibit " gr . •

(b) Througho.~ each ~eve~ ofmu~mev~.ex~hit bo~hS.: inc~....ding ~_~e uppermost level if 'the uppermmt t e w is ~ r . ~ , m m = .ceHin 8.

(c) A suite exhibit or group of ex~hits wi~ ceU~n~.u~_ ao no~ require q ] ? m ~ m strait be selmat~_ by a m~_ .mum ot ~u. t t ~ m) where the a~see~mte ceiling exceed= 300 sq tt ~ : u ~1 m ) , - .

permitted to i~ o f ~ temporary means . u ~ n ~rom existing dememicwater supply, an existing mandpipe system, or an existing sprinkler system,

Exception No. 1: GetlinSs that are commu~ed o f o p m grate des~n or Stud dre~m~=~ ~- ~ordm~ w~..~A 1.S, Sumdard for the In~dlation 01 ~ . ~ l~mll not 13e considered ceeda8 = w~hin the ~umtext of thissection. .

Exception No. ~. Veh ida) bores, ~nd ~ (n th th~ ! producm

smokedeceetv~~ m ti~au~ ha~ngJ)s~di~in~ Excq~on No. 8 ~. Where fire proteceon ~ multilevel eL~lblt

booths is comisteet with the ~ d e v e l o p e d t!wonSh a i ~ t ' e t y evaluation of the exhibition hall in accordance with 8-4.5, subject to approvat ~ the au~ori ty havingjurtsdic~ n. -

~%5.$.8 Open-flame devices ~t~inexhtbi t booths shall comply with 8-7.~. - .

s-7.s.S.9 ~ a u d food warming devices in e ~ h i t booths complyv~h8,7.I and the following: " ' "

(a)- G a ~ r e d devices. • (1) Namr~ 8~4lred devices shall be imtalledlin accordance with

7-1.1.

be ~ where permitted byme attttm~ty tm~,~gjwtseactton. (2) The use of LP-Gm cylinders shall be prohibited.. -

be ~ e r e ~ by me a n m o f l e / h a v ~ j u ~ o _ n . " .- (b) Devices~sha~ be tsOlased ~ the public b~at least 4 ft 41.2 m)

or by a tnrge~ between the devices and ihe pu.bl~ . . . . . . . ( c ) Multi-wdl~ooking equipment using ~ m e oils or soum

shall compi~wtth 7 - ~ . " - sLd~:,__. Sin g]e-wei ! coolttng equipment using__ combustible oils or , l i d s

(1) Flare IMs ~ for immediate use. ~2) Be limited to 288 sq in. 40.19 sq m) ofcoold.~.sufface. ( 3 ) Be placed on u o ~ = m u , ~ e m a t e ~ , • (4) Be ieparamdfmm each 6thei by a mtn imem herizontal

disumce o f f , t ( 0 . 6 m),- le~ei l coo" m t Exception to (d)'(4): Multiple sing king eq "preen where d',e,alMregm~ cookin~ surface ~ does nor exceed 288 sq in. (0.19sq).m). - "

(5) bemkept a minimum hodzemal distance of 2 ft (0.6 m)' f rom any c o ~ material. . .....

for eac.h device, or an approved, automatic extmgumrnng system

shall beprevtded., (See 'r:7.4.1,) ~ exhibit booths ~ be " 8-7.~.8.10 Combemtble materials ~ " limited to a one-day supply. ~ of. c o m ~ m a t ¢ ~ behind the boothshall be prohibO.ed~ (See 8-7.~.2andS~T~.2.) ' - .

submitted to-the ~ ~ j e d ~ ' c e e e for ~ prior the mom~m ef ~ 'el ld4bit . The i~n .g~ l -~ tow = i 1 , ~ of t he proposed eq~tton~,No ~exi~eon *haa occupy a~/expmmon facility without approvm p • . • . .

~-?.S.4 Vehtd~. Vehicles on display within an exposition facing' shall complywith the fo l l owi~ •

(=) ~ ~et reek e p e e t n ~ a be ~ ' a n d m k d in an

not be mole t lum mlt~.haif f l t l i or contain mere maa ~u 8al= ~ . / of fuel, w h t d m ~ r i ~ l e~ -

(b) Attea=tonet~mymbte ~haa be removed from the ~ . used to start the vehide engine. The di~onaected.4~ttery cable ~ = . then be tapocL : " ' d

(c) Batteries used to power auxiliary equipment t~ll be permitte to be'k~pt In N*wlce. : . (d) m(ea~ ordd=el~,~vehtd=,.4~t~;'be prohibited. (e) Vehides shall not be moved durin~ mow nours. . S.7~;.S :e~mpmmedammm~egau~. amumy~. _ or eommmuc~

liquids; hazardous chemicals or nmterim~. ~ ~ H e~. ~ . ~ t e . r • laiem, blmeug agent., a=d ~ mum ~e premmtm vnumn e x h i b i t h a l l s . , . . . . . Exceptin= The authority t uw~jm~eceon shaU be permitted to

allow the limited use of aay of the above items under special circunmtamoes.

8-7.~.~ Alternatives, (See SeatoN 1~.)

SECTION 0-1 ~ - l a AppUc=~. ,_ - , - • .

9-I.LI, ~I'he requiren~sn~s o~ ~-is ~ appl~ to exisdng bu. ildings or (See ~l.S for deanleOn:e~memt~yOccupancy.~ ~p. a~.~ • .~

e.,, ,tion: An uo. . _. = d e)tabn-med prior to the effece.e.d~e_. ~ _ Code ~hal|-be t)enni~ to beappro-ved for continued xme I~ it confonm w or ts nmde to conform to the provi~iom 0f thls~ Code te. the e0mmt tha~., in th e

8 7

N F P A 1 0 1 - - F 9 6 R O P

9-1.1.2 Additions to existing buildings shall conform to the requirements for new construction. Existing portions of the structure need not be modified provided that the new construction has not diminished the fire safety features of the facility.

Exception: Existing portions shall be upgraded if the addition results in a change of assembly subclassiflcation. (See 9-1.4.1.)

9-1.1.8 An assembly occupancy that has an occupant load increase that results in a change of assembly subdassification shall meet the requirements for new assembly occupancies. (See 9-1.4.1.)

9-1.2 Mixed Occupancies. (See also 4-1.11.) 9-1.2.1" Any assembly occupancy and its access to exits in buildings

of other occupancy, such as ballrooms in hotels, restaurants in stores, rooftop assembly occupancies, or assembly rooms in schools, shall be located, separated, or protected to avoid any undue danger to the occupants of the assembly occupancy from a fire originating in the other occupancy or smoke therefrom.

9-1.2.2 Occupancy of any room or space for assemb.ly purposes by fewer than 50 persons in a building of other occupancy a n d incidental to such other occupancy shall be classified as part of the other occupancy and shall be subject to the provisions applicable thereto.

9-1.2.3 Assembly occupancies in buildings of other occupancy shall be permitted to use exits common to the assembly occupancy and

' the other occupancy provided the assembly area and the other occupancy considered separately each have exits sufficient to meet the requirements of this Code.

9-1.2.4 Exits shall be sufficient for simultaneous occupancy of both the assembly occupancy and other parts of the building.

Exception*: Where the authofityhavingjurisdiction determines that the conditions are such that simultaneous occupancy will not occur.

9-1.2.5 Combined Assembly and Residential Occup~ndes. 9-1.2.5.1 No dwelling unit e f a residential occupancy shail have its

sole means of egress pass through any assembly occupancy in the same building.

9-1.2.5.2 No multiple-dwelling unit of a residential occupancyshali be located above an assembly occupancy.

Exception No. 1: Where the dwelling unit of the residential occupancy and exits therefrom are separated from the assembly occupancy by construction having a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour.

Exception No. 2: Where the assembly occupancy is protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 727.

Exception No. 3: As permitted in 9-1.2.5.$. 9-1.2.5.3 A building with not more than two dwelling units of

residential occupancy above an assembly occupancy shall be permitted provided the assembly occupancy is protected by an automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 7-6.

9-1.3 Spedai Definitions. Aisle Accessway.* That initial portion of an exit access that leads to

an aisle. Assembly Occupancy. Occupancies that include, but are not

limited to, all buildings or portions of buildings used for gatherings of 50 or more persons for such purpose as deliberation, worship, entertainment, dining, amusement, or awaiting transportation.

Exhibitor. An individual or entity engaged in the display of the products or services offered.

Exhibits. A space or portable structure used for the display of products o r services. •

Exposition. An event in which the display of products or services is orgy. ized to bring together the provider and user of the products or s e r v i c e s .

Exposition Facility. A convention center, hotel, o ro the r building at which exposition events are held.

Festival Seating.* T h a t form of audience/spectator accommodation in which no seating, other than a floor or ground surface, is provided for the audience/spectators gathered-to ob6erve some performance.

Flow Time. The time during which there is crowd flow past a point in the means of egress system; flow time is a component of total evacuation time.

A raised floor area above a stage from which the movement of scenery and operation of other stage effects are controlled,

Gridiron. The structural framing over a stage supporting equipment for hanging or flying scenery and other stage effects.

Life Safety Evaluation.* A written review dealing with the adequacy of life safety features relative to fire, storm, collapse, crowd behavior, and other related safety considerations.

Pinrail. A rail on or above a stage through which belaying pins are inserted and to which lines are fastened.

Platform.* The raised area within a building used for the presentation of music, plays, or other entertainment; the head tables for special guests; the raised area for lecturers and speakers; boxing and ' wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round; and for similar purposes

wherein there are no overhead drops, pieces of scenery, or stage effects other than lighting and a screening valance.

Platform, Temporary. A platform erected within an area for not more than 30 days.

Proscenium Wail. The wall that separates the stage from the auditorium or house.

Smoke-Protected Assembly Seating. (See 9-4.2.) Special Amusement Building. Any building that is temporary,

permanent, or mobile that contains a device or system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, around, or over a course in any direction as a form of amusement arranged so that the egress path is not readily apparent due to visual or audio distractions or an

tentionaily confounded egress path, or is not readily available due to the mode of conveyance through the building or structure. Included are amusements such as a "haunted house," a "roller coaster" type fide within a building, a "merly-go-round" within a building, a =submarine" fide, and similar amusements where the occupants are not in the open air.

Stage. An area within a building used for the purpose of entertain- meat and utilizing drops or scenery or other stage effects, which shall be classifle-d as one of the following:

(a) Stage, Legitimate. A stage wherein scenery is retractable mechanically, either horizontally or vertically, or suspended overhead.

(b) Stage, Regular. A stage wherein scenery is not retractable. A valance or light trough, the main curtain, and a single backdrop can be retractable without the stage being considered a legitimate stage.

(c) Stage, Thrust. A platform extending beyond the proscenium arch and into the audience.

9-1.4 Classification of Occupancy. (See 4-1.2.) 9-1.4.1" Subclassification of Assembly Occupandes. Each assembly

occupancy shall be subclassified according to its occupant load, as follows: Class A, occupant load greater than 1,000 persons; Class B, occupant load greater than 300 but not greater than 1,000persons; Class C, occupant load of S0 or more but not greater than 800 persons. The occupant load of a stage area that is part of an assembly occupancy shall be included in determining the subclassification.

9-1.5 Classification of Hazard of Contents. Contents of assembly occupancies shall be classified in accordance with the provisions of Section 4-2.

9-1.6 Minimum Construcffon Requirements. (See 6-2.1.) The location of an assembly occupancy shall be limited as shown in Table 9-1.6.

9-1.7 Occupant Load. 9=1.7.1" The occupant load permitted in any assembly building,

structure, or portion thereof shaU be determined on the basis o f the following occupant load factors:

(a)* An assembly area of concentrated use without fixed seats, such as an auditorium, place of worship, dance floor, discotheque, or lodge hall: one person per 7 net sq ft (0.65 net sq m).

(b) An assembly area of less concentrated use, such as a conference room, dining room, drinking establishment, exhibit room, g~mnasium, or lounge: one person per 15 net sq ft (1.4 net sq m).

c) Bleachers, pews, and similar bench-type seating: one person per 18 linear in. (45.7 linear cm).

(d) Fixed Seating. The occupant load of an area havingfixed seats shall be determined by the number of fixed seats installed. Required aisle space serving the fixed seats shall not be used to increase the occupant load.

(e) Kitchens. One person per 100 gross sq ft (9.$ gross sq m). (O Libraries. In stack areas, one person per 100 gross sq ft (9.3

gross sq m); in reading rooms, one person per 50 net sq ft (4.6 net sq m). (g) Swimming pools. One person per 50 gross sq ft (4.7 sq m) of

water surface. Pool decks, one person per 30gross sq ft (2.8 sq m). (h) Stages. One person per 15 net sqf t (1.4 net sq m). (i) Lighdng and Access Catwalks, Galleries, and Gridirons. One erson per 100 net sq ft (9.3 net sq m).

ception No. 1: Larger occupant loads as permitted by 9-1.7.2. Exception No. 2: The authority having jurisdiction shall be ermitted to establish the occupant load as the number of persons r which the existingmeans of egress is adequate, providing that

measures are established to prevent occupancy by a greater number of persons.

9-1.7.2" The occupant load permitted in a building or portion thereof shall be permitted to be increased above that specified in 9- 1.7.1 if the necessary aisles and exits are provided. To increase the occupant load, a diagram indicating placement of equipment, aisles, exits, and seating shall be provided to and approvedby the authority having jurisdiction prior to any increase in occupant load. In areas not greater than 10,000 sq ft (930 sq m), the occupant load shall not exceed one person in 5 sq ft (0.46 sq m); in areas greater than 10,000 sc 1 ft (930 sq m), the occupant load shall not exceed one person in 7 sq ft (0.65 sq m).

88

N F P A 1 0 1 ~ F 9 6 R O P


Number o f Levels Above LED

Type of Construc - Below

tion LED LED 1 2 4 and

3 Above

1(443)** A*B*C* ABC I(332)** Any number

II(222)** of Levels

II(111)** A*B*C ABC One Level

1 o ) Below LED Ill(21 A*B*C* ABC

IV(2HH) One Level

V ( l l l ) Below LED

II(000) B 'C* A*BC One Level Below LED

11I(200) B 'C* A*BC

V(000) One Level Below LED

ABC ABC ABC A*BC

ABC A*BC B 'C* N.P.

ABC A*B*C B 'C* N.P.

C* N.P. N.P. N.P.

C* N.P. N.P. N.P.

*Permitted if the level o f the assembly occupancy and any story intervening between that level and the level of exit dishcarge are protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system, f f the re are any openings between the level o f exit discharge and the exits serving the place of assembly, the level of exit discharge shall also be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. (See Section 7-7.) **Where every part of the strucutural framework of roofs in Type I or Type II construction is 20 ft (6.1 m) or more above the floor immediately below, ommission of all fire protection of the structural members shall be permitted, including protection of trusses, roof framing, and decking. N.P.: Not Permitted LED: Level o f Exit Discharge

NOTE: For the purpose of this table, a mezzanine is no t counted as a level.

9-1.7.3 Waiting Spaces. In theaters and other assembly occupancies where persons are admit ted to the building at times when seats are not available to them, or when the permit ted occupant load has been reached based on 9-1.7.1 or 9-1.7.2 and persons are allowed to wait in a lobby or similar space until seats or space is available, such use of a lobby or similar space shall no t encroach upon the recjuired clear width of exits. Such waiting shall be restricted to areas other than the required means of egress. Exits shall be provided for such waiting spaces on the basis of one person for each 3 sq ft (0.28 sq m) of waiting space area. Such exits shall be in addition to the exits specified for the main auditorium area and shall conform in construction and ar rangement to the general rules for exits given in dais chapter.

9-1.7.4 Where the occupant load of an assembly occupancy is greater than 6,000, a life safety evaluation shall be performed in accordance with 9-4.5.

Exception: Where approved by the authority having jurisdiction the number of usually seated occupants provided with a minimum of 15 sq ft (1.4 sq m) of lawn surface in outdoor facilities shall be permitted to be excluded in determining the need for a life safety evaluation.

SECTION 9-2 MEANS OF EGRESS REQUIREMENTS 9-2.1 General. All means of egress shall be in accordance with

Chapter 5 and this section. 9-2.2 Means of Egress Components. 9-2.2.1 Components of means of egress shall be limited to the types

described in 9-2.2.2 through 9-2.2.10. 9-2.2.2 Doors. 9-2.2.2.1 Doors complying.with 5-2.1 shall be permitted.

9-2.2.2.2 Class C assembly occupancies in covered malls (see 25- 4.4.1 Exception) shall be permit ted to have horizontal or vertical security grilles or doors complying with Exception No. 4 to 5-2.1.4.1 on the main entrance/exits .

9-2.2.2.3 Panic Hardware or Fire Exit Hardware. Anydoor in a required means of egress from an area having an occupant load of 100 or more persons shall be permit ted to be provided with a latch or lock only f l i t is panic hardware or fire exit hardware complying with 5-2.1.7.

Exception No. 1: In assembly occupancies having an occupant load not greater than 600, where the main exit consists of a single door or single pair of doors, locking devices complying with Exception No. 2 to 5-2.1.5.1 shall be permitted to be used on the main exit. Any latching device on this door(s) shall be released by panic hardware.

Exception No. 2: Delayed egress locks as permit ted in 9-2.2.2.4. Exception No. 3: Access-controlled egress doors as permit ted in 9-

2.2.2.5. 9-2.2.2.4 Delayed egress locks complying with 5-2.1.6.1 shall be

permitted on doors other than main en t rance /ex i t doors. 9-2.2.2.5 Doors in the means of egress shall be permit ted to be

equipped with an approved access control system complying with 5- 2.1.6.2. Doors shall not be locked from the egress side when the assembly occupancy is occupied. (See 5-2.1.1.3.)

9-2.2.2.6 Revolving doors complying with the requirements of 5- 2.1.10 for new construction shall be permitted. 9-2.2.2.7 Turnstiles. No turnstiles or other devices that restrict the

movement of persons shall be installed in any assembly occupancy in such a manner as to interfere in any way with required means of egress facilities.

9-2.2.3 Stairs. 9-2.2.3.1 Stairs complying with 5-2.2 shall be permitted. Exception No. 1": Stairs serving seating that is designed to be

reposit ioned shall not be required to comply with 5-2.2.3.1. Exception No. 2: Stages andplaf forms as permit ted by 9-4.5. 9-2.2.3.2 Catwalk, Gal leryandGrid i ron Stairs. 9-2.2.3.2.1 Noncombustible grated stair treads and landing floors

shall be permit ted in means o f egress f rom lighting and access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons.

9-2.2.3.2.2 Spiral stairs complying with 5-2.2.2.7 shall be permit ted in means of egress from lighting and access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons.

9-2.2.3.2.3 A second means of egress shall not be required f rom lighting and access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons where a means of escape to a floor or a roof is provided. Ladders alternating tread devices, or spiral stairs shall be permit ted in such means of escape.

9-2.2.3.2.4 Exit access stairs from lighting and access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons shall no t be required to be enclosed.

9-2.2.4 SmokeproofEnclosures. Smokeproof enclosures complying with 5-2.3 shall be permitted.

9-2.2.5 Horizontal Exits. Horizontal exits complying with 5-2.4 shall be permitted.

9-2.2.6 Ramps. Ramps complying with 5-2.5 shall be permitted. 9-2.2.7 Exit Passageways. Exit passageways complying with 5-2.6

shall be permitted. 9-2.2.8 Escalators and Moving Walks. Escalators and moving walks

complying with 5-2.7 shall be permitted. 9-2.2.9 Fire Escape Stairs. Fire escape stairs complying with 5-2.8

shall be permit ted . 9-2.2.10 Areas of Refuge. Areas of refuge complying with 5-2.12

shall be permitted. 9-2.3 Capacity of Means of Egress. 9-2.3.1 The capacity of means of egress shall be in accordance with

Section 5-3 or, for means of egress serving theater-type seating or similar seating arranged in rows, in accordance with 9-2.3.2.

9-2.3.2* Minimum clear widths of aisles and other means of egress serving theater-type seating or similar seating arranged in rows, shall be in accordance with Table 9-2.3.2(a) or, for buildings providing smoke-protected assembly seating and for which an approved life safety evaluation in accordance with 9-4.5 is conducted, in accordance with Table 9-2.3.2(b). For Table 9-2.3.2(b), the number of seats specified must be within a single assembly space and interpolation shall be permit ted between the specific values shown. For both tables, the minimum clear widths shown shall be modified in accordance with all of the following:

(a) ffrisers exceed 7 in. (17.8 cm) in height, multiply the stair width in the tables by factor A, where

A = 1 + [.(riser height-7 in.)]

(b) Stairs not having a handrail within a 30-in. (76-cm) horizontal distance shall be 25 percent wider than otherwise calculated; i.e., multiply by factor B = 1.25.

(c) Ramps steeper than 1 in 10 slope where used in ascent shall bave their width increased by 10 percent; i.e., multiply by factor C = 1.10.

89

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

Exception No. 1: Lighting and access catwalks as permi t ted by 9- 4.5.8.

Exception No. 2: Grandstands, bleachers, and folding and telescopic seating as permi t ted by 9-4.8.




Unl imi ted 200 0.300 AB 0.200 C

(1 in. = 2.54 cm)

9-2.3.3 Main Entrance/Exi t . Every assembly occupancy shall be providedwith a main e n t r a n c e / e x i t T he main en t r ance / ex i t shall be o f sufficient width to accommoda te one half of the total occupan t load and shall be at the level o f exit discharge or shall connec t to a stairway or r amp leading to a streeL Where the ma in en t r ance / ex i t f rom an assembly occupancy is t h rough a lobby or foyer, the aggregate capacity of all exits f rom the lobby or foyer shall be permi t ted to provide the requi red capacity of the main e n t r a n c e / exit regardless o f whe the r all such exits serve as enwances to the building.

Exception No. 1: A bowling es tabl i shment shall have a main en t r ance / ex i t of sufficient capacity to accommoda te 50 p e r c e n t of the total occupant load wi thout regard-to the n u m b e r of aisles tha t it serves.

Exception No. 2*: In assembly occupancies where there is no well- def ined main en t rance /ex i t , exits shall be permi t ted to be distrib- u ted a round the per imeter of the bui ld ing provided the total exit width furnishes a m i n i m u m of I00 percen t o f the width n e e d e d to accommoda te the permi t ted occupan t load.

9-2.3.4 Othe r Exits. Each level of an assembly occupancy shall have access to the main en t r ance / ex i t and shall be provided with addit ional exits of sufficient width to accommoda te a m i n i m u m of one half of the total occupan t load served by tha t level. Such exits shall discharge in accordance with 9-2.7. Such exits shall be located as far apar t as practicable and as far f rom the main en t r ance / ex i t as practicable. Such exits shall be accessible f rom a cross aisle or a side aisle. (See 9-2.3.3.)

Exception: In assembly occupancies where there is no well-defined main en t rance /ex i t , exits shall be permi t ted to be distr ibuted a round the per imeter of the building, provided the total exit width furnishes a m i n i m u m of 100 percent o f the width needed to accommodate the permi t ted occupan t load.

9-2.4* N u m b e r o f Exits. (See also Section 5-4.) 9-2.4.1 Every Class A assembly occupancy shall have at least four

separate means of egress as remotely located f rom each o ther as practicable.

Exception: Fenced ou tdoor assembly occupandes in accordance with 9-2.4.4.

9-2.4.2 Every Class B assembly occupancy shall have at least two separate means of egress as remotely located f rom each other as Pthracticable and, if of an occupan t load greater than 600, at least

ree separate m e a n s of egress. Exception: Fenced ou tdoor assembly occupancies in accordance

with 9-2.4.4. 9-2.4.3 Every Class C assembly occupancy shall have at least two

means o f egress consisting of separate exits or doors leading to a corridor or o ther spaces that provide access to two separate and i n d e p e n d e n t exits located in different directions.

Exception: Fenced ou tdoor assembly occupancies in accordance with 9-2.4.4.

9-2.4.4 A fenced ou tdoor assembly occupancy shall have at least two widel)) separated means of egress f rom the enclosure, i f more than 6,000 persons are to be served by such means of egress, there shall be at least th ree means o f egress; if more than 9,000 persons are to be served, there shall be at least four means of egress.

9-2.4.5 Balconies or mezzanines having an occupan t load not greater than 50 shall be permi t ted to be served by a single means of egress and such means o f egress shall be permi t ted to lead to the floor below.

9-2.4.6 Balconies or mezzanines having an occupan t load greater than 50 bu t no t grea ter than 100 shall have at least two remote means o f egress, bu t both such means of egress shall be permi t ted to lead to the floor below.

9-2.4.7 Balconies or mezzanines having an occupan t load greater than 100 shall have mea ns of egress provided as for a floor.

9-2.5 A r r a n g e m e n t of Means of Egress. (See also Section 5-5.) 9-2.5.1 Exits shall be located remotely f rom each o ther and shall be

a r ranged to minimize the possibility that they migh t be blocked by any emergency.

Exception: A c o m m o n path of travel shall be permit ted for tile first 20 ft (6.1 m) f rom any point where serving any n u m b e r of occupants and for the first 75 ft (23 m) f rom any poin t where serving no t more than 50 occupants.

9-2.5.2 Means of egress shall no t be permi t ted th rough kitchens, s torerooms, restrooms, closets, or hazardous areas as described in 9- 3.2.

9-2.5.3 (Reserved.) 9-2.5.4 (Reserved.) 9-2.5.5 General Requi rements for Access and Egress Routes within

Assembly Areas. 9-2.5.5.1 Festival seating shall be prohibi ted within a building. (See

Section 3-2.) Except ion No. 1: Festival seat ing shall be permi t ted in Class B and

Class C assembly occupancies. Exception No. 2: Festival seat ing shall be permi t ted in Class A

assembly occupancies with an approved life safety evaluation. (See 9- 4.1.)

9-2.5.5.2* Access a n d egress routes shall be main ta ined so that any individual is able to move without u n d u e hindrance , on personal initiative and at any time, f rom an occupied posit ion to exits.

9-2.5.5.3* Access a n d egress routes shall be ma in ta ined so tha t crowd managemen t , security, and emergency medical personnel shall be able to move without u n d u e h indrance at any t ime to any individual.

9-2.5.5.4* The width of aisle accessways and aisles shall provide sufficient egress capacity for the n u m b e r of persons accom m o d a t ed by the ca t chmen t area served by the aisle accessway or aisle in accordance with 9-2.3.1. Where aisle accessways or aisles converge to fo rm a single pa th of egress travel, the requi red egress capacity of tha t pa th s h a U n o t be less than the combined requi red capacity of the converging aisle accessways and aisles.

9-2.5.5.5 Those port ions of aisle accesses and aisles where egress is possible in either of two directions shall be un i form in requi red width.

Exception: Those port ions o f aisle accesses where the required width, no t including the seat space described by 9-2.5.8.2, does no t exceed 12 in. (30.5 cm).

9-2.5.5.6 In the case of side boundar ies o ther than nonf ixed seating at tables, for aisle accesses or aisles, the clear width shall be measured to boundary elements such as walls, guardrails, handrails, edges of seating, tables, and side edges of treads, with the measure- m e n t made horizontally to the vertical projection of the e lements resul t ing in the smallest width measu red perpendicular ly to the line of travel.

9-2.5.6* Aisle Accesses. 9-2.5.6.1" To de te rmine the requi red clear width o f aisle accesses

between rows of seating, horizontal measu remen t s shall be m ad e (between vertical planes) f rom the back of one seat to the f ront of the most forward projection of the seat immediate ly beh ind it. Where the entire row consists of antomat ic or self-rising seats that comply with ASTM F851, Test Method for Self-Rising Seat M e c h a - nisms, the m e a s u r e m e n t shall be permi t ted to be made with the seats in the up position.

9-2.5.6.2 The aisle accessway between rows of seating shall have a clear width of not less than 12 in. (30.5 cm), and this m i n i m u m shall be increased as a func t ion of row length in accordance with 9-2.5.6.3 and 9-2.5.6.4.

Exception: ff used by no t more than four persons, there shall be no m i n i m u m clear width r equ i r emen t for the por t ion o f the aisle accessway having a length no t exceeding 6 f t (1.8 m) measured f rom the center of the seat far thest f rom the aisle.

9-2.5.6.3* Rows of seating served by aisles or doorways at both ends shall have no more than 100 seats per row. The 12-in. (30.5-cm) m i n i m u m d e a r width o f aisle accessway between such rows shall be increased by 0.3 in. (0.8 cm) for every seat over a total of 14, bu t need no t exceed 22 in. (55.9 cm).

Exception: Smoke protected assembly seating as permi t ted by 9- 4.2.5.

9-2.5.6.4 Rows of seating served by an aisle or doorway at one en d only shall have a path of travel no t exceeding 30 ft (9.1 m) in length f rom any seat to an aisle._The 12-in. (30.5-cm) m i n i m u m clear width of aisle accessway between such rows shall be increased by 0.6 in. (1.6 cm) for every seat over a total of seven. Exception: Smoke protected assembly seat ing as permi t ted by 9-

4.2.6 and 9-4.2.7. 9-2.5.6.5 Rows of seat ing utilizing tablet-arm chairs shall be

permi t ted only if the clear width of aisle accesses complies with the requi rements of 9-2.5.7 where the tablet is in the usable position.

Exception: Tablet a rms shall be permi t ted to be measu re d in the s tored posit ion where the tablet a rm automatically re turns to the s tored posit ion when raised manual ly to a vertical posit ion in one mot ion and falls to the s tored posit ion by force of gravity.

9-2.5.7 Aisles. 9-2.5.7.1 Dead-end aisles shall no t exceed 20 ft (6.1 m) in length.

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N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

Exception No. 1: A longer dead-end aisle shall be permit ted where seats served by the dead-end aisle are not more than 24 seats from another aisle, measured along a row of seats having a minimum clear width of 12 in. (30.5 cm) plus 0.6 in. (1.5 cm) for each additional seat over a total of seven in the row.

Exception No. 2: A 16-row dead-end aisle shall be permit ted in fo ld ingand telescopic seating.

9-2.5.7.2 The minimum clear width of aisles shall be sufficient to provide egress capacity in accordance with 9-2.3.2 but not less than:

(a) 42 in. (107 cm) for stairs having seating on each side. Exception to (a): 30 in. (76 cm) for catchment areas having no

more than 60 seats. (b) 36 in. (91 cm) for stairs having seating on only one side° Exception to (b): 30 in. (76 cm) for catchment areas having no

more than 60 seats. (c) 20 in. (51 cm) between a handrail and seating or a guardrail

where the aisle is subdivided bya handrail. (d) 42 in. (107 cm) for level or ramped aisles having seating on

both sides. Exception to (d): 30 in. (76 cm) for catchment areas having no

more than 60 seats. (e) 36 in. (91 cm) for level or ramped aisles having seating on only

one side. Exception to (e): 30 in. (76 era) for catchment areas having no

more than 60 seats. (f) 23 in. (58 cm) between a handrail or guardrail and seating

wbere aisle does no t serve more than five rows on one side. 9-2.5.7.$* Aisle Stairs and Ramps. Aisles having a gradient steeper

than 1 in 20, but not s teeper than 1 in 8, shall consist of a ramp. Aisles having a gradient s teeper than 1 in 8 shall consist of an aisle stair.

9-2.5.7.4 Aisle Stair Treads. (a) There shall be no variation exceeding 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) in the

depth of adjacent treads. (b)* Treads shall be a min imum of 11 in. (27.9 cm). (c) All treads shall extend the full width of the aisle. 9-2.5.7.5 Aisle Stair Risers. (a) Riser heights shall be a minimum of 4 in. (10.2 cm). (b) Riser heights shall not exceed 8 in. (20.3 cm). Exception No. 1 to (b): Where the gradient of an aisle is steeper

than 8 in. (20.3 cm) in rise in 11 in. (27.9 cm) of run (to maintain necessary sight lines in the adjoining seating area), the riser height shall be permit ted to exceed 8 in. (20.3 cm) hut shall no t exceed 11 in. (27.9 cm).

Exception No. 2 to (b): Folding and telescopic seating in accordance with 9-4.8.

(c) Riser heights shall be designed to be uniform in each aisle, and the construction-caused nonuniformities shall not exceed 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) between adjacent risers. Exception to (c): Riser height shall be permit ted to be nonuni-

form only for the purpose of accommodat ingnecessary changes in gradient to maintain necessary sight lines within a seating area and shall be permit ted to exceed 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) in any flight. Where nonuniformities exceed 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) between adjacent risers, the exact location of such nonuniformities shall be indicated by a distinctive marking stripe on each tread at the nosing or leading edge adjacent to the nonuniform risers.

* 9-2.5.7.6 Aisle Handrails. Ramped aisles having a gradient exceeding 1 in 12 and aisle stairs shall be provided with handrails at one side or along the centerline. Where there is seating on both sides of the aisle, the handrails shall

be discontinuous with gaps or breaks at intervals not exceeding five rows to facilitate access to seating and to permit crossing from one side of the aisle to the other. These gaps or breaks shall have a clear width of not less than 22 in. (55.9 cm) and not greater than 36 in. (91 cm) measured horizontally, and the handrail shall have rounded terminations or bends. Where handrails are provided in the middle of aisle stairs, there shall be an additional intermediate rail located approximately 12 in. (30 cm) below the main handrail.

Exception No. 1: Handrails shall not be required for ramped aisles having a gradient not s teeper than 1 in 8 and having seating on both sides.

Exception No. 2: The requirement for a handrail is satisfied by the use of a guard providing a rail that complies with the graspability requirements for handrails and is located at a consistent height between 34 in. (86 cm) and 42 in. (107 cm) measured vertically from the top of the rail to the leading edge (nosing) of stair treads or to the adjacent walking surface in the case of a ramp.

Exception No. 3: Handrails shall not be required where risers do not exceed 7 in. (17.8 cm) in height.

9-2.5.7.7* Aisle Marking. A contrasting marking stripe shall be provided on each tread at the nosing or leading edge such that the location of such tread is readily apparent, particularly when viewed in descent. Such stripes shall be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide and shall not exceed 2 in. (5 cm) in width.

Exception: The marking stripe shall not be required where tread surfaces and environmental conditions under all conditions of use are such that the location of each tread is readily apparent, particularly when viewed in descent.

9-2.5.8* Aisle Accesses Serving Seating at Tables 9-2.5.8.1 The minimum required dear width of an aisle accessway

shall be 12 in. (30.5 cm) where measured in accordance with 9- 2.5.8.2 and increased as a function of length in accordance with 9- 2.5.8.3.

Exception*: f fused by not more than four persons, there shall be no minimum clear width requirement for the portion of aisle accessway having a length not exceeding 6 ft (1.8 m) and located farthest from an aisle.

9-2.5.8.2* Where nonfixed seating is located between a table and an aisle accessway or aisle, the measurement of required clear width of the aisle accessway or aisle shall be made to a line 19 in. (48.3 cm) away from the edge of the table. The 19-in. (48.3-cm) distance shall be measured perpendicularly to the edge of the table.

9-2.5.8.3* The minimum required clear width of an aisle accessway measured in accordance with 9-2.5.8.2 and 9-2.5.5.6 shall be increased beyond the 12-in. (30.5-cm) requirement by 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) for each additional 12 in. (30.5 cm) or fraction thereof beyond 12 ft (3.7 m) of aisle accessway length where measured from the center of the seat farthest f rom an aisle.

9-2.5.8.4 The path of travel along the aisle accessway shall not exceed 36 ft (10.9 m) from any seat to the closest aisle or egress doorway.

9-2.5.9 Aisles Serving Seating at Tables. 9-2.5.9.1" Aisles that contain steps or that are ramped, such as the

aisles serving d inner theater style configurations, shall comply with the requirements of 9-2.5.7.

9-2.5.9.2* The minimum width of aisles serving seating at tables shall be 44 in. (112 cm) where serving an occupant load greater than 50, and 36 in. (91 cm) where serving an occupant load of 50 or fewer.

9-2.5.10 Approval of Layouts. Where required by the authority having jurisdiction, plans drawn to scale showing the arrangement of furnishings or equipment shall be submitted to the authority by the building owner, manager, or authorized agent to substantiate conformance with the provisions of this section and shall constitute the only acceptable arrangement until revised or additional plans are su t imi t tedand approved.

Exception: Temporary deviations from the specifications of the approved plans shall be permit ted provided the occupant load is not increased and the intent of this section is maintained.

9-2.6 Travel Distance to Exits. 9-2.6.1 Exits shall be arranged so that the total length of travel

from any point to reach an exit shall not exceed 150 ft (45 m) in any assembly occupancy.

Exception No. 1: The travel distance shall no t exceed 200 ft (60 m) in assembly occupancies protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7.

Exception No. 2: Smoke-protected assembly seating as permitted by 9-4.2.1 and its Exception. 9-2.7 Discharge from Exits. 9-2.7.1 Exit discharge shall complywith Section 5-7. 9-2.7.2 The level of exit discharge shall be measured at the point of

principal entrance to the building. 9-2.7.3 Where the principal entrance to an assembly occupancy is

via a terrace, either raised or depressed, such terrace shall be considered to be the level of exit discharge for the purposes of 9-1.6 if:

(a) The terrace is at least as long (measured parallel to the building) as the total width of the exit(s) it serves, but not less than 5 ft (1.5 m) long, and

(b) The terrace is at least as wide (measured perpendicularly to the building) as the exit(s) it serves, but not less than 5 ft (1.5 m) wide, and

(c) Required stairs leading from the terrace to grade are protected in accordance with 5-2.2.6.3 or are a minimum of 10 ft (3 m) from the building.

9-2.8 Illumination of Means of Egress. Means of egress shall be illuminated in accordance with Section 5-8.


9-2.9 Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting shall be provided in accordance with Section 5-9.

Exception No. 1: Private party tents not larger than 1,200 sq ft (111.5 sq m). Exception No. 2: Class C assembly occupancies used exclusively for

a place of worship shall not be required to have emergency lighting. 9-2.10 Marking of Means of Egress. Means of egress shall have

signs in accordance with Section 5-10. 9-2.11 Special Means of Egress Features. 9-2.11.1 Guards and Railings.

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9-2.11.1.1 Boxes, Balconies, and Galleries. (a) The fasciae of boxes, balconies, and galleries shall not rise less

daan 26 in. (66 cm) above the adjacent floor or shall have substantial railings not less than 26 in. (66 cm) above the adjacent floor.

(b) The height of the rail above footrests on the adjacent floor immediately in front of a row of seats shall be not less than 26 in. (66 cm). Railings at the ends of aisles shall be not less than 36 in. (91 cm) high for the full width of the aisle and shall be not less than 42 in. (107 cm) high for the width of the aisle where steps occur.

Exception to (b): Existing railings 36 in. (91 cm) high at the ends of aisles where steps occur shall be permitted to continue to be used.

(c) Aisle accesses adjacent to orchestra pits and vomitories, and all cross aisles shall be provided with railings not less than 26 in. (66 cm) above the adjacent floor. Exception to (c): Where the backs of seats located at the front of

the aisle project 24 in. (61 cm) or more above the adjacent floor of the aisle.

(d) Guardrails shall not be required on the audience side of stages, raised platforms, and other raised floor areas such as runways, ramps, and side stages used for enter ta inment or presentations.

(e) Permanent guardraiis shall not be required at vertical openings in the performance area of stages.

(f) Guardrails shall not be required when the side of an elevated walking surface is required to be open for the normal functioning of special lighting or for access mad use of other special equipment.

SECTION 9-3 PROTECTION 9-3.1 Protection of Vertical Openings. Vertical openings shall be

enclosed or protected in accordance with 6-2.4. Exception No. 1: Unprotected vertical openings connecting not

more than three floors in accordance with 6-2.4.5 shall be permitted. Exception No. 2: Atriums in accordance with 6-2.4.6 shal/be

permitted. Exception No. 3*: Stairs or ramps shall be permitted to be

unenclosed between balconies or mezzanines and main assembly areas located below provided the balcony or mezzanine is open to the main assembly area.

Exception No. 4: Existing wood lath and plaster, existing 1/2-in. (1.3-cm) gypsum wallboard, existing installations of 1/4-in. (0.6-cm) thick wired glass that are, or are rendered, inoperative and fixed in the closed position, or other existing materials having similar fire resistance capabilities shall be acceptable. All such assemblies shall be in good repair and free of any condition that would diminish their original fire resistance characteristics. 9-3.2 Protection from Hazards. 9-3.2.1 Service Equipment, Hazardous Operations or Processes,

and Storage Facilities. 9-3.2.1.1 Rooms containing high pressure boilers, refrigerating

machinery of other than domesuc refrigerator type, large transtorm- ers, or other service equipment subject to possible explosion shall not be located directly under or abutting required exits. All such rooms shall be separated from other parts of the building by fire barriers in accordance with 6-2.3 havfng a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour or shall beprotected by automatic extinguishing systems in accordance with Section 6-4. 9-3.2.1.2 Adequate vents to the outer air shall be provided in

accordance with Section 6-4. 9-3.2.1.3 Rooms or spaces for the storage, processing, or use of

materials specified below shall be protec~edan accordTance with the following:

(a)* Separation from the remainder of the building by fire barriers having a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour or protection of such rooms by automatic 6xtinguishing systems as specified in Section 6-4 in the following areas:

(1) Boiler and furnace rooms. Excep.tion to (1)*: Rooms enclosing only air-handling or compres-

sor eqmpmeut. (2)- Rooms or spaces used for the storage of combustible supplies

in quantities deen]ed hazardous by the anUmrity havingjurisdi'c-fion. (3) Rooms or spaces used for the storage of hazardous materials

or flammable or combustible liquids in quantities deemed hazardous by recognized standards.

(4) Rooms containing fuel. (b) Separation from the remainder of the building byfire barriers

having a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour and prntection of such rooms by automatic extinguishing systems as specified in Section 64 in the following areas:

(1) Laundries. (2) Maintenance shops, including woodworking and painting

areas. (3) Rooms or spaces used for processing or use of combustible

supplies deemed hazardous by the authority having jurisdiction. -(~) Rooms or spaces used for processing or use~o-f hazardous

materials or flammable or combustible liquids in quantities deemed hazardous by recognized standards.

(c) Where automatic extinguishing is used to meet the require- meuts of this section, the protection shall be permitted to b6 in accordance with 7-7.1.2.

9-3.3 Interior Finish.

9-3.3.1 The interior finish requirements of this section shall be in accordance with Section 0-5.

9-3.3.2 Interior finish in all corridors and lobbies shall be ClassA or Class B and, in enclosed stairways, Class A. 9-3.3.3 Interior finish in general assembly areas of Class A or Class

B assembly occupancies shall be Class A or Class B. In Class C assembly occupancies, interior finish shall be Class A, Class B, or Class C.

Exception: In any assembly occupancy, exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements for Type IV(2HH) construction shall be permitted. 9-3.3.4 Screens on which pictures are projected shall complywith

requirements of Class A or Class B interior finish. 9-3.4 Detection, Alarm, and Communications Systems. 9-3.4.1 General. Class A and Class B assembly occupancies and all

theaters with more than one audience-viewing room shall be provided with an approved fire alarm system in accordance with this section.

Exception• No. 1". Assembly occupancies, that are a part of a mixed occupancy (see 4-1.11) shall be perrmtted to be served by a common fire alarm system provided the individual requirements of each occupancy are met.

Exception No. 2: Assembly occupancies where, in the judgment of the authority having jurisdiction, adequate alternative provisions exist or are provided for the discovery of a fire condition and for alerting the occupants promptly.

9-3.4.2 Initiation. 9-3.4.2.1 Initiation of the required fire alarm system shall be by

manual means in accordance with %6.2.1 (a), which shall be provided with an emergency . . . . . power source. The initiating device shall be capable of transmitting an alarm to a rece~xang stauon, located within the building, that is constantly attendedwhen the assembly occupancy is occupied.

Exception No. I: Initiation by means of an approved, automatic fire detection system in accordance with 7-6.2.1 (b) that provides fire detection throughout the building.

Exception No. 2: Initiation by means of an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 7-6.2.1 (c) that provides fire detection and protection throughout the building.

. 9-3.4.2.2 In all Class A and in all Class B assembly occupancies, automatic detection shall be provided in all hazardous areas that are not normally occupied. Exception: Areas that are protected throughout by an approved,

automatic sprinkler system m accordance vath 7-7.1. 9-3.4.3 Notification. 9-3.4.3.1 The required fire alarm system shall sound an audible

alarm in a constantly attended receiving station within the building when occupied for purposes of initiating emergency action. A preslgnal s~stem in hccordance with Exception No. 1 to 7-6.3.2 shall be permitted. Positive alarm sequence in accordance with Exception No. 2 to 7-6.3.2 shall be permitted. 9-3.4.3.2 Occupant notification shall be by means of voice

announcements, either live or prerecorded, initiated by the person in the constantly attended location. 9-3.4.3.3 The announcement shall be made via an approved voice

communications or public address system that is audible above the ambient noise level of the assembly occupancy.

9-3.4.3.4 Where the authority having jurisdiction determines that it is impractical to have a constantly attended location, a fire alarm system in accordance with Section %6 that is initiated by manual stations in accordance with %6.2.1 (a) or other approved means of initiation and that automatically provides prerecorded evacuation instructions in accordance with 7-6.3.8 shall be used. 9-3.5 Extinguishment Requirements. (See also 9-1.6, 9-2.6, and 9-

3.2.) 9-3.5.1 Fire Suppression Systems. Anyassembly occupancynsed or

capable of being used for exhibition or display purposes shall be protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7 where the exhibition or display area exceeds 15,000 sq ft (1,400 sq m). 9-3.6 Corridors. (No requirement.) SECTION 9-4 SPECIAL PROVISIONS 9-4.1 Life Safety Evaluation. 9-4.1.1 Where a life safety evaluation is required by other provi-

sions of the Code, it shall be done by persons acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The life safety evaluation shall include a written assessment of safety measures for conditions listed in 9- 4.1.2. The life safety evaluation shall be approved annually by the authority having jurisdiction and shall be updated for special or unusual conditions.

9-4.1.2 Life safety evaluations shall include an assessment of the following conditions and the related appropriate safety measures:

(a) Nature of the events and the participants and attendees, (b) Access and egress movement including crowd density

problems,

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(c) Medical emergencies, (d) Fire hazards, (e) Permanent and temporary structural systems, (f) Severe weather conditions, (g) Earthquakes, (h) Civil or other disturbances, (i) Hazardous materials incidents within and near the facility, and (j) Relationships among facility management , event participants,

emergency response agencies, and others baying a role in the events accommodated in the facility.

9-4.1.2 Life safety evaluations shall include assessments of both building systems and management features upon which reliance is placed for the safety of facility occupants.

9-4.2* Smoke-Protected Assembly Seating. 9-4.2.1 For smoke-protected assembly seating conforming with the

requirements of 9-4.2.2, the travel distance from each seat to the nearest entrance to an egress vomitory portal or egress concourse shall not exceed 200 ft (60 m). The travel distance from the entrance to vomitory portal or from egress concourse to an approved egress stair, ramp, or walk at the building exterior shall not exceed 200 ft (60 m).

Exception: In outdoor assembly seating facilities providing smoke- protected assembly seating conforming with the requirements of 9- 4.2 and where a l lpor t ions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside, the distance of travel to an approved egress stair, ramp, or walk at the building exterior shall not exceed 400 ft (122 m). In outdoor assembly seating facilities of Type I or Type II construction, where all portions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside, the distance shall not be limited.

9-4.2.2 Fire Protection Requirements. To be considered smoke- protected, an assembly seating facility shall comply with the following:

(a) All enclosed areas with walls and ceilings in buildings or structures containing smoke-protected assembly seating shall be protected with an approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section '7-7.

Exception to (a): The floor area used for the contest, performance, or entertainment, provided the roof construction is more than 50 ft (15 m) above the floor level and use is restricted to low fire hazard uses.

(b) All means of egress serving a smoke-protected assembly seating area shall be provided with smoke-actuated ventilation facilities or natural ventilation designed to maintain the level of smoke at least 6 ft (1.8 m) above the floor of the means of egress.

9-4.2.3 Life Safety Evaluation. For facilities to utilize the provisions of smoke-protected assembly seating, a life safety evaluation shall be done in accordance with 9-4.1.

9-4.2.4 For Table 9-4.2.4 the number of seats specified must be within a single assembly space, and interpolation shall be permit ted between the specific values shown. The minimum clear widths shown shall be modified in accordance with all of the following:

(a) ffrisers exceed 7 in. (17.8 cm) in height, multiply the stair width in the tables by factor A, where

A =1 at[ '(rlser helgIht-Tin')'] (b) Stairs no t having a handrail within a 30-in. (76-cm) horizontal

distance shall be 25 percent wider than otherwise calculated; i.e., multiply by factor B = 1.25.

(c) Ramps steeper than 1 in 10 slope where used in ascent shall have their width increased by 10 percent; i.e., multiply by factor C = 1.10.


Nominal Inch of Clear Width Per Seat Served No. of Seats Flow Time Passageways, Ramps,

(sec) Stairs and Doorways 2,000 200 0.300 AB 0.200 C 5t000 260 0.200 AB 0.150 C 10,000 360 0.130 AB 0.100 C 15,000 460 0.096 AB 0.070 C 20,000 560 0.076 AB 0.056 C 25,000 or 000 0.060 AB 0.044 C more

(1 in. = 2.54 cm)

9-4.2.5 With smoke-protected assembly seating conforming to the requirements of 9-4.2, for rows of seats served by aisles or doorways a tbo th ends, there shall be no more than 100 seats per row and the minimum clear width of 12 in. (305 cm) for aisle accessways shall be

93

increased by 0.3 in. (0.8 cm) for every additional seat beyond the number stipulated in Table 9-4.2.5, but the minimum clear width need not exceed 22 in. (55.9 cm).

Tab le 9-4.2.5 S m o k e - P r o t e c t e d Assembly Sea t i ng

To ta l n u m b e r o f seats in t h e space

No. o f seats p e r row p e r m i t t e d to have a m i n i m u m 12-in. (30.5-cm) c lea r w i d t h aisle accessway Aisle o r Aisle o r d o o r w a y at b o t h d o o r w a y at o n e e n d s o f row e n d o f row

<4,000 14 7 4,000 - 6,999 15 7 7,000 - 9,999 16 8

10 ,000- 12,999 17 8 13,000 - 15,999 18 9 16 ,000- 18,999 19 9

19,000 - 21,999 20 10 >22,000 21 11

9-4.2.6 With smoke-protected assembly seating conforming with the requirements of 9-4.2, for rows of seats served by an aisle or doorway at one end only, the aisle accessway minimum clear width of 12 in. (30.5 cm) shall be increased by0.6 in. (1.6 cm) for every additional seat beyond the number stipulated in Table 9-4.2.5, but the minimum clear width need not exceed 22 in. (55.9 cm).

9-4.2.7 Smoke-protected assembly seating conforming with the requirements of 9-4.2 shall be permit ted to have a common path of travel of 50 ft (15 m) from any seat to a point where a person has a choice of two directions of egress travel.

9-4.2.8 Aisle Termination. For smoke-protected assembly seating conforming to the requirements of 94.2, the dead ends in aisle stairs shall not exceed a distance of 21 rows.

Exception: A longer dead-end aisle shall be permitted for smoke- protected assembly seating where seats served by the dead-end aisle are no more than 40 seats fi-om another aisle, measured along a row of seats baying an aisle accessway with a minimum clear width of 12 in. (30.5 cm) plus 0.3 in. (0.8 cm) for each additional seat above seven in the row.

9-4.3 Windowless or Underground Buildings. Windowless or underground buildings shall comply with this chapter and Section 30-7.

9-4.4 High Rise Buildings. ExiSting high rise buildings that house assembly occupancies in high rise portions of the buildingshall have the highest level of the assembly occupancy and all levelsbelow protected by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7. (See also 9-1.6.)

9-4.5 Stages and Platforms. (See 9-1.3.) 9-4.5.1 Materials and Design. (Reserved.) 9-4.5.2 Platform Construction. (Reserved.) 9-4.5.3 Stage Construction. (Reserved.) 9-4.5.4 Accessory Rooms. (Reserved.) 9-4.5.5 Ventilators. Regular stages greater than 1,000 sq ft (93 sq

m) in area and legitimate stages shall be provided with emergency ventilation to provide a means of removing smoke and combustion

directly to the outside in the event of a fire. Ventilation shall be ne or a combination of the following methods:

(a) Smoke Control. A means complying with Section 7-3 shall be provided to maintain the smoke level not less than 6 ft (183 cm) above the highest level of assembly seating or above the top of the proscenium opening where a proscenium wall and opening

~ rotection is provided. The system shall be activated independently y each of the following: (1) activation of the sprinkler system in the

stage area, (2) activation of smoke detectors over the stage area, and (3) by manually operated switch at an approved location. The emergency ventilation system shall be supplied by both normal and standby power. The fan(s) power wiring and ducts shall be located and properly I~rotected to ensure a minimum 20 minutes of operation in me event of activation.

(b) Roof Vents. Two or more vents shall be located near the center of and above the highest part of the stage area. They shall be raised above the roof and shall provide a net-free vent area equal to 5 percent of the stage area. Vents shall be constructed to open automatically by approved heat-activated devices. Supplemental means shall be provided for manual operation and periodic testing of the ventilator from the stage floor. Vents shall be labeled.

N F P A 101 1 F 9 6 R O P

Exception to (b): Existing vents no t labeled shall be permit ted to conform to the following requirements.

(1) Vents shall open by spring action or force of gravity sufficient to overcome the effects of neglect, rust, dirt, frost, snow, or expansion by heat or warping of the framework. Glass, if used in vents, must be protected against falling onto the stage. A wire screen, if used under the glass, shall be p lacedso that if clogged, it does no t reduce the required venting area or interfere with the operating mechanism or obstruct the distribution of water from an automatic sprinkler. Vents shall be arranged to open automatically by the use of fusible links. The fusible links and operating cable shall hold each door closed against the minimum 30-1b (133 N) counter force shall be exerted on each door through its entire arc of travel and for a minimum of 115 degrees. A manual control shall be provided.

(2) Springs, when employed to actuate vent doors, shall be capable of maintaining full required tension. Springs shall not be stressed more than 50 percent of their rated capacity and shall not be located directly in the air stream nor exposed to the outside.

(3) A fusible llnk shall be placed in the cable control system on the underside of the vent at or above the roofline or as approved by the building official and shall be located so as not to be affected by the operation of an automatic sprinkler system. Remote, manual, or electric controls shall provide for both opening and closing of the vent doors for periodic testing and shall be located at a point on stage designated by the authority having jurisdiction. Where remote control vents are electrical, power failure shall no t affect its instant operation in the event of fire. Hand winches shall be permit ted to be

• employed to facilitate operation of manually controlled vents. (c) Other Means. Approved, alternate means of removing smoke

and combustion gases shall be permitted. 9-4.5.6 Proscenium Walls. (Reserved.) 9-4.5.7 Proscenium Curtain. The proscenium opening of every

legitimate stage shall be provided with a curtain constructed and mounted so as to intercept hot gases, flames, and smoke and to prevent flame from a fire on the stage f rom becoming visible from the auditorium side for a 5-minute per iod where the curtain is of asbestos. Other materials shall be permit ted if they have passed a 39- minute fire test in a small scale 3 ft x 3 ft (0.9 m x 0.9 m) furnace with the sample mounted in the horizontal plane at the top of the furnace and subjected to the standard t ime-temperature curve.

The curtain shall be automatic-closing without the use of applied power. All proscenium curtains shall be in the closed position except

during performances, rehearsals, or similar activities. Exception No. 1: In lieu of the protection required herein, all the

following shall be provided: (a) A noncombust ible opaque fabric curtain shall be arranged so

that it will close automatically, and (b) An automatic, fLxed waterspray deluge system shall be located

on the auditorium side of the proscenium opening and shall be arranged so that the entire face of the_curtain will be wetted. The system shall be activated by combination of rate-of-rise and fixed- temperature detectors located on the ceiling of the stage. Detectors shall be spaced in accordance with their listing. The water supply shall be controUed by a deluge valve and shall be sufficient to keep the curtain completely wet for 30 minutes or until the valve is closed by fire deparunen t personnel, and

(c) The curtain shall be automatically operated in case of fire bya combination of rate-of-rise and fixed-temperature detectors that also activates the deluge spray system. Stage sprinklers and vents shall be automatically operated by fusible elements in case of fire, and

(d) Operation of the stage sprinkler system or spray deluge valve shall automatically activate the emergency ventilating system and close the curtain, and

(e) The curtain, vents, and spray deluge system valve shall also be capable of manual operation.

Exception No. 2: Proscenium fire curtains or water curtains complying with 8-3.2.1.7.

9-4.5.8 Gridirons, Fly Galleries, and Pinrails. (Reserved.) 9-4.5.9 Catwalks. The minimum clear width of lighting and access

catwalks and the means of egress from galleries and gridirons shall be 22 in. (56 cm). 9-4.5.10 Fire Protection. Every stage shall be protected by an

approved, automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 7-7. The protection shall be provided throughout the stage and in storerooms, workshops, pe rmanen t dressing rooms, and other accessory spaces contiguous to such stages.

Exception No. 1: Sprinklers shall not be required for stages 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) or less in area where curtains, scenery, or other combustible hangings are no t retractable vertically. Combustible hangings shall be limited to a single main curtain, borders, legs, and a single backdrop.

Exception No. 2: Sprinklers shall not be required under stage areas less than 4 ft (1.2 m) in clear height used exclusively for chair or table storage and lined on .the inside with 5 /8 in. (1.6 cm) Type

X gypsum wallboard or the approved equivalent. 9-4.5.11 Flame-Retardant Requirements. Combustible scenery of

cloth, film, vegetation (dry), and similar effects shall meet the requirements of NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films. Foamed plastics (see Section 5-2) shall be permit ted to be used only by specific approval of the authority having jurisdiction. Scenery and stage properties on thrust stages shall be of either noncombustible or limited-combustible materials.

9-4.5.12 Standpipes. Each legitimate or regular stage over 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) shall be equipped with a Class III standpipe located on each side of the stage, installed in accordance with %7.4.2.

9-4.6 Projection Booths. 9-4-6.1 Film or video projectors or spotlights utilizing light sources

that produce particulate matter or toxic gases or light sources that produce hazardous radiation without protective shielding shall be located within a projection room complying with 9-3.2.2.2. Where cellulose nitrate film is used, the projection room shall comply with NFPA 40, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film.

9-4.6.2 Projection Rooms for Safety Film. Projection rooms for safety film shall comply with the following:

(a) Every projection room shall be of pe rmanen t construction consistent with the construction requirements for the type of building in which the projection room is located. Openings shall not be required to be protected. The room shall have a floor area of not less than 80 s q f t (7.4 sq m) for a single machine and not less than 40 sq ft (3.7 s q m ) for each additional machine. Each motion picture projector, floodlight, spotlight, or similar piece of equipment shall have a clear working space not less than 30 in. (76 cm) on each side and at the rear thereof, but only one such space shall be required between adjacent projectors.

The projection room and the rooms appur tenant to it shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 ft 6 in. (2.3 m).

(b) Each projection room shall have at least one out-swinging, self- closing door no t less than 30 in. (76 cm) wide and 6 ft 8 in. (2 m) high.

(c) The aggregate of ports and openings for projection equipment shall not exceed 25 p e r c e n t of the area of the wall between the projection room a n d the auditorium. All openings shall be provided with .glass or other approved material, so as to completely close the opening.

(d) Projection room ventilation shall be no t less than the following:

(1) Supply Air. Each projection room shall be provided with adequate air supply inlets arranged to provide well-distributed air throughout the room. Air inlet ducts shall provide an amount of air equivalent to the amount of air being exhausted by projection equipment. Air shall be permit ted to be taken from the outside; from adjacent spaces within the building, provided the volume and infiltration rate is sufficient; or from the building air condit ioning system, provided it is arran.ged to supply sufficient air whether or no t other systems are in operation.

(2) Exhaust Air. Projection booths shall be permit ted to be exhausted through the lamp exhaust system. The lamp exhaust system shall be positively interconnected with the lamp so that the lamp will not operate unless there is sufficient airflow required for the lamp. Exhaust air ducts shall terminate at the exterior of the building in such a location that the exhaust air cannot be readily recirculated into any air supply system. The projection room ventilation system shall be permit ted to also serve appur tenant rooms, such as the generator room and the rewind room.

(e) Each projection machine shall be provided with an exhaust duct that will draw air f rom each lamp and exhaust it directly to the outside of the building. The lamp exhaust shall be permit ted to exhaust air f rom thepro jec t ion room to provide room air circula- tion. Such ducts shall be of rigid materials, except for a flexible connector approved for the purpose. The projection lamp and projection room exhaust systems shall be permit ted to be combined but shall not be in terconnected with any other exhaust or return air system within the buildings.

(1) Electric Arc Projection Equipment. The exhaust capacity shall be 200 cfm (0.09 cu m/s ) for each lamp connected to t he ] amp exhaust system, or as r ecommended by the equipment manufacturer. Auxiliary air shall be permit ted to be introduced into the system through a screened opening to stabilize the arc.

(2) Xenon Projection Equipment. The lamp exhaust system shall exhaust not less than 300 cfm (0.14 cu m/s ) per lamp, or not less tha~. that exhaust volume required or r ecommended by the eqmpmen.t manufacturer, whichever is greater.

(f) Miscellaneous equipment and storage shall be protected as follows:

(1) Each projection room shall be provided with rewind and film storage facilities.

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(2) A maximum of four containers for flammable liquids not greater than 16 oz (0.5 L) capacity and of a nonbreakable type shall be permit ted in each projection booth.

(3) Appurtenant electrical equipment, such as rheostats, transformers, and generators, shall be permit ted to be located within the booth or in a separate room of equivalent construction.

9-4.6.3 Projection Room Posting. Unless the projection room is constructed in accordance with NFPA 40, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film, there shall be posted on tile outside of each projection room door, and within the projection room proper, a conspicuous sign with 1-in. (2.5-cm) block letters stating, "SAFETY FILM ONLY PERMITTED IN THIS ROOM".

9-4.7* Special Amusement Buildings. 9-4.7.1 Special amusement buildings shall meet the requirements

for assembly_ occupancies in addition to the requirements of this subsection. Special amusement buildings with an occupant load not greater than 300 persons shall be considered Class C assembly occu pancies.

9-4.~.2" Every special amusement building shall be protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system installed and maintained in accordance with Section 7-7. Where the special amusement building is movable or portable, sprinkler water supply shall be permit ted to be by an approved temporary means.

9-4.7.3 ~ q l e r e file nature of tlie special amusement buildingis such that it operates in reduced lighting levels, the building shall be protected throughout by_ an approyed, automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Secuon 7-6. Actuation of any_ smoke detection system device shall sound an alarm at a constantly a t tended location on the premises. Actuation of the automatic sprinkler system or actuation of a smoke detection s~ tem having an approved verification or cross zoning operation capability shall:

"(fi) Cause illumination in the means of egress to increase to that required by_ Section 5-8, and

05) S t o p any conflicting or confusing sounds and visuals. 9-4.7.4 Exit Markl.ng. 9-4.7.4.1 Exit marking shall be in accordance with Section 5-10. 9-4.7.4.2 Exit marking in mobile special amusement buildings shall

be of the luminescent, self-luminous, or electroluminescent type. 9-4.7.4.3 Floor proximity exit signs shall be provided in accordance

with 5-10.1.5. 9-4.7.4.4* In special amusement buildings where mazes, mirrors, or

other designs ar'e used to confound the egress path, approved directional" exit marking that will become apparent in an emergency shall be p.rovided.

9-4.7.5 Interior Finish. Interior finish shall be Class A throughout in accordance with Section 6-5.

9-4.8 Grandstands, Bleachers, and Folding and Telescopic Seating. 9-4.8.1 (Reserved.) 9-4.8.2 (Reserved.) 9-4.8.3 Aisles and Aisle Accesswa_ys. 9-4.8.3.1 Aisles shall be provided so that the number of seats

between any seat and the nearest aisle shall not exceed the number shown in Table 9-4.8.3.1.

Tab le 9-4.8.3.1 M a x i m u m N u m b e r o f Seats P e r m i t t e d b e t w e e n F u r t h e s t Sea t a n d a n Aisle

A p p l i c a t i o n O u t d o o r s I n d o o r s

G r a n d s t a n d s 11 6

B l e a c h e r s 20 9 (see 9-4.8.3.1 E x c e p t i o n No. 1")

Exception: No. 1 Aisles shall not be required in bleachers if all of the following are met:

(a) Egress-from front row is not obstructed by rail, guard, or other obstruction.

b) Row spacing is 28 in. (71.1 cm) or less. c) Rise per row, including first row, is 6 in. (15.9 cm) or less. d) Number of rows does no t exceed lfi. e) Seat spaces are not physically, defined. f) Seat boards that are also used as stepping surfaces for descent

shall have a minimum width of 12 in. (30.5 cm), and, where there is a depressed footboard, the gap between seat boards of adjacent rows shalr no t exceed 12 in. (30.5" c~n) measured horizontally. Leading edges of such surfaces shall be provided with a contrasting markfng stn~pe so that the locadon of such leading edge is readily` ap[?arent, particularly` where viewed in descent. Such st/ipe shall be at least 1 m. (2.5 cm) wide and shall not exceed 2 in. (5.1 cm) in width. The marking stripe shall no t be required where bleacher surfaces and environmental conditions under all conditions of use are such that the location of each leading edge is readily_app .a:rent, particularly` when viewed in descent. Such sLripe shall be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide and shall not exceed 2 in. (5.'1 cm) in width. The marking stripe shall not be required where bleacher surfaces and environmental conditions under all conditions of use are such that the location of each leading edge is readily apparent, particularly` when viewed in descent.

Exception No. 2: In seatinl~ composed entirely of bleachers, in which row-to-row dimeusion~is 98 in. (71 cm) or less, and f rom which front egress is not limited, aisles shall no t be required to be more than 66 m. (168 cm) in width. Such aisles shall not be considered as dead-end aisles.

9-4.8.3.2 In grands tand seating, dead ends in vertical aisles shall no t exceed a depth of 16 rows.

Exception: A Io'nger dead-end aisle shall be permitted where seats serveffby the dead2end aisle are not more than 24 seats from another aisle, measured along a row of seats having a minimum clear width of 19 in. (30.5 cm) plus 0.6 in. (1.5 cm) for each additional seat over a total of seven in the row.

9-4.8.3.3 Existing Aisle Stairs. Steps shall not be placed in aisles to overcome differences in level unless the gt~adient exceeds 1 ft (0.3 m) in 10ft (3m) of run. Where the rise of seating platform exceeds 11 in. (27.9 cm), an intermediate step shall be proqided tile full width of the aisles and shall be propor t ioned to provide two steps of equal r i seper platform. Where the rise of the seating platform exceeds 18in. (45.7 cm), two intermediate steps the tu'll width of the aisles shall be provided and propor t ioned to provide three steps ot equal rise per'p.latform. The resulting treads'shall be uniform and not less than 9 in. (22.9 cm). The fulllengt.h of the nose of each step in the aisle shall be conspicuously marked.

924.8.4 Folding and Telescopic Seating. 9-4.8.4.1 The Back-to-back ~/orizontal/tistance of seats in folding

and telescopic seating shall be not less than 22 in. (55.9 cm) for seats without backs. There shall be a space of not less than 12 in. (30.5 cm) between the back of each seat and the front of each seat immediately behind it. If seats are of the chair type, the 12-in. (30.5- cm) dimension shall be measured to the f ront Edge of the rear seat in its normal unoccupied position. All measurements shall be taken be tweenp lumb lines.

9-4.8.4.2 Aisles in folding and telescopic seating shall be permitted to be by s tepped aisles.

9-4.8.4.3 The riser height of s tepped aisles in folding and telescopic seating shall be permitted to be a minimum of3 1/2 in. (8.9 c m ] a n d a mSximum otr l l in. (27.9 cm).

9-4.8.4.4 The depth of footboards (footrests) and seat boards in grandstands and folding and telescopic seating shall no t be less than g in . (29.9 cm). Where ihe same level is not used for both seat foundations and footrests, footrests independen t of seats shall be P9rovided.

-4.8.5 Guards and Railings. 924.8.5.1 Railings or guarcYs not less than 42 in. (107 cm) above the

aisle surface or f to t res t or 36 in. (91 cm) vertically above die center of the seat or seat board surface, whichever is adjacent, shall be provided along those port ions of the backs and ends of all grandstands and fol~ling and telescopic seating wilere the seats are more than 4 ft (1.2 m) ~bove the flobr or ground.

Exception to (a): Where an adjacent wall or fence affords equivalent safeguard.

9-4.8.5.2 Where the front footrest of any grandstand or folding or telescopic seating is more than 2 ft (0.6 m) above the floor, raihngs or gu.afds not les~ than 33 in. (84 cm) above such footrests shall be provided.

Exception to (b): In gr~.. dstands, or where the front row of seats incluffes backrests, the i~tils shall be not less than 96 in. (66 cm) high.

924.8.5.3 Cross aisles located within tile seat ingarea shall be provided with rails not less than 26 in. (66 cm) h igh along the front edge of the cross aisle.

Exception to (c): Where the backs of the seats in front of the cross aisle project 24 in. (61 cm) or more above the surface of the cross aisle, the rail shall not be required.

SECTION 9-5 BUILDINGSERVICES 9-5.1 Utilities. Utilities shall comply with the provisions of Section

7-1. 9-5.2 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Condit ioning Equipment.

Heating, ventilating, and mr conditioning equipment shall comply with the provisions of Section 7-9.

9-5.3 Elevators, Escalators, and Conveyors. Elevators, escalators, arid conveyors shall comply with the provisions of Section 7-4.

9-5.4 Rubbish Chutes, Incinerators, and Laundry Chutes. Rubbish chutes, incinerators, and laundry chutes shall comply with die PsrOVisions of Section 7-5.

ECTION 9-6 RESERVED SECTION 9-7 OPERATING FEATURES 9-7.1 Special Provisions for Food Service Operations. 9-7.1.1 All devices in connection with the preparation of food shall

be !nstalled and operated to avoid hazard to the safety of occupants. 9-7.1.2 All devices in connection with the preparation of foodshal l

be of an approved type and shall be installe/t i t ian approved manner .

9-7.1.3 Food preparation facilities shall be protected in accordance with 7-2.3 and shaft not be required to have openings protected between food preparation areas and dining areas.

9-7.1.4 Portable Cooking Equipment. Portable cooking equipment that is not flue-connected~shall Be permit ted only as follows:

(a) Equipment fueled by_ small heat sources mat can be readily extlngu. 1shed by water, such as candles or alcohol-burning equipment (including "solid alcohol"), shall be permit ted to be u s e d provided adequate precautions satisfactory to the authority` having jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible materials.

(b) Candles shall be permit ted to be used on tables used for food service if securely supported on substantial noncombust ible bases located so as to avoid Banger of ignition of combustible materials

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and only if approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Candle flames shall be protected.

(c) "Flaming sword" or other equipment involving open flames and flamed d~hes, such as cherribs jubilee or crtpe sukette, shall be permitted provided necessary precXutions are taken and subject to the approval of the anthority liavingjurisdiction.

(d)*'Listed and approved LP-Gas commercial food service appliances as permitted by NFPA 58, Standard for the Storage and Hffndling of ELquefied Petroleum Gases. 9-7.2 Open Flame Devices. No open flame devices or pyrotechnic

device shhll be used in any assembly occupancy. Exception No. 1: Pyrotechnic special effect devices shall be

permitted to be usec[ on stages before proximate audiences for ceremonial or religious purposes, as part of a demonstration in exitibits, or as part of a performance, provided adequate precautions satisfactory to the authori W havingjur'tsdiction are thken to.prevent ignition of any combustible matenSJ and use of the pyroteclmic device complies with 9-~.2.6.

Exception No. 2: Open flame devices shall be permitted to be used in the following situaiions, provided adequate precautions satisfactory to the antri'ority having'jurisdiction are tal~en to prevent ignition of any combustible material or injury to occupants:

(a )* Where necessary for ceremonial or religiouspurposes. (b) On stages and platforms as a necessary p~art o f a performance: (c) Wh.ere candles on tables are securelysupported on substantial

noncombustible bases and candle flame is protectea. Exception No. 3: Heat-producing equipment complying with 7-2.2. Exception No. 4: Food service operations in accorOa~nce with 9-7.1. Exception No. 5: Gas lights shall be permitted to be used provided

adequate precautions saffsfactory to tile authority having jurisdiction are tkken to prevent i~nition of any combustible materiAl-s.

9-7.3* Pyrotechnic EIevices. Pyrotechnic devices shall be permitted to be used on stages and before proximate audiences in accordance with the requirements of NFPA I126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience, and the following requirements.

($) Bin arz_ materials shall be preweighed, premeasured, prepack- aged, and identified by the manufacturer as being suitable for indoor use.

(b) Only pyrotechnic materials specified by the manufacturer of the pyroteclmic equipment shall be fired from that equipment. See Exceptions Nos. 1 and 2 to Section 1-3 definition of Manufacturer in NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proxi- mate Audience. .(c) Air bursts shall be permitted to be fired above the assembled

public subject to d~e following conditions: (I) The air burst shall be suspended by a minimum 30-gauge

metal wire that is substantially attached to a secure noncombustible support.

(2) The air burst shall be at a minimum height of three times the diameter of the effect.

(3) Upon request, a walk through and a representative demon- strat~on of the pyrotechnic special effec~ shall.be given to the satisfaction of die authority having|urisdiction betore a permit shall be approved. The demonstration shall be scheduled witl$ enough time Allowed to reset/reload the effects before the arrival of the audience.

Exception: The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to waive fltis requirement ba~sed on past histo.ry, prior knowledge, and other factors, if the authority is confident that the discharge of pyrotechnic devices can be conducted safely.

(4) Where the effect is demonstrated, there shall be no burning or glowinK particles below the 15 ft (4.6 m) level above the floor.

~d) Gerbs shall be specified as to burn time and the height of the ettect. There shall be no glowing or tlaming particles within 10 ft (3 m) of the audience. Upon request, a walk fflrough and a representative demonstration of the pyrotechnic special effects shall be given to the satisfaction of the authority having jurisdiction before apermit shall be approved. The demonstration shall be scheduled ~ t h enough ffme allowed to reset/reload the effects before the arrival of file audience.

Excep.tion: The authority havingjuri.sdiction shall be permitted to" waive mis requirement ~ s e d on past ttisto.ry, prior knowledge, and other factors, if the authority is confident that the discharge of pyrotechnic devices can be conducted safely.

(e) Flash Pots. Flash pots shall not be loaded beyond the . recommendations of the manufacturer of the flash pot, or with any material not recommended for that device.

(to Smoke Control. Where pyrotechnics are fired, the quantity of smoke developed shall not obscure tile visibility of exit signs or paths of egress travel.

9-77.4 Furnishings, Decorations, and Scenery. 9-7.4.1 Fabrics and films used for decorative purposes, all draperies

and curtains, and similar furnishings shall be in accordance with the provisions of 31-1.4.1.

9-7.4.2 The authority having jurisdiction shall impose controls on the amount and arrangement of combustible contents in assembly occupancies to provide an adequate level of safety to life from fire. 9-7.1t.3 * Exposed foamed plastic materials and unprotected

materials containing foame~l plastic used for decorative purposes or stage scenery shall have a maximum heat release rate of'10OltW where tested in accordance with UL 1975, Standard for Fire Tests for Foamed Plastics Used for Decorative Purposes.

Exception: Individtial foamed plastic items or items containin~ foamed plastic where the foamed plastic does not exceed 1 lb (0.45 kg) in weight. 9-7.5 Spe"cial Provisions for Exposition Facilities.

96

9-7.5.1 No display or exhibit shall be installed or operated to interfere in any way with access to any required exit or with visibility of any required exit or any required exit sign; nor shall any display block access to fire-fighting equipment.

9-7.5.2 A storage room h~ving an enclosure consisting of a smoke barrier having a'Iire resistance?ating of 1 hour and prttected by an automatic exunguishing system shallbe provided for combustible materials not on display including comlJustible packing crates used to ship exhibitors' supplies and products°

9-7.~.3 Exhibits. 9-7.5.3.1 Exhibits shall complywith 9-7.5.3.2 through 9-7.5.3.11. 9-7.5.3.2 The travel distance within the exhibit booih or exhibit

enclosure to an exit access aisle shall not be greater than 50 ft (15 m).

9-7..5.3.3 The upper deck.of multilevel exhibits greater than 300 sq ft (27.9 sq m) shAllhave at least two remote means ot egress.

9-7.5.3.4 Exhibit booths shall be constructed of: a) Noncombustible or limited-combustible materials. b) W o o d greater than 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) nominal thickness or

wood not greater than 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) nominal thickness that is pressure treated fire-retardant wood meeting the requirements of NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant Impregnatec[ Wood and Fire Retardant Coatings for Building Materials.

(c)* Fiame-retari~ant materials complying with NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant lextiles and Films; both small and large scale tests.

(d) Textile wall covering such as carpeting having napped, tufted, looped, or similar surface used as wall or ceiling fit~tsh complying with 6-5.2.3.

(e) Plastic that is limited to a Class A or Class B interior wall and ceihng finish in accordance with 6-5.3.

(t o Foamed plastics and materials containing foamed plastics having a maxihaum heat release rate for any sFngle fuel back,age of 100 kW where tested in accordance with UL 1975, Standard f t r Fire Tests for Foamed Plastic Used for Decorative Purposes.

(g) Cardboard, honeycombed paper, and other combustible materials havin~a maxtmum heat release rate for any single fuel package of 150 ~W where tested in accordance with UL 1~375, StandSrd for Fire Tests for Foamed Plastic Used for Decorative Purposes. 9-7.5.3.5 Curtains, drapes, and decorations shall comply with the

appflcableportions of 31-1.4. 9-7.5.3.6 Acoustical and decorative material including, but not

limi.'ted tqt co,on, hay, paper, straw, moss~ split bamboo, atad wood cnios snail De tlame-retaraant treatea to the satisfaction oi me authority having jurisdiction. Materials that cannot be treated for flame retardancy shall not be used. Foamed plastics and materials containingfoamed plastics used as decorative o.bjects such as, but not lin~ te~d to, rn~nnequins, murals, and signssh~l have.a maximum laeat reJease rate ior any_ single tuei pac(,age o t t ao Kw w nere testeo in accordance with UL 197~ Standard for Fire Tests tor voamea Plastic Used for Decorative Purposes.

Exception: Where the aggregate area of such materials is less than 10 percent of the individual floor or wall area, such materials shall be permitted to be used subject to the approval of the authority havlngiurisdiction.

9-7.57.g.7 The following shall be protected by automatic extinguish- in s~tems:

~a) Single-level exhibit booths greater than 300 sq ft (27.9 sq m) and covered with a ceiling.

(b) Throughout each level of multilevel exhibitbooths, including the uppermost level if the upper[host level is covered with a ceiling.

(c) ~/single exlaibit or group ot exhibits wire ceitings mat do not require sp(inlders shall b~ separated by a minimum of 10 ft (3 m) where the aggregate ceiling exceeds 300 sqft (27.9 sq m).

The water supply_ and piping for the sprinkler s~tem shall be permitted to Ice of approved temporary means tsaken from an existing domestic water supply, an existing standpipe system, or ala existing sprinkler system. ExcelSti6n No. 1: Ceilings that are constructed of open grate

desig 9 or listed dropout ceilings in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for tlae Installation of Sprinkler Systems, shall not be considered ceilings within the context of tills section. Exception No. 2T Vehicles, boats, and similar exhibited products

having over 100 sq ft (9.3 sq m) of roofed area shall be provided with smoke detectors acceptable to the authority having iurisdiction.

• Exception No. 3*: Where fire protection of mult~Fevei exhibit booths is consistent with the criteria developed through a life safety evaluation of the exhibition hall in accordance with 9=4.5, subject to approval of the authority havingiurisdiction.

~:7.5.$.8 Open flame devices ~dthin exhibit booths shall comply with 9-3.2.5. -

9-7.5.3.9 Cooking and food warming devices in exhibit booths shall comply with 9-3.2.4.4 and the following:

(a) Gas-fired devices. (1) Natural gas-fired devices shall be installed in accordance with

7-1.1. Exception to (a) (1): Compressed natural gas shall be permitted to

be used where permitted by the authority having jurisdiction. (2) The use of LP-Gas cylinders shallbe prohibited.

Exception to (a) (2): Nonrefillable cylinders shall be permitted to be used where permitted by the authority having jurisdiction.

(b) Devices shall be isolated from the public by at least 4 ft (1.2 m) or by a barrier between the devices and the public.

(c) Multi-well cooking equipment using combustible oils or solids shall comply with 7-2.3.

• N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

(d) Single-well cooking equipment using combustible oils or solids shall:

(1) Have lids available for immediate use. (2) Be limited to 288 sq in. (0.19 sq m) of cooking surface. (3) Be placed on noncombustible surface materials. (4) Be separated from each other by a minimum horizontal

distance of 2 ft (0.6 m). Exception to (d) (4): Multiple single-weU cooking equipment

where the aggregate cooking surface area does not exceed 288 sq in. (0.19 s q m ) .

(5) Be kept a minimum horizontal distance of 2 ft (0.6 m) from any combustible material.

(e) A 20-B:C fire extinguisher shall be provided within the booth for each device, or an approved automatic extinguishing system shall be provided. (See 7-7.4.1.)

9-7.5.3.10 Combustible materials within exhibit booths shall be limited to a one-day supply. Storage of combustible materials behind the booth shall be prohibited. (See 9-3.2.7.2 and 9-4.4.2.)

9-7.5.5.11 Plans for the exposition, in an acceptable form, shall be submitted to the anthority having jurisdiction for approval prior to the move-in of any exhibit. The plan shall show all details of the proposed exposition. No exposition shall occupy any exposition facility without approved plans.

9-7.5.4 Vehicles. Vehicles on display within an exposition facility shall comply with the following:

(a) All fuel tank openings shall be locked and sealed in an approved manner to prevent the escape of vapors. Fuel tanks shall not be more than one-half full or contain more than 10 gal (37.9 L) of fuel, whichever is less.

(b) At least one battery cable shall be removed from the batteries used to start the vehicle engine. The disconnected battery cable shall then be taped.

(c) Batteries used to power auxiliary equipment shall be permitted to be kept in service.

(d) Fueling or defueling of vehicles shall be prohibited. (e) Vehicles shall not be moved during show hours. 9-7.5.5 Compressed flammable gases; flammable or combustible

liquids; hazardous chemicals or materials; and Class II or greater lasers, blasting agents, and explosives shall be prohibited within exhibit halls.

Exception: The anthority having jurisdiction shall be permit ted to allow the limited use of any of the above items under special circumstances.

9-7.5.6 Alternatives. (See Section 1-5.) SUBSTANTIATION: Over the years Chapters 8 and 9 have been amended to address special conditions that arise in Assembly Occupancies. These changes have created a document that has become difficult and confusing to use. The following changes should eliminate some or most of the confusion. No technical changes have been made. Changes are only reorganization. The major reorganization of sections is outlined below for Chapter 8. Nearly identical changes were made to Chapter 9:

8-2.2.3 Revised Exceptions No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 to use positive language.

8-4 R~vised and expanded the Special Provisions section. Related paragraphs from Chapter 8 were relocated into the following categones.

8-4.1- Life Safety Evaluations 8-4.2 - Smoke Protected Assembly Sea t ing 8-4.3 -Windowless or Underground Buildings 8-4.4- High Rise Buildings 8-4.5 - Stages and Platforms 8-4.6 - Projection Booths 8-4.7 - Special Amusement Buildings 8-4.8 - Grandstands, Bleachers, and Folding and Telescopic Seating 8-7 Revised and expanded Operating Features section. Related

paragraphs from Chapter 8 and Chapter 31 were relocated into the following categories:

8-7.1 - SpecialProvisions for Food Service Operations 8-7.2 - Open Flame Devices 8-7.3 - Pyrotechnic Devices 8-7.4 - Furnishings, Decorations, and Scenery 8-7.5 - Special Provisions for Exposition Facilities

COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey and Wertheimer

COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: PAULS: My recollection is that the newlyproposed 8-4.8 (Grand-

stands, etc.) in Log #CP600 was subsequently made unnecessary because the relevant requirements were incorporated into earlier sections in the chapter (e.g., in relation to l~uardrails which were reorg'4nized into 8-2.11.1 ) b y Log #CP617. "The draft shown on page 29 and 30 of the ballot package does no t reflect the changes accepted by CP617. Will this be clear in the ROP?

(Log #143) AXE

101- 184 - (8-1.3 Audience Sound Stage (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: John G. Degenkolb, Carson City, NV RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows:

Sound Stage, Audience. Asound stage (as defined by NFPA 140) provided with relocatable seating facilities to accommodate guests to see the presentation of a television program. There are two types:

(1) is provided with raised seating facilities to observe a program with multiple sets, and

(2) is provided with seating facilities with the lowest row at floor level or not more than 14 in. o f f the floor.

The program consists of a single set to accommodate a panel of participants or a location for a h o s t to accommodate guests being interviewed. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal provides the definition needed to supplement a related proposal submitted on 8-3.2.1.2.

Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The proposed definition is ambiguous and, therefore, unnecessary. However, some of the submitter 's concerns with respect to special provisions for audience sound stages have been addressed by Proposal 101 - 209 (Log #CP605) on 8- 3.2.1.12. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #288) AXE

101- 185 - (8-1.3 Audience Sound Stage (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Paul A. Westefer, Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers RECOMMENDATION: John G. Degenkolb has proposed tile addition of a definition of "Sound Stage, Audience." I r ecommend that this proposal be rejected. SUBSTANTIATION: J o h n G. Degenkolb has proposed a definition of a "Sound Stage, Audience" based on file definition of a sound stage proposed in the draft of NFPA 140, Motion Picture and Television Production Facilities. NFPA 140 has not yet been adopted, h w o u l d be inappropriate therefore to use what is onlya proposed definition.

Further, Mr. Degenkolb did not propose the addition of a definition of a Sound Stage to the Special Definitions under NFPA 101 8-1.3. If Mr. Degenkolb's proposal were to be adopted there would be a definition of a Sound Stage Audience without a definition of a Sound Stage.

The description of an audience sound stage proposed by Mr. Degenkolb does not correspond with my observation of such stages. Mr. Degenkolb says the seating facilities are "relocate-able." That is not always the case. There are some permanen t audience sound stages. Mr. Degenkolb says there are two types of seating facilities: raised seating for multiple set programs and floor level seating for single set programs. Most programs, including single set programs, have raised audience seating. Few programs have only floor level seating. COMMITrEEACTION: Accept in Principle.

See Proposal 101 - 184 (Log #145). COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The Committee Action on the referenced proposal should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP619) AXE

101- 186 - (8-1.3 Special Amusement Building and 9-1.3 Special Amusement Building): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies,

I RECOMMENDATION: Revise the definition of Special Amusement Buildin~ in 8-1.3 and 9-1.3 by deleting from the last sentence, the words: ' a 'merry-go-round' within a building". SUBSTANTIATION: A merry-go-round is not a good example of a special amusement building and thus should be deleted.

97

N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P

COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP604) AXE

101- 187 - (8-1.3 Stage and 9-1.3 Stage): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: In Sections 8-1.3 and 9-1.3 replace the definition of Stage with the following: Stage. Aspace within a building used for entertainment and

utilizing drops or scenery or other stage effects, which shall be further classified as one of the following:

(a) Stage, Legitimate. A stage with a height greater than 50 ft measured from the lowest point on the stage floor to the highest point of the roof or floor deck above.

(b) Stage, Regular. A stage with a height ofS0 ft or less measured from the lowest point on the deck above.

Delete current subpart (c) thrust stage. In 8-3.2.1.3 delete the words "and thrust stages". In 8-3.2.1.10, first paragraph, revise the last sentence to read " . . .

Scenery and stage properties not separated from the audience by proscenium opening protection shall be o f . . . " (remainder unchanged). SUBSTANTIATION: At more than 50 ft height, sets will be flown ,and stored to the degree where the combustible loadingwilljustify proscenium opening protection. At less than 50 ft height, less scenery will be flown and stored above the stage resulting in much less combustible loading from which the audience needsprotection. The proposed changes are consistent with the protection requirements detailed in the BCMC stages report of 1992. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey and Wertheimer

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DEGENKOLB: This modifi~zation of the definitions would exempt

a great number of smaller theaters from providing the fire protection which would be provided if it were a "legitimate theater". For example, a local theater accommodating a traveling New York stage production, has a procenium height of 20-22 ft. Scenery could be readily flown on the stage even though it has a stage height of less than 50 ft. Smaller theaters, less than 750 seats, are quite likely to have a proscenium height of less than 25 ft and so would be exempt from legitimate theater safety requirements. The substantiation says that when the stage height is less than 50 ft "less scenery will be flown". That is not so. The same amount of scenery will probably be present and the fire load will be the same. So an equivalent fire load in a smaller volume of stage would be provided.

(Log #CP601) AXE

101- 188 - (8-1.4.1, Table 8-1.6, Sections 8-2 through 8-4, 9-1.4.1, Table 9-1.6, Sections 9-2 through 9-4 and 31-2): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Revise chapters 8 and 9 as follows:

Delete 8-1.4.1 thus removing all reference to Classification of Assembly Occupancies. A-8-1.4.1 Relocate Appendix Note to A-8-1.4.1 to become A-8-1.4

and revise itso as to read as follows: A-8-1.4 Assembly occupancy ~abcl~,~kq~d+,, reauirements should

be based on a room-by-room basis, a fioor-by-floor'basis, and a total building basis. The reouirements for each room should be based on the occupant 10ad of tliat room and the reouirements for each floor should be based on the occupant load of tlaat floor, but the. reouirements for the assembly building overall should be based on the total occupant load. Therefore, it is quite feasible to have several

assembly occupancies with occupant loads of 300 or less grouped together in a single building and that building would be an

assembly occupancy with an occupant load of over 1000. Revise Table 8-1.6 to read as follows: Add a new 8-1.7.2, renumbering the existing 8-1.7.2 through 8-1.7.4

so that the new 8-1.7.2 reads: 8-1.7.2 The occupant load of a stage area that is part of an

assembly area shall be included in determining the occupant load for the assembly area.

Type of Construction I(443)tt I(332)tt

U(Hl)tt

III(211) IV(2HH) V( l l l ) II(000)

IH(200) v(ooo)

Below LED

Any assemblyt

Any assemblyt Limited to 1 level below LED Any assemblyt Limited to 1 level below LED Assembly with OL_<1000 t Limited to 1 level below LED Assembly with OL~lOOOt Limited to 1 level below LED


LED

Any assembly

Any assembly

Any assembly

Any assembly If OL>1000 see Notet

Assembly with OI_51000

Any assembly

Any assembly

Any assembly

Assembly withOL_<300?

Assembly withOl~300t


Any assembly

Any assembly If O1_,>1000 see Note,- Any assembly If O h 3 0 0 see Note~"

NP

Any assembly

Assembly with OL~1000t

Any assembly ff OL>300 see Note~-

NP

Assembly with NP OL_<1000 t

NP NP

NP NP NP

tPermitted if all the following are ~rotected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7:

(a) The level of the assembly occupancy, and (b) Any level below the level of the assembly occupancy, and (c) In the case of an assembly occupancy located below the level of exit discharge, any level intervening between that

level and the level of exit discharge, including the level of exit discharge. t t Where every part of the structural framework of roofs in Type I or Type II construction is 20 ft (6.1 m) or more above the floor immediately below, omission of all fire protection of the structural members shall be permitted, including

~ tection of trusses, roof framing, and decking. : Not Permitted

LED: Level of Exit Discharge OL: Occupant Load NOTE: For the purpose of this table, a mezzanine is not counted as a level.

98

NFPA 101 - - F96 ROP

The appendix note attached to the existing 8-1.7.2 stays with the paragraph in its new renumbered position as 8-1.7.3.

Change 8-2.2.2.2 as follows: 8-2.2.2.2 Assembly occupancies with occunant loads of 300 or less

in covered malls (see 24-4.4.1 Exception) shall be permitted to have horizontal or vertical security grilles or doors complying with Exception No. 4 to 5-2.1.4.1 on the main entrance/exits.

Delete 8-2.2.6.2 thus leaving paragraph 8-2.2.6.1 which refers to 5- 2.5, the Section on Ramps. Relocate the existing exception to 8- 2.2.6.2 to become exception to 8-2.2.6.1.

Change 8-2.4 and its associated Appendix Note as follows: A-8-2.4 It is not the intent to require four means of egress from

each level o r g a n assembly occupancy building havin~ a total occupant load of more than |000 where, individually, the floors have occupant)oars of less than 1000. d..;. ~,d': :.. d . . . . . ~. --o,8,..d ;.~

8-2.4.1 ~hen~m'b~r of 'e~ssh2V~e~n'accordance with Section 5- 4.

Exception No. 1: Fenced outdoor assembly occupancies in accordance with 8-2.4.4.

Delete 8-2.4.2 and 8-2.4.3. Renumber 8-2.4.4 through 84.4.7 as 8-2.4.2 through 8-2.4.5. 8-2.5.2 Exceptions No. 1 and No. 2, change to read as follows: Exception No. 1: Festival seating shall be permitted in assembly

occupancies having occupant loads of 1000 or less. Exception No. 2: Festival seating shall be permitted in assembly

occupancies with occupant loads greater than 1000 with an approved life safety evaluation. (See 8-4.5)

8-3.3.3 Change as follows: 8-3.3.3 Interior finish in general assembly areas having occupants

loads greater than 300 shall be Class A or Class B. In assembly areas having occupant loads of 300 or less, interior finish shall be Class A, Class B, or Class C. 8-3.4.1 Change as follows: 8-3.4.1 Assembly occupancies with occupant loads greater than 300

and all theaters with more than one audience-viewing room shall be provided with an approved fire alarm system in accordance with 7- 6.1 and dais section . . . .

8-3.4.2.2* Change as follows: 8-3.4.2.2* In assembly occupancies with occupant loads greater

than 300 automatic detection shall be provided in all hazardous areas that are not normally occupied.

Exception remains unchanged. 8-3.5.1 Change as follows: 8-3.5.1 Buildings containing assembly occupancies with occupant

loads greater than 300 shall be protected by ...(rest unchanged) 8-4.6.1 Change as follows: 8-4.6.1 Special amusement buildings, regardless of occupant load,

shall meet the requirements for assembly occupancies in addition to the requirements of this subsection.

31-2.1" Change as follows: 31-2.1" Crowd Managers. In assembly occupancies having

occupant loads greater than 1000, t h e r e . . . (Rest unchanged) 31-2.2.3" Change as follows: 31-2.2.3" In theaters, motion picture theaters, auditoriums and

other assembly occupancies having occupant loads greater than 300 where t h e r e . . . (rest unchanged)

Delete 9-1.4.1 thus removing all reference to Classification of Assembly Occupancies.

Relocate Appendix Note A-9-1.4.1 to become A-9-1.4 as revise it so as to read as follows: A-9-1.4 Assembly occupancy~abc' ,~k'~dv, , reouirements should

be based on a room-by-room basis, a floor-by-floor'basis, and a total building basis. The reouirements for each room should be based on the occupant load o f ~ a t room and the reouirements for each floor should be based on the occupant load of ti~at floor, but the_ requirements for the assembly building overall should be based on the total occupant load. Therefore, it is quite feasible to have several

assembly occupancies with occuoant loads of 300 or less grouped together in a single building aAd that building would be an

assembly occupancy with an occunant load of over 1000. Revise Table 9-1.6 to read as follows: " " Add a new 9-1.7.2, renumbering the existing 9-1.7.2 through 9-1.7.4

so that the new 9-1.7.2 reads:

Table 9-1.6 C o n s m ~ o n Type Limitations

Type of Construction I(443)~- I(332)~'- nlm~l?t II(lll)'~f

m(211) iv(2nn) V(lll)

n(ooo)

m(~o0) v(000)


Below LED LED 1 2 3 4

Any assembly~ Any assembly Any assembly Any assembly Any assembly

i AnY assembly* Limited to 1 level below

! ~ D Any assembly'i" Limited to 1 level below LED

i Assembly with OL<lOOOt Limited to 1 level below

!LED ] Assembly with i OL_<1000? Limited to 1 level below LED

Any assembly IfOL>1000 see Note'~

Any assembly Any assembly Any assembly Assembly NP IfOL>1000 withOL~1000t see Notet

Any assembly Any assembly Any assembly Assembly NP IfOL>300 withOL6.1000t see Note~"

Any assembly IfOL>1000 see Notet

Any assembly IfOL>1000 see Notet

Assembly withOL~00t

Assembly withOL-~00t

NP

NP

NP

NP

NP

NP

Permitted if all the following are protected throughout by an approved automatic s )rinkler system in accordance with Section 7-7:

(a) The level of the assembly occupancy, and (b) Any level intervening between the level of the assembly occupancy and the level of exit

discharge, and (c) The level of the exit discharge if there are any openings between the level of exit

discharge and the exits serving the assembly occuapancy. t t Where every part of the structural framework of roofs in Type I or Type II construction is 20 ft (6.1 m) or more above the floor immediately below, omission of all fire protection of the structural members shall be permitted, including protection of trusses, roof framing, and decking. NP: Not Permitted LED: Level of Exit Discharge OL: Occupant Load NOTE: For the purpose of this table, a mezzanine is not counted as a level.

99

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

9-1.7.2 The occupant load of a stage area that is part of an assembly area sha l /be included in determining the occupant load for the assembly area.

The appendix note attached to the existing 9-1.7.2"stays with the paragraph in its new renumbered position as 9-1.7.3.

Change 9-2.2.2.2 as follows: 9-2.2.2.2 Assembly occupancies with occunant loads of 300 or less

in covered malls (see 25-4.4.1 Exception ) shall be permit ted to have horizontal or vertical security grilles or doors complying with Exception No. 4 to 5-2.1.4.1 on the main entrance/exits .

Change 8-9.4 and its associated Appendix Note as follows: A-9-2.4 It is not the intent to require four means of egress f rom

each level of a-Cekasa~ an assembly occupancy building having a total occupant load of more than 1000 where, individually, the floors have occupant loads of less than 1000. d,a~,',d'l L~ d,c ; ~ , g c , , , , igucd t,, t ~ l • . . n I t TM ~ t t

9-2.4.1 The number of exits shall 'be in accordance with Section 5- 4.

Exception No. 1: Assembly occupancies with occupant loads of fi00 or fewer shall have 2 separate means of egress. Assembly occupancies with occupant loads greater than 600 shall have 3 separate means of egress.

Exception No. 2: Fenced outdoor assembly occupancies in accordance with 9-2.4.4.

Delete 9-2.4.2 and 9-2.4.3 Renumber 9-2.4.4 through 9-4.4.7 as 9-2.4.2 through 9-2.4.5 9-2.5.2 Exceptions No. 1 and No. 2, change to read as follows: Exception No. 1: Festival seating shall be permit ted in assembly

occupancies having occupant loads of 1000 or less. Exception No. 2: Festival seating shall be permit ted in assembly

occupancies with occupant loads greater than 1000 with an approved life safety evaluation. (See 9-4.5)

9-3.3.3 Change as follows: 9-3.3.3 Interior finish in general assembly areas having occupants

loads greater than 300 shall be Class A or Class B. In assembly areas havingoccupant loads of 300 or less, interior finish shall be Class A, Class B, or Class C.

9-3.4.1 Change as follows: 9-3.4.1 Assembly occupancies with occupant loads greater than 300

and all theaters with more than one audience-viewing room shall be provided with an approved fire alarm system in accordance with 7- 6.1 anct-this section . . . .

9-3.4.2.2* Change as follows: 9-3.4.2.2* In assembly occupancies with occupant loads greater

than 300 automatic detect ion shall be prov ided in all hazardous areas that are no t normally occupied.

Exception remains unchanged. 9-4.6.1 Change as follows: 9-4.6.1 Special amusement buildings, regardless of occupant load,

shall meet the requirements for assembly occupancies in addit ion to the requirements of this subsection. SUBSTANTIATION: It is proposed to delete the references to sub classification of assembly occupancies. The existing sub classification system has been modif ied over the years so that it no longer makes sense to utilize the system. Simply referencing the requirements to certain occupant load levels is a more straight forward

roach that is also less confusing. T r E E ACTION: Accept.



(Log #308) AXE

101- 189 - (8-1.6 Exception (New)): Accep't in Principle SUBMITTER: Ed Roether, HOK Sport RECOMMENDATION: Acid an exception to 8-1.6 to read as follows:

Exception: The seating treads and risers shall be of 1 hr fire resistive construction except when located over hazardous occupancies where they shall be of 2 hr fire resistive construction. Structural members support ing the seating treads and risers shall conform to the requirements of Table 8-1.6. Joints between seating tread and riser units shall be permit ted to be unrated. SUBSTANTIATION: Seating treads and risers currendy are not covered adequately within the code since they don ' t truly act as a floor assembly. While they do provide awalking surface for the building occupants, they do no t typically provide a separation between floors due to multiple access levels opening into the bowl. The means of egress f rom the bowl often times occur through a level . below the seating. The seating treads and risers act more as a separation between the seating bowl and its means of egress similar to an occupied space from an exit access corridor.

100

Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a footnote to Table 8-1.6 and tie the footnote to Types I(443),

I(332), II(222), II(111), and III(211): "Where seat ingtreads and risers serve as floors, such seating treads

and risers shal lbe permit ted to be of one hour fire resistance rated construction. Structural members support ing seating treads and risers shall conform to the requirements of Table 8-1.6. Joints between seating tread and riser units shall be permit ted to be unrated provided such joints do not involve separation from areas containing high hazard contents and the building i spro tec ted by automatic spn~nklers in accordance with Section 7-7. '~ COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The above Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested but does so using commonly accepted code text. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITrEE MEMBEI~ ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON C O M M I T ~ ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: CONNOR: Please change my ROP letter ballot vote on this log to

negative. Phil Sherman is correct. It was never my intent to permit essentially unrated floor construction in all assembly occupancies.

SHERMAN: The proposer appears to have submitted this proposal with regard to large stadia type occupancies. The language as written applies to all places of assembly. The result is to allow floors which consist of treads and risers in places of assembly to be one hour rated with unprotec ted joints, even when the use on the lower floor is not rated to the assembly. For instance, this would allow the house of a theater to be essentially open to the basement, as long as the basement was not high hazard. Based on the required sprinklers, we should at least require a smoke tight separation.

(Log #369) AXE

101-190 - (8-1.6 Exception (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Ed Roether, HOKSpor t RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 8-1.6 to read as follows:

Exception: In outdoor assembly seating facilities of Type I or Type II construction for which an approved life safety evaluation in accordance with 8-4.5 is conducted, exterior structural steel members shall be permit ted to be unrated when separated as follows: 0-5 ft with 2 hour rated exterior construction, 5-10 ft with 3 / 4 hour rated exterior construction, and 10 ft and over with noncombustible exterior Wall construction'. SUBSTANTIATION: Within an outdoor assembly seating facility, intermit tent sources of fuel for fire exists. Efforts to protect the structural steel f rom reaching critical temperatures can be effectively handled by separating the steel f rom the source. Fire protective coatings for exterior applications inhibit the ability to respect and maintain the structural integrity of the members. When the structural steel is separated f rom the heat source it could be painted allowing visual inspection of members and connections for deterioration. Sections 771.3(D) and 770.2(B) of the State of New York codes, rules and regulations incorporat ing supplement number 4 dated April 30, 1994 allows for unrated steel by distance separation. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: It is not clear from what the exterior structural steel is in tended to be separated. The submitter 's intent is not evident. The subject appears to be a building Code issue. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #294) AXE

101- 191 - (8-1.7.1(]) (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: GregoryJ. Cahanin, Exit Seminars RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 8-1.7.10) to read:

(j) Exposition Facilities. One person per 7 sq. ft for 40 percent of the gross area of the exhibition hall or room provided:

1. the building is full sprinklered; 2. exhibit area has clear aisles of 10 ft for all looped aisles or aisles

leading directly to exits, 3. has dead end aisles of no t less than 8 ft in width and 20 ft in

length, and

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

4. an approved fire a larm system with visual and audible alarms is provided for the exhibit space. " SUBSTANTIATION: Cur ren t calculations for the occupant loads for exhibit halls result in r igorous m e a s u r e m e n t of exhibit space and aisle width and length. This proposal is an effort to develop a less rigid m e t h o d of de te rmin ing the exhibit hall popula t ion which can be used by hall operators and inspectors alike. The 40 percen t of gross figure is a conservative de te rmina t ion of n o n rented space in an exhibit area. My exper ience is tha t parties on both sides of compliance t end to "swag" the occupant load calculations or limit the occupant load to egress doors sizing. Halls no t mee t ing the

alifying criteria would be calculated in the traditional way. MMITrEE ACTION: Reject.

C O M M I T r E E STATEMENT: The proposed change to one person per 17.5 square feet gross area is no t significantly different than one person per 15 square feet ne t floor area. Also, contrary to the submit ter ' s s ta tement , there migh t be occupants within the non- ren ted space. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 N O T RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey and Wer the imer

(Log #372) AXE

101- 192 - (8-2.2.2.3 Except ion No. 4 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Ed Roether, H O K S p o r t RECOMMENDATION: Add a four th exception to 8.-2.2.2.3 to read as follows:

Exception No. 4: In outdoor assembly occupancies where event exiting is served by gates, a panic device shall no t be required if the gate remains un locked du r ing the event and is provided with a sign stating: "This gate shall remain un locked dur ing events." The means of egress for the facility du r ing t imes o ther than events shall comply with the previous requ i rements o f 8-2.2.2.3 while consider ing the s e a d n g a r e a s with no occupan t load. SUBSTANTIATION: Providing panic devices on gates is problematic for main ta in ing security since there is no effective barrier between the two sides of the gate. Often t imes we see tha t security is satisfied by locks and chains which are removed prior to events. In order to main ta in security and life safety it is impor tan t to separate the condit ions of occupancy so that each provide an effective means of egress. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposer ' s in tent can be me t by cur rent Code language. As long as the doo r / ga t e is ne i ther la tched nor locked, panic hardware is no t requi red by cur rent Code text. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITrEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 N O T RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey and Wer the imer

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: TEAGUE: I disagree with the Commit tee ' s Statement. The cur ren t

Code language says "the door. . .may be provided with a latch or lock only if it is a panic hardware or..."

This is no t the same as the Commit tee language of"as long as the doo r /ga t e is nei ther la tched or locked."

The physical construct ion of gates for ou tdoor assembly occupan- de s will be greatly restricted to require panic devices. The proposal to resolve this r equ i r emen t by exception, for outdoor assembly only, seems reasonable co~nsidering the accompanying sign proposal. There are a mul t i tude of outdoor assembly occupancies currently in operat ion today without panic devices, especially h igh school, little league and similar locations.

(Log #416) AXE

101- 193- (8-2.2.3, %2.3.3): Accept in Principle SUBMITTEPa James Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Revise 8-2.2.3 to read:

8-2.2.3 Stairs. 8-2.2.3.1 Stairs complying with 5-2.2 shall be permitted. Exceptions No. 1, 4 and 5 o f 8-2.2.3 to be r e n u m b e r e d as Excep-

tions No. 1, 2 and 3 of 8-2.2.3.1. Delete cur ren t Exceptions No. 2 and 3 of 8-2.2.3. Move the first sen tence o f 8-2.2.3 Exception No. 3 to a new 8-2.4.8

which would read: 8-2.4.8 A second means of egress shall no t be required f rom

lighting and access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons where a means of escape to a floor or to a roof is provided.

Make the cur ren t Exception No. 2 of 8-2.2.3 a new 8-2.2.3.2 to read: 8-2.2.3.2 Spiral stairs complying with 5-2.2.2.7 shall be permit ted in

means of egress f rom lighting and access catwalks, galleries and gridirons.

Make the second sentence of the cur ren t Except ion No. 3 of 8-2.2.3 a new 8-2.2.3.3 to read:

8-2.2.3.3 Ladders complying with 5-2.9, al ternat ing t read devices complying with 5-2.11, and spiral stairs complying with 5-2.2.2.7 shall be permit ted in means of escape to a floor or roof f rom lighting an d access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons. .~

Revise %2.2.3 to read: 9-2.2.3 Stairs. 9-2.2.3.1 Stairs complying with 5-2.2 shall be permit ted. Exceptions No. 1, 4 and 5 o f 9-2.2.3 to be r e n u m b e r e d as Excep-

t ions No.l , 2 and 3 of 9-2.2.3.1. Delete cur ren t Exceptions No. 2 and 3 of %2.2.3. Move the first sentence of 9-2.2.3 Exception No. 3 to a new 9-2.4.8

which would read: 9-2.4.8 A second means of egress shall no t be requi red f rom

lighting and access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons where a m ean s of escape to a floor or to a roof is provided.

Make the cur ren t Exception No. 2 of 9-2.2.3 a new 9-2.2.3.2 to read: 9-2.2.3.2 Spiral stairs complying with 5-2.2.2.7 shall be permit ted in

means of egress f rom lighting and access catwalks, galleries and gridirons.

Make the second sentence of the cur rent Exception No. 3 of%2.2.3 a new 9-2.2.3.3 to read:

9-2.2.3.3 Ladders complying with 5-2.9, a l ternat ing t read devices complying with 5-2.11, and spiral stairs complying with 5-2.2.2.7 shall be permi t ted in means of escape to a floor or roof f rom lighting an d access catwalks, galleries, and gridirons. SUBSTANTIATION: Editorial.

N u m b e r of means of egress are properly covered in the -2 .4 subsection of each occupancy chapter.

Permission to use various e lements of Chapter 5 do not usually require an exception. Al though ei ther way is acceptable, this is usually considered cleaner since it el iminates n u m e r o u s exceptions. COMMITrEEACTION: Accept in Principle.

See Proposal 101 - 183 (Log#GP600) which reformats Chapters 8 and 9. COMMIq['I'EE STATEMENT: The action taken on the referenced ~ r l . ~ s ~ shou ld mee t the submit ter ' s intent.

R OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #194) AXE

101- 194- (8-2.2.8, %2.2.10, 8-2.2.9, %2.2.11 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 8-2.2.8/9-2.2.10 to read:

8-2.2.8/9-2.2.10 Fire Escape Ladders. Fire escape ladders complying with 5-2.9 shall be permit ted.

Add a new 8-2.2.9/%2.2.11 to read: 8-2.2.9/9-2.2.11 Alternat ing Tread Devices. Alternat ing t read

devices complying with 5-2.11 shall be permitted. R e n u m b e r the cur rent 8-2.2.8 as 8-2.2.10 and 9-2.2.10 as %2.2.12.

SUBSTANTIATION: Nei ther 5-2.9 nor 5-2.11 require occupancy chapter permission to use these egress components . Un d e r the limitations st ipulated in 5-2.9 and 5-2.11 there is no reason not to allow these devices in this occupancy. Note tha t these would no t be in the general means of egress and would be l imited to "service" type areas. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP610) AXE

101- 195 - (8-2.2.9 and 9-2-2.11 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Assembly an d Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 8-2.2.9 and %2.2.11 to read:

"Elevators. Elevators complying with 5-2.13 shall be permitted." SUBSTANTIATION: A new sub-section 5-2.13 on elevators within means of egress is being added to Chapter 5. Recognit ion b y t h e occupancy chapters wiU permi t the elevators to be used within the means of egress in accordance with the limitations and condit ions of the Chapter 5 requirements .

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(Log #377) AXE

101- 196 - (8-2.3.2 Exception No. 3 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: EdRoe the r , H O K S p o r t RECOMMENDATION: Add a th i rd except ion to 8-2.3.2 to read as follows:

Exception No. 3: In assembly occupancies where the seat ing and the entire m e a n s of egress is exterior, conforming with the requirements of 8-4.3, t hen the m i n i m u m clear width of aisles and other means of egress need no t exceed the requ i rements of Table 8- 2.3.3(B) for 15,000 seats or more. SUBSTANTIATION: 8-2.3.2 states Table 8-2.3.2(B) can be used when approved life safety evaluation occurs but does no t allow variation to Table 8-2.3.2(B) when life safety evaluation suppor ts ' variation. Small ou tdoor assembly facilities u n d e r the cur ren t requ i rements have more restrictive aisle width requ i rements than larger facilities t h o u g h they often contain less risk o f fire. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submit ter has no t substant iated the choice of the 15,000 seat criterion as the appropria te factor for use in smaller, outdoor , smoke protec ted facilities. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 N O T RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey and Wer the imer

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: MILLER: I have voted negatively on th i sp roposa l against the

Commit tee ' s Action to reject this p r o p o s e d c h a n g e due to the fact tha t the reason for rejection, in my opinion is inadequate and does no t address a very legitimate quest ion tha t the p r o p o n e n t has raised for assembly occupancies where the seat ing a n d entire means of

eSS is exterior and conforms with the requ i rements of 8-4.3. or league baseball parks are a perfect example of exactly what

the p r o p o n e n t is describing and yet these wou ldhave to mee t more s t r ingent requ i rements to larger d o m e d a rena which is no t justifiable. It seems the p r o p o n e n t was merely trying to propose some seat n u m b e r tha t could be applied in the Code. Wha t the

]~ r oponen t br ings for th in his substant iat ing s t a tement is correct and ies in the face of c o m m o n sense when applied to facilities of this

nature. I believe it is the duty of the Commit tee to properly address this part icular issue and set up parameters tha t make sense for these particular projects. Perhaps the Commit tee would feel more comfortable in us ing a seating n u m b e r of 5,000 which relates to the sprinklered capacity re fe renced in the BOCA Code at .2 in. per occupant for stairs and .15 in. per occupan t for doors.

(Log #352) AXE

101- 197- (8-2.4.1, 9-2.4.1, 8-2.4.2, 9.2.4.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Joseph H. Versteeg, Torr ington, CT RECOMMENDATION: Reword cur ren t text as follows:

Change "... separate m e a n s of egress as remotely located f rom each other as practical and..." to:

"... separate and remotely located means of egress and ..." SUBSTANTIATION: Curren t text requires Class A a n d B assembly occupancies to be provided with separate means of egress. Dur ing a prior Code change, the te rm "exit" was replaced with the more appropriate phrase "separate m e a n s o f egress." This change was necessary to reflect the fact tha t many assembly areas do no t have exits directly f rom the space bu t utilize doors and corridors appropriately classified as exit access.

Unfortunately, m a n y designers and enforcers have in terpre ted the phrase "separate means of egress" as a def ined term within Chapter 3 - Definitions and therefore require each means of egress f rom the assembly be provided with an a tmospher ic separat ion that precludes contaminat ion of the o ther means o f egress by the same fire. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

See Proposal 101 - 188 (Log #CP601) tha t deletes the Class A, Class B, and Class C criteria f rom Chapters 8 and 9. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The act ion on the referenced proposal shou ld mee t the submit ter ' s intent.

(Log#417) AXE

101- 198 - (8-2.5.5, 9-2.5.5): Accept SUBMITTER: James Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Move 8-2.5.5 to 8-2.3.5.

Delete 9-2.5.5. R e n u m b e r subsequen t paragraphs.

SUBSTANTIATION: The width of corridors is a capacity issue, n o t an a r r a n g e m e n t issue. See 10-2.3.2, 11-2.3.2, 12-2.3.3, 13-2.3.3, etc. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #375) AXE

101- 199- (8-2.5.9.3(g) (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Ed Roether, H O K S p o r t RECOMMENDATION: Add new paragraph (g) to read as follows:

(g) 36 in. (91 cm) for stairs having seat ing on each side when s e r v i n g n o t more than 50 seats. SUBSTANTIATION: In suites it is desirable to main ta in a l?roximity between the fur thes t seat and the aisle for comfort. Often a m e s this requires an aisle between rows of seats on each side. A 36 in. wide aisle would be consistent with 5-2.2.2.1 and a 48 in. wide aisle restricts the width of seats served by the aisle. A 23 in. wide aisle would be acceptable when the aisle is located to one side of the suite instead of centered in the suite. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Do no t add a new paragraph (g) bu t add an Except ion to (a) an d an Exception to (d) reading:

Except ion to (a): 36 in. where aisle does no t serve more than 50 seats.

Exception to (d): ~6 in. where aisle does no t serve more t han 50 seats .

Similarly, add an Exception to (a) and an Exception to (d) to 9- 2.5.9.3 to read:

Exception to (a): 36 in. where aisle does n o t serve more than 50 seats.

Exception to (d): 36 in. where aisle does no t serve more than 50 seats. COMMITIT_.E STATEMENT: The above Commit tee Action accomplishes tha t which the submi t te r reques ted but does so by

OSitioning the addit ional exceptions in a more appropria te cation. This should mee t the submit ter ' s intent.

NUMBER OF COMMIIWEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 N O T RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey a n d Wer the imer

(Log #376) AXE

101- 200 - (8-2.5.9.9 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Ed Roether, H O K S p o r t RECOMMENDATION: Add new 8-2.5.9.9 to read as follows:

8-2.5.9.9 Aisle Landings. Provide a level landing where an aisle meets a concourse, vomitory or cross aisle with a m i n i m u m width and length that matches the requi red width of the aisle.

Exception: W h e n the landing occurs within the middle of a seating section. SUBSTANTIATION: In sports stadia the c o m m o n seating t read size used is 33 in. Using a larger t read size is impractical due to the inefficiencies of sausfying the required n u m b e r of seats and accommoda t ing sightlines. Providing a level landing within the middle of a r un of seating treads is problematic when the aisle width is wider than the t read width. Raising the landing to the he igh t requi red to achieve a level landing in the aisle requires steps to occur within the vomitory where it can pose a trip hazard for the aisle con t inu ing down f rom the vomitory. Guardrails at the end of raised landings obstruct sightlines for adjacent seating.

Note: Suppor t ing material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters .

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NFPA 101 m F96 ROP

COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposal does no t improve Code requirements addressing s tepped aisles. NUMBER OF COMMITTEEMEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: TEAGUE: The Code requirements addressing s tepped aisles are

primarily a resultant of a set of min imum dimensions based on the relationship of the seats to the aisles not the number of seats served. For this reason, aisle landing widths, particularly at portals located in the middle of aisles, have become set on somewhat arbitrary dimensions, not directly related to the seats served. Where an aisle splits a round a portal the resultant width of 36 in., minimum is set by %2.5.8.2(b). This width in combination results in a combined 72 in. aisle width, usually far exceeding capacity limits. While the proposal does not adequately address this issue with a blanket exception, aisle landing width should be studied for future clarification.

(Log #233) AXE

101- 201 - (8-2.5.11, 9-2.5.11): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Jake Pauls, Building Use & Safety Institute RECOMMENDATION: Change heading to read:

"Bleacher Seating and Folding and Telescopic Seating." Delete everything but the exception in 8-2.5.11.1 (9-2.5.11.1), 8-

2.5.11.4 (9-2.5.11.4), and 8-2.5.11.7 (9-2.5.11.7). Reformat the exception (to read as a r e q u i r e m e n t - - which it

already does), revise "stepped aisles" to "aisle stairs" in 8-2.5.11.4 (9- 2.5.11.4), and renumber sections. SUBSTANTIATION: For the 1994 edition this section was simply inserted (apparently hastily) in NFPA 101 from NFPA 102 without considering requirements already present in NFPA 101 addressing aisles and aisle access ways for grandstands. All that is necessary here are a few requirements for bleachers plus folding and telescopic seating; these have been retained without duplicating the other requirements already in the Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Revise 8-2.5.11 through 8-2.5.11.7 and 9-2.5.11 through 9-2.5.11.7 as follows:

Delete the bold face heading: 8-2.5.11 Aisles and Aisle Accessways in Grandstands, Bleachers, and

Folding and Telescopic Seating. Move and revise 8-2.5.11.1 so as to be inserted as a new 8-2.5.9.1,

renumber ing current 8-2.5.9.1 and subsequent paragraphs as necessary:

8-2.5.9.1 Aisles shall be provided so that the number of seats served by the nearest aisle is in accordance with 8-2.5.7.2 through 8-2.5.7.4.

Exception: Aisles shall not be required in bleachers if all of the following are met:

(a) Egress from front row is not obstructed by rail, guard, or other obstruction.

(b) Row spacing is 28 in. (71.1 cm) or less. (c) Rise per row, including first row, is 6 in. (15.2 cm) or less. (d) Number of rows does not exceed 16. (e) Seat spaces are not physically defined. (O Seat boards that are also used as stepping surfaces for descent

shall have a min imum width of 12 in. (30.5 cm), and, where there is a depressed footboard, the gap between seat boards of adjacent rows shall no t exceed 12 in. (30.5 crn) measured horizontally. Leading edges of such surfaces shall be provided with a contrasting marking stripe so that the location of such leading edge is readily apparent, particularly where viewed in descent. Such stripe shall be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide and shall not exceed 2 in. (5.1 cm) in width. The marking stripe shall not be required where bleacher surfaces and environmental conditions under all conditions of use are such that the location of each leading edge is readily apparent, particularly when viewed in descent,

Move the information in Table 8-2.5.11.1 to become an exception to 8-2.5.7.2 as follows:

Exception: The maximum number of seats permit ted between the furthest seat in an aisle in grandstands, bleachers, and folding and telescopic seating shall not exceed that shown in Table 8-2.5.7.2 Exception.

T a b l e 8-2.5.7.2 E x c e p t i o n M a x i m u m N u m b e r o f Seats P e r m i t t e d

b e t w e e n F u r t h e s t Sea t a n d a n Aisle

Application Outdoors Indoors Grandstands 11 6 B l e a c h e r s ( see 8-2.5.11.1 20 9 E x c e p t i o n )

Delete current 8-2.5.11.2 and expand Exception No. 2 to 8-2.5.9.1 to read:

Exception No. 2: A sixteen-row dead-end aisle shall be permit ted in folding and telescopic seating and grandstands.

Delete 8-2.5.11.3 and add an exception to 8-2.5.9.4 to read: Exception: Aisles in folding and telescopic seating shall be

permitted to be by stepped aisles. Move 8-2.5.11.4 to become an Exception to sub-part (a) and sub-

part (b) to 8-2.5.9.6 (replacing current Exception No. 2) so as to read:.

Exception to (a): The riser height of aisle stairs in folding and telescopic seating shall be permit ted to be a minimum of 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm) and a maximum o f l l in. (27.9 cm). Exception to (b): The riser height o f aisle stairs in folding and

telescopic seating shall be permit ted to be a minimum of 3 1 /2 in. (8.9 cm) and a maximum of 11 in. (27.9 cm). Move 8-2.5.11.5 to follow current 8-2.5.7.6 and revise the wording

so that it reads: 8-2.5.7.7 The depth of seatboards shall not be less than 9 in. where

the same level is not used for both seatboards and footboards. Footboards, i ndependen t of seats shall be provided such that there is no horizontal opening permitt ing the passage of a 1/2 in. diameter sphere.

Move 8-2.5.11.6 to the end of 8-2.11.1.2(e). Delete current 8-2.5.11.7. Make the same edits, moves, and deletions to 9-2.5.11 through 9-

2.5.11.7, as appropriate, with the following exceptions. Move 9-2.5.11.3 to become a second exception to 9-2.5.9.5(a) by

deleting the bold face heading "existing aisle stairs" and using the introductory phrase to the exception to read:

Exception No. 2 to (a): In grandstands, bleachers, and folding and telescopic seating, steps shall not be placed in aisles to overcome d i f f e r ences . . . COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested and provides sufficient detail instructing how each change needs to be made. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP614) AXE

101- 202 - (8-2.5.11.1 Exception and 9-2.5.11.1 Exception): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies (AXE) reconsider the recommended change in view of the weak substantiation that provides no technical basis for the relaxation in the geometry requirements applicable to bleachers where aisles are not provided. AXE is asked to reconsider the subject in view of the explanation of negative votes, especially that received from Mr. Pauls. SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Revise the exception to 8-2.5.11.1 and the exception to %2.5.11.1 as follows:

Replace sub-item (c) with the following: (c) Rise per row is 10 1/2 in. or less. Insert a new (d) and renumber current (d) through (f) as (e)

through (g). (d) First seating row height is not more than 18 in. above grade. Revise (f) to read: (f) Seat boards that are also used as stepping surfaces for descent

shall provide a walking surface witb a min imum width of 9 in., and, where there is a depressed f o o t b o a r d . . . SUBSTANTIATION: The changes are being made to recognize bleacher geometly that is currently provided in the marketplace. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.

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AFFIRMATIVE: 20 NEGATIVE: 4 NOT RETURNED: 3 1.andry, Lattey and Wertheimer

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: C O N N O ~ There is no justification for changing the long

established criteria for the exception to aisles in assembly seating. This exception would permit a stair with 10 1 /2 in. risers and 28 in. treads.

GORRELJ_; After reviewing the proposal and the comments by Mr. Connor and Mr. Pauls I f ind that I agree with the position of Mr. Panls. Therefore my reason for a negative vote is: At this point there is no justification for changing an established criteria for the exception to aisles in assembly seating.

PAULS: Log #CP614 came late in the ROP meeting and only four members voted on the issue. There were indications that nei ther the Committee m e m be r proposing this Committee proposal nor many of the o ther Committee members unders tood the change. They seemed to forget that the change was to an exception which simply permit ted aisles to be omitted if certain conditions were met. The exception did not rule out having bleachers with the higher riser heights and reduced seat widths noted in the change---as long as aisles were provided. If this proposal is not overturned we will have the dangerous situation where children, for example, will have no op t ion- - in the absence of aisles-but to scramble down bleachers by stepping on steps created by narrow seats (only nine inches wide) and separated by as much as 19 in. of space horizontally and 10 1/2 inches vertically. This is extremely dangerous to ask of adults, let alone children (and could well be a factor in the many thousands of emergency---department treated injuries related to bleachers each year in the U.S.). The proposal is completely out of character with the rest of the Code and, unless this proposal is rejected, will be an embarrassment to the NFPA. STASHAK: This proposal creates a dangerous egress scenario in

bleachers if it is passed. The committee is removing criteria that provides for a safer descent down the bleachers (seat-by-seat) in the event aisles are no t provided. AsJake Pauls states in his explanation of negative, the exception does no t rule out the use of current bleacher geometry, but aisles have to be provided. The exception to 8-2.5.11.1 allows for the elimination of aisles if certain criteria are met, these criteria providing for a safer and easier descent down the bleachers knowing that the physical egress path will be the bleacher seats.

(Log #374) AXE

101- 203- (82.6.2 Exception No. 2 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Ed Roether, HOKSpor t RECOMMENDATION: Add a second exception to 8-2.6.2 to read as follows:

Exception No. 2: In smoke protected assembly seating facilities of Type l o r Type II construction, the travel distance from the center point of the field of play shall not exceed 400 ft to an approved egress stair, ramp or walk at the building exterior. The field of play shall be permit ted to contain temporary seating when that seating conforms with the requirements of 8-4.3. SUBSTANTIATION: The dimensional requirements of the playing fields for several sports create greater travel distances than are currently allowed.

Note: Support ing material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Revise the first sentence of 8-2.6.2 to change "200 ft" to "400 ft ' . Revise the current Exception to 8-2.6.2 by deleting its first sentence.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: For smoke protected assembly seating, a change to 400 ft of travel to reach the vomitory portal is JNU~iBtified. This should meet the submitter 's intent.

ER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP617) AXE

101- 204- (8-2.11.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Replace all o f current 8-2.11.1 (i.e., 8- 2.11.1, 8-2.11.1.1 and 8-2.11.1.2) with the following:

8-2.11.1 Guards and Railings. 8-2.11.1.1 In Front o f Seating. A fasciae or railing system complying

with the guard requirements of 5-2.2.4 and having a minimum height of 26 in. (66 cm) shall be provided where the floor or footboard elevation at a f ront row of seating is more than 30 in. (76 cm) above the floor or ~.ade below.

8-2.11.1.2 At Foot of Aisles. A fasciae or railing system complying with the guard requirements of 5-2.2.4 shall be provided for the full width of the aisle where the foot of the aisle is more than 30 in. above the floor or grade below. The fasciae or railing shall be a minimum of 56 in. high and shall provide a min imum 42 in. measured diagonally between the top of the rail and the nosing of the nearest tread.

8-2.11.1.3 At Cross Aisles. (a) Cross aisles located behind seating rows shall be provided with

railings not less than 26 in. (66 cm) above the adjacent floor. Exception to (a): Where the backs of seats located at the front of

the aisle project 24 in. (61 cm) or more ~ibove the adjacent floor of the aisle.

(b) Where cross aisles are more than S0 in. above the floor or grade below guards shall be provided in accordance with 5-2.Z4.

8-2.11.1.4 At Side and Back of Seating Areas. Guards complying with the guard requirements of 5-2.2.4 shall be provided with a height not less than 42 in. (107 cm) above the aisle, aisle accessway or footboard where the floor elevation is more than S0 in. (76 cm) above the floor or grade to the side or back of seating.

8-2.11.1.5 Below Seating. Openings between footboards and seatboards shall be provided with intermediate construction so that a 4-in. (10.2-cm) diameter sphere cannot pass through the opening.

8-2.11.1.6 Locations Not Requiring Guards. (a) Guards shall no t be requtred on the audience side of stages, of

raised platforms, and of other raised floor areas such as runways, ramps, and side stages used for enter ta inment or presentations.

(b) Permanen t guards shall not be required at vertical openings in the performance area of stages.

(c) Guards shall no t be required where the side of an elevated walking surface is required to be open for the normal functioning of special lighting or for access and use of other special equipment. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposal is in part editorial in that it combines and blends the requirements for gua~rds and rails applicable to grandstands, bleachers, folding and telescopic seating, and theater-type boxes, balconies and galleries. The changes reflect the 1985 BCMC report. The changes also reflect research on guard rails conducted by the National Bureau of Standards with respect to the 42 in. height and how it needs to be measured. With respect to the delet ion of making measurements from the seating surface, the assumption is that persons will not stand on seats. COMMrI['rEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION O17 NEGATIVE: CONNOI~ This change radically alters the current Code without

substantiation. The current Code allows lower railings where the likelihood of a fall or crowd crush against the drop off is much less than the normal and where the reduced height railing is necessary for sightlines. This includes the "fascias of boxes, balconies and galleries" which are not. the same. as "in front, of seat ingp" er the change. In general, this radical change wdl create an interpretation nightmare for "in f ront of seating" and "at a f ront row of seating", etc. Consider the traditional opera box which is circular in plan with 4 to 6 non-fixed chairs; what part of that fascia is "at f ront row of seating" and what part is "to the side"?

(Log #371) AXE

101-205- (8-2.11.1.2(a) Exception No. 2 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Ed Roether, HOKSpor t RECOMMENDATION: Add a second exception to 8-2.11.1.2 (a) to read as follows:

Exception No. 2 to (a): When an aisle occurs along a vomitory or opening into a seating area and the highest aisle surface is less than 20 ft above the surface within the vomitory or opening, then the height of the guard shall be at least 34 in. (86 cm). When seating occurs to the side of a vomitory or opening into a seating area and the highest seat or seat board surface is less than 20 ft above the surface within the vomitory or opening then the height of the guard shall be at least 42 in. (107 cm) above the walking surface at the center o f the aisle accessway and B0 in. (76 cm) vertically above the center o f the seat or seat board surface.

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N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

SUBSTANTIATION: Guardrails complying with 8-2.11.1.2 within a seating section obstruct sightlines. In sports facilities seating riser heights typically are between 6 in. and 24 in. The most significant impact to sighflines occurs when the riser heights are low. In dtis condition, the minimum height requirements of the guardrail above the dae seat tends to force the height of the guardrail above the aisle accessway higher than d~e minimum. When d~e riser heights are high the minimum height of the gnardrail above the aisle accessway tends to force r-re height of the guardrall above the seat higher than the minimum. While we concur with the need for the requirements listed in 8-2.11.1.2 at the end of a seating deck, we are also keenly aware of their impact to sighflines when occurring within a seating deck. Exception 1 of 1021.2 of the 1993 BOCA Nailonal Building Code requires a 34 in. minimum height guard along stairs when not more than 20 ft in height.

Note: Supporting material is available for review at NFPA Headquarters. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The current requirement for guards applies at a 30 in. vertical drop, and the proposer has not substantiated why the requirements should be reduced for 20 ft vertical

ER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: MILLER: I am voting negatively against the Committee 's Action

for rejection. The p roponen t has brought to light some very real worldcondi t ions for vomitories where sighdines are blocked for a s tepped aisle along avomitory. The p roponen t is still in favor of a 42 incb high guardrail where steps intersect the top of the vomitory. However, I believe where people are descending along a vomitory that a 34 inch minimum height is more than enough to safeguard occupants from going over the vomitory especially in light of the fact that accidents where people fall laterally over handrails are extremely limited. If dais were the case, then we would see the statistics showing up on typical swithback stairs where we are not concerned with occupants falling over the railings as they descend stairs. I believe that the Committee has an obligation to address dais very real world problem which is having a very negative impact in stadiums and arenas throughout the country.

TEAGUE: The proposal 's reference to BOCA 1993 Sections 1021.2 Exception #1 does in fact indicate some substantiation for the proposed change. The guard recjuirement is excessive at 42 in. k, ben considering that tlie direcUon of tral~c flow is perpendicular to the bazard. Pe'~rhaps 20 ft is an excessive height an*d an eight to ten feet maximum would be more appropriate.

(Log #145) AXE

101- 206 - (8-3.2.1.5(b)): Reject SUBMITTER: John G. Degenkolb, Carson City, NV RECOMMENDATION: Delete the last sentence which reads:

"Vents shall be labeled." SUBSTANTIATION: There is no standard for the type of stage vents mentioned. Commercial vents which are available, and which will perform as specified, are not available at this time. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: Vents that are labeled are available to serve the in tended purpose. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DEGENKOLB: It is true that a typical commercial type roof vent

can serve to vent the stage. But, such vents are not designed for theater purposes. To have such a vent. which requires that two stage personnel must go to the roof to close the vent is unrealistic. It may be necessary to open the stage vents for other than fire control purposes during a stage performance. Such opening and closing could occur 2 or 3 times (or more) during a performance. I would suggest a modified wording: "Stage vents shall be of an approved type".

(Log #CP61~) AXE

101- 207 - (8-3.2.1.6 Exception No. 2 (New)): Accept SUBMITrEP.: Technical Committee on Assemblyand Educational Occupancies,

RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Exception No. 2 to 8-3.2.1.6 to read:

Exception No. 2. Proscenium wails shall not be required in smoke protected assembly seating facilities constructed a n d operated in accordance with 8-4.3. SUBSTANTIATION: Proscenium walls will not be required for stages less than 50 ft in height if Proposal 101 - 187 (Log #CP604) is accepted. In large facilities such as sports facilities, legitimate stages are fi 'equendy used without proscenium walls based on 1-4.4 and the equivalency concept of Section 1-5. This exception would allow moderate sized stages to take advantage of modern protection techniques to protect legitimate stages. COMMITrEEACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #139) AXE

101- 208 - (8-3.2.1.7): Reject SUBMITTER= John G. Degenkolb, Carson City, NV RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows:

"8-3.2.1.7 Proscenium Opening Protection. Where required by8- 3.2.1.6, the proscenium opening shall be protected by a fire curtain.

~,al, v~ia~,v,,;v:.-d~;i,~..;cc,,;A;Jc. . . . . v,71-;-~e"~;l, "~"'~A 'I 3' ~;~-~'L J~- ~y tile oi '5tn,,kl. . i Z~,o;-c,,o. fire curtain shall be designed..." SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 13, Section 5-317 Water Curtains references 4-5.3.4 and fur ther requires a discharge of 3 gpm per lineal foot and other details. Section 4-5.3.4 refers to moving stairways, staircases, or similar floor openings and requires that "openings involved shall be protected by closely spaced sprinklers in combination with draft stops." There is an exception "Closely spaced sprinklers and draft stops are no t required around large openings such as those found in shopping malls, atrium buildings, and similar structures where all adioinin~ levels and soaces are protected by automatic sprinkler..." ~

This hardly describes a theater stage. Most auditoriums are not sprinklered. But, most important, the water curtain does nothing to stop the spread of smoke into the auditorium and, in particular, the balcony wlfich will fill with smoke with extreme rapidity. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposer 's substantiation is incorrect. NFPA 13 paragraph 4-5.14.1 provides appropriate criteria for the protection of proscenium openings using a deluge-type sprinkler system. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DEGENKOLB: Those Committee members who at tended the Salt

Lake City meet ing visited a theater with a legitimate stage having a fire curtain. I believe it was quite evident that, with a fire on the stage and sprinkler protection more than 50 ft above the stage floor, smoke would readily go from the stage out into the auditorium and, in particular, into the balcony. Thishas happened in the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles. The sprinkler system nei ther inhibits passage of smoke nor does it bide from the audience the fire on the stage. This could result in panic and in a manner similar to someone shouting FIRE in a crowded theater or room.

(Log #CP605) AXE

101- 209 - (8-3.2.1.12 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Create a new 8-3.2.1.12 to read as follows:

8-3.2.1.12" Special Provisions for Assembly Occupancies Used for Production of Television, Film, or Video Presentation Before a Proximate Audience. Assembly occupancies used for production of television, film, or video presentation before a proximate audience shall meet the requirements of 8-3.2.1.12.1 through 8-3.2.1.12.4 and other applicable requirements of this chapter. A-8-3.2.1.12 For requirements of NFPA 70, National Electrical

Code, applicable to television, film or video product ion facilities see Article520--Theaters , Audience Areas of Motion Picture and Television Studios, and Similar Locations.

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8-3.2.1.12.1 Curtains, Scenery and Sets. Stage curtains, scenery and fabrics and films used to dress sets shall be of noncombustible materials or shall be flame resistant in accordance with NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Fdms. Foam plastics shall be tested in accordance with UL 1975, Standard for Fire Tests for Foamed Plastic Used for Decorative Purposes, and shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW.

8-3.2.1.12.2 Open Flame and Pyrotechnic Devices. Open flame and pyrotechnic devices shall meet the requirements of 8-3.2.5 and 8-3,2,6. 8-3.2.1.12.3 Egress Path. The audience area shall be provided with

means of egress arranged so as not to require traversing the production area.

8-3.2.1.12.4 Storage. There shall be no storage, permanent or temporary, in the audience area. SUBSTANTIATION: Television and film production companies, for example, may go into occupancies not normally used as a place of assembly or not normally used for television and film production activities. The Authority Having Jurisdiction needs a place to look for the special requirements for such usage. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: CONNOR: This new section only repeats what is already in the

Code. 1. The proposed requirements 8-3.2.1.12.1 and .2 are already in this chapter andare appficable to assembly occupancies with or without TV or motion picture cameras. 2. There is no substantiation for making the production area mutually exclusive of the means of el~ress. (Droes thismean wh.en a talk-show host walks up an aisle to tatl~ to a member o t tne audience that the aisle can no longer be a part of the means of egress?). Chapters i through 6 miike dear that a means ot egress must be kep.t" clear, etc. 3. I believe that storage is already . addressed and that any hazard created by storage is the same with or without cameras present.

(Log #CP607) AXE

101- 210 - (8-3.2.3.3(a) (4) and 9-3.2.3.3(a) (4)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: In 8-5.2.3.3 and 9-3.2.3.3 delete item (a) (4) which reads "rooms containing fuel," SUBSTANTIATION: The term "rooms containing fuel" is confusing. The subject is adequately addressed by the other subparts of the requirement. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey and Wertheimer

(Log #146) AXE

101- 211 - (8-3.2.6, 9-3.2.6): Accept .. SUBMITTER: John G. Degenkolb, Carson City, NV RECOMMENDATION: Delete all wording after %. NFPA 1126, Standard for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a Proximate Audience". SUBSTANTIATION: The details presently listed under (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) are to be in the revised NFPA 1126 and need not be repeated in the Life Safety Gode. COMMITYF.~ ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTE~ AGTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey and Werthelmer

(Log #144) AXE

101- 2 1 2 - (8-3.2.12 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITIT.~ John G. Degenkolb, Carson City, NV RECOMMENDATION: Add new text as follows:

8 - 3 . 2 . 1 2 Sound Stages Used as Place of Assembly. 8-3.2.12.1 Requirements. (a) The entire story occupied by the sound stage shall be protected

byan approved automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 7- 7.

(b) The interior finish of the sound stage, including the sound proofing shall be Class A or B in accordance with Section 6-5.

(c) Fabrics and films used to dress sets; stage curtains and combustible set construction, shall be of noncombustible materials or shall be flame retardant treated to meet the requirements of NFPA 701 (fabrics and film) or NFPA 703 (fire retardant u'eatment of wood). Foam plastics shall be tested in accordance with UL 1975, Standard for Fire Tests for Foamed Plastic Used for Decorative Purposes and shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW.

(d) The use of open flame shall be prohibited except as authorized by the authority having jurisdiction in conformance with Section 8-3.2.5.

(e) Pyrotechnic special effects complying with the provisions of Section 8-3.2.5 shall be permitted when authorized by a written permit issued by the authority having jurisdiction.

(f) The maximum number of persons permitted as an audience shall be B00. Sound stages in buildings of Type I or II construction may exceed 300 persons when so authorized by the authority having jurisdiction as the result of added safety precautions established by the authority havingjurisdlction.

(g) The use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP-G) shall be prohibited. The authority having jurisdiction shall have the authority to permit a limited use but shall limit the size of the containers to those having a water capacity of not more than 12 lbs and not to exceed two cylinders when the personnel employed in the handling of the LP-Gas are trained in the proper handling and operating procedures.

(h) In the absence of a proscenium wall or curtain, there shall be assumed to be an invisible barrier at the front of the seating area. The seating area is to be provided with independent means of egress. There is to be no storage, temporary or permanent, in the audience area. The only lighting above the andlence area shall be of the permanent housse lighting type.

(i) Portable microphones of the type used to talk to audience members shall be of the cordless type.

0) Electrical wiring of the entire sound stage shall comply with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 520.

(k) Except as noted heretofore, other provisions of Chapter 8 and 9 of NFPA 101 shall be applicable. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 140 does not provide guidance for sound stages used for audience type programs being filmed or taped and is leaving requirements for such usage to NFPA 101. While many of the reqmrements of Section 8-3.2.1 are applicable to sound stages with an audience, some are not, for example accessory rooms (8-3.2.1.4); Ventilators (8-3.2.1.5); proscenium walls (8-3.2.1.6); proscenium opening protection (8-3.2.1.7); gridiron, fly galleries, and pinrails (8-3.2.1.8). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Proposal 101 - 209 (Log #CP605).

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Although the submitter has not substantiated the need for special requirements for audience sound stages, special provisions are being added for assembly occupancies used for production of television, film or video presentations before a proximate audience by the referenced proposal The majority of the subjects addressed by the submitter are covered by the proposed changes. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #'289) AXE

101- 213 - (8-3.2.12 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Paul A. Westefer, Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers RECOMMENDATION: John G. Degenkolb has proposed the addition of new text to be numbered8-3.2.12 Sound Stages Used as a Place of Assembly. I recommend that the proposal be rejected. SUBSTANTIATION: While some of the requirements proposed by Mr. Degenkolb may have merit and may warrant study, such study has not been done and no statement of Problem or Substantiation for Comment has been submitted.

There is no definition of Sound Stages in NFPA 101. Many of the proposed requirements pertain to subject matter

already covered elsewhere in the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, especially in Chapters 8 and 9.

Here are additional comments which I would like considered if Mr. Degenkolb's specific requirements arc discussed, a. Chapter 8 requires that every stage and contiguous accessory

space be protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system, with certain exceptions. Mr. Degenkoll5 wants to extend dais to "the entire story occupied by the sound stage" and does not mention

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exceptions. The language of proposal is vague. Section 8-3.2.1.9 Fire Protection adequately covers the subject. Most audience sound stages in studios are sprinklered.

b. I do not f ind a specific reference to sound proofing, but Chapter 6, Section 6-5, of the Code covers the subject of Interior Finish.

c. Section 8-3.2.1.10 Flame-Retardant Requirements already covers the subject matter of item c.

d. Section 8-5.2.5 Open Flame Devices already covers the subject matter of item d.

e. Section 8-3.2.5 does not require "a written permit issued by the authority having jurisdiction." The authority having jurisdiction may be reluctant to issue a written permit on the basis of potential liability. The proposal does not state the form or language of the permit.

f. Chapter 8, in various sections, establishes the requirements for places of assembly based on occupant load. There is no need to establish special requirements for sound stages. There is no justification whatsoever for limiting audiences on a sound stage to 300 persons. Most sound stage audience areas are limited to 300 persons, since that is the dividing line between a Class C and a Class B occupancy. There are some sound stages which accommodate and have audiences of more than 300 persons.

g. I don ' t know why Mr. Degenkolb proposes to prohibit , with some exceptions, the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) specifically. // 'flammable liquids and flammable gases are to be addressed, they should all be addressed.

The new Special Effects committee under Mr. Renffew is to develop a standard for the use of such liquids and gases before a proximate audience.

The Committee should Reject the present proposal on the basis that it addresses only one e lement of the issue of flammable liquids and flammable gases.

h. This proposal has four parts: First, Mr. Degenkolb proposes that "In the absence of a proscenium wall or curtain, there is to be assumed an invisible barrier at the f ront of the seating area." He does not state what he intends to follow from this assumption. Section 8-3.2.1.6 Proscenium Walls begins with the words, "Legiti- mate stages shall be..." By definition our sound stages are not legitimate stages.

Second, Mr. Degenkolb proposes the seating area is to have an " independent" means of egress. The Committee should Reject this proposal on the basis that MEANS OF EGRESS REQUIREMENTS are dealt with extensively under Section 8-2.

Third, Mr. Degenkolb proposes that there be no storage in the audience area. T h e Committee should Reject this proposal on the basis that Storage Facilities are dealt with under Section 8-3.2.3.3, Section 8-3.2.1.4 and related language under Section 8-2.

Fourth, Mr. Degenkolb proposes that the only lighting above the audience area be "of the pe rmanen t house lighting type." There is a problem of definition with tltis- what is permanent? Even in legitimate theaters very few lights can be considered "permanent." The platform or rail to wlfich the light is affixed may bepermanen t , but the lights themselves are configured as required by the production. I cannot f ind anyplace where NFPA 101 addresses lighting except for egress lighting and emergency lighting. Studios do not usually place lights above the audience area for a variety of reasons.

i. Mr. Degenkolb proposes that portable microphones used to talk to audience members be of the cordless type. I checked this out with members of the AMPTP Frequency Coordinating Committee. Almost all portable microphones now are cordless. There is no Substantiation of a reason for this proposal. The Committee should Reject this proposal on the basis that there is no demonstra ted need and no practice of using corded portable microphones. t~ NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 520, at 520-1 describes

e Scope of the Article with regard to Theaters, Audience Areas of Motion Pictures and Television Studios, and Similar Locations. Chapter 8 of NFPA 101 does not quote Article 520 or incorporate it by reference. While incorporating Article 520 by reference, without changing the Scope, would not create a problem, why do so only for sound stages?

k. Mr. Degenkolb ends by saying except as noted heretofore (sic) other provisions of Chapters 8 and 9 are applicable. Gus's proposals are for Chapter 8 NewAssembly Occupanoes, not Chapter 9 Existing Assembly O ccu panel es. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

See the Committee Action on Proposal 101 - 212 (Log #144). COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action on the referenced proposal should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey and Wertheimer

(Log #91 ) AXE

101- 214- (8-3.3.5 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Jack Poole, Poole Fire Protection Engineering, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a 8-3.3.5 as follows:

8-3.3.5 Interior floor finish in Class A and Class B assembly occupancies shall be Class I. Interior floor finish in Class C assembly occupancies shall be Class I or Class II. SUBSTANTIATION: The floor finish in assembly occupancies should provide a higher level o f protection, due to the occupant load. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposer has provided no substantiation for regulating interior floor finish throughout Class A and Class B assembly occupancies. Traditionally, interior floor finish has been regulated onlywlthin corridors and exits which are confined spaces of limited size and susceptible to floor finish combustion due to radiant heat from adjoining spaces that have reached flashover. NUMBER OF COMMrIWEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #313) AXE

101- 215 - (8-3.4.2.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Michael A. Crowley, RoffJensen & Associates, Inc.

j RECOMMENDATION: Revise 8-3-4.2.1 to 8-3.4.2.1 (by replacing the second hyphen by a decimal point). SUBSTANTIATION: Editorial change. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey mad Wertheimer

(Log #22) AXE

101- 216- (8-3.4.3.2): Reiect SUBMITTER: Martin I-E. Reiss, Rof f | ensen & Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add: 'Msib!re signals and" after "by means of ' . SUBSTANTIATION: This is necessary to comply with 7-6.3.4 requiring both audible and visible signals. COMMITrEE ACTION: Rciect. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The requirements for occupant notification in assembly occupancies are no t per an NFPA72 system. Thus, 7-6.3.4 does not apply within assembly occupancies. The purpose of the voice notification is to provide infdrrnation to the occupants without alarming them unnecessarily. Visible strobes as a form of occupant notification might alarm the occupants unnecessarily before the voice announcemen t provides the needed message. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 22 NEGATIVE: 2 NOT RETURNED: 3 Land~', Lattey and Wertheimer

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BARTLETT: The Committee 's Action is in conflict with the need

for visible fire alarm notification appliances for hearing impaired occupants of assembly occupancies. In accordance wiffa N-~A 72, the National Fire Alarm Code and the requirements of the Ameri- cans with Disabilities Act. STASHAK: I agree with the submitter that visible signals should be

provided. I do not agree with the committee 's statement that 'Msible strobes as a form of occupant notification might alarm the occupants unnecessarily." There is ample research evidence in Section 7 of the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook that supports the fact that the occupants will more than likely act appropriately whe~ confronted with a fire alarm scenario. I quote a summary f rom the handbook: "More than a decade of detailed systematic research on human behavior in fires has resulted in the following consensus on the behavior of mostpersons: 'Despite the highly stressful environment, people generally respond to emergencies in a 'rational' , often altruistic manner, insofar as is possible w t h i n the constraints imposed on their knowledge, perceptions and actions by the effects of the fire. In short, 'instinctive panic' type reactions are not the norlTl.'" Visible signals are not sudden, loud, noises they may take occupants

by surprise and "alarm the occupants unnecessarily". Visible signals provide a quiet, ~ system of alerting occupants that a problem exists within the building and take advantage of the early notification concept behind fire alarm systems. I am in agreement "

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with the Committee that in large assembly occupancies such as exhibition halls, and stadiums,-(greater than 1,000) the notification is not as critical because these occupancies generally employ competent and trained personnel that are in constant attendance during activities, ffan alarm were to activate, appropriate action by buildihg staff would probably be taken. In smaller a~ssembly occupancies, however, such as juice bars, dance clubs, night clubs, smaller theaters (movie or live), indoor play areas staff often consists of inexperienced, younger (frequently high school age) employees. More often than not, when an alarm is activated in die smaller assembly occupancies, the employees will investigate the cause of the alarm instead of initiating evacuation procedures. Owners or employees frecjuently do not want to interrupt the entertainment, andwill investigate the cause. In the event the cause is in fact a fire, injury or death could occur as a result of this delay in initiating evacuation. At the MGM Grand Hotel, heavy smoke forced switchboard operators from their posts and they were only able to make one announcement over the public address system to evacuate the casino area...and this was done ~en minutes after the fire was first discovered. Due to this rapid early evacuation of the telephone staff, (hotel) guests were not alerted by the hotel public address system or the local-fire alarm system. With the addition of visible signals, we regain the purpose of an alarm system, which is to provide occupant notification at a point which allows ideal evacuation times. As the Code reads, now we are depending on human behavior to initiate evacuation in lieu of an au~omaticYnechanical system. And as seen with the MGM Grand, the human factor failed. Throughout the codes for sprinklers, water supply, special extinguishing systems,

ts a required criteria for appropriate response. At minimum, allow fl~e AH] the choice to require visible signals if he / she deems it necessary, basing his/her decision on trai~ng and maturity levels of staff.

(Log #83) AXE

101- 217 - (8-3.5.1 Exception No. 2): Reject SUBMITTER: Ron WiUiamson, 925 East Second Street RECOMMENDATION: Delete Exception No. 2. SUBSTANTIATION: Section 8-3.5 requires automatic sprinkler protection for Class A and Class B assembly occupancies. Per my telephone conversation with the NFPA, this section was added due to the history of multiple fire fatalities in occupancies of this type.

Exception No. 1 allows places of worship, with fLxed seating, and not part of a mixed occupancy, to be built without sprinklers due to the low hazard involved with this type usage. Exception No. 3. allows gymnasiums used exclusively for participant

sports with no audience facilities for more than 300 persons. Which, excluding the gym floor, strictly sports area, reduces the facility to a Class C occupancy. (Less than 300)

Exceotion No. 2 however, negates the entire section by allowing a 12,00(J sq ft assembly with a possible occupancy load of 1,714 persons simply by calling the building multipurpose.

Is that meant to suggest that it is more of a fire escape problem to have 301 persons watchinga basketball game in a gymnasium, (Exception No. 3) than 1,714 persons attending a dance in a multipurpose building. (Exception No. 2)

Or can a builder simply change the name of the building, from gym to multipurpose, and totally eliminate the sprinkler requirement?

It is my suggestion that Exception No. 2 be deleted in its entirety. COMMITI~E ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The fire record does not substantiate the submitter's request to remove the exception. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, LatteyandWertheimer

(Log#370) AXE

101- 218 -(8-3.5.1 Exception No. 4 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Ed Roether, HOKSport RECOMMENDATION: Add a fourth exception to 8-3.5.1 to read as follows:

Exception No. 4: Exterior spaces located in an outdoor assembly occupancy whida are smoke protected conforming to the requirements of 8-4.3. SUBSTANTIATION: 8-4.3.1 (a) dearly designates that all enclosed areas with walls and ceilings shall be protected with an approved, automatic sprinkler system. It is unclear whether it is acceptable to not sprinkler exterior spaces when a life safety evaluation would support not sprinklering exterior spaces. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposer has not defined what constitutes exterior spaces. The subject is better handled by not changing the Code text and relying on a case by case judgment by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: TEAGUE: To reject the proposal based on the lack of a definition

of an exterior space seems arbitrary. The code referencing enclosed spaces isjust as unclear. It would seem logical that if an er~closed s[0ace cofald be identified then an exterio~'space would by default 15ecome apparent. To sprinkler open concourses and ramps/stairs in outdoor assembly occupancies ~smokeprotected) seems excessive. The I.ogic of letting the anthorfty, having lurisdiction make ajuctgment woulct not be compromised with the a'd'dition of the exception proposed.

(Log #324) AXE

I01- 219 - (8-4.3.1(a) Exception): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Gregory R. Miller, Code Consultants Incorporated RECOMMENDATION: In the Exception to (a), retain present wording and add new text as follows:

"With submission of an engineering analysis employing fire modeling to substantiate and demonstrate the ineffectix~eness of the sprinkler protection due to building height and combustible loading, sprinklers shall be permitted to be omitted over the floor area used for contest, performance, or entertainment and over the seatingareas. SUBSTANTIATION: Suffident fire modeling analysis tools are now available that indicate that even with ordinary hazard classification, that sprinklers due to their excessive height over afire condition will not activate. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a second Exception to 8-4.3.1 (a) to read: Exception No. 2 to (a)* Sprinklers shall be permitted to be

omitted over the floor area used for contest, performance, or entertainment and over the seating areas where an approved engineering analysis substantiates the ineffectiveness of the sprinkler protection due to building height and combustible loading. Add an associated appendix item to read: A-8-4.3.1 Exception No. 2 to (a) The engineering analysis should

be part of the life safety evaluation required by 8-4.5. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The above Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested but does so using different language. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: $ Landry, Lattey and Wertheimer

(Log #282) AXE

101- 220 - (8-4.6.1, 9-4.6.1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Catherine L. Stashak, Des Plaines Fire Department, IL RECOMMENDATION: Revise to read: All special amusement buildings shall meet the requirements for

assembly occupancies in addition to the requirements of this subsection, re~rardiess of the occur)ant load. Special amusement buildings with~an occupant load not greater than 300 persons shall be considered Class C assembly occupancies. SUBSTANTIATION: Revision is needed to clarify the intent of the code which is to classify all special amusement buildings under assembly occupancies even if their occupant load is less than 50 PCersong.

OMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Proposal 101 - 188 (Log #CP601) that deletes the Class A, Class

B, and CIass C assembly sub-classifications. Also see Proposals 101 - 24 (Log # CP618) and 101 - 186 (Log #CP619) which revise the 4- 1.2 definition of assembly occupancies and the 8-1.3/9-1.3 definitions of special amusement buildings. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The actions on the referenced

should accomplish the submitter's intent. ER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey and Wertheimer

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(Log #373) AXE

101-221 - (8-4.6.4.1 Exception (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER~ Ed Roether, HOKSpor t RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to 8-4.6.4.1 to read as follows:

Exception: Exit marking shall not be required on the seating side ofvomitories or openings into seating areas when exit marking is provided in the concourse readily apparently from the vomitories and sufficient exit lighting is provided to identity each vomitory or opening within the seating area in an emergency. SUBSTANTIATION: Within a sports stadium or arena aisles serving seating provide few options for egress. The light put off by exit signs detract from presentations during "black out" conditions. The desire to maintain a "blackout" condition often leads someone to tamper with the exit signs. Illumination of the vomitory or opening during an emergency, proximity of the seating to the vomitory or opening, familiarity with the vomitory or opening during the entrance and subsequent trips into the seating bowl along with exit marking from the vomitory or opening would reduce the tendency to tamper with exit marking and maintain the intent of exit marking. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add an Exception to 8-2.10 to read as follo~. Exception: Exit markings shall not be required on the seating side

ofvomitories from seating areas when exit marking is providedin the concourse and such marking is readily apparent from the vomitories. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: It appears that the submitter in tended to address 82.10 rather than 8-4.6.4.1. The wording shown in the Committee Action should accomplish the submitter 's i n t en~ NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #344) AXE

101-222- (8-4.7, 9-4.7, 8-1.3, 9-1.3 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Catherine L. Stashak, Des Plaines Fire Department, IL RECOMMENDATION: Insert a new 8-4.7 and 9-4.7 to read:

8-4.7/9-4.7 Tower Modular PlayStructures. 8-4.7.l/9-4.7.1 Assembly occupancies that contain tower modular

play structures shall be provided with an approved fire alarm system in accordance with %6.1. Initiation of the required fire alarm system shall be by manual means in accordance with 7-6.2 and by means of any required sprinkler system water flow alarms, detection systems, or suppression systems.

Exception: Assembly occupancies that contain tower modular play structures that are no higher than two levels and are no larger than 160 sq ft in area, measuring the area of the largest level.

8-4.7.2/9-4.7.2 A smoke detection system shall be installed in accordance with Section 7-6, with placement of detectors throughout the room containing the tower modular play structure and all areas on the same floor containing the tower modular play structure that are used for recreation, entertainment, or gathering. Detectors shall also be installed in cooking areas. Alternate forms of detection, • approved by the authority having jurisdiction, shall be permit ted ~obe used in cooking areas.

8-4.7.3/9-4.7.3 Occupant notification shall be in accordance with % 6.3.

8-4.7.4/9-4.7.4 When structures are installed in buildings that are sprinklered, ceiling design density over the structure shall be a minimum of Ordinary Hazard-Group 2 (See NFPA 13).

8-4.7.5/9-4.7.5 Life Safety Evaluation. For assembly occupancies that are required to meet the requirements of this subsection, a life safety evaluation shall be performed in accordance with 8-4.5. In addition to the requirements of 8-4.5, methods of evacuation of occupants within the tower modular play structure; access to occupants within the tower modular play area by rescue personnel, and monitor ing of activities within the structure by staff members shall be reviewed and approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

Renumber current 8-4.7/94.7 to read: 8-4.8/9-4.8 Operat ing Features. (See 31-2.) Add definition of Tower Modular Play Structure to 8-1.3/9-1.3 to

read: Tower Modular Play Structure. A framed, modular structure that

consists of tubes, slides, crawling areas, and jumping areas that is used for climbing and entertainment, generally by cltildren. SUBSTANTIATION: These structures are becoming very popular. In the past, they were small in size and did not present a life safety

problem. Now structures exist that are 20-30 feet in height and cover a floor area of 900 square feet. The problem that arises with daese structures is the evacuation of the children (generally the most frequent user of this type of structure is 3 years and older) from the upper levels of the structure in the event of a fire. Early notification of a fire, as well as stafftraining are critical to prevent tragedies that would result from the inability to evacuate occupants out of the structure. Unless a child has experience in fire exit drills (fi'om elsewiaere) Iris/her response to a fire will be to freeze in fear or to ttide from the smoke and fire. Early detection of fire and aggressive staff training in evacuation of occupants will help to resolve these problems. Additionally, requirements for minimum sprinkler design are included because these structures contain a large amount of flexible, rigid, and foamed plastics, and if involved in fire, the structure would present a serious challenge to a sprinkler system that is not designed properly. No requirements for retrofit or mandatory sprinklershave been suggested. Also a definition that needs to be added to Section 8-1.3/9-1.3 for Tower Modular Play Structures has been proposed. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Create a definition of multi-level play structure in 8-1.3 and 9-1.3 to read:

Multi-Level Play Structure. A structure that consists of tubes, slides, crawling areas, and jumping areas that is located within a building and is used for climbing and entertainment, generally by children.

In the definition of special amusement building in 8-1.3 and 9-1.3 in the last sentence, after the words " . . . type ride within a building," add: ", multi-level play structures,". Add an exception to 8-4.6.2 and 9-4.6.2 to read: Exception: Buildings or structures not more than 10 ft in height

and not more than 160 sq. ft. in horizontal projection. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: Rather than writing specific requirements for multi-level play structures, they were added to the definition of special amusement buildings and made subject to the requirements for special amusement buildings. A definition of multi-level play structure has been added to clarify intent. The exception to the sprinkler requirement of 8-4.6.2 and 9-4.6.2 exempts small multi-level play structures and similar small special amusement buildings from the sprinkler requirement. The Committee believes that this is a reasonable approach to the subject. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BARTLETT: The Committee 's Action does not provide sufficient

protection occupants of special mnusement multi-level play structures. The need for early warning detection and notification is

reSent for occupants of these types of structures regardless of the vels of lighting present around the structure.

MILLER: I am voting negatively on Log #344 against the Committee 's Action to accept in principle for the following reasons:

1. I do no t believe that there has even been demonstra ted any type of need or cause for concern for life safety in multi-level play structures.

2. I believe that the exceptions to 8-4.6.2 and 9-4.6.2 for sprinkler protection based on the criteria of 9 feet and 160 square feet are without substantiation or basis.

(Log #CP616) AXE

101- 223 - (9-2.5.9.6 Exception to (c)): Accept SUBMITTER: TechnicalCommit tee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Revise the Exception to sub-part (c) o f 9- 2.5.9.6 to read:

Exception to (c): Riser height shall be permitted to be nonuniform only for the purpose of accommodating necessary changes in the seat deck gradient to maintain necessary site lines within a seating area and shall be pen-nitted to exceed 3/16 in. in any flight but not more than 3 /4 in. difference between adjacent riser heights. W h e r e . . . SUBSTANTIATION; The intent of tile current exception needs fur ther clarification. Only when changes in the seat deck gradient are made to maintain necessary site lines (versus changes in the gradient to accommodate cross aisle stairs) should the exception be

~ ermitted. Additionally, the difference between adjacent riser eights should not be, for example, an abrupt change from 8 in.

riser height to 4 in. riser height. The proposed maximum 3 /4 in. difference between adjacent riser heights should be adequate to provide for safe use of the s tepped aisle.

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N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P



(Log #92) AXE

101- 2 2 4 - (9-3.3.5 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Jack Poole, Poole Fire Protection Engineering, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a 9-3.3.5 as follows:

9-3.3.5 Interior floor finish in Class A and Class B assembly occupancies shall be Class I. Interior floor finish in Class C assembly occupancies shall be Class I or Class II. SUBSTANTIATION: The floor finish in assembly occupancies should provide a higher level of protection, due to the occupant load. GOMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposer has provided no substantiation for regulating interior floor finish throughout Class A and Class B assembly occupancies. Traditionally, interior floor finish has been regulated only within corridors and exits which are confined spaces of limited size and susceptible to floor finish combustion due to radiant heat from adjoining spaces that have reached flashover. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBFJ~,S ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON CoMMrI ' rEE ACTION:


(Log #295) AXE

101- 225 - (9-4.3.3): Accept in Principle SUBMITYER: GregoryJ. Cahanin, Exit Seminars RECOMMENDATION: Add a new sentence to read:

"Existing and previous approved grandstands shall be permitted to c o n t i n u e ill use ." SUBSTANTIATION: The current Section 9-4.3.3 references NFPA 102 for the requirements for grandstands. The 1994 edition of NFPA 102 does not address existing or portable installed grandstands. Provisions in the recent edition of NFPA 102 would make existing or portable grandstands non complying such as the minimum clearances for openings (4 inches) make this change necessary. Existing facilities could have stepping configurations that could be different from current NFPA 102 requirements. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new sentence to 9-4.3.3 to read: "Existing grandstands shall

be permitted to continue in use subject to approval of the Authority HavingJurisdiction." COMMITI?EE STATEMENT: The Committee Action adds the requirement that the Authority Having Jurisdiction grant such approval for continued use. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMM1TI'EE ACTION:


(Log #195) AXE

101- 227- (10-2.2.8, 11-2.2.8, 10-2.2.9, 11-2.2.9 (New)): Accept SUBMITTEI~ James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 10-2.2.8/11-2.2.8 to read: 1 0 - 2 . 2 . 8 / 1 1 - 2 . 2 . 8 Fire Escape Ladders. Fire escape ladders

complying with 5-2.9 shall be permitted. Add a new 10-2.2.9/I I-2.2.9 to read: 10-2.2.9/11-2.2.9 Alternating Tread Devices. Alternating tread

devices complying with 5-2.11 shall be permittecL Renumber the current 10-2.2.8 as 10-2.2.10 and renumberll-2.2.8

as 11-2.2.10. SUBSTANTIATION: Neither 5-2.9 nor 5-2.11 require occupancy chapter permission to use these egress components. Under the limitations stipulated in 5-2.9 and 5-2.11 there is no reason not to allow these devices in this occupancy. Note that these would not be in the general means of egress and would be limited to "service" type a rea s . COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP611) AXE

101- 228 - (10-2.2.9 and 11-2.2.9): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 10-2 .2 .9 a n d 11-2 .2 .9 to read:

"Elevators. Elevators complying with 5-2.13 shall be permitted." SUBSTANTIATION: A new sub-section 5-2.13 on elevators within means of egress is being added to Chapter 5. Recognition by the occupancy chapters will permit the elevators to be used within the means of egress in accordance with the limitations and conditions of the Chapter 5 requirements. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP608) AXE

101- 229 - (10-3.2.1 (a) (4) and 11-3.2.1 (a) (4)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: In 10-3.2.1 and 11-3.2.1 delete item (a)(4) which reads "rooms containing fuel." SUBSTANTIATION: The term "rooms containing fuel" is confusing. The subject is adequately addressed by the other subparts of the requirement. COMMITIT~ ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITI'EE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #397) AXE

101- 226 - (10-1.3 Separate Means of Egress, 11-1.3 Separate Means of Egress): Accept SUBMITI'ER: James Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: In 10-1.3, and 11-1.3 delete the definition of "Separate Means of Egress" SUBSTANTIATION: Term no longer used in chapter. This was part of the requirements for open plan schools, l thas been interpreted to mean that when a room requires two exit access doors that these doors must go into separated corridors, or to require subdivision of the corridor. COMMrITEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMI'I'FEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #343) AXE

101- 230 - (10-3.2.1 (a) (5), 11-3.2.1(a) (5) (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Richard Dzwonkowski, Connecticut Office of State Fire Marshal RECOMMENDATION: Add:

(5) Janitor closets. Exception to (5): Janitor closets protected by automatic sprinklers

shall be permitted to have doors with ventilating louvers. Delete Sections 10-3.2.3 and 11-3.2.3.

SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal will permit the enclosure of janitor closets with 1 hour fire resistive construction and utilize the automatic sprinklers as the exception rather than the rule. COMMITYEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION,,

AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 I_andry, Lattey andWertheimer

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N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DEGENKOLB: NFPA 80, Section 2-8.4 states: "Only labeled fire

door louvers shall be used on fire doors." Janitor closets usually open onto a corridor. If the corridor walls are fire-rated, labeled fire doors are required. I would suggest a rewording: '~[anitor closets protected by automatic sprinklers shall be permitted to have doors which are not fire doors, with ventilating louvers."

(Log #101) AXE

101-231 - (10-3.4.2.3 (New)): Accept in Principle Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment (BSF), which has primary responsibility for the provisions o f Chapter 7 including those applicable to alarm systems, offer information on the acceptability of exempting manual pull statioas, in entirety, f rom assembly occupancies i f specific conditions are met. BSF is asked to correlate the proposed action on this proposal with that taken on Proposal 101-159.

SUBMITTER: Ben B. Aycock, North Carolina Building Inspectors' Assn. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new paragraph as follows:

10-3.4.2.3 Alternate Protection System, In order to reduce false alarms, manual pull boxes shall be permitted to be eliminated when all o f the following conditions apply:

(a) Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors using an alarm ver i fcadon system as described in NTPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

(b) Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums, etc., are protected by heat or other appropriate detection devices.

(c) Shops and laboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat or other appropriate detection devices; however, it is not necessary to protect ordinary lecture type classrooms.

(d) Fire alarm signals are automatically transmitted to the public fire department , ei ther directly or via an approved Central Station as described in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

(e) Provision is made at a central point to manually activate the evacuation signal, or to evacuate only affected areas. SUBSTANTIATION: Many public and private schools have experienced problems with malicious false alarms as well as vandalism and destruction of the manual alarm boxes. Present Section 10-3.4.2.1, requires tile mmlual boxes but the exception allows elimination of the boxes provided a two-way voice communication system is provided. Typical installation practice is an unsupervised "intercom" system which does not meet NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code requirements for a "Voice Alarm System". Also, today, many of the public schools are being used for evening

classes when the administrative offices are closed. Thus the intercom "panel" is unmanned.

The proposed change would reduce the false alarm problem and at the same time provide full time automatic notification to the Fire Department. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new paragraph as follows: 1003.4.2.3 Alternative Protection System. Manual pull stations shall

be permitted to be eliminated when all of the following conditions apply:

(a) Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors using an alarm verification system as described in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

(b) Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums, etc., are protected by heat or other approved detection devices.

(c) Shops andlaborator ies involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat or other approved detection devices.


(e) Provision is made at a central point to manually activate the evacuation signal, or to evacuate only affected areas.

Add an Exception No. 2 to 10-3.4.2.1 to read: Exception No. 2: AS permit ted by 10-3.4.2.3.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action makes minor changes to the submitter 's r ecommended language. This presents an improvement. The proposed Exception No. 2 to 10-3.4.2.1 provides the necessary link to permit 10-3.4.2.3 to provide an alternative to the requirement of 1003.4.2.1. This should meet the submitter 's in t en t


AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landcy, Lattey and Wertheimer

(Log #23) AXE

10b 232 - (10-3.4.3.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Martin H. Reiss, RoffJensen & Associates, Inc.

I RECOMMENDATION: Change "an audible alarm" to "audible and visible signals". SUBSTANTIATION: This is necessary to comply with 7-6.3.4 requiring both audible and visible signals. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


( Log #147) AXE

101- 233 - (1003.6): Reject SUBMITI'ER: Daniel E Dykstra, Michigan State Police-Fire Marshal Division RECOMMENDATION: Revise text to read as follows:

"Every interior corridor shall be separated from use areas by fire barriers having a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hr in accordance with Section 6-2.3." SUBSTANTIATION: This office has historically required separation between exit corridors and all use areas, even though the previous wording in Section 10-3.6 has not spedficaily indicated dais. It is the opinion of this office that maintaining a clear, unobstructed exit corridor is more critical in a I4.-12 building than in a college. The proposed wording reflects the wording of Section 26-3.6, which is substantially clearer than 10-3.6. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITFEE STATEMENT: The proposer 's language would no longer permit items or uses within the corridor. This is not the Committee 's intent. The proposer has not substantiated why the Code should be made more stringent with respect to this subject. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP30) AXE

101- 234- (10o3.6 and Exception No. 4; 11-3.6 and Exception No. 4): Accept SI.YBMITTER: Technical Committee "on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Revise 10-3.6 to read:

10-3.6 Interior Corridors. Corridors shall be separated from other parts of the floor by walls having a 1-hour fire resistance rating in accordance with 6-2.3.

Retain current Exceptions No. 1, 2 and 3 to 10-3.6. Revise current Exception No. 4 to 10-3.6 to read: "... f rom all other

spaces by wails having not less than " Revise 11-3.6 to read: 11-3.6 Interior Corridors. Corridors shall be separated from other

parts of the floor by walls having a 1-hour fire resistance rating in accordance with 6-2.3.

Retain current Exceptions No. 1, 2 and 3 to 11-3.6. Revise current Exception No. 4 to 11-3.6 to read: "... from all other

spaces by walls having not less than ..." SUBSTANTIATION: Clarification that corridor walls are in tended to separate the corridor from otherpar t s of the floor. There is no intent to require fire resistance-ratedfloor or fire resistance-rated ceiling construction as the separation between the corridor and other floors of the building in occupancies where building construction type is not specified (i.e., "No Requirement" in the -1.6 subsection). COMMI'I'FEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey mad Wertheimer

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N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

(Log #CP507) AXE

101- 235 - (10-5.2.2, 10-7.5.2.2, 10-8.5.2.2, 11-5.2.2, 11-7.5.2.2, 11- 8.5.2.2, 11-9.5.2.2 and 31-3.9): Accept SUBMITTER= Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment, RECOMMENDATION: To 10-5.2.2, 10-7.5.2.2, 10-8.5.2.2, 11-5.2.2, 11-7.5.2.2, 11-8.5.2.2, 11-9.5,2.2 and 31-3.9 add an exception to read: Exception: Gas space heaters installed in compliance with NFPA

54, National Fuel Gas Code. SUBSTANTIATION: This proposal is in response to Proposal 101 - 151 (Log #162) on Chapter 7 requesting that gas space heaters installed in compliance with NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, he exempted from the numerous prohibitions scattered throughout the Life Safety Code that are worded similar to the following: "Unvented fuel-fired heating equipment shall be prohibited."

Chapter 7 mandatorily references the use of NFPA 54 white permits gas space heaters to be installed in accordance with the provisions of that document in all but "institutions such as homes for the aged, sanitariums, convalescent homes, orphanages, etc." Yet, authorities having jurisdiction are interpreting the Life Safety Code occupancy chapter prohibitions on unrented fuel-fired heaters to mean that gas fired space heaters in compliance with NFPA 54 are prohibited. The proposed exception will clarify the intent that if gas fired space

heaters are in compliance with NFPA 54 their use should be permitted. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMIq[TEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 24 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lattey andWertheimer

( Log #122) AXE

101- 236 - (I0-7.3.2.1, 10-7.3.2.2): Accept SUBMITTEI~ Peter A. Larrimer, Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Delete paragraph 10-7.3.2.2 and add 10- 7.3.2.1 (a) (5) as follows:

10-7.3.2.1 (a) (5) Janitor closets. Exception to (5): Doors to janitor closets shall be permitted to

have ventilating louvers when the space is protected by automatic ns klers"

TANTIATION: The protection requirements for janitor's closets fits better within the same paragraph for all of the other hazardous areas. In addition, it should not be required to sprinkler a janitors closet if the closet is provided with a 1 hr rated enclosure without a louver in the door. The existing paragraph assumed that a louver was automatically provided which is not always the case. CO MITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMFITEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #285) AXE

101- 237- (10-7.3.5.1 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: CraigV. Mayer, Pleasanton, CA RECOMMENDATION: 10-7.3.5.1 Type III(200) and Type V(000) buildings containing day-care centers with clients less than 72 months in age shall be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. SUBSTANTIATION: Table 10-7.1.6.1 in the 1994 edition of the Life Safety code now makes it possible to have an unlimited number of children, including infants and toddlers, in Type III (200) and Type V (000) buildings without fire sprinkler protection. This dangerous condition was prohibited by six previous editions of the Code that were in effect for more than twenty years. This new Section 10-7.3.5.1 will restore the previous level of safety.

1 have provided a December 15, 1993, letter written by the Chair of the Day Care Task Force of the Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies. The letter was written to support and summarize the major cbanges that now appear in the code. It states that children under the age of 24 months fire incapable of self-

~ reservation and can only evacuate a building if they are carried or ed out by the hand. Of course, during the short time available to

evacuate a fire in a combustible structure without sprinkler protection, each staff member can only be expected to carry or lead a small number of infants or toddlers. Staff-to-client ratios are

critical if this fire safety concept is to have any chance of success. However, the Chair of the Task Force states, "As a fire inspector I can personally attest to the extreme difficulty in enforcing staff-client ratios." That task can only be more difficult now that the information on staff-to-client ratios previously in Section 10-7.1.1.1 has been moved to Section A-10-7.1.1 in the non-mandatory appendix. The December 15, 1993, letter mentions a survey sent to the

majority of states, ff found that most state agencies regulating day- care have established staff-to-dient ratios. The letter states, "Therefore our ratios were a duplicate effort." This is not supported by information in the book Ghild Care Safety by Ted S. Ferry, published in 1993 by the American Society of Safety Engineers. Page 23 of this book includes the statement, "Not every statehas a limiting ratio; only 20 states and the District of Columbia fLx group size per center for all ages of children." This book indicates one state will permit a single staff member to care for 12 infants. Other states permit a 1:20 ratio for one-year olds and a 1:35 ratio for three-year olds. Evacuating this many children from a burning building would be a formidable task for a trained firefighter. It would be even more challenging for the often inexperienced staff member of a day-care center, Uncertainties associated with the staff's ability to evacuate the children are consistent with the substantiation for item 101-400 in the 1993 Fall Meeting Technical Committee Reports. That substantiation was accepted in principle and led to the recent changes. It states, '~l'he theory of staff ratios should be replaced with more stringent construction/protection." Paradoxically, the protection requirements were reduced for day-care centers in the most combnsuble types of construction where NFPA statistics indicate most day-care center fires occur. [Memo from Alison Miller to Ron Cote date 9/11/91 provided with referenced portions underlined.] The Chair of the Task Force acknowledges that the sprinkler

requirements for these types of construction may be more lenient than in past editions. She indicates this is partially justified by, "...early notification from the required fire alarm system ..." It should be noted that this system might only have the capability for manually activation. Automatic fire detection throughout all portions of the building is m not required. Therefore, early notification might not be provided. The fire record in day-care centers has generally been good. The

current Life Safety Code Hangtt)9ok states, "Day-care properties averaged 500 structure fires a year reported to U.S. fire departments in 1984-1988, with an associated 5 civilian injuries a year and no deaths." The protection requirements my proposal will reestablish had been in place 11 years before, and throughout, that period. Undoubtedly the previous requirements contributed to the lack of fatalities andlow injury rate during that time period. The Commit- tee did not provide any estimates on how deleting those requirements fxom the 1994 edition will effect the future numbers of children injured or killed in such fires. Hopefully it won't take a tragedy to demonstrate that the previous requirements for the protection of the most vulnerable age groups, in the most combustible types of building construction,-need to be reestablished.

NOTE: Supporting material is available for review at Nb'~A Headquarters. COMMITI?EE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The package of changes made to the day-center requirements for the 1994 edition of the Life Safety Code represents a Committee consensus. It provides the minimum level of safety the Code intends to provide. The submitter wants a greater minimum level of safety that the Committee does not believe is justified. The submitter proposed the same change during the last Code revision cycle and pursued the issue through the Report on Comments, a motion on the floor at the 1993 Fall Meeting, a complaint to the NFPA Standards Council, and appeals to the NFPA Board of Directors and the ANSI Standards Board. In each case the Committee Action was upheld. See the record of these events. NUMBER OF COMMITI'EE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TOVOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 23 NEGATIVE: 1 NOT RETURNED: 3 Landry, Lartey and Wertheimer

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: DEGENKOLB: To begin with, this proposal ONLY affects day-care

centers of Type 111(200) and Type V(000) construction, that is to say that they are those of non-fire rated combustible construction (except the exterior walls of Type 111 construction). Prior to the 1994 edition such structures used for day care purposes would have required sprinkler protection. It is contended that "early notification offered by the required fire alarm system, coupled with the fact that clients are already at ground level" establishes a safety level equivalent to sprinkler protection.... In the proposed, new. Chapters 32 and 33 on day-care facilities, open plan day-care buddings are permitted. In the present Code open plan educational buildings are defined. I don' t consider day-care facilities to be EDUCATIONAL

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N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

buildings, nor do I f ind where open plan buildings are permit ted for day-care centers. At the Portland meet ing I was informed that open plan day-care centers are common. "Open p lan buildings have rooms and corridors delineated by tables, chairs, bookcases, counters, low-height (5 ft) partitions or similar furnishings." There is no requirement that they be fixed in place. There need be no corridors as we conventionally think of them. While a day-care center is one serving more than 12 clients, there

could be many more. At a meet ing in the office of the California State Fire Marshal, ment ion was made of day-care facilities accommodating 200 clients. Itwas also acknowledged that there could be a far greater number and the number of 400 was heard. A considerable number of the clients could be under the age of 24 months and so would require considerable help in leaving the premises.

In a day-care center with no established corridors, i.e., open plan, a vast number of clients, the distinct likelihood that the LED will NOT be right at grade but several feet above or below grade; with NO fire- rated construction; with the floor above or below also being used for day-care purposes and sprinldered, egress would be from a sprinldered area through a non-sprinklered area; it seems to me that

rinkler protection should be provided for the level of exit charge.

(Log #18) AXE

101- 238 - (10-8.3.3.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: John L. Bryan, Frederick, MD RECOMMENDATION: Revise as follows:

10-8.3.3.2 Interior Floor Finish. Interior floor finish in occupied spaces in the home shall be Class I or II in accordance with Section 6-5. SUBSTANTIATION: Current text of 10-8.3.3.2 is not technically correct and conflicts with Section 6-5.4 Interior Floor Finish Classification. Current text is confusing with reference to class A, B and C interior finish in the paragraph titled: "Interior floor finish". Class A, B and C interior finish classifications are identified in Section 6-5.3 for application to Wall and Ceiling Finish as determined by NFPA 255. Interior Floor Finish is classified in Section 6- 5.4 as Class I or II Interior Floor Finish as determined by NFPA 25~,. COMMrI'TEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

See recent printings of the 1994 edition. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The editorial error has been corrected in recent printings. It is not the intent of 10-8.3.3.2 to apply to interior floor finish. Rather, the requirement is mean t to apply to interior wall and ceiling finish. The editorial correction should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #100) AXE

101- 239 - (11-3.4.2.3 (New)): Accept in Principle Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requestin~ that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment (BSF), which has primary responsibility for the provisions of Chapter 7 including those applicable to alarm systems, offer information on the acceptability of exempting manual pull stations, in entirety, from assembly occupancies i f specific conditions are met. BSFis asked to correlate the proposed action on this proposal with that taken on Proposal 101-159. SUBMITTER: Ben B. Aycock, North Carolina Building Inspectors' Assn. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new paragraph as follows:

11-3.4.2.3 Alternate Protection System. In order to reduce false alarms, manual pull boxes shall be permitted to be eliminated when all o f the following conditions apply:

(a) Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors us ingan alarm verification system as described in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

(b) Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums, etc., are protected by heat or other appropriate detection devices.

(c) Shops asadlaboratories involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat or other appropriate detection devices; however, it is not necessary to protect ordinary lecture type classrooms.


(e) Provision is made at a central point to mannallyactivate the evacuation signal, or to ~vacuate only affected areas.

113

SUBSTANTIATION: Many public and private schools have experienced problems with malicious false alarms as well as vandalism and destruction of the manual alarm boxes. Present Section 11-5.4.2.1, requires the manual boxes but the exception allows elimination of the boxes provided a two-way voice communication system is provided. Typical installation practice is an unsupervised "intercom" system which does no-t meet NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code requirements for a "Voice Alarm System".

Also, today, many of the public schools are being used for evening classes when the administrative offices are closed. Thus the intercom "panel" is unmanned.

The proposed change would reduce the false alarm problem and at the same time provide full time automatic notification to the Fire Department. COMMI'Iq 'EEACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new paragraph as follows: 11-3.4.2.3 Alternative Protection System. Manual pull stations shall

be permitted to be eliminated when all of the following conditions apply

(a) Interior corridors are protected by smoke detectors using an alarm verification system as described in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

(b) Auditoriums, cafeterias, gymnasiums, etc., are protected by heat or other approved detection devices.

(c) Shops andlaborator ies involving dusts or vapors are protected by heat or other approved detection devices.

(d) Fire alarm signals are automatically transmitted to the public fire department , either directly or via an approved Central Station as described in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

(e) Provision is made at a central point to manually activate the evacuation signal, or to evacuate only affected areas.

Add an Exception No. 2 to 11-3.4.2.1 to read: Exception No. 2: As permit ted by 1 I=3.4.2.3.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action makes minor changes to the submitter 's r ecommended language. This presents an improvement. The proposed Exception No. 2 to 11-3.4.2.1 provides the necessary link to permit 11-3.4.2.3 to provide an alternative to the requirement of 11-3.4.2.1. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP609) AXE

101- 240 - (11-3.6 and Exception No. 4 to 11-3.6): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Assembly and Educational Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: In both the base paragraph 11-3.6 and in Exception No. 4 to 11-3.6 replace 20-minute" with "1~2-hour". SUBSTANTIATION: Proposal 101 - 125 (Log #192) on 6-2.3.2 and 6-2.3.5 deletes the chapter 6 references to 20-minute and 3/4-hour fire resistance ratings and retains the 1/2-hour fire resistance rating. This proposal on 11-3.6 and Exception No. 4 to 11-3.6 is being made for coordination with chapter 6. Based on the new proposed Appendix Note A-6-2.3.2(c) any complying 20-minute fire resistance rated barriers should not be thrown into non-compliance. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TOVOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #305) AXE

101- 241 - (11-7.3.4.1): Reject SUBMITTER: GregoryJ. Cahanin, Exit Seminars RECOMMENDATION: Revise this section to read:

Day care centers shall be provided with a fire alarm system in accordance with Section 7-6 when:

(a) housed above the level of exit discharge, or (b) in a mixed occupancy containing more than 3,000 sq ft per

floor or more tban 30 occupants above or below the day care center, o r

(c) in day care centers with a required staff of four or more persons based upon 11-7.1.1.1 on the level of exit discharge.

Delete Exception 2; the new (c) having stated the exception in positive language and limited this qualification to the level of exit discharge. Retain Exception No. 1.

NFPA 101 - - F96 ROP

SUBSTANTIATION: This section does not clearly define to what extent a fire alarm system is required. Day care centers are being incorporated into many other types of Occupancies. Some of these occupancies do not require a fire alarm system. Therefore a clarification is to the scope of application is needed to define if it is

just the day care center or the entire facility which may house the center such as those in a mixed occupancy. Proposed changes are similar to those which limit single exit discharge and are logical due to the problems associated with egressing small children or mobility impaired adults. COMMI'IrlTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The current Code requirement clearly states the Cdmmittee 's intent. There is insu~cientjust if ica- tion for relaxing the current Code requirement. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 27 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #77) HEA

101- 242 - (Chapters 12 and 15): Reject SUBMITTER: Walter Smitfle III, Charleston, WV 25505 RECOMMENDATION: Establish a new subsection of Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 for "Rural Health Care and Birthing Clinics".

Proposed wording is as follows: Rural Health Care and Birthing Center Facilities Definitions: Primary Care: Medical care and services at the point when a person

first seeks assistance from the health care system for the simpler and more common illnesses, and which takes ongoing responsibility for the recipient 's health maintenance and illness.

Rural Health I,Ad~zL~/i=%l:vts ~ ~ L A c ~ Facility:. A health care facility which provides primary +. oCCJh,~,) v,,,Z;ch~ ,~-c ~ ,d , M

emergency patient treatment/stabilization. Birthing/Non-Ambulatory Facility ~ . A health care facility

which provides obstetr ical /emergency patient care for three or less patients that are not capable of taking action for self-preservation unde. r emef..gency conditions witlaout ass!stmace, b- ~IIKT. ~,~:!~3 .

Secondary Care: Medical care and services provided by medical specialists/subspecialists, by cardiologists or neurosurgeons, usually upon referral or consultation.

Self-Preservation: Patients and other occupants of the facility must be capable of removiog themselves f rom the facility with limited assistance, ei ther physical or verbal, in an emergency such as a fire.

Minimum Construction Requirements A. No new facility shall be constructed of unprotected wood frame

construction [Type V (000) ]. B. New construction shall meet the requirements of a nationally

recognized building code for height and area limitations. C. Existing unprotec ted wood f lame construction [Type V (000) ]

will be accepted with a fully automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Design and installation shall be in accordance with NFPA 13,

Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Occupant Load: Occupant load calculation will be one person per I00 square feet of

gToss Iloor area. A. No bir thing/non-ambulatory care rooms will be located above

or below the level of exit discharge. B. There will be no more than 3 bir thing/non-ambulatory care

patients in any one facility. Means of Egress Requirements: Every aisle, passageway, corridor, exit discharge, exit location, and

access shall be in accordance with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, Means of Egress Requirements, and as modif ied by this rule.

Number of Exists: There shall be not less than two remote exits provided f rom each

floor. Corridors: A. No dead end corridor shall exceed 20 feet. B. Travel distance to an exit shall not exceed 150 feet in a

nonsprinklered building or ~00 feet in a sprinklered building. Corridor Construction: Corridors shall he of smoke tight construction. Corridor Width: A. All corridors on bir thing/non-ambulatory care floors shall be a

minimum of 6 feet in clear width.

B. All other corridors shall be a minimum of 44 inches. Doors in the Means of Egress: A. Shall be a minimum of 36 inches in width and comply with

NFPA ] 01, Life Safety Code, Means of Egress Requirements. B. All exit doors shall be equipped with panic hardware. Exit Stairs: Stairs will be designed in accordance with NFPA 101, Life Safety

Code, Means of Egress Requirements for Stairs. Doors: Doors no t in the means of egress shall comply with NFPA 101, Life

Safety Code, Means of Egress Components . Protection: A. Vertical Openings: All openings will complywith NFPA 101,

Life Safety Code, Vertical Openings Requirements. B. Hazardous Areas:

1. All hazardous areas shall be separated by one hour fire resistive construction with openings protected with one hour fire resistive assemblies or shall be protected with an automatic sprinkler system and construction that resists the passage of smoke.

2. Anesthetizing locations andlaborator ies shall be protected in accordance with NF~A 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities.

C. Interior Finish: Interior Finish throughout the building will be Class A. Where an

approved automatic sprinkler system is installed, Class B or C is acceptable.

D. Carpet: All carpet will have a critical radiant flux minimum of 0.45 watts

per square centimeter. E. Fire Alarm:

I. The fire alarm system will comply with Section 11.01 and 11.04 of this rule. EXCEPTION: Thef i re alarm system is not required to be connected to a communicat ion center.

F, Building Services: Building services will comply with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code,

Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment Requirements. G. Rescue and Ventilation: All bir thing/non-ambulatory and sleeping rooms for health care

providers will have at least one outside window for emergency rescue and ventilation. The window shall provide a clear opening of no t less than 20 inches in width, 24 inches in height and 5.7 square feet in area. The bot tom of these window openings will be no more than 44 inches above the floor.

H. Separation Requirements: When a rural health facility is located within a building having

more than one occupancy, the rural health facility will be separated from all o ther occupancies with a two (2) hour fire barrier, or the building will be completely protected with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler System. SUBSTANTIATION: "Rural Health Care and Birthing Clinics" are being established which are not used as a true business o¢ health care occupancy but are used a a hybrid occupancy-that being a mixture of the business and health care occupancy, The establish- men t of requirements for fire and life safety for these unique facilities will provide a reasonable level of safety for the occupants. Clinics in rural areas are treating 30,000 to 50,000 pa t ien tsper month and several clinics now have triage capability. Birthing centers which use "midwifes" house no more than three expectant mothers overnight. Health Care occupancy requirements are nonexistent until four or more occupants receive t reatment or occupy the facility. The committee may consider the child when born an occupant thus jurisdiction for applicable requirements in the health care requirements assuming three (3) mothers are present and a child is born - thus meet ing four (4) occupant requirements. Providing health care to rural America economically and establishing reasonable requirements for fire and life safety for these unique facilities outside the classification of health care and business requirements is imperative.

The justification for establishing requirements unique to these facilities are:

1. Rural Health Care and Birthing Clinics are different from the health care and business occupancies because most facilities will have 3 or less occupants and the business do no t provide for overnight accommodations.

2. Facilities will have overnight occupancy for 3 or less; however, on occasions there may be more than 3 occupants. The crossing over to another occupancy is what creates a problem for the Authority HavingJurisdiction and the facility administrator. The maximum allowable adult patients for birthing centers is three adults. It is normal to expect staff with three adults and three infants for maximum occupancy.

3. Corridor width is provided for emergency personnel for use of gurtaeys without undue restrictions. - -

5. Facilities with "triage" must meet NFPA 99 requirements. This only includes the immediate area of triage.

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N F P A 101 - - F96 R O P

6. These facilities are needed and can be implemented economically with reasonable fire and life safety requirements for the preservation of life and property from fire.

Currently in our State, numerous facilities are being contemplated and several are operational at this time. Compliance to these requirements are most favorable and reasonable. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: See Proposal 101 - 17 (Log #CP650) which explains that birth centers, as defined in the proposed Chapter 3 definition, should be addressed as business occupancies and not health care occupancies. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #28:~) HEA

101- 243- (Chapters 12 and 13): Reject SUBMITTER: Leo G. Foxwell, ITT Hartford RECOMMENDATION: NFPA 99 TCC and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Committee is asked to work together to reassess the appropri- ateness of definitions that both Standards use. The following are r ecommended changes for consideration:

1. Revise the definition of Hospital Facility as follows: (The words under l ined are ~ and are accented for reference purposes only.)

Hospital Facility. A building or part thereof euuiooed to oerform sor~cal and exnloratorv orocedures and used for ~ e medical, psychiatric, obs'tetrical, "02 surgical care, on a 24-hour basis. Treatment a n d / o r orocedures may render the oatient incanable of takin~ action ofselforeservat ion under emer~e'ncv care cohditions. Anes~es ia and ventilation support are prgvidbd. Hospital wherever used in this standard, i n c l u d ~ general and specialty hospitals, mental hospitals, tuberculosis hospitals, children's hospitals, and any such facilities providing inpatient care. (ES,

2. Refitle and revise the definition of Ambulatory Health Care Center as follows: (The words under l ined are ~ and are accented for reference purposes only.) Ambulatory Health Care Facility - Major. A building or part thereof

used to provide services or t reatment (o four or more palaents at the same time and meet ing either (a) or (b) below. Such facilities are ~lgt designed to orovide ovemiitht stays for natients.

(a) Th~ose facil]ties that provide, on "an outpatient basis, t reatment and procedures for patients that would render them incapable of taking action for serf-preservation under emergency conditions without assistance from others. Examples include but are not restricted to hemodialysis units or freestanding emergency medical units.

(b) Those facilities that provide, on an outpatient basis, surgical t reatment and procedures for patients that would render them incatp.able of taking action, for self-p reservation under emergency.. conditions without assmtance from other. This includes all facihnes in which a oatient is subjected to deed sedation or anesthesia. Examnles include but a~e not restricted to Ur~i-care centers. Day sur~idal centers. Orthooedic nractice, and nlastic surgery offices whe're patieots are sedated wiih tras. (EE, I~S) ~ "

3. Retide and revise the definition of Nursing Home as follows: (The words under l ined are ~ and are accented for reference purposes only.)

Nursing Care Facifity, A building or part therefore used to housing and acute and sub-acute nursing care, on a 24-hour basis, of four or more persons who, because of mental or physical incapacity, may be unable to provide for their own needs and safety without the assistance of another person. This includes ventilator denenden t pafieot~ and those providing long term personal medical'care. No treatments or was analgesia or anesthesia are nrovided. Nursing care

wherev~er used]n this document , inclt~des rehabilitation l.lgApJ_t~ nursing and convalescent homes, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care fadlities, and infirmaries in homes for the aged that provide lon~ term ventilator suonort. (EE, IS)

4. 1),evise in i tsentirety the definitfo'n of Clinic as follows: Clinic. A building or part therefore used to provide multiple

medical services or t reatment to four or more patients at the same time where patients are seen on an ambulatory basis. Such facilities are not designed to provide overnight stays for patients. The facility provides t reatment and procedures for patients that would not render them incapable of taking action or self-preservation under emergency conditions. Patients are treated for chronic and not acute medical care. (TC, PS)

5. Revise the definition of Limited Care Facility as follows: (The words under l ined are accented for reference purposes only.)

Assisted Living Facility. A building or part therefore eased on a 24- hour basis for the housing of four or more persons who are incapable ofself-preservarion because of age, physical limitation due to accident or illness, or mental limitations such as mental retarda- t ion/developmental disability, mental illness, or chemical depen- dency. Such facilities do not oefform invasive nrocedures or use anesthesia or analgesia. Reso]ratorv sunoort is'limited to nasal annual assistance for breathing. (3~C, la~)

6. Add a new definition for Ambulatory Care Facility - Minor, as follows: Ambulatory Care Facility - Minor. A facility that performs

examinations and minor t reaanents /procedures under the continuous supervision o f amed i ca l / den t a l professional. Proce- dures involve only conscious sedation or local anesthesia and treamaents a n d / o r procedures do not render the patient incapable of taking action for serf-preservation under emergency conditions. Such facilities do not provide overnight stays for patients or provide 24 h r /day operation. Examples include: Dental Care Facility, Medical Care Facility, immediate care facility and podiatry office. Veterinary facilities also are included in this category.

7. Revise the rifles o f application Chapters 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, of NFPA 99 as follows:

Chapter 12 Hospital Facility Requirements Chapter 13 Ambulatory Health Care Facility - Major, Requirements Chapter 15 Ambulatory Care Facility- Minor, Requirements Chapter 16 Nursing Care Facility, Requirements Chapter 17 Assisted Living Facility, Requirements 8. In NFPA 101 use the same type application definitions. NFPA 99 and NFPA 101 should explore in cooperation with each

other, revising key definitions used in both standards to: • Make them current with the terms actively used in health care,

and • Make them more definitive with regard to risk level of the

patients, and • Provide examples in the definitions.

SUBSTANTIATION: The current definitions for Hospital, Ambulatory Health Care Center, Clinic, Nursing Homes, and Medical/Dental office are not adequate. The T/C on Piping Systems is aware that authorities having jurisdiction are having problems in interpretation of the appropriate applications because of this. Revised definitions include greater definition based upon a level of risk. Examples are provided for fur ther clarification.

The current nomenclature used in the health care industry is to incorporate the words "Care Facility" in the tide. "l'he words are added to be compliant with the industry. Also the term nursing home is appropriately identified as nursing care facility. Limited care facility is also not used in the health care industry. The

eEword is assisted care facility. E ACTION: Reject.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The wording suggested by the submitter would make major changes that wouldgo much further than coordinating definitions between NFPA 101 and NFPA 99. Additionally, the proposal covers subjects outside the scope of NFPA 101, such as veterinary facilities. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #165) HEA

101- 244 - (Sections 12-1, 1%1, 12-6 and 13-6): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Joshua Elvove, U.S. Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Use consistent terminology throughout Sections 12-1/13-1 and 12-6/13-6 when describing Ambulatory Health Care centers/occupandes/faci l i t ies . I propose changing Ambulatory Health Care "Center(s)" and "facilities" to Ambulatory Health Care "occupancies." (although I would defer to the committee 's judgment if they thought a different term was more ~0,~propriate, provided this same term was used throughout the

SUBSTANTIATION: In these sections Ambulatory Health Care is referred to as:

Ambulatory Heath Care ~ (12-1.1.1.2, 12-1.1.1.5, 12-1.1.10, 12-1.3, 12-6, 12-6.1.1.1, 12-6.1.1.2, 12-6.1.6.2, 12-6.1.6.3, 12-6.1.6.4 (exception), 12-6.1.6.5) Ambulatory Health Care facility/facilities (12-6.3.4.1, 12-6.3.7.2, 12-

6.3.7.5) Ambulatory Health Care occuoancies (12-6.3.7.1, 12-6.3.5.2) Note 12-1.2.2 uses both "cente~" and "occupancies." Using different terminology may be confusing to Code users. The Committee may also wish to consider reclassifying health care

and ambulatory health care occupancies into functional components

115

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P

rather than occUpancies. For example, have separate provisions for patient sleeping areas, critical patient care areas (all ORs, ICUs, emergency room, etc.), ordinary treatment/examination areas, etc. In this case, surgical functions performed in the Ambulatory Health Care setting can be classified along with similar functions performed in Health Care; the balance of functions traditionally performed in Ambulatory Health Care would likely fall out into the Business Occupancy chapter. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Throughout Chapters 12 and 13, replace the terms "ambulatory .

health care centers" and "ambulatory health care occupancies" witll the term "ambulatory health care fadlity" or "ambulatory health care facilities", as appropriate. COMMITITEE STATEMENT: The term "ambulatory health care fadlity" is preferable. It would create confusion to use the term "ambulatory health caxe occupandes" because ambulatory health

• care is a subclass of the overall health care occupancy, and not an occupancy by itseff. The Committee Action should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #267) HEA

101- 245 - (12-1.1.2): Reject SUBMITTER: Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Change 12-1.1.2 to agree with Code objective 1-2.2. Delete first sentence and replace it with all of Section 1-2.2. SUBSTANTIATION: The healthcare objective should agree with the Code objective, the healthcare objective as it now reads is ambiguous and seemingly less stringent than the Code objective. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMM]['ITEE STATEMENT: The proposed change is not needed. See current 1-2.1 and 1-2.$. The current wording of 12-1.1.2 remains necessary for addressing the concept that the health care occupancy requirements both allow for normal functioning of the facility and involve using a protect in place strategy. NUMBER OF COI~IMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMIqffrEE ACTION:


(Log #425) HEA

101- 246 - (12-1.1.4.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: 12-1.1.4.5 Renovations, alterations, and modernizations where 50 percent or more of the total smoke or fire i~ooe is demolished for reconstruction, shall comply, to the extent

~ ractical with the ... UBSTANTIATION: There is a need to define what is a major

renovation, alteration, and modernization. By adding the 50 percent rule in the paragraph it will clarify that the intent of this standard is not be overly restrictive. Some authorities having jurisdiction have taken this requirement to mean that almost any work performed in a smoke or fire zone would require following new construction standards. It is time the committee clarify its intent. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise 12-1.1.4.5 and 13-1.1.4.5 to read: Renovations, Alterations, and Modernizations. Renovations,

alterations, and moderniT.ations shall comply, to the extent practical, with the requirements for new construction in accordance with 14.0. Where ~ renovations, alterations, or modernizations cantly modi~ the life safety, features ~ in a non sprinklered facility, the automatic sprinkler requirements . . . Where minor renovations, al terat ions. . . Revise Appendix Notes A-12-1.1.4.5 and A-1 3-1.1.4.5 to read: The Code does not attempt to establish specific monetary limits or

percentage values to determine if a project is ~ "minor", as this requires judgment. It is not the intent of this paragraph to exempt significant renovations and modernization projects for which the Code does intend to apply the automatic sprinkler mandate. Where a single nroiect or a nhased series of buildin~ chan~es will not si~nif(caffflv ~aodifv die current construction ~f corridor walls, means of e~r~s, smoke barriers, vertical onenin~s or similar life safety features.qt is not the intent of this Dara~ranh ~'o anon the autonnatic snrinkler mandate. " - "

For the purpose of this requirement, a floor that is not divided by a smoke barrier is considered one smoke compartment. COMMITYEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested but does so using more general language that better explains intent. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMrITEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: I8 VOTE ON COMMITI'EE ACTION:


(Log #CP657) HEA

101- 247 - (12-1.2.5 and 13-1.2.5 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Health Care Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Insert a new 12-1.2.5 and 13-1.2.5 (and renumber existing paragraphs as necessary) to read:

12-1.2.5 (13-1.2.5) Egress provisions for areas of health care facilities that correspond to other occupancies shall meet the corresponding requirements of this Code for such occupancies. Where the clinical needs of the occupant necessitate the locking of means of egress, staff shall be present for the supervised release of occupants during all times of use. SUBSTANTIATION: Current Code text offers no guidance on the locking and unlocking of spaces occupied for uses other than strictly health care, The proposal draws from the current language of 14- 1.2.1 applicable to detention and correctional occupancies. Such locked spaces are necessary for the clinical needs of the occupant and provision needs to be made for unlocking by staff. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: GAIX~GHER= This committee proposal creates an ambiguity with

current paragraphs 12/18-1.1.1.6, 12/15-1.11.9, and 12/13-1.3. The type of patients anticipated by these paragraphs is the basis for the need to classify the fadlity as a health care occupancy. These patients commonly are involuntarily committed arid may be a threat to themselves or others. For these reasons, when health care organizations admit and take custody of these patients they have a duty to ensure their facility has adequate safeguards atypical with defend-in-place life safety. I believe the committee has clearly gone beyond its scope in determining file level of security that is appropriate in other occupancy classifications. This proposal sets the stage for potential abuse of locked exits in facilities that operate multiple buildings with varying occupancy classifications as well as buildings with a mixed use.

(Log#210) HEA

101- 248 - (12-2.2.2.4 Exception No. 1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Ken Fau|stich, Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add the following text to the end of Exception No. I:

"... or other reliable measures are provided to assure unlocking of doors." SUBSTANTIATION: Many health care facilities with Alzheimer patients use a wandering patient alarm system employing wristbands or ankle bracelets on patients and magnetic door locks. The doors in the means of egress only lock when the patient wearing the transmitter approaches the door• These systems generally use a key pad in lieu of a key at the door for override feature. This arrangement would not appear to meet the current text which requires a key. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Change the wording of Exception No. 1 to 12-2.2.2.4 to read: " . . . specialized security measures for their safety, provided staff can readily unlock such doors at all times. (See 12-1.1.1.7 and 12- 2.2.2.5.)"

Revise 12-2.2.2.5 to read: " . . . by such reliable means as the remote- control of locks, by keying all locks to keys carried by staff at all times, or by other reliable means available to the staff at all times. Only o n e . . . " COMMrITEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes the submitter's intent. It was necessary to change both Exception No. 1 to 12-2.2.2.4 and the wording of 12-2.2.2.5 to accomplish this. This should meet the submitter's intenL

116

N F P A 101 - - F 9 6 R O P


AFFIRMATIVE: 16 N O T RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #378) HEA

101- 249 - (12-2.2.2.4 Exception No. 4 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Margaret Engwer, Depar tmen t of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add the fol lowingexcept ion to 12-2.2.2.4:

Exception No. 4: Remote control locks shall be permit ted u n d e r the following conditions:

(a) Both the lock a nd the remote release device are located or a r ranged to permi t direct supervision by s taf fa t the remote release location., or

(b) The lock shall be equipped with an override device operated bya key that is carried by staff at all times. SUBSTANTIATION: Paragraph 12-2.2.2.5 implies that the use o f remote control locks is permit ted. Nei ther Chapter 5 nor Chapter 12 identifies specific considerat ions that mus t be addressed to assure that remote control locks, when provided, do in fact provide for the rapid removal of occupants.

If the use of remote control locks i spermit ted , as implied in 12- 2.2.2.5, restrictions on their use shou ld be established to assure that rapid removal of occupants will be accomplished in heal th care facilities.

The intent of the proposed exception is to address these safety concerns. Since there are presently no restrictions on the installa- t ion or use of r emote control locks, it is possible to have the lock and the release device located in different areas so remote f rom each other that staff in the release location are no t aware of an emergency and do not unlock the door. The remote release device can be located on different wing, floor, or even in a different building. In a heal th care setting, this could h inde r the ability of the staff to rapidly remove occupants because the staffwill have to go to the area where the remote release is located to unlock the door, t hen re turn to cont inue evacuating the occupants. This equates to the same situation as us ing key operated locks but not requi r ing staff to carry the key, and that practice is specifically prohibi ted by the Code. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It is no t the in tent that there be direct supervision o f the releasing device at the door. This is an operat ions issue for the authori ty having jurisdict ion to consider wben de te rmin ing the adequacy of any remote unlocking option. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TOVOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #123) HEA

101- 250- (12-2.2.2.6): Reject SUBMITTER: Peter A. Larrimer, Depa r tmen t of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Modify the paragraph as follows:

12-2.2.2.6" Any door in an exit passageway, stairway enclosure, horizontal exit, smoke barrier, or hazardous area enclosure (except boiler rooms, hea te r rooms, and mechanical equ i pmen t rooms) shall be permi t ted to be he ld open only by an automat ic release device that complies with 5-2.1.8. The automat ic sprinkler system and the fire a larm system a,~d ~,~c ~y~;-c .... ; ,q~Lc.d by 5-2. I.~,(,) shall be a r ranged to initiate the closing action of all such doors by zone or t h roughou t the entire facility. SUBSTANTIATION: Deletion of the above wording will allow the use of single station smoke detectors to hold open doors which would otherwise be required to be closed. Single station smoke detectors will allow the door to close upon activation or upon loss of power as identified in 5-2.1.8. The code shou ld no t manda te that a smoke detector used to hold open a door within a remote hazardous area close the corridor smoke barrier doors jus t because the door is he ld open. This essentially requires the smoke detector to be a system detector tied to the fire a larm system to initiate such action.

If the corridor doors need to be closed to prevent the passage of smoke, the detectors required by this code at the doors will per form this function. W h y d o you have to close a door protect ing a hazardous area if the pull station remote f rom this area, but within the smoke zone is activated. The in tent appears to be that the means of egress is protected f rom smoke, and this wording does accomplish that. Only a required device for initiating an alarm such as an open area detector, sprinkler or manua l pull station within a smoke zone should be requi red to close the smoke barrier doors. COMMrITEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It is the in tent that all doors need to close when a smoke detector "local" to any of the automat ic closing

117

doors senses smoke. The submi t te r has no t provided adequate substantiat ion to delete this requirement . NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #124) HEA

101- 251 - (12-2.2.2.6, 13-2.2.2.6): Reject SUBMITTER: Peter A. Larrimer, Depa r tmen t of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Modify the pa ragraph as follows:

12-2.2.2.6" Any door in an exit passageway, stairway enclosure, horizontal exit, smoke barrier, or hazardous area enclosure (except boiler rooms, heater rooms, and mechanical equ ipmen t rooms) shall be permi t ted to be he ld open only by an automatic release device that comp!ies ~ t l ] 5-2.1.8. T~,c a-_a/t.~,-.~c oy,j.\,~roy_~_~:,,_.

1 . _ * _ ~ l ~ . * 1 I • _ . , . p I I I 1 . , , I . . . . . . .

. L + - - - L - z . L , + e +1 . ,

S U ' ~ + ~ ' ~ I ' I A T I O N : Deletion of the above wording will allow the use of single station smoke detectors to hold open doors which would otherwise be required to be closed. Single station smoke detectors will allow the door to close upon activation or u p o n loss o f power as identified in 5-2.1.8. The code shou ld no t manda te that a smoke detector used to hold open a door within a remote hazardous area close the corridor smoke barrier doors jus t because the door is held open. This essentially requires the smoke detector to be a system detector tied to the fire a larm system to initiate such action.

If the corridor doors need to be dosed to prevent the passage of smoke, the detectors required by this code at the doors will per form this function. Why do you have to close a door protect ing a hazardous area if the pull station remote f rom this area, bu t within the smoke zone is activated. The intent appears to be that the means o f egress i spro tec ted f rom smoke, and this wording does accomplish that. Only a required device for initiating an a larm such as an open area detector, sprinkler or manua l pull station within a smoke zone should be requi red to dose the smoke barrier doors COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEESTATEMENT: See Proposal 101- 250 (Log#123) . NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #196) HEA

101- 252 - (12-2.2.8, 13-2.2.8, 12-2.2.9 and 13-2.2.9 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: James K. Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 12-2.2.8/13-2.2.8 to read:

12-2.2.8/13-2.2.8. Fire escape ladders complying with 5-2.9 shall be permit ted.

Add a new 12-2.2.9/13-2.2.9 to read: 12-2.2.9/13-2.2.11. Alternat ing tread devices complying with 5-2.11 shall be permit ted.

R e n u m b e r the cur rent 12-2.2.8 as 12-2.2.10 and 13-2.2.8 as 13- 2.2.10. SUBSTANTIATION: Neither 5-2.9 nor 5-2.11 require occupancy chapter permission to use these egress components . U n d e r the limitations stipulated in 5-2.9 and 5-2.11 there is no reason not to allow these devices in this occupancy. Note that these would no t be in the general means of egress and would be limited to "service" type areas. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP652) HEA

101- 253 - (12-2.2.9, 13-2.2.9, 12-6.2.2.1 Exception and 13-6.2.2.1 Exception (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Commit tee on Health Care Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 12-2.2.9 and 13-2.2.9, to address elevators as follows:

12-2.2.9 (13-2.2.9) Elevators. Elevators shall be permi t ted to be used as a means of egress in accordance with 5-2.13 subject to the following restrictions:

N F P A 1 0 1 - - F 9 6 R O P

(a) a minimum of two exits other than elevators shall be provided from the story.

(b) elevators shall not be used to satisfy egress capacity requirements.

(c) an elevator bank shall contain at least 2 elevator cars. (d) each smoke compartment shall have access to a minimum of

one exit other than an elevator without requiring return through the compartment of fire origin.

Add an Exception to 12-6.2.2.1 to read: Exception: Elevators in accordance with 12-2.9.9 shall be

permitted in the means of egress serving the ambulatory health care facility. Add an Exception to 13-6.2.2.1 to read: Exception: Elevators in accordance with 17,-2.2.9 shall be

permitted in the means of egress serving the ambulatory health care facility. SUBSTANTIATION: Use of elevators as a means of egress (in accordance with proposed 5-2.13) has merit, but the Committee has concern over the practical issue of implementing the elevator requirements. The Committee is concerned about the reliability during fire scenarios and the need for further refinement of design criteria standards. A list of concerns is being separately conveyed to the Means of Egress Committee in the form of a public comment on proposed 5-2.13. The proposal shown above restricts the elevator from being used to satisfy egress capacity requirements because, in part, proposed 5-2.13 includes no capacity factors for litter-borne patients. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #268) HEA

101-254- (12-2.3.6 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add 12-2.3.6 to read:

12-2.3.6 Gross corridor doors, used for traffic control or operational needs, shall be a pair of swinging doors or a horizontal sliding door complying with 5-2.1.14. Swinging doors shall be arranged so that each door will swing in a direction opposite from the other. The minimum clear width for swinging doors shall be as'follows:

a) Hospitals and nursing homes: 41.5 in. (105 cm); b) Psychiatric hospitals and limited care facilities; 32 in. (81

cm); The minimum clear width opening for horizontal sliding doors

shall be as follows: a) Hospital and nursing home: 83 in. (211 cm); b) Psychiatric hospital and limited care facility; 64 in. (163 cm).

SUBSTANTIATION: If cross corridor smoke barrier doors are required to be "double-width" then so should any cross corridor doors. It is very difficult to accept or explain why an 8 ft wide corridor is required, and then a single 41.5 in. cross corridor door in means of egress is okay. For fast patient movement in emergencies and for day to day avoidance of collisions, it seems reasonable that double doors be required. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject, COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposal is incomplete. Missing are requirements or allowances for cross-corridor door width when the corridor is permitted to be less than 8 ft wide. The submitter's proposed language does not. differentiate, between required and non required doors. Door swing direction is already adequately covered by the requirements of Chapter 5. Overall, the proposed wording does not clarify intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERSELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #311) HEA

101-255 - (12-3.1,1 Exception No. 5, 17-3.1.1 Exception No. 5 (New)): Accept in Princaple SUBMITTER~ KennethJ. Schwartz, RoifJemen & Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Exception No. 5 to Sections 12-3.1.1 and 17-3.1.1:

118

Exception No. 5: Multilevel patient sleeping areas shall be permitted without enclosure protection between levels provided all the following conditions are met:

(a) The entire normally occupied area, including all communicating floor levels, is sufficiently open and unobstructed that a fire or other dangerous condition in any part shall be obvious to the occupants or supervisory personnel in the area.

(b) Egress capacity is sufficient to provide simultaneously for all the occupants of all communicating levels and areas, with all communicating levels in the same fire area being considered as a single floor area for purposes of determination of required egress capacity.

(c) The height between the highest and lowest finished floor levels shall not exceed 13 ft (4 m). The number of levels shall not be restricted. SUBSTANTIATION: In psychiatric facilities the patient sleeping rooms may be arranged with two levels open to a common day room similar to the design often found in detention and correctional occupancies. This. exception would permit such a design without the need to classify the opening as an atrium. The exception is file same as that used in Chapters 14 and 15 for detention and correctional occupancies. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Add a new Exception No. 5 to 12-3.1.1 and 17-3.1.1 (underlining

shows differences from submitter's recommended text): Exception No. 5: Multilevel patient sleeping areas in nsvchiatric

facilities where the maioritv of the occunants are ambu|atorv shall be permitted without ~ncldsure protectlon, between levels " provided all the following condinons are met:

(a) The entire normally occupied area, including all communicating floor levels, is sufficiently open and unobstructed that a fire or other dangerous condition in any part shall be obvious to the occupants or supervisory personnel in the area.

(b) Egress capacity is sufficient to provide simultaneously for all the occupants of all communicating levels and areas, with all communicating levels in the same fire area being considered as a single floor area for purposes of determination of required egress capacity.

(c) The height between the highest and lowest finished floor levels shall not exceed lS ft (4 m). The number of levels shall not be restricted. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: As explained in the submitter's substantiation, the proposed exception has utility within psychiatric facilities where a greater portion of the occupants can be expected to be ambulatory than in a general hospital. This limitation to psychiatric facilities should be part of the wording. The above Committee Action should accomplish the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BUSH: The allowance of open, unobstructed multidevel patient

sleeping areas has merit, but should not be limited to only psychiatric facilities. Other types of health care facilities caring for ambulatory patients should also be allowed to apply this exception. In addition, the majority of occupants is not a clearly defined term which is essentially not enforceable.

(Log #398) HEA

101- 256 - (12-3.1.1 Exception No. 2 and Exception No. 3): Accept Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) notes that the explanation of negative vote received from Mr. Bush, although marked on his letter ballot as applying to Log #398 (i.e., subsequently numbered as proposal 101-256),/ippear~ to be applicable to proposal 101-257, not to this proposal. SUBMITTER: James Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Delete Exceptions No. 2 and No. 3. SUBSTANTIATION: These are adequately covered in Chapter 6. See 6-2.3.6. Adding them here only confuses the user. For example are other provisions of Chapter 6 not allowed since they are not repeated? Since Chapter 13 does not give Exception 2 is it not allowed. Unless repeating is absolutely necessary it should be avoided. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


NFPA 101 ~ F96 ROP

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BUSH: Handicraft shops should be re ta ined in the list o f

hazardous areas requir ing special considerat ion. A significant amount of paper , fabric, wood, f lammable paints, or solvents may be s tored a n d / o r used in these spaces represent ing a hazard significantly greater than a typical room in a heal th care facility. The substantiat ion speaks largely of locker rooms, but offers little justification for the delet ion of handicraf t shops from the hazardous area classification.

(Log #426) HEA

101- 257- (12-3.2.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RE C O M M ~ D A T I O N : 12-3.2.1 From the current listdelete:

S ~ I A ~ O N : T h e s e a r e a s o f h e a l t h c a r e faci l i t ies have n o t presented a hazard any greater than a patient room, office or any typical room o f f o f a corridor, if the type of room in the proposed deletion presents a significant hazard it would fall under the storage room requi rement of this section. Some authorities having

jurisdiction are enforcing the code so that even one purse locker will cause the room or area to be classified as a hazardous area, which in my opinion is a misapplication of this section as it was originally developed. Employee locker rooms with a significant number of lockers and a large combustible loading will be handled by the area listed as rooms or spaces used for storage of combustible supplies and equipment in quantities deemed hazardous by the authority having jurisdiction. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITIXE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #34) HEA

101- 258- (12-3.2.7 (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Mayer D. Zimmerman, DHHS; HCFA RECOMMENDATION: Add a new 12-3.2.7 to read as follows:

12-3.2.7 Buildings housing health care occupancies as indicated in 12-1.1.1.2 which have roof-top heliports shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 418, Standard for Heliports. SUBSTANTIATION: There is a question as to whether NFPA 418 is applicable to a newly const ructedheal th care facility since it is not specifically referenced in NFPA 101. This new section is necessary to clarify that it is the intent of the committee to require appropriate protection for an area of hazard greater than that of a normal health care occupancy. Section 6-4 of NFPA 101 currendy requires areas of hazard greater

than that normal to an occupancy to I~ pro tec ted by one-hour construction a n d / o r an automatic sprinkler system. Neither of these protection features are applicable or appropriate for a roof-top heliport. NFPA 418 spedffles the appropriate protection (porLable or fi-xed AFFF suppression systems, depending on the size of the aircraft.)

Furthermore, NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities, lists NFPA 418 as an informatory reference in Annex I, Health Care Emergency Preparedness, secdon 1-7.1. Annex I is, itself, a r ecommended document . Thus, al though compliance with NFPA 418 is not required by NFPA 99, it is recommended.

Compliance with NFPA 418 should be manda ted by NFPA 101 to provide patients and staff in buildings housing health care occupancies which contain roof-top heliports with an appropriate level df

otection. MMITI'EE ACTION: Accept.



EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: SINE: It is nei ther appropriate nor the intent ion of NFPA 418 to

be applied to Ho~italtteliport Facilities. A review of FAA A/C 150, Heli]~ort Design Advisory Circular clearly identifies hospital facilities as a separate use. The referencing of NFPA 418 will require hospital helicopter landing facilities t6install foam fire protection systems at landing areas at great cost and little increase in overall safety beyond that wliich is already established by the Code. The FAA and no t HCFA or theJCAHO is the appropriate authority having jurisdiction in these matters.

(Log #107) HEA

101- 259 - (12-3.4.2 Exception No. 2, 13-3.4.2 Exception No. 3 (New)): Accept in Part SUBMITrER: Thomas W.Jaeger, American Health Care Associa- tion RECOMMENDATION: Add a new Exception No. 2 to 12-3.4.2 and a new Exception No. 3 to 13-3.4.2, to read:

"Single station smoke detectors shall not be required to initiate the fire alarm system."

Add appendix notes A-12-3.4.2 Exception No. 2 and A-1 3-3.4.2 Exception No. 3:

It s not the intent of this Code to reqmre single stanon smoke detectors which may be required by local .codes to be connected to or to initiate the building fire alarm system." SUBSTANTIATION: Other codes currently £_e..q_~ single station smoke detector system in sleeping rooms of nursing homes. Section 12-3.4.2 and 13-3.4.2 state that required smoke detection systems are to initiate the fire alarm system, and many authorities having jurisdiction interpret this to include systems required by other codes and standards. The single station detection systems required by other codes have specific requirements as to how and where the system is to annunciate both audibly and visually within the facility. It is not always practical to connect these systems to the building fire alarm system. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. Add only the submitter 's r ecommended appendix notes A-12-3.4.2

Exception No. 2 and A-1 3-3.4.2 Exception No. 3 to read: "It is no t the intent o f this Code to require single station smoke

detectors which may be required by local codes to be connected to or to initiate the building fire alarm system." COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The subject is best addressed by an

a~BdEix note only. This should meet part of the submitter 's intent. R OF COMMIIWEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18

VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 16 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #15) HEA

101- 260- (12-3.4.3.1): Reject Note: This proposal appeared as comment 101-390 which was held

for fur ther study from tile TCD, which was on proposal 101-456. SUBMITTER: Kenneth Faulstich, Washington, DC RECOMMENDATION: Add the following sentence after the first sentence:

"Exception No. 5 to 7-6.3.2 shall not be permitted." SUBSTANTIATION: Activation of the building fire alarm system to notify occupants by smoke barrier door detectors is a needed redundancy. The only area smoke detectors required will be ones required for open areas to corridors. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The paragraph addressed by the submitter covers occupant notification, not initiation of the fire alarm system and not fire depar tment notification. The current wording is adequate in that such detectors must initiate the alarm system and notify the fire depar tment , but need not provide immediate, occupant notification. . . This helps, to p.revent numerous nuisance alarms from mter fenng unnecessarily wath the normal functioning of the facility. NUMBEROF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BUSH: The system of providing for fire depar tment notification

without occupant notification of the activation of a building fire alarm system component is truly not practical. With a defend in place theory for health care facilities, immediate efforts to remove patients in intimate contact with the incipient fire and to fur ther protect remaining building occupants by confining the effects o f the fire emergency is a function of facility staff and not that of the building owner /occupant and should no t interfere with the other functions of emergency services personnel.

119

N F P A 1 0 1 - - F 9 6 R O P

(Log #110) HEA

101- 261 - (12-3.4.5.3, A-12-3.4.5.3 (New)): Accept in Principle Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment he submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Health Care Occupancies (HEA) reconsider its action on this proposal in view o f the explanation of abstention received from Mr. Fauistich questioning the depth of the committee's rationale. SUBMrI'TER: Thomas W.Jaeger, American Health Care Association RECOMMENDATION: Add new text to read: 12-3.4.5.3 Nursing Homes. An approved automatic smoke

detection system shall be installed in the corridors of patient sleeping areas and in spaces open to corridors as permitted in Section 12-3.6.1 of nursing homes.

Exception No. 1: Corridor systems shall not be required where each patient sleeping room is protected by an approved smoke detection systems and a smoke detector is provided at smoke barriers.

Exception No. 2: Corridor systems are not reeluired where patient room doors are equipped with automanc door-closing devices with integral smoke detectors on the room side installed in accordance with their listing, provided that the integral detectors perform the required alerting function.

Add a new appendix note to read: A-12-3.4.5.3. The requirement for smoke detectors in spaces

open to the corridors eliminates the requirement for direct supervision by the facility staff contained in Section 12-3.6.1 for nursing homes. SUBSTANTIATION: The American Health Care Association (AHCA), in coordination with the National Electrical Manufactur- ers Association (NEMA), and the American Fire Alarm Association (AFAA), support the requirement for smoke detectors in corridors of patient, slee~pinl!l areas and s p aces o pen to the corridors as permitted by the Code. AHCA believes that there should be some redundance to the sprinkler system in nursing homes. Although AHCA recognizes that a supervised sprinkler system does provide a high degree of reliability and protection, with sleeping room doors maintained in the openposit ion, the corridor smoke detectors willprovide some redundance to the sprinkler system.

A similar code changes is being submitted to each of the model building codes with the intent of coordinating the requirements for nursing homes in all four codes. In the last several years, there has been extensive controversy concerning the requirements for smoke detectors in nursing homes. It is hoped that the coordination of NEMA, AFAA, and AHCA will at least reduce the controversy in the future. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Add new text to read: 12-3.4.5.3 Nursing Homes. An approved automatic smoke

detection system shall be installed in tire corridors ~f throu~hQu~ smoke comnartments con~ait~in~ patient sleeping ~ r o o ~ and in spaces o[3en to corridors as p~rmitted in 3ccz;,,,, 12-%,5.1 v,~ nursing homes by 12-3.6.!.

Exception No. 1: Corridor systems shall not be required where each patient sleeping room is protected by an approved smoke detection system . . . . d . . . . . . kc d ~ z ~ , i~ v , ~ , : ~ d az ~,,,~k~ barrierm.

Exception No. 2: Corridor systems ~ shall no~ be required where patient room doors are equipped with automatic door- closing devices with integral smoke detectors on the room side installed in accordance with their listing, provided that the integral detectors 1. , , - ; ,%, ~,, ".'.,~. i ,...l,.,i, . . ~ ,,,.I,z., ; . ' , , .g . % . , . ; . : ~ , , , OCCUPant notification. Add a new appendix note to read: A-12-3.4.5.3. The requirement for smoke detectors in spaces

open to the corridors eliminates the requirement for direct . supervision by the facility staff contained in 12-3.6.1 for nursing homes. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The above Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested but changes the wording for clarity and to use terminology common to Code requirements.

Although the Committee agrees with the proposal and the substantiation of the submitter, the Commktee believes that staffing patterns and the type of patients in a nursing home also warrant the requirement for corridor smoke detectors. The Committee supports coordinating occupancy requirements with the model building codes (via BCMC) but does not agree that coordination alone is sufficient technical substantiation for changing technical requirements of the Life Safety Code applicable to health care facilities.


AFFIRMATIVE: 13 NEGATIVE: 2 ABSTENTION: 1 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BROOKS: The committee, after arduous debate and review of

full scale fire test data, determined that the level of safety provided by quick response sprinklers was sufficient for this occupancy. I disagreed with this conclusion, and felt that smoke detection in file sleeping rooms of health care facilities, including nursing homes, was necessary in order to achieve the life safety objectives of the Life Safety Code.

If the AHCA and NEMA are interested in redundancy for sprinklers and enhanced life safety for nursing homes, and coordination with the model codes, it would support provisions for smoke detection in the sleeping rooms - not the corridors. Then, the Life Safety Code would be more closely coordinated with the model codes, residents would be benefited, and the staff assisted. The increased protection doesn' t even depend on the position of the room door.

Today's alarm and detection systems are not the same as those of 10 to 15 years ago. Both the AHCA and NEMA know this. The difference in cost between the proposed corridor system and a system protecting the rooms is far outweighed by the additional protecnon provided.

CROWLEY: Test conducted at NIST by Notariarmi showed no significant performance improvement between QRS in rooms and photo electric andpho to sensor smoke detectors near the corridor for room fires. This requirement for corridor smoke detection in nursing homes is an additional cost with a minimal

• benefit in improvedlife safety. EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION:

FAULSTICH: After re-anaiyizing the action taken at the committee meeting, I feel that the substantiation given by the submitter and our committee statement on this proposal is very weak and does little to support the proposed revision to require corridor smoke detection for new nursing homes. I do not necessarily oppose what is being proposed but I am unsatisfied with the depth of our committee's rationale. I voted affirmatively at the meeting but feel our committee needs to provide more substantial rationale for why this requirement is necessary. Substantiation based, on stat~ngpatterns and the type of patient is a start to support this proposalbut no other data or statements are provided. Where is the data supporting the point that staffing patterns show a decline in the number or inadequate number of available staff in a nursing home? I recently read an article that there is now ample numbers of nurses in healthcare environ- ments. What is it about the type of patient in a nursing home that warrants smoke detection in the corridor? There is little technical reason to support the fact that additional safety is provided since room quick response sprinklers will activate as soon as corridor smoke detectors (whefithe door is open). Redundancy and reliability do not appear to be part of the rationale since the level of protection already required (quick response sprinklers, etc.) is very capable of protecting patients. Since the current set of requirements appears to meet the stated objective for Chapter 12, how will this req~uirement save any'additional lives? Although the additional initial cost to provide these detectors is small, the continuous cost to maintain them and the problem of false alarms (and decreasing sense of confidence by the staff in responding to an alarm) warrants a more thorough review and substantiation of this proposal.

(Log #269) HEA

101-262 - (12-3.5.2 Exception No. 1 and No. 2 ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER~ Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Delete Exceptions No. 1 and No. 2. SUBSTANTIATION: The exceptions are no longer needed. Quick response heads are now listed for light, ordinary, and extra hazard classifications.

Quick response sprinkler heads are also now listed for intermediate and high temperature locations (example Central C-1A, GB- QR and ELO-GBQR).

The additional early warning of quick response sprinkler activation in hazardous areas Is desirable, esp.ecially on patient sleeping wards where smoke control is more important.

120

N F P A 101 ~ F 9 6 R O P

COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Delete Exceptions No. 1 and No. 2 to 12-3.5.2 as r e c o m m e n d e d

by the submitter. Also, in 13-3.5.3 replace existing Except ion No. 1 with the

following: - Exception No. 1 to (d) S tandard response sprinklers shall be

permi t ted to be cont inued in use in existing approved sprinkler systems where quick response and residential sprinklers were no t listed for use in that location at the t ime of installation.

Retain current Exception No. 2 to (d) of 13-3.5.3 without change. Retire Formal Interpretat ion 94-2 by adding the following

A/(_p endix Note: 13-3.5.3 The exceptions are not in tended to supplant the

requirement of NFPA 13 that residential sprinklers with more than a 10 degree F difference in temperature rating no t be mixed within a room. Currenf lythere are no additional prohibitions in NFPA 13 on the mixing of sprinklers having different thermal response characteristics. Conversely, there are no design parameters to make practical the mixing of residential and other types of sprinklers. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested. Additionally, it makes similar changes to Chapter 13 for existing buildings; but does so retaining language so as not to put existing installations of standard response sprinklers into non compliance. The addition of the appendix note will allow Formal Interpretation 94-2 to be retired. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #99) HEA

101- 263 - (12-3.5.3 Exception, 13-3.5.6, A-12-3.5.3 and A-13-3.5.6 (New)): Reject SUBMITrER: Anthony Del Prete, Del Manor Nursing Home RECOMMENDATION: I am proposing that an exception be made to 12-3.5.3, 13-3.5.6, A-12-3.5.3 andA-13-3.5.6 allow privacy curtains containing mesh with openings less than half inch when all the otherprovisions have been met. SUBSTANTIATION: None. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter provided no substantiation to justify permitt ing less than half inch openings. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #106) HEA

101- 264- (12-3.5.4, 13-3.5.7): Reject SUBMITTER: Joseph H. Bontempo, Hamilton Pavilion Healthcare RECOMMENDATION: Require in nursing facilities that a fire extinguisher be provided between each set of fire doors. SUBSTANTIATION: The purpose is to eliminate the opening of f i re /smoke barrier doors during an emergency to retxieve an extinguisher in an adjoining fire zone, thereby allowing smoke to travel from one zone into another during the retrieval process. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The subject of the text proposed by the submitter might be a design consideration, but does no t need to be a requirement for all cases. Staff may need to travel from adjacent zones to the zone of fire origin, so doors will need to be opened. The doors separating smoke compartments often are not fire doors. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

,~TIRMATIVE: 16 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #211) HEA

101- 265 - (12-3.6.3.2 Exception No. 2 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Ken Fanlstich, Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add a second exception as follows:

Exception No. 2: Doors to patient seclusion rooms which are provided with a locking ar rangement in accordance with Exception No. 1 to 12-2.2.2.4 and a self-closing device.

SUBSTANTIATION: Generally, providing positive latching hardware for corridor doors to seclusion rooms for psychiatric dPadents is not desired. These doors are generally provided with a

ead bolt lock, keyed from both sides of the door. All door hardware is placed on the corridor side of the door to prevent patients from harming themselves. The risk that it will take additional time for staff to close the door in a fire emergency is minimal since the door should always be locked plus the self closer should k ~ the door closed. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It is important to retain the requirement for a positive latch for the protection of rooms and spaces in the same smoke compar tment as the seclusion room being addressed. Hardware is available to allow door latching without there needing to be any hardware on the room side of the door. For example, the door lock/latch could be key operated on the room side. This will permit staff to release the latch from within the room, but not endanger the patient within that room. Thus, the proposed change is not justified. NUMBER OFCOMMITI'EE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #204) HEA

101- 266 - (12-3.6.3.3, 13-3.6.3.3): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Margaret Engwer, VA Medical Center RECOMMENDATION: Change existing text to read:

"Door closing devices shall not be required on doors in corridor wall openings other than those serving required enclosures of vertical openings, exits, smoke barriers, or hazardous areas." SUBSTANTIATION: The purpose of paragraphs 12-3.6.3.3 and 13- 3.6.3.3 is to clarify locations or types of enclosures where door closing devices are required.

Corridor doors fo rmmg part o f a smoke barrier are required to have self closers. Adding smoke barriers to this paragraph will clarify that fact. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Change existing text to read: "Door closing devices shall not be required on doors in corridor

wall openings other than those serving required cuc'G~c,;co vf

smoke barriers, or enclosures of vertical opeoirlgs and hazardou~ a r e a s .

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested, but reorders the list of components so as to group those serving as enclosures. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #427) HEA

101- 267 - (12-3.6.3.4 (New)): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American-Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: Insert a new 12-3.6.3.4 to read:

12-3.6.3.4 Casketing of doors shall not be required on doors in corridor wall openings. SUBSTANTIATION: Manyauthori t ies having jurisdiction are requiring corridor doors to be smoke gasketedbecause 12-3.6.3.1 staies that door openin~g:s.shall be protected by construction to resist the passage of smoke. It is not uncommon for wood doors to warp with seasonal changes, deflecting away f rom the stop_ on the flame. As with fire rated doors, corridor doors are expecte~l to deflect a certain percentage of their thickness and still be classified as resisting the passage of smoke. Fire doors tested in accordance with UL 10B may deflect one times the thickness of the door during the first half of the test and one and a half times the door thicknes~ during the entire test. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Rather than do ing tha t which the submitter requested, create an appendix note to 12-3.6.3.1 to read:

A-12-3.6.3.1 Gasketing of doors should no t be necessary to achieve resistance to the passage of smoke if the door is relatively tight fitting. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Given that gasketing is not required for any of the doors addressed by the Code, it would be confusing to have text in the body of the Code exempting gasketing for only one of the door types/locations addressed. The~p?oposed appendix note provides the necessmy information. This s h t u l d m e e t the submitter 's intent.

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NUMBER OF COMMrIq['EE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #428) HEA

1Ol- 268 - (12-3.6.3.4 and Exception (New)): Accept in Principle Note: The Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life

(AAC) directs that a public comment be submitted in the correlating committee's name requesting that the Life Safety Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features (FIR), which has primary responsibility for the provisions of Chapter 6 including those applicable to fire rated doors, offer information on the acceptability of the committee action that would allowprotective plates to extend as much as 48 inches above the bottom of the door. This is being requested in view of the explanation of negative vote received from Mr. Gallagher in which he states that the committee has exceeded its scope.

Acldidonally, the Technical Correlating Committee on Safety to Life (AAC) directs this subject to the Technical Committee on Fh'e Doors and Windows for correlative purposes (and comment for consideration by HEA at its ROC-preparation meeting) visa vis the acceptability of NFPA 101 deviating from the requirements of NFPA 80. SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: Insert a new 12-3.6.3.4 andassocia ted Exception to read:

12-3.6.3.4 Protective [)lares (kick plates) extending 48 in. above the bot tom of the door shall be permit ted on doors in corridor wall o~enings.

Exception: Those doors serving vertical openings and approved exits. SUBSTANTIATION: Kick plates on corridor doors and cross corridor doors have been used in health care facilities for decades without ever having been a negative factor in a fire related death or major loss of property. As corridor doors, even into hazardous areas, of health care facilities have the primary function of resisting the passage of smoke, there is no reason to prohibi t the installation of armor plating on the lower half of the door. Exposing the lower half of corridor doors to cart and equipment traffic in a health care facility will jeopardize the doors integrity by damage caused by punctur ing the outer veneer and tearing up the door edges. It is unfortunate that one se l fprocla lmed authority having jurisdiction has de termined that I 3 / 4 i n . s o l i d b o n d e d wood core doors are equivalent to a 20 minute rated assembly and therefore are prohibi ted f rom having armor plating above 16 in. f rom the bot tom of the door. To make matters worse, theyare also applying this requirement retroactively. COMMITrEEACTION: Accept in Principle. Add an Exception to 12-3.2.1 and 15-3.2.1 to read: Exception: Doors in rated enclosures shall be permit ted to have

non-rated, factory- or field-applied protective plates extending not more than 48 in. above the bottom of the door.

To 12-3.7.5 and 13-3.7.5 add the following: "Non rated, factory- or field-applied protective plates extending, not, more than 48 in. above the bottom of the door shall be permttted. '

Insert a new 12-3.6.3.4 and 13-3.6.3.4 (and renumber as necessary) to read: "Non rated, factory- or field-applied protective plates extending not more than 48 in. above the bottom of the door shall be permitted." COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested and additionally makes corresponding changes in other parts of the chapter for coordination. There is sufficient language, in Chapter 6 to p,ermit Chapters 12 and 13 to make these modifications and apply them to fire rated doors as well as to those that have no rating. This should meet the submitter 's i n t en t NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: GALLAGHER: The basis of the submitter 's proposal and the

committee s tatement is valid as applies to 12/13-3.7.5 and 12/13- 3.6.3.4. However, there is clearly no t sufficient language in Chapter 6 to permit the proposed exception to 12/13-3.2.1. I believe the committee has exceeded its scope and should have developed a

~ roposal for consideration by the Technical Committee on Fire rotection Features before proceeding with the proposed exception

to 12/13-5~2.1.

(Log #270) HEA

101- 269 - (12-3.6.5, 13-3.6.5): Reject SUBMITTER: Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add the following to 12-3.6.5 and 13-3.6.5:

"In other than smoke compartments containing patient bedrooms and areas desitmated 'hazardous areas,' miscellaneous openings..." SUBSTANTIATION: The current Section 13-3.6.5 is in direct conflict with 13-3.2.1. No openings should be allowed in hazardous areas per 13-3.2.1. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITFEE STATEMENT: The current Code provision is meant to address operational needs, including those involving hazardous areas, in smoke compartments without pat ient sleeping rooms. The submitter has not substantiated why the Code should be made more stringent in this area. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #CP651) HEA

101- 270 - (12-3.7.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Health Care Occupancies, RECOMMENDATION: Revise the lead in phrase to 12-3.7.1 to read: "Health care occupancies shall be subdivided by smoke barriers as follows:"

In subpart (b) of 12-3.7.1 delete: ", regardless of use, ' . SUBSTANTIATION: Clarification of intent that smoke barriers are needed only in portions of the building used as health care occupancies. Current wording could be interpretated to require a parking garage to be sub divided by smoke barriers if that parking garage is on the lower floors of a building those houses a health care occupancy on the upper floors. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #429) HEA

101- 271 - (12-3.7.1, Exception No. 1 (New) and Exception No. 2 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: 12-3.7.1 Buildings containing health care facilities shall be subdivided by smoke barriers as follows:

No changes to (a) or (d). Add two exceptions: Exception No. 1: Stories that do not contain a health care

occupancy,, located totally above the heal th care occupancy. Exceptmn No. 2: Areas that do not contain a health care occu-

p ancy, that are separated from the health care occupancy by a orizontal exit.

SUBSTANTIATION: The intent of "regardless of use" meant exactly that, however, recently some have felt that i f a floor is a separate occupancy that it would require subdivision. It makes no sense, in new construction, to have large unsubdivided areas under subdivided health care floors. Regardless of how careful one is, there are always going to be ways for smoke to migrate up. If the floor is totally undivided, this could result in all smoke compartments on the health care floor above being contaminated requiring evacuation. Evacuation of a health care facility is an undesirable action which could easily be avoided in new construction. Subdivid- ing a floor is no t difficult to do since the Code no longer requires the smoke damper in most c~es. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The wording suggested by the submitter results in new requirements that exceed committee intent. The intent is to require smoke barriers only in portions of the building used as health care occupancies. See Proposal 101 - 270 (Log #CP651) on 12-3.7.1. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


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(Log #125) HEA

101- 272 - (12-3.7.3 Exception No. 2): Reject SUBMrrTER: Peter A. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Rewrite as follows:

Exception No. 2*: Dampers shall no t be required in duct penetrations of smoke barriers in fully ducted heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems where both adjacent smoke comnartments are protected with auick response or residential snrinklers in accorclance with 12-3~5.2. SUBSTANTIATION: I believe the intent of the committee was to allow the deletion of smoke dampers from a smoke barrier only when both sides of the barrier was provided with quick response sprinklers. The way the exception reads, a smoke barrier separating two smoke compartments where on one side of the smoke barrier patient sleeping areas and quick response sprinklers exist, and on the other side an administration area with no patient sleeping and only standard response sprinklers exist, can have the smoke dampers removed, f f t he fire is in the administration area, the products of combustion will not be minimized and the smoke will travel through the ducts to the patient sleeping area. On the other hand, quick response sprinklers in the patient sleeping area smoke zone do minimize the products of combustion a n d h e l p s prevent the smoke f rom going to the administration side. The change identified will require quick response sprinklers to be installed on both sides of the barrier. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: It is the intent to permit dampers to be omitted under the conditions specified which require quick response or residential sprinklers only in the compartments containing the patients sleeping rooms. The submitter has not substantiated why the Code should be made more stringent in this a r e a .



(Log #126) HEA

101- 273 - (12-3.7.3 Exception No. 2): Reject SUBMITTER: Peter A. Larrimer, Depar tment of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Rewrite as follows:

Exception No. 2*: Dampers shall not be required in duct penetrations of smoke barriers in fully ducted heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems where both adjacent smoke compartments are Drotected with auick resvonse or residential SDrinklers in accor- ~Lance with 12-3.'5.2 when either side of the ha'trier is a vatient sleeoin~ area. SUI~T~ANTIATION: I believe the intent of the committee was to allow the deletion of smoke dampers from a smoke barrier only when both sides of the barrier was provided with quick response sprinklers. The way the exception reads, a smoke barrier separating two smoke compartments where on one side of the smoke barrier pat ient sleeping areas and quick response sprinklers exist, and on the other side an administration area with no patient sleeping and only standard response sprinklers exist, can have the smoke dampers removed. If the fire is in the administration area, the products of combustion will no t be minimized and the smoke will travel through the ducts to the patient sleeping arem On the other hand, quick response sprinklers in the patient sleeping area smoke zone do minimize the products of combustion a n d h e l p s prevent the smoke from going to the administration side. The change identified will require quick response sprinklers to be installed on both sides of the ba/xier when either side is occupied by sleeping patients reducing the chance that the smoke would become a problem to patients. COMMITFEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It is the intent to permit dampers to be omitted under the conditions specified which require quick response or residential sprinklers only in the compartments containing the patient sleeping rooms. The submitter has not substantiated why the Code should be made more stringent in dfis a r e a .



(Log #333) HEA

101- 274- (12-3.7.7): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: William N. Brooks, Brinjac, Kambic & Assoc. RECOMMENDATION: Return this paragraph to the language contained in the 1988 edition which read:

12-3.7.7 Vision panels of approved transparent wired glass not exceeding 1296 sq in. in steel or other approved metal frames shall be provided in each cross corridor swinging door and at each cross corridor horizontal sliding door in a smoke barrier. SUBSTANTIATION: The requirement for a fixed fire window assembly in accordance with 6-2.3.4 is much too stringent for a door assembly which has a 20 minute rating, and does no thave to pass a hose stream test. I know of no case where the 1988 language resulted in an unsafe condition, or resulted in injuries. The current language has led too confusion and has generated a request for a F.I. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. See Proposal 101 - 275 (Log #342) on 12-3.7.7.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The referenced Committee Action should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #342) HEA

101- 275 - (12-3.7.7): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Thomas W.Jaeger, Gage-Babcock & Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Change Section 12-3.7.7 to read: Vision panels consisting of fire-rated glazing or wire glass panels and steel frames shall be provided in each... SUBSTANTIATION: Based on recent formal interpretation, I believe the change is necessary. Requiring compliance with Section 6-2.3.4 for vision panels is overly restrictive in a 1 3/4" thick, solid bonded wood core door or a 20 minute door. Neither the 1 3/4" or 20 minute door require a hose stream test which would be required for avision panel in order to comply with Section 6-2.3.4. There is no technical justification for reqmring avision panel to have greater fire resistance capability than the door or wall in which the vision Pcanel is installed, es ecially in a sprinklered buildin espe g.

OMMITrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Change Section 12-3.7.7 to read: "Vision panels consisting of fire-

rated glazing or wire glass panels ~ in approved frames shall beprov ided in each..." Add an appendix note to read: A-I 2-3.7.7 It is no t the intent to require the frame to be a listed

assembly. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested but substitutes a reference to approved frames rather than restricting the frame to being of steel. The proposed appendix note provides guidance that al though the frame needs to be approved it does not need to be a listed assembly. This should meet the submitter 's intent.

When the 1997 edition of the Code is published, Formal Interpreta- tion 101-94-5 on 12-3.7.7 and Exception to 13-3.7.5 can be retired. NUMBER OF COMMITI'EE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #203) HEA

101- 276 - (12-3.7.8 Except ion (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Margaret Engwer, VA Medical Center RECOMMENDATION: Add:

Exception: Doors in smoke barriers that also protect openings in corr idor walls shall mee t the requi rements of 12-3.6.3.2. SUBSTANTIATION: Wbere doors that form a part of a smoke barrier also protect a corr idor opening, there is a conflict between 12-3.7.8, which states that "positive latching hardware shall no t be required," and 12-3.6.3.2 that requires doors protect ing corr idor openings to be provided with positive latching hardware. Adding the p roposed exception will clarify the fact that corr idor doors in smoke barriers are required to meet 12-3.6.3.2. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submit ter is request ing that wordinl~ that is r edundan t with o ther Code requi rements be insertect here. It is no t possible to place r e d u n d a n t requi rements

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everywhere. The user of the Code must compare requirements and implement the stricter or strictest applicable to any construction feature or element- NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 16 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #45) HEA

101- 277- (12-3.8.1): Reject SUBMITTER: Walter Smitfle III, Charleston, WV 25305 RECOMMENDATION: Reinstate the Code requirement from the 1988 Life Safety Code 12-3.8.1 for operable outside windows. SUBSTANTIATION: The Committee's substantiation in 101-469 (Log CP416) for the 1994 Life Safety Code is incomplete. The Committee did not address how ventilation or rescue is to be performed without operable windows. If the justification by the Committee "can't tell if the open window is providing any benefit..." wby then the change, i.e., no proper data to justify the change.

Design capability is in the eye of the beholder and should not be a justification to exchange building designs by excluding operable windows for life safety. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: Exterior rescue via a window is not expected because the building is fully sprinldered and patient sleeping rooms are sprinldered using quick response or residential sprinklers. The submitter has not provided adequate substantiation for the requested change. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:

AFFIRMATIVE: 16 NOTRETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #430) HEA

101- 278- (12-5.1.1 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: 12-5.1.1 Utilities shall comply, to lhe extent

UB~.ruB~a_~If.SST.alTTANWIth the ... TIATION: This change will permit utility system installations to be modified from strict compliance with all the referenced standards in 7-1. COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The subject introduced by the submitter has been adequately addressed by changes to core Chapters 1 through 7 and the current wording of Chapter 32. For example, see the new proposed 1-3.5. The term "to the extent practical" is ambiguous. New ambiguities should not be added to Code text. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #28) HEA

101- 279 - (12-5.1.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Hugh O. Nash, Jr., Nashville, TN RECOMMENDATION: Change the words "Life Safety Branch" to the words "Essential System." SUBSTANTIATION: The term "Life Safety Branch" is a term only used for hospitals, The term "Essential System" is a broader term which refers to Type I, Type II and Type Ill systems used in all types of heaithcare facilities. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

In 12-5.1.2 change the words "life safety branch" to the words "essential electrical system". COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested but changes wording to "essential electrical system"because that term is proper and is more descriptive. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 16 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #166) HEA

101- 280 - (12-6.1.1.2, 13-6.1.1.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Joshua Elvove, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Delete "and outpatient surgical centers." SUBSTANTIATION: This wording is redundant (see definition provided in 12-1.3 and 13-1.3). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 16 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #167) HEA

101- 281 - (12-6.1.6.2, 13-6.1.6.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Joshua Elvove, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs .RECOMMENDATION: Replace "Type I...Type V construction" with any construction typepermitted by NFPA 220."

SUBSTANTIATION: It seems pointless to make an all inclusive list, when all types of construction is permitted (for both new and existing occupancies). COMMI'FrEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Replace "Type l...Type V construction" with "any construction type

in accordance with NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction." COMMrlTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested but uses the words "in accordance with" rather than "permitted" because NFPA 220 permits noflring; rather, it serves as a document with definitions of the various construction types. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #168) HEA

101-282- (12-6.2.4.1, 13-6.2.4.1 and Exception (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Joshua Elvove, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: 1. Replace "fire section" with "fire or smoke compartment."

2. Add the following exception: Where single exits are permitted by 26-2.4 (27-2.4). SUBSTANTIATION: 1. Hre section is not defined in the Code.

2. Current Code text is too restrictive and offers no exception to the two means of egress requirements. For small or single story occupancies, there shouldbe some allowance for a single means of egress as permitted in Business Occupandes (for both new and existing occupancies). COMMITTEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: It is not the Committee intent to require a smoke compartment to have two exits within it. Also, two means of egress are needed for ambulatory health care facilities. The submitter has not substantiated why a single exit should be permitted. The submitter's proposed wording will create more

ruMBOblems than solutions. ER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18

VOTE ON COMMFFrEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 16 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #431) HEA

101- 283 - (12-6.2.4.2): Accept SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: 12-6.2.4.2 ... suite of rooms of more than at000 2500 sq ft ( ~ 232 sq m) shall have ... SUBSTANTIATION: Ambulatory care facilities should be treated similarly to hospital settings and therefore this section needs to be increased to match 12-2.5.2 for other than patient sleeping room suites. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TOVOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 16 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

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(Log #432) HEA

101- 284 - (12-6.2.9.2): Accept in Principle SUBMITrF_~ Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: Add a second Exception to 12-6.2.9.2 to read:

Exception No. 2: Where line powered life-support equipment is used for occasional emergency care mad life support only. SUBSTANTIATION: Ashealth care continues to change its delivery system to include more and more primary care buildings, these outlying facilities are being constructed with a limited amount of life saving and life-support equipment. This equipment is not for dally use but only for emergency purposes to stabihze a patient until they can be transported to a hospital. For the occasional use of this equipment a full essential electrical system should not be required. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

I Add a second Exception to 12-6.2.9.2 to read: Exception No. 2: This requirement shall not apply to a facility that

uses life-support equipment for emergency purposes only. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested but does so using different language. The term "occasional" is too difficult to define it is also to difficult to enforce. This should meet the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMrlTEE ACTION:


(Log#171) HEA

101- 288- (12-6.3.7.3 Exception (New)): Accept SUBMITrER: Joshua Elvove, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to read as follows:

Exception: Dampers shall not be required in duct penetrations of smoke barriers in fully ducted heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems for buildings protected throughout by an approved, upervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 7-

SUBSTANTIATION: Since the 1991 edition, the Life Safety Code has required sprinkler systems to be installed in new health care occupancies (see 12-3.5.1 ). In recognizing the advantages of sprinkler protection, the Code allowed fully ducted heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems to penetrate smoke barriers without requiring dampers (see 12-3.7.3). A similar provision was not made for Ambulatory Health Care occupancies. For new Ambula- tory Heath Care occupancies protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7, the same exception should be permitted, especially given the relative reduced risk to patients in these occupancies when compared to health care. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept, NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #169) HEA

I01- 285 - (12-6.3.4.4, 13-6.3.4.4 Exception (New)): Accept SUBMITTER: Joshua Elvove, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add the following exception (same as that for 12-3.4.3.2/13-3.4.3.2):

Exception: Smoke detection devices or smoke detection systems equipped with reconfirmation features need not automatically notify the fire department unless the alarm condition is reconfirmed after a maximum 120-second dme period. SUBSTANTIATION: Ambulatory Health Care occupancies should be afforded the same exception as health care occupancies for notifying emergency forces (for both new and existing occupancies). COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 16 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #170) HEA

101- 286 - (12-6.3.0.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Joshua Elvove, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Delete: "In other than smoke compartments containing patient bedrooms, " SUBSTANTIATION: Ambulatory Health Care occupancies by their definition, may not contain patient bedrooms, therefore, this text is inappropriate and superfluous. COMMJTI'EE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #433) HEA

101- 287 - (12-6.3.7.2 Exception): Accept SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: 12-6.3.7.2 Exception: ... less than ~000 5.000 sq ft and protected... SUBSTANTIATION: The increase in size of an ambulatory care facility without needing to be subdivided into two smoke compartments should match the requirement for a patient sleeping suite in a hospital. (See 12-2.5.5) COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION: AFFIRMATIVE: 16 NOT RETURNED: 2 Carson, Deal

(Log #347) HEA

101- 289 - (12-6.3.7.3 Exception, 13-0.3.7.3 Exception (New)): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: William A. Webb, RoffJensen & Associates Inc~ RECOMMENDATION: Add an exception to read as follows:

Exception: Damper shall not be required in buildings., protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 7-7. SUBSTANTIATION: The requirement for dampers in smoke barriers differs for health care occupancies and ambulatory care centers. The need for dampers in barriers of ambulatory care facilities protected by sprinklers should be no more than for health care facilities. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Part. See Proposal 101 - 288 (Log #171) on 12-6.3.7.3 Exception.

COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The action on the referenced proposal accomplishes part of what the submitter requested in that dampers can be omitted if the building is sprinklered. However, another necessary condition for omitting those dampers is that the HVAC system be fully ducted. This should meet part of the submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #314) HEA

101- 290 - (12-6.3.7.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Michael A. Crowley, RolfJensen & Associates, In~ RECOMMENDATION: Delete last sentence and add "Smoke barriers shall be provided to limit the travel distance from any point to reach a door in the required smoke barrier to 200 feet." Delete Exception No. 1 to 12-6.3.7.5.

SUBSTANTIATION: This change makes smoke barrier design similar for both health care and ambulatory care. COMMITTEE ACTION: Acce~t in Principle. Delete last sentence and add Smoke barriers shall be provided to

limit the size of each smoke comparmaent to an area not exceeding 22, 500 sq. ft, and to limit the travel distance from any point to reach a door in the required smoke barrier to 200 ft."

Delete Exception No. 1 to 12-6.3.7.5. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: There is a need to retain the maximum 22,500 sq. ft maximum compartment size. This is done for consistency with other sections of the chapter. The wording that the submitter deleted would result in a maximum 22, 500 sq. ft smoke compartment if the maximum 150 ft dimensions were used. This should meet tile submitter's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


125

NFPA 101--F96 ROP

(Log #434) HEA

101- 291 - (12-6.5.1 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, Amer ican Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: 12-6.5.1 Utilities shall comply, to the extent

UBS~_r_~_UB~aJTITTANWIth the ... TIATION: This change will permi t utility system installations to be modif ied f rom strict compliance with all the referenced s tandards in 7-1. C O M M I T r E E ACTION: Reject. C O M M I T r E E STATEMENT: T he subject in t roduced by the submit ter has been adequately addressed by changes to core Chapters 1 t h rough 7 and the cur ren t wording of Chapter 32. For example, see the new proposed 1-3.5. T he t e rm "to the ex ten t practical" is ambiguous . New ambiguit ies should no t be added to Code t ex t NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #435) HEA

101- 292 - (15-1.1.4.5): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, Amer ican Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: 13-1.1.4.5 Renovations; alterations, a n d moderniza t ions where 50% or more of the total smoke or fire zone is demol i shed for reconstruction, shall comply, to the extent

~ ractical with the ... UBSTANTIATION: There is a n e e d to def ine what is a maior

renovation, alteration, and modernizat ion. B yadd i ng the 50% rule in the paragraph it will clarify that the in tent of this s t andard is no t be overly restrictive. Some authori t ies having jur isdict ion have taken this r equ i r emen t to m e a n that a lmost anywork pe r fo rmed in a smoke or fire zone would require following new construct ion standards. It is t ime the commit tee clarify its intent . COMMITrEEACTION: Aceep t i n Principle.

See Proposal 101 - 246 (Log #425) on 12-1.1.4.5. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: The action on the referenced proposal shou ld mee t the submit ter ' s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #271) HEA

101- 293 - (13-1.6.3, 13-1.6.4): Reject SUBMITTER: Eugene A. Cable, U.S. Depa r tmen t of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add a new section:

All interior walls and parti t ions of pat ient s leeping rooms shall be at least 20 minu te fire resistive and smoke tight. Doors between rooms shall be substantial doors, such as those const ructed o f 1 3 / 4 in. solid b o n d e d core wood or of construct ion that will resist fire for at least 20 minutes .

Exception: Buildings protected t h r o u g h o u t by a supervised automat ic sprinkler system. SUBSTANTIATION: 1994 Life Safety Code requires no f i r e / smoke tight partition between rooms on same side of corridor. If hea l th care is "protect in place" fire protect ion t h e n obviously protect ion of pat ient rooms is n e e d e d by ei ther fire resistive construct ion or sprinkler protection.

Nurs ing staff shor tages are a reality. There is no longer e n o u g h staff available to move patients out of their rooms in a t imely manner . Past editions of the Code always assume adequate staff is present. Therefore , unless the Code changes in some way to make up for the lack of adequate staff, the Code will be allowing a lower level of life safety.

Present day fire drills (R.A.C.E.) and the new heal th care NFPA film, "Fire . . . . Safety in Heal th Care Facilities" are good examples of "protect m place" thinking. Patients are no t moved f rom their rooms and rooms are no t protected areasl

Past good heal th care fire exper ience is no t a valid a r g u m e n t against this proposal. Most existing heal th care facilities ei ther have room separat ion pe r a bui ld ing code or have sprinkler protection. This change would impact on few facilities, and for those impacted Section 1-4.2 allows plenty o f time. For the few facilities without room separation, wi thout sprinkler protection, with less staff, without fire drills prepar ing for immedia te evacuation, and without adequate controls on f lame flammabili ty of furnishings, this is an impor tan t proposal for adequate m i n i m u m life safety.

Three recen t hosp i t a l /nurs ing h o m e fires highl ight this issue:

Dardanelle, AK, March 1990 - 3 fatalities, 10 injuries Newington, CN, January 1991 - 25 injuries Petersburg, VA, December 1994 - 6 fatalities, 18 injuries

COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The submit ter ' s p roposed wording would create an excessive bu rden on existing facilities. The submit ter underes t imates the impact that this new r e q u i r em en t would have. Room to room separat ion on the same side o f the corridor is no t in tended. Basic protection is afforded by the corridor wall. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #212) HEA

101- 294 - (13-2.2.2.4 Exception No. 1 ): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER= Ken Faulstich, Depa r tmen t of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add the following text to the end of Exception No. 1:

".. or o ther reliable measures are provided to assure unlocking of doors." SUBSTANTIATION: Many heal th care facilities with Alzhelmer patients use a wander ing pat ient a larm system employing wristbands or ankle bracelets on patients and magnet ic door locks. The doors in the means of egress only lock when the pat ient wearing the t ransmit ter approaches the door. These systems generally use a key pad in lieu of a key at the door for override feature. This arrange- m e n t would no t appear to mee t the cu r ren t text which requires a key. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle.

Change the wording of Exception No. 1 to 13-2.2.2.4 to read: " . . . specialized security measures for their safety, provided staff can readily unlock such doors at all times. (See 12-1.1.1.7 an d 13- 2.2.2.5.)"

Revise 13-2.2.2.5 to read: "... by such reliable means as the remote- control of locks, by keying all locks to keys carried by staff at all times, or by other reliable means available to the s taf fa t all times. Only o n e . . . COMMITrEE STATEMENT: The Commit tee Action accomplishes the submit ter ' s intent. It was necessary to change both Exception No. 1 to 13-2.2.2.4 and the wording of 13-2.2.2.5to accomplish this. This should mee t the submit ter ' s intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #379) HEA

101- 295 - (13-2.2.2.4 Exception No. 4 (New)): Reject SUBMITTER: Margaret Engwer, Depa r tmen t of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add the fo i iowingexcept ion to 13-2.9.2.4:

Exception No. 4: Remote control locks shall be permit ted u n d e r the following conditions:

(a) Both the lock and the remote release device are located or a r ranged to permi t direct supervision by s taf fa t the remote release location, or

(b) The lock shall be equ ipped with an override device operated by a key that is carried by staff at all times. SUBSTANTIATION: Paragraph 13-2.2.2.5 implies that the use of remote control locks is permit ted. Nei ther Chapter 5 nor Chapter 13 identifies specific considerat ions that mus t be addressed to assure tha t remote control locks, when provided, do in fact provide for the rapid removal of occupants.

If the use of remote control locks is permi t ted , as implied in 13- 2.2.2.5, restrictions on their use shou ld be established to assure that rapid removal of occupants will be accompl ished in heal th care facilities.

The intent of the proposed exception is to address these safety concerns. Since there are presently no restrictions on the imtalla- don or use of remote control locks, it is possible to have the lock an d the release device located in different areas so remote f rom each. o ther tha t staff in the release location are no t aware o f an emergency and do not unlock the door. The remote release device can be located on different wing, floor, or even in a different building. In a heal th care setting, this could h inder the ability o f the staff to rapidly remove occupants became the staffwill have to go to the area where the remote release is located to unlock the door, t hen re turn to cont inue evacuating the occupants . This equates to the same situation as us ing key operated locks bu t not requi r ing staff to carry the key, and tha t practice is specifically prohibi ted by the Code.

1~6

NFPA 1 0 1 ~ F96 ROP

COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITI'EE STATEMENT: It is not the intent that there be direct supervision of the releasing device at the door. This is an operations issue for the authority having jurisdiction to consider when determining the adequacy of any remote unlocking option. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TOVOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


COMMrITEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITrEE STATEMENT: Open lounges in waiting rooms are considered rooms. Therefore, the submitter 's substantiation is not correct. The current wording needs to be retained to address rooms no t open to the corridor. NUMBER OF COMM]TFEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


(Log #399) HEA

101- 296 - (13-3.1.1): Accept in Part SUBMITTER: James Lathrop, Koffel Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: Delete Exceptions Nos. 2 and 3. SUBSTANTIATION: These are adequately covered by Chapters 5 and 6. See 5-1.3.2, 6-2.4.7, and 6-2.3.6. Having them here only confuses the user as to intent. Since they are no t repeated in other occupancies it contributes to fur ther confusion. COMMITI'EE ACTION: Accept in Part.

I Retain Exception No. 2. Delete Exception No. 3. COMMr[TEE STATEMENT: The proposer is correct that Exception No. 3 can be deleted. However, Exception No. 2 needs to be retained because it currently allows vertical openings connect ing more than two stories. There is no comparable allowance in the provisions referenced in the submitter 's substantiation. There is no justification for removing the allowance described by current Exception No. 2 for existing buildings. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITIV~ ACTION:


(Log #436) HEA

101- 297- (13-3.2.1): Accept SUBMITTER: Douglas S. Erickson, American Hospital Association RECOMMENDATION: 13-3.2.1 From the current listdelete:

i i~,d;c, ,~Z 3L,, SUBSTANTI~,I~/V6N: These areas of health care facilities have not presented a hazard any greater than a patient room, office or any

F ical room o f f o f a corridor. If the type of room in the proposed eletion presents a significant hazard it would fall t /hder the storage

room requi rement of this section. Some authorities having jurisdiction are enforcing the code so that even one purse locker will cause the room or area to be classified as a hazardous area, which in my opinion is a misapplication of this section as it was originally developed. Employee locker rooms with a significant number of lockers and a large combustible loading will be handled by the area listed as rooms or spaces used for storage of combustible supplies and equipment in quantities deemed hazardous by the authority havingjurisdidtion. COMMITrEE ACTION: Accept. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BUSH: Handicraft shops should be retained in the list of hazard-

ous areas requiring special consideration. A significant amount of paper, fabric, wood, flammable paints, or solvents may be stored a n d / o r used in these, spaces.representing a hazard., si~nificandy . greater than a typical room In a health care facility. The substantm- tion speaks largely of locker rooms, but offers little justification for the deletion of handicraft shops from the hazardous area classification.

FAULSTICH: Please record me as voting negative on this log. I agree with Mr. Bush's explanation.

(Log #53) HEA

101- 298 - (13-3.3.1 Exception): Reject SUBMITTER: Phil Jose, Guilderland, NY RECOMMENDATION: Delete the words:

"separated from the exit access corridors in accordance with 13- 3.6." SUI~TANTIATION: This phrase is meaningless since all rooms must be separated from exit access corridors in accordance with 13- 3.6. Therefore, in sprinklered smoke compartments all rooms may continue to use Class C interior finish.

(Log #14) HEA

101- 299- (13-3.4.3.1): Reject Note: This proposal appeared as comment 101-424 which was held

for fur ther study from the Fall 93 TCD, which was on proposal 101- 496. SUBMITTER: Kenneth Faulstich, Washington, DC RECOMMENDATION: Add the following sentence after the first sentence:

"Exception No. 5 to 7-6.3.2 shall not be permitted." SUBSTANTIATION: Activation of the building fire alarm system to notify occupants by smoke barrier door detectors is a needed redundancy. The onlyarea smoke detectors required will be ones required for open areas to corridors. COMMITrEE ACTION: Reject. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The paragraph addressed by the submitter covers occupant notification, no t initiation of the fire alarm system mad not fire depar tment notification. The current wording is adequate in that such detectors must initiate the alarm system and notify the fire department , but need not provide immediate occupant notification. This helps to prevent numerous nuisance alarms from interfering unnecessarily with the normal functioning of the fadlity. Additionally, the proposed wording would retroactively impose a stricter requirement on existing facilities. The submitter has not substantiated why that is needed. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: BUSH: The system of providing for fire depar tment notification

without occupant notification of the activation of a building fire alarm system component is truly not practical. With a defend in place theory for health care facilities, immediate efforts to remove padents in intimate contact with the incipient fire and to fur ther protect remaining building occupants by confining the effects of the fire emergency is a function of facility staff and not that of the building owner /occupant and should not interfere with the other functions of emergency services personnel.

(Log #213) HEA

101- 300 - (13-3.4.5.1 Exception No. 1): Accept in Principle SUBMITTER: Ken Faulstich, Deparunent of Veterans Affairs RECOMMENDATION: Add the following text after the word "exits":

"... in accordance with Section 7-6,..." SUBSTANTIATION: Since this exception is for the requirement for a corridor smoke detection system in the first sentence of 13-3.4.5.1, the second sentence of 13-3.4.5.1 would not appear to apply to the exception. The second sentence requires the system to comply with Section 7-6. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept in Principle. Revise Exception No. 1 to 13-3.4.5.1 to read: Exception No. 1: Where each patient sleeping room is protected

by an approved smoke detection system, and a smoke detector is p rovidedin accordance with Section 7-6 at smoke barriers and horizontal exits, such corridor systems shall no t be required on the patient s l eep ingroom floors. COMMITrEESTATEMENT: The Committee Action accomplishes that which the submitter requested but moves the phrase "in accordance with Section 7-6" to follow the word "provided" rather than the word "exits". This is done for ease in reading and understanding the requirement. This should meet the submitter 's intent. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 18 VOTE ON COMMITTEE ACTION:


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