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1113.6.1 Exit Ladder Devices

California Fire Code 2022 > 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings > 1113 Existing Group R-1 and Group R-2 Occupancies [SFM] > 1113.6 Fire Escapes, Exit Ladder Devices > 1113.6.1 Exit Ladder Devices

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1113.6.1.1 Scope

This standard for exit ladder devices is applicable where such devices are permitted by the building official for installation on existing apartment houses and hotels in conformance with the California Building Code.

1113.6.1.2 Instructions

Installation shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Instructions shall be illustrated and shall include directions and information adequate for attaining proper and safe installation of the product. Where exit ladder devices are intended for mounting on different support surfaces, specific installation instructions shall be provided for each surface.

1113.6.1.3 General Design

All load-bearing surfaces and supporting hardware shall be of noncombustible materials. Exit ladder devices shall have a minimum width of 12 inches (305 mm) when in the position intended for use. The design load shall not be less than 400 pounds (1780 N) for 16-foot (4877 mm) length and 600 pounds (2699 N) for 25-foot (7620 mm) length.

1113.6.1.4 Performance

1113.6.1.4.1

Exit ladder devices shall be capable of withstanding an applied load of four times the design load when installed in the manner intended for use. Test loads shall be applied for a period of one hour.

1113.6.1.4.2

Exit ladder devices of the retractable type shall, in addition to the static load requirements of Section 413.6.1.4.1 of the California Building Code, be capable of withstanding the following tests:

Rung strength
Rung-to-side-rail shear strength
Release mechanism
Low temperature

1113.6.1.5 Rung-Strength Test

Rungs of retractable exit ladder devices shall be capable of withstanding a load of 1,000 pounds (4448 N) when applied to a 3¹/₂-inch-wide (89 mm) block resting at the center of the rung. The test load shall be applied for a period of one hour. The ladder shall remain operational following this test.

1113.6.1.6 Rung-to-Side-Rail Shear Test

Rungs of retractable exit ladder devices shall be capable of withstanding 1,000 (4448 N) when applied to a 3¹/₂-inch-wide (89 mm) block resting on the center rung as near the side rail as possible. The test load shall be applied for a period of one hour. Upon removal of the test load the fasteners attaching the rung to the side rail shall show no evidence of failure. The ladder shall remain operational following the test.

1113.6.1.7 Release Mechanism Test

The release mechanism of retractable exit ladder devices shall operate with an average applied force of not more than 5 pounds (22.2 N) for hand-operated releasing mechanisms and an average applied force of not more than 25 pounds (111 N) for foot-pedal types of releasing mechanisms. For these tests, a force gauge shall be applied to the release mechanism, and the average of three consecutive readings shall be computed.

1113.6.1.8 Low Temperature Operation Test

Representative samples of the exit ladder devices shall be subjected to a temperature of -40°C in an environmental chamber for a period of 24 hours. The release mechanism shall be operated immediately upon removal from the chamber. The ladder device shall function as intended without any restriction of operation.

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