// CODE SNIPPET
805.3.1.2.1 Fire Escape Access and Details
JUMP TO FULL CODE CHAPTER
Fire escapes shall comply with all of the following requirements:
- Occupants shall have unobstructed access to the fire escape without having to pass through a room subject to locking.
- Access to a new fire escape shall be through a door, except that windows shall be permitted to provide access from single dwelling units or sleeping units in Group R-1, R-2 and I-1 occupancies or to provide access from spaces having a maximum occupant load of 10 in other occupancy classifications.
- The window shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.53 m2) or 5 square feet (0.46 m2) where located at grade.
- The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610 mm) and net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm).
- The bottom of the clear opening shall not be greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor.
- The operation of the window shall comply with the operational constraints of the International Building Code.
- Newly constructed fire escapes shall be permitted only where exterior stairways cannot be utilized because of lot lines limiting the stairway size or because of the sidewalks, alleys, or roads at grade level.
- Openings within 10 feet (3048 mm) of fire escape stairways shall be protected by fire assemblies having minimum 3/4-hour fire-resistance-ratings.
Exception: Opening protection shall not be required in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
- In all buildings of Group E occupancy, up to and including the 12th grade, buildings of Group I occupancy, rooming houses and childcare centers, ladders of any type are prohibited on fire escapes used as a required means of egress.
Related Code Sections
705.3.1.2.1 Alterations - Level 2, Fire Escape Access and Details
Fire escapes shall comply with all of the following requirements:
Occupants shall have unobstructed access to the fire escape without having ...
Existing Building Code of Massachusetts > 7 Alterations - Level 2 > 705 Means of Egress > 705.3 Number of Exits > 705.3.1 Minimum Number > 705.3.1.2 Fire Escapes Required > 705.3.1.2.1 Fire Escape Access and Details
805.3.1.2.1 Alterations - Level 2, Fire Escape Access and Details
Fire escapes shall comply with all of the following requirements:
Occupants shall have unobstructed access to the fire escape without having ...
Existing Building Code of Massachusetts > 8 Alterations - Level 2 > 805 Means of Egress > 805.3 Number of Exits > 805.3.1 Minimum Number > 805.3.1.2 Fire Escapes Required > 805.3.1.2.1 Fire Escape Access and Details
Section 305 Prescriptive Compliance Method, Fire Escapes
to the sidewalks, alleys or roads at grade level. New fire escapes shall not incorporate ladders or access by windows ...
Section 405 Prescriptive Compliance Method, Fire Escapes
or due to the sidewalks, alleys or roads at grade level. New fire escapes shall not incorporate ladders or access by windows ...
4604.17.4 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings, Access
Access to a fire escape from a corridor shall not be through an intervening room. Access to a fire escape stair shall be from a door or window ...
Fire Code 2009 of Massachusetts > 46 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings > 4604 Means of Egress for Existing Buildings > 4604.17 Fire Escape Stairs > 4604.17.4 Access