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1009.3 Exit Access Stairways
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Floor openings between stories created by exit access stairways shall be enclosed.
Exceptions:
- In other than Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies, exit access stairways that serve, or atmospherically communicate between, only two stories are not required to be enclosed.
- Exit access stairways serving and contained within a single residential dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies are not required to be enclosed.
- In buildings with only Group B or M occupancies, exit access stairway openings are not required to be enclosed provided that the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the area of the floor opening between stories does not exceed twice the horizontal projected area of the exit access stairway, and the opening is protected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13.
- In other than Group B and M occupancies, exit access stairway openings are not required to be enclosed provided that the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the floor opening does not connect more than four stories, the area of the floor opening between stories does not exceed twice the horizontal projected area of the exit access stairway, and the opening is protected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13.
- Exit access stairways within an atrium complying with the provisions of Section 404 are not required to be enclosed.
- Exit access stairways and ramps in open parking garages that serve only the parking garage are not required to be enclosed.
- Stairways serving outdoor facilities where all portions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside are not required to be enclosed.
- Exit access stairways serving stages, platforms and technical production areas in accordance with Sections 410.6.2 and 410.6.3 are not required to be enclosed.
- Stairways are permitted to be open between the balcony, gallery or press box and the main assembly floor in occupancies such as theaters, places of religious worship, auditoriums and sports facilities.
- In Group I-3 occupancies, exit access stairways constructed in accordance with Section 408.5 are not required to be enclosed.
Where required, enclosures for exit access stairways shall be constructed in accordance with this section. Exit access stairway enclosures shall be constructed as fire barriers in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies in accordance with Section 711, or both.
Exit access stairway enclosures shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.
Exit access stairway enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more, and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected by the exit access stairway enclosures shall include any basements, but not any mezzanines. Exit access stairway enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than the floor assembly penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours.
Exit access stairway enclosures shall have continuity in accordance with Section 707.5 for fire barriers or Section 711.4 for horizontal assemblies as applicable.
Openings in an exit access stairway enclosure shall be protected in accordance with Section 716 as required for fire barriers. Doors shall be self- or automatic-closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.5.9.3.
Openings other than those necessary for the purpose of the exit access stairway enclosure shall not be permitted in exit access stairway enclosures.
Penetrations in an exit access stairway enclosure shall be protected in accordance with Section 714 as required for fire barriers.
Penetrations other than those necessary for the purpose of the exit access stairway enclosure shall not be permitted in exit access stairway enclosures.
Penetrations of an exit access stairway enclosure by ducts and air transfer openings shall comply with Section 717.
Where exterior walls serve as a part of an exit access stairway enclosure, such walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls and the fire-resistance-rated enclosure requirements shall not apply.
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