User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and is intended to ensure a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for alterations to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the International Building Code®. The provisions address general fire safety features such as requirements for fire alarm systems in some existing buildings and general means of egress, and include a section dedicated to existing Group I-2 occupancies.
The provisions of IFC chapter 11, as
amended, shall apply to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this code.
The intent of IFC chapter 11, as amended, is to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing minimum construction requirements.
When a building is found to be in noncompliance with IFC chapter 11, as amended, the code official shall duly notify the owner of the building. Upon receipt of such notice, the owner shall, subject to the following time limits, take necessary actions to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
Construction documents necessary to comply with IFC chapter 11, as
amended, shall be completed and submitted within a time schedule approved by the code official.
Work necessary to comply with IFC chapter 11, as amended, shall be completed within a time schedule approved by the code official.
The code official is authorized to grant necessary extensions of time when it can be shown that the specified time periods are not physically practical or pose an undue hardship. The granting of an extension of time for compliance shall be based on the showing of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable systematic plan of correction with the code official.
Existing buildings that meet the requirements of NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) or chapter 1309, the Minnesota Residential Code, or chapter 1305, the Minnesota Building Code, when applicable, shall be deemed as evidence of compliance with IFC Chapter 11, as amended.
Protection features in existing buildings that comply with previous editions of the Fire Code or Building Code shall be considered as complying with IFC Chapter 11, as amended, unless the fire code official issues a written determination listing the conditions that constitute a distinct hazard to life.
Existing buildings shall comply with the minimum provisions specified in Sections 1103.2 through
1106.1.2.
For interior finishes, interior trim, furniture, furnishings,
decorative materials and decorative vegetation in existing
buildings, see MSFC Sections 803 through 808.
Facilities designated as historic buildings shall develop a fire protection plan in accordance with NFPA 914. The fire protection plans shall comply with the maintenance and availability provisions in Sections 404.3 and 404.4.
Deleted.
See optional Appendix P for Emergency Responder Radio
Coverage. Appendices must be adopted through local
ordinance to be enforceable.
Deleted.
Interior vertical shafts, including stairways, elevator hoistways, and service and utility shafts, that connect two or more stories of a building, shall be enclosed or protected as specified in Section 1103.4.1 and
Table 1103.4.
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION |
CONDITIONS | PROTECTION REQUIRED |
| Group I | Vertical openings connecting two or more stories |
1-hour protection |
| All, other than Group I | Vertical openings connecting two stories |
No protection requireda, b |
| All, other than Group I | Vertical openings connecting three to five stories |
1-hour protection or automatic sprinklers throughouta, b |
| All, other than Group I | Vertical openings connecting more than five stories |
1-hour protectiona, b |
| All | Mezzanines open to the floor below |
No protection requireda, b |
| All, other than Group I | Atriums and covered mall buildings |
1-hour protection or automatic sprinklers throughout |
| All, other than Group B and M | Escalator openings connecting four or less stories in a sprinklered building. Openings must be protected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13. |
No protection required |
| Group B and M | Escalator openings in a sprinklered building protected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13. |
No protection required |
- Vertical opening protection is not required for Group R-3 occupancies.
- Vertical opening protection is not required for open parking garages and ramps.
Upcodes Diagrams
Where onehour
fire-resistive-rated construction is required by IFC
Chapter 11, as amended, it includes equivalent ratings for
openings in that construction. When openings are required
to be protected, opening protectives shall be maintained
self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke detection.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings in accordance with Sections 1103.5.1 through 1103.5.5.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing Group I-2 fire areas. The
sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the floor
where the Group I-2 occupancy is located, and in all floors
between the Group I-2 occupancy and the level of exit discharge,
including the level of exit discharge.
An
approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in
the following occupancies located in basements when such
areas exceed 2,500 square feet (232.3 m2) in size and do
not have 20 square feet (1.86 m2) of opening entirely
above the adjoining ground level in each 50 lineal feet
(15,240 mm) or fraction thereof of exterior wall on at least
one side of the building:
- Group A occupancies used as commercial drinking and dining establishments.
- Group A occupancies used as bowling alleys.
- Group E occupancies used for student occupancy.
- Group I occupancies.
- Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies having dwelling units or guest rooms.
Openings required by this section shall have a minimum
dimension of 30 inches (762 mm).
If any portion of the basement is located more than 75
feet (22.86 m) from required openings, the basement shall
be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system
throughout.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing buildings where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored, or handled in quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg). Vaults located within buildings for the storage of raw pyroxylin shall be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system capable of discharging 1.66 gallons per minute per square foot (68 L/mn/m2) over the area of the vault.
Existing
rubbish and linen chutes that connect three or more stories
shall be protected with automatic sprinklers installed and
maintained in conformance with Section 903.2.11.2.
Existing structures shall be equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section 905 where required in Sections 1103.6.1 and 1103.6.2. The fire code official is authorized to approve the installation of manual standpipe systems to achieve compliance with this section where the responding fire department is capable of providing the required hose flow at the highest standpipe outlet.
An approved fire alarm system shall be installed in existing buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 1103.7.1
through 1103.7.6.1.
through 1103.7.6.1.
In buildings containing mixed occupancies that are
designed as separated uses (see Section 102.14), fire alarm and detection systems need only be installed in those occupancies
where required by this section.
In areas protected by an approved, supervised automatic
sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, automatic fire detectors required by
Section 1103.7 need not be provided. Where Section 1103.7
requires smoke detectors, such protection shall be installed.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with
Sections 1103.7.1 through
1103.7.1.3.1 in existing Group A occupancies having an
occupant load of 300 or more.
A fire alarm system
is not required in Group A occupancies having the
following conditions:
The required fire alarm system
shall activate an audible and visible notification
appliance at a constantly attended location within the
building for the purposes of initiating emergency
action. A presignal feature and positive alarm sequencing
in accordance with NFPA 72 are permitted. Occupant
notification shall be by means of voice
announcements, either live or prerecorded, initiated by
the person in the constantly attended location.
Where no constantly attended location exists, an
automatic fire alarm system providing a general
evacuation signal or an approved emergency voice/alarm communications system is permitted.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with
Sections 1103.7.2 through 1103.7.2.4 in existing Group E occupancies having an occupant load of 50 or more.
Sections 1103.7.2 through 1103.7.2.4 in existing Group E occupancies having an occupant load of 50 or more.
A fire
alarm system is not required for a building with a maximum
area of 1,000 square feet (93 m2) that contains a
single classroom and is located no closer than 20 feet
(15,240 mm) from another building.
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by manual and automatic means.
Approved automatic fire detectors shall be provided in
laundry rooms, boiler and furnace rooms, mechanical
and electrical rooms, shops, laboratories, kitchens, locker rooms, custodial closets, trash-collection rooms,
storage rooms, lounges, and similar areas.
In buildings protected
throughout by an approved, automatic fire
sprinkler system or having an approved fire alarm
system equipped with corridor smoke detection,
manual fire alarm boxes are only required in the
main office and in a custodial area.
Where
the only means of egress travel from an interior room or
rooms having an aggregate occupant load of more than
ten occupants is through an adjoining or intervening
room, automatic smoke detectors shall be installed
throughout the common atmosphere through which the
path of egress travel passes.
Activation of the fire alarm
system or automatic sprinkler system shall initiate a
general evacuation signal.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.6 through
907.2.6.4.2 in existing Group I occupancies.
Existing Group I occupancy fire alarm requirements are
the same as for new buildings. The occupants of these
buildings are the most vulnerable.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1103.7.4 through
1103.7.4.4.1 in existing Group R-1 occupancies where:
- Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located two or more stories above the story containing the lowest level of exit discharge.
- Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling unit.
- The building contains 20 or more guest rooms or dwelling units.
- The building is used as a congregate living facility, dormitory, convent, monastery, fraternity, sorority, group home, or shelter and has an occupant load of 20 or more.
A fire alarm system
is not required in buildings that do not have interior
corridors serving guest rooms and where each guest
room has an exit door opening directly to an exterior
exit access that leads directly to the exits.
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by automatic means. Approved automatic fire
detectors shall be provided in boiler and furnace rooms,
shops, laundry rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms,
trash-collection rooms, storage rooms, gift shops, locker
rooms, and similar areas. Automatic smoke detectors shall be provided in all common areas and interior corridors
serving as required means of egress.
System fire and
smoke detectors are not required when an approved
automatic fire-extinguishing system is installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and
a manual fire alarm box is provided at a constantly
attended location. When a constantly attended location
is not provided, the manual fire alarm box shall
be provided at the main exit.
Activation of the fire alarm
system or automatic sprinkler system shall initiate a
general evacuation signal.
Connection of
such alarms for annunciation is permitted.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1103.7.5 through
1103.7.5.3 in existing Group R-2 occupancies where:
- Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located two or more stories above the story containing the lowest level of exit discharge;
- Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling unit;
- The building contains more than 16 sleeping units or dwelling units; or
- The building is used as a congregate living facility, dormitory, convent, monastery, fraternity, sorority, group home, or shelter and has an occupant load of 20 or more.
A fire alarm system
is not required in buildings that do not have interior
corridors serving guest rooms and where each dwelling
unit has an exit door opening directly to an exterior exit
access that leads directly to the exits.
Initiation of the fire alarm system
shall be by automatic means. Approved automatic
fire detectors shall be provided in boiler and furnace
rooms, shops, laundry rooms, mechanical and electrical
rooms, trash-collection rooms, storage rooms, and similar
areas. Automatic smoke detectors shall be provided
in all common areas and interior corridors serving as
required means of egress.
System fire and
smoke detectors are not required when an approved
automatic fire-extinguishing system is installed
throughout the building.
Activation of the fire alarm
system or automatic sprinkler system shall initiate a
general evacuation signal.
Dwelling
unit smoke alarms required by Section 1103.8 shall not
be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Connection of
such alarms for annunciation is permitted.
Audible alarm notification
appliances shall be provided and sound a distinctive sound
that is not to be used for any purpose other than that of a
fire alarm. The audible alarm notification appliances shall
provide a sound pressure level of 15 decibels (dBA) above
the average ambient sound level or 5 dBA above the maximum
sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds,
whichever is greater, in every occupied space within the
building. The maximum sound pressure level for audible
alarm notification appliances shall be 110 dBA at the minimum
hearing distance from the audible appliance. Where
the average ambient noise is greater than 105 dBA, visible
alarm notification appliances shall be provided in accordance
with NFPA 72 and audible alarm notification appliances
shall not be required.
Fire alarm system
audibility levels shall not exceed 35 dB above the
average ambient sound level described in Section
907.5.2.1.1 or 35 dB above the peak ambient sound
level. The maximum sound pressure level for audible
alarm notification appliances shall be 110 dBA at the
minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance.
Where the average ambient noise is greater than 95
dBA, visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided
in accordance with NFPA 72 and audible alarm
notification appliances shall not be required.
Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in existing Group I-1 and R occupancies in accordance with Table 1103.8.
| Condition | Location | Power Supply | Interconnection Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existing buildings that do not have any smoke alarms (same as new). | In hallways outside sleeping rooms. In sleeping rooms. On each level of the building and in basements. On ceiling or wall (less than 12 inches below ceiling). On center of ceiling above stairways. | If constructed on or after 8/1/1989, smoke alarms are required to be hard-wired (120 volt). If constructed before 8/1/1989, smoke alarms can be battery-powered. | No interconnection is required for battery-powered alarms. |
| Existing buildings (constructed on or after 8/1/1989). | In hallways outside sleeping rooms. On each level and in basements. On ceiling or wall (less than 12 inches below ceiling). | Smoke alarms are required to be hard-wired (120 volt). | No interconnection is required. |
| Existing buildings (constructed before 8/1/1989). | In hallways outside sleeping rooms. On each level and in basements. On ceiling or wall (less than 12 inches below ceiling). | Smoke alarms can be battery-powered. | No interconnection is required. |
| Replacement of smoke alarms in existing buildings. | Smoke alarms must be installed in same locations as originally installed. | Power supply must be the same as the smoke alarms being replaced. | Interconnection must be provided if the smoke alarms being replaced were interconnected. |
Single- and
multiple-station smoke alarms shall be replaced when:
- They fail to respond to operability tests.
- They exceed ten years from the date of manufacture.
Smoke alarms shall be replaced with smoke alarms
having the same type of power supply.
Carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in existing dwelling units and sleeping units where those units include any of the conditions identified in Sections 915.1.2 through 915.1.6. The carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in the locations specified in Section 915.2 and the installation shall be in accordance with Section 915.4.
Exceptions:
- Carbon monoxide alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated where the code that was in effect at the time of construction did not require carbon monoxide detectors to be provided.
- Carbon monoxide alarms are permitted to be solely battery operated in dwelling units that are not served from a commercial power source.
- A carbon monoxide detection system in accordance with Section 915.5 shall be an acceptable alternative to carbon monoxide alarms.
Medical gases stored and transferred in health-care-related facilities shall be in accordance with Chapter 53.
Approved automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be provided for the protection of existing commercial-type cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors in accordance with Section 904.
Means of egress in existing buildings shall comply with the minimum egress requirements when specified
in Sections 1104.1 through 1104.26.7.
The number of occupants shall
be determined in accordance with Section 1004.
The minimum required egress
width shall be determined in accordance with Section
1005.1.
The ceiling height in corridors
shall be not less than 78 inches (1,981 mm).
Rooms in Group E occupancies used by preschool, kindergarten,
first- or second-grade pupils, latchkey, child care,
early childhood family education, teen parent, or similar programs
shall be located as required by the Building Code.
Younger children are required to be located as close to
ground level (i.e., first story) as possible to minimize the
number of steps that need to be traveled to exit the building.
Rooms used by these younger children are allowed to
be above or below the first story if other egress and/or fire
protection features are provided. See Minnesota Statutes,
Section 123B.51, subdivision 7.
Elevators, escalators, and moving walks can only be used as a component
of a required means of egress where previously
approved.
Upcodes Diagrams
Upcodes Diagrams
Exits and exit access doors shall be
marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any
direction of egress travel.
Exit signs shall be internally
illuminated, externally illuminated, or self-luminous.
The face of an exit sign illuminated from an external
source shall have an intensity of not less than 5 footcandles
(54 lux). Internally illuminated signs shall provide
equivalent luminance and be listed for the purpose.
Approved self-luminous signs that provide evenly illuminated
letters shall have a minimum luminance of 0.06
foot-lamberts (0.21 cd/m2).
Where emergency illumination is required in Section 1104.5, exit signs shall be visible under emergency illumination conditions.
Upcodes Diagrams
Normal and emergency illumination
of the means of egress shall comply with Sections
1104.5.1 through 1104.5.3.
The means of egress
shall be illuminated at all times that the building space served by the means of egress is occupied. Natural lighting
in the interior rooms or spaces can be used to satisfy this
requirement during periods of daylight.
Illumination is not
required in Group U occupancies.
Illumination is not
required for aisle accessways.
Floors and other walking
surfaces within the means of egress shall be illuminated
according to Sections 1104.5.2.1 and 1104.5.2.2:
The means of egress illumination
level shall not be less than one foot-candle (11 lux) at
the floor level.
The power
supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be
provided by the premise's electrical supply. In the event of
power supply failure, illumination shall be automatically
provided from an emergency system for the following
occupancies where such occupancies require two or more
means of egress:
- Group A having 50 or more occupants. Assembly occupancies used exclusively as a place of worship and having an occupant load of less than 300 are not required to have emergency illumination.
- Group B buildings three or more stories in height, buildings with 100 or more occupants above or below the level of exit discharge, or buildings with 1,000 or more total occupants.
- Group E in interior stairs, corridors, windowless areas with student occupancy, shops, and laboratories.
- Group F having more than 100 occupants. Buildings used only during daylight hours that are provided with windows for natural light are not required to have emergency illumination.
- Group I.
- Group M buildings greater than 3,000 square feet (2,879 m2) in gross sales area or exceeding one story in height.
- Group R-1. Where each guest room has direct access to the outside of the building at grade, emergency illumination is not required.
- Group R-2. Where each living unit has direct access to the outside of the building at grade, emergency illumination is not required.
- Group R-4. Where each sleeping room has direct access to the outside of the building at ground level, emergency illumination is not required.
The emergency power system shall provide power for not less than 30 minutes and consist of storage batteries, unit equipment, or an on-site generator. The installation of the emergency power system shall be in accordance with Section 1203.
Guards complying with this section shall be provided at the open sides of means of egress that are more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below.
Upcodes Diagrams
Guards shall form a protective barrier not less than 42 inches (1,067 mm) high except for
the following existing guards:
- Existing guards on the open side of stairs, which are permitted to be not less than 30 inches (760 mm) high.
- Existing guards within dwelling units, which are permitted to be not less than 36 inches (910 mm) high.
- Existing guards in assembly areas.
- Existing guards on stairs and balconies of buildings designated as historic structures, which are permitted to be not less than 24 inches (610 mm) high.
Open guards shall have balusters or ornamental patterns such that a 6-inch (152
mm) diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening up
to a height of 34 inches (864 mm) except when one of the
following conditions exist:
- At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or equipment, guards shall have balusters or be of solid materials such that a sphere with a diameter of 21 inches (533 mm) cannot pass through any opening.
- In occupancies in Group I-3, F, H, or S, the clear distance between intermediate rails measured at right angles to the rails shall not exceed 21 inches (533 mm).
Except where modified by Section
1010.1.2, doors shall be of the side-hinged swing type. Doors
shall swing in the direction of egress travel when serving an
occupant load of 50 or more persons. The minimum width of
each door opening shall be sufficient for the occupant load
thereof. Locks and latches shall comply with Sections
1010.1.9 through 1010.1.11.4.
Except where modified by this
section, each required means of egress door shall comply
with the minimum dimensions specified herein. Doors
shall provide a clear width of not less than 28 inches (711
mm). Where this section requires a minimum clear width
of 28 inches (711 mm) and a door opening includes two
door leaves without a mullion, one leaf shall provide a
clear opening width of 28 inches (711 mm). The maximum
width of a swinging door leaf shall be 48 inches
(1,219 mm) nominal. The height of doors shall not be less
than 80 inches (2,032 mm).
Door openings to storage closets
less than 10 square feet (0.93 m2) in area shall not be
limited by the minimum width.
Width of door leaves in
revolving doors shall not be limited.
Door openings within a
dwelling unit are permitted to be 78 inches (1,981 mm)
in height.
Exit access doors serving a
room not larger than 70 square feet (6.5 m2) are permitted
to be 24 inches (610 mm) in door width.
The minimum clear
width for doors in the means of egress from hospitals;
nursing homes; limited care facilities; psychiatric hospital
sleeping rooms; and diagnostic and treatment
areas, such as x-ray, surgery, or physical therapy, shall
be not less than 32 inches (810 mm) wide. Existing 34-
inch (865 mm) doors shall be permitted. Existing 28-
inch (710 mm) corridor doors in facilities where the fire
plans do not require evacuation by bed, gurney, or
wheelchair shall be permitted.
The opening force for interior side-swinging doors without closers shall not exceed a 5-pound (22 N) force. The opening forces do not apply to the force required to retract latch bolts or disengage other devices that hold the door in a closed position. For other side-swinging, sliding and folding doors, the door latch shall release when subjected to a force of not more than 15 pounds (66 N). The door shall be set in motion when subjected to a force not exceeding 30 pounds (133 N). The door shall swing to a full-open position when subjected to a force of not more than 50 pounds (222 N). Forces shall be applied to the latch side.
Revolving doors shall comply with the following:
- A revolving door shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the foot or top of stairways or escalators. A dispersal area shall be provided between the stairways or escalators and the revolving doors.
- The revolutions per minute for a revolving door shall not exceed those shown in Table 1104.9.
- Each revolving door shall have a conforming side-hinged swinging door in the same wall as the revolving door and within 10 feet (3048 mm).
Exceptions:
- A revolving door is permitted to be used without an adjacent swinging door for street-floor elevator lobbies provided that a stairway, escalator or door from other parts of the building does not discharge through the lobby and the lobby does not have any occupancy or use other than as a means of travel between elevators and a street.
- Existing revolving doors where the number of revolving doors does not exceed the number of swinging doors within 20 feet (6096 mm).
REVOLVING DOOR SPEEDS
| INSIDE DIAMETER (feet-inches) | POWER-DRIVEN-TYPE SPEED CONTROL (rpm) | MANUAL-TYPE SPEED CONTROL (rpm) |
| 6-6 | 11 | 12 |
| 7-0 | 10 | 11 |
| 7-6 | 9 | 11 |
| 8-0 | 9 | 10 |
| 8-6 | 8 | 9 |
| 9-0 | 8 | 9 |
| 9-6 | 7 | 8 |
| 10-0 | 7 | 8 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Upcodes Diagrams
A revolving door used as a component of a means of egress shall comply with Section 1104.9 and all of the following conditions:
- Revolving doors shall not be given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity.
- Each revolving door shall be credited with not more than a 50-person capacity.
- Revolving doors shall be capable of being collapsed when a force of not more than 130 pounds (578 N) is applied within 3 inches (76 mm) of the outer edge of a wing.
Existing stairs in buildings shall be permitted to remain if the rise does not exceed 8.25 inches (210 mm) and the run is not less than 9 inches (229 mm). Existing stairs are permitted to have a minimum
width of 36 inches (914 mm) but not less than the
width required for the number of occupants served as determined
by Section 1005.1. Existing stairs can be rebuilt.
Upcodes Diagrams
The replacement of an existing stairway in a structure shall not be required to comply with the new stairway requirements of Section 1011 where the existing space and construction will not allow a reduction in pitch or slope.
Upcodes Diagrams
Upcodes Diagrams
Ramp runs utilized as part of a means of egress shall have a running slope not steeper than one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope). The slope of other ramps shall not be steeper than one unit vertical in eight units horizontal (12.5-percent slope).
Upcodes Diagrams
Existing ramps are permitted to have a minimum width of 30 inches (762 mm) but not less than the width required for the number of occupants served as determined by Section 1005.1. In Group I-2, ramps serving as a means of egress and used for the movement of patients in beds shall comply with Section 1105.6.3.
Upcodes Diagrams
Fire escape stairs shall comply with Sections 1104.16.1 through 1104.16.7.
| Feature | Serving More Than 10 Occupants |
Serving 10 or Fewer Occupants |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Width | 22 inches | 18 inches |
| Maximum Height of Risers | 9 inches | 12 inches |
| Minimum Tread Depth | 9 inches | 6 inches |
For SI:1 inch = 25.4 mm.
Openings within 10 feet (3,048 mm) of fire escape stairs shall be protected by fire assemblies having a minimum 3/4-hour fire-resistance rating. In buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, opening protection is not required.
Fire escape stairs shall meet the minimum width, capacity, riser height, and tread depth as specified in Table 1104.16.
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 meeting the criteria of Section 1005.3.2. Access to a fire escape stair shall be directly to a balcony, landing, or platform. These shall be no higher than the floor or windowsill level and no lower than 8 inches (203 mm) below the floor level or 18 inches (457 mm) below the windowsill.
Components of fire escape stairs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.
Fire escape stairs and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.78 kN/m2).
Fire escape stairs and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side.
The fire code official is authorized to require testing or
other satisfactory evidence that an existing fire escape stair
meets the requirements of this section.
The lowest balcony shall not be more than 18 feet (5,486 mm) from the ground. Fire escape stairs shall extend to the ground or be provided with counterbalanced stairs reaching the ground. For fire
escape stairs serving ten or fewer occupants, an approved
fire escape ladder is allowed to serve as the termination for
fire escape stairs.
Fire escapes shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times and shall be maintained in good working order.
Corridors, common path of travel, and
travel distance shall comply with Sections 1104.17.1 through
1104.17.4.1. Corridors complying with Section 1020.1 need
not be fire-resistance rated.
Upcodes Diagrams
Corridors shall be fire-resistance
rated in accordance with this section and Table 1104.17.1.
Existing walls surfaced with wood lath and plaster in good
condition or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard are acceptable for
corridor walls and ceilings. Where Table 1104.17.1 allows
a sprinkler system in lieu of fire-resistance-rated construction,
the building shall be protected throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
| Occupancy | Occupant Load Served by Corridor |
Required Fire-Resistance Rating (hours) | |
| Without sprinkler system | With sprinkler system | ||
| A, B, E, F, H, M, S, U | Greater than 30 | 1 | 0 |
| I | Greater than 10 | 1 (see Section 1104.17.2.3) | 0 |
| R | Greater than 10 | 1 | 0 |
In
Group A occupancies used as places of religious worship,
existing corridor walls, ceilings, and opening protection
not in compliance with Section 1104.17.1 may
be continued when such buildings are protected with an
approved automatic fire alarm system. The fire alarm
system shall include automatic smoke detection
throughout the exit system and approved detection in
all boiler rooms, furnace rooms, mechanical rooms, and
storage rooms.
In office
areas of Group B occupancies not exceeding 10,000
square feet (929 m2) in size, existing corridor walls,
ceilings, and opening protection not in compliance with
Section 1104.17.1 may be continued when such buildings
are protected with an approved automatic fire
alarm system. The fire alarm system shall include automatic
smoke detection throughout the exit system and
approved detection in all boiler rooms, furnace rooms,
mechanical rooms, and storage rooms.
In Group
E occupancies, existing corridor walls, ceilings, and
opening protection not in compliance with Section
1104.17.1 may be continued when such buildings are
protected with an approved automatic fire alarm system
that is monitored by a central, proprietary, or remote
station service. The fire alarm system shall include
automatic smoke detection throughout the exit system
and approved detection in all rooms and areas other
than classrooms and offices.
Doors opening into corridors
required by Table 1104.17.1 to be fire-resistance rated
shall be protected by 20-minute fire assemblies or solid
wood doors not less than 13/4 inches (45 mm) thick.
Where the existing frame will not accommodate the 13/4
inches (45 mm) thick door, a 13/8 inches (35 mm) thick
solid bonded wood core door or equivalent insulated steel
door shall be permitted. Doors shall be self-closing or
automatic-closing by smoke detection.
Openings with fixed
wired glass set in steel frames are permitted for corridor
walls and ceilings. Transoms, louvers, and openings
other than doors from corridors to rooms shall be automatic-
closing by smoke detection or shall be covered
with a minimum of 3/4-inch (19 mm) gypsum wallboard
or equivalent material on the room side.
Group I-3 corridor doors and patient room doors in Group I-2 corridors need not be fire-resistance rated or
self-closing where smoke barriers are provided in
accordance with the Building Code or NFPA 101.
The minimum corridor
width shall be as determined by the occupant load calculations
in Section 1005.3 but not less than 36 inches.
Where more than one exit or exit
access doorway is required, the exit access shall be
arranged such that dead ends do not exceed the limits
specified in Section 1104.17.4.1 and Table 1104.17.4.
"Unspr" means unsprinklered and "Spr" means sprinklered. N/R = No requirements.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
| Occupancy | Common Path Limit | Dead-End Corridor Limit | Travel Distance Limit | |||
| Unspr (feet) |
Spr (feet) | Unspr (feet) |
Spr (feet) | Unspr (feet) |
Spr (feet) | |
| Group A | 20/75a | 20/75a | 20b | 20b | 200 | 250 |
| Group B | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 300 |
| Group E | 75 | 75 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Groups F-1, S-1d | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Groups F-2, S-2d | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 300 | 400 |
| Group H-1 | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 75 | 75 |
| Group H-2 | 50 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 75 | 100 |
| Group H-3 | 50 | 100 | 20 | 20 | 100 | 150 |
| Group H-4 | 75 | 75 | 20 | 20 | 150 | 175 |
| Group H-5 | 75 | 75 | 20 | 50 | 150 | 200 |
| Group I-1 | 75 | 75 | 20 | 20 | 200 | 250 |
| Group I-2 (HealthCare) |
N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | 150 | 200c |
| Group I-3 | 100 | 100 | N/R | N/R | 150c | 200c |
| Group I-4 (Day Care) |
75 | 100 | 20 | 20 | 200 | 250 |
| Group M (Covered Mall) |
75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 400 |
| Group M (Mercantile) |
75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Group R-1 (Hotels) |
75 | 75 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Group R-2 (Apartments) |
75 | 125 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Groups R-3, R-4 |
N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R | N/R |
| Group U | 75 | 100 | 20 | 50 | 300 | 400 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
- 20 feet for common path serving more than 50 persons; 75 feet for common path serving 50 or fewer persons.
- See Section 1029.9.5 for dead-end aisles in Group A occupancies.
- This dimension is for the total travel distance, assuming incremental portions have fully utilized their allowable maximums. For travel distance within the room, and from the room exit access door to the exit, see the appropriate occupancy chapter.
- See the International Building Code for special requirements on spacing of doors in aircraft hangers.
Exits shall be located so that the maximum length of exit access travel, measured from the most remote point to an approved exterior exit, vertical
exit enclosure, horizontal exit, or exit passageway along the natural and unobstructed path of egress travel, does not exceed the distances given in Table 1104.17.4.
Upcodes Diagrams
A stairway in an
exit enclosure that continues below the level of exit discharge
shall be arranged and marked to make the direction of egress
to a public way readily identifiable. Stairs that continue onehalf
story beyond the level of exit discharge need not be provided
with barriers where the exit discharge is obvious.
Exterior exit stairs shall be separated from the interior of the building as required in Section 1027.6.
The minimum clear width of aisles and aisle accessways shall be in accordance with this
section and Table 1104.23.
| Condition | Minimum Width (inches) |
| Aisle accessways serving seating areas having 50 or fewer seats, tables, or desks |
24 inches (610 mm) |
| Aisle accessways serving seating areas more than 50 seats, tables, or desks |
30 inches (760 mm) |
| Aisle accessways serving employee areas only | 24 inches (610 mm) |
| Level or ramped aisles having seating on each side and serving 50 or fewer seats |
36 inches (914 mm) |
| Level or ramped aisles having seating on each side and serving more than 50 seats |
42 inches (1067 mm) |
| Level or ramped aisles having seating on one side and serving 60 or fewer seats |
30 inches (760 mm) |
| Level or ramped aisles having seating on one side and serving more than 60 seats |
36 inches (914 mm) |
| Aisle stairs having seating on each side and serving 50 or fewer seats |
36 inches (914 mm) |
| Aisle stairs having seating on each side and serving more than 50 seats |
42 inches (1067 mm) |
| Aisle stairs having seating on one side and serving 60 or fewer seats |
30 inches (760 mm) |
| Aisle stairs having seating on one side and serving more than 60 seats |
36 inches (914 mm) |
| Aisle stair - distance between seating and aisle handrail or guard when the aisle is subdivided |
20 inches (508 mm) |
Aisles and
aisle accessway widths shall be as determined by the occupant
load calculations in Section 1005.3, but not less than
the widths shown in Table 1104.23.
Upcodes Diagrams
The number of means of egress doors or exits from a room, area, story, or building shall be in accordance with Sections 1104.25.1 through 1104.25.4 and Table 1104.25.
Where two or more means of egress doors or exits are required from a room or area, such doors shall be separated from each other by a distance not less than one-third of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served.
| Occupancy | Number of Occupants |
| A, B, E, F, M, S, U | > 49 Occupants |
| H, I, R | > 10 Occupants |
| R (dormitories) | > 16 Occupants (see 1104.25.1.1) |
Two means of egress doors or exits are required from rooms, areas, stories, or buildings when the number of occupants exceeds the values shown in Table 1104.25.
Dormitory sleeping rooms having an exit doorway direct to the exterior are not required to have a second exit or exit access doorway provided that:
- The room has 16 or fewer occupants;
- The travel distance from any point in the room to the exit doorway does not exceed 30 feet;
- The room is not located more than two stories above grade;
- The room is not located on a level below grade; and
- The room is provided with an emergency escape window in accordance with Sections 1030.2 through 1030.5 and the escape window is separated from the exit doorway in accordance with Section 1007.1.1.
Three means of egress doors or exits are required from rooms, areas, stories, or buildings when the number of occupants exceeds 500 persons.
Four means of egress doors or exits are required from rooms, areas, stories, or buildings when the number of occupants is 1,001 or more persons.
Group E science laboratories containing hazardous materials shall have two exits when exceeding 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in size.
In Group R and Group I-1 occupancies, escape windows shall be provided, installed, and maintained in rooms used for sleeping below the fourth story. A readily accessible escape window shall be provided from basement levels occupied as a licensed family or group family child care home. Escape windows shall be in accordance with this section.
Emergency escape windows are not required for the following conditions:
- If the room has a door that leads directly to the exterior of the building.
- In dwellings and structures constructed prior to July 1, 1972, provided they are not licensed by Minnesota or used for transient lodging.
- If the building is protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.
- From rooms of existing buildings having two separate means of escape, provided that the means of escape are independent of each other and they pass through only one adjacent nonlockable room or area.
- In Group R hotels or motels constructed prior to April 11, 1983.
Escape window openings shall have a minimum net clear opening area of 4.5 square feet (648 square inches). Opening height and width dimensions shall not be less than 20 inches.
The maximum height from the floor to the window sill opening shall not exceed 48 inches.
Per SFMD Policy, escape windows with openings up to 52
inches off of the floor may meet the height requirement for
existing buildings by securing a step, platform or bed to
the wall directly underneath the window. This step, platform
or bed shall be no more than 44 inches below the
opening and must be strong enough to support the weight
of the person. The minimum acceptable width shall be the
same as the window opening. The minimum acceptable
depth away from the wall shall be 18 inches.
An escape window opening with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground level shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Sections 1104.26.5.1 through 1104.26.5.2.
The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet, with a minimum dimension of 36 inches. The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened.
Window wells with a vertical depth of more than 44 inches shall be equipped with an approved permanently affixed ladder or steps. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches, shall project at least 3 inches from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches on center vertically for the full height of the window well. The ladder or steps shall not encroach into the required dimensions of the window well by more than 6 inches. The ladder or steps shall not be obstructed by the emergency escape and rescue opening. Ladders or steps required by this section are exempt from the stairway requirements of Sections 1011 and 1104.10 through 1104.13.
The replacement of windows provided for emergency escape and egress in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies regulated by the International Building Code or in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the International Residential Code shall be exempt from the minimum opening size and maximum sill height requirements of the International Building Code or International Residential Code, respectively, where all of the following conditions are met:
- The replacement window is the manufacturer's largest standard size window that will fit within the existing frame or existing rough opening. The replacement window shall be the same operating style as the existing window or a style that provides for an equal or greater window opening area than the existing window; and
- The replacement of the window is not part of a change of occupancy.
Required windows in rooms of care facilities licensed or registered by the state of Minnesota shall comply with the provisions of Section 1104.26.6 or Sections 1104.26.2 and 1104.26.3, whichever is more restrictive.
Window opening
control devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be
permitted for use on windows required to provide emergency
escape and rescue openings.
Mixed occupancies within the same building
and hazardous areas shall be separated in accordance with
Sections 1105.2 through 1105.3.2.1.
Occupancy separations
shall be provided in buildings containing Group I and Group
R occupancies as specified in Sections 1105.2.1 through
1105.2.3.1. These separations shall be constructed and maintained
in accordance with the Building Code. Existing wood
lath and plaster in good condition or 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum
wallboard is acceptable where one-hour occupancy separations
are required.
Where one-hour fire-resistant
construction is required, openings shall be protected by
listed fire doors, insulated steel doors, 13/8-inch thick (35
mm) or 13/4-inch thick (45 mm) solid wood doors, or fixed
wired glass set in steel frames. Doors shall be self-closing
or automatic-closing by smoke detection.
Group
I-1 and Group I-2 occupancies shall be separated from
other occupancies as specified in the Building Code.
Group I-3 occupancies
shall be separated from other occupancies as specified in
the Building Code.
Occupancy
separations need not be provided for Group I-3 occupancies
in the following conditions:
- In buildings that are protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system, one-hour fire-resistance-rated construction is permitted.
- In buildings that are protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system, openings for the passage of materials between the Group I-3 and adjacent occupancies are not required to be fireresistance rated when such openings are not more than 4 feet (1,219 mm) above the floor and are provided with a metal cover or door.
Group R occupancies
and the exits therefrom shall be separated from Group A,
B, M, S, and U occupancies by at least one-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Group R occupancies shall be
separated from all other occupancies as specified in the
Building Code.
Occupancy separations need not be provided for Group R occupancies in the following conditions:
- In buildings that are protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system, one-hour occupancy separations need not be provided.
- An occupancy separation need not be provided between Group A and Group R occupancies if the building is provided with a fire alarm system having automatic smoke detection throughout the Group A occupancy.
- Fire-resistance-rated opening protection need not be provided between Group A and Group R occupancies when such openings are designed to resist the passage of smoke and the openings are protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.
- An occupancy separation need not be provided where two or more occupancies occur in the same building or structure and are so intermingled that separations are impracticable, provided that the exit provisions and protection requirements for the more restrictive occupancy are provided.
- An occupancy separation need not be provided between a Group R-3 occupancy with sleeping accommodations for ten or fewer persons and Group B or Group M occupancies which are accessory if interconnected smoke alarms are provided. At least one smoke alarm shall be located in the Group B or Group M occupancy and additional alarms may be needed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Smoke alarms in the sleeping areas shall be located as specified in Section 1103.8 and shall be audible in all sleeping areas.
Incidental use areas shall be
separated from the rest of the building in accordance with this
section. Incidental use areas are defined as shops, laboratories
containing hazardous materials, laundry rooms exceeding
100 square feet in size, and rooms containing boilers or central
heating plants where the largest piece of fuel equipment
exceeds 400,000 Btu per hour input.
Incidental use areas in
Groups A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, and S occupancies
shall be separated from the rest of the building by not less
than a one-hour fire barrier. Existing wood lath and plaster
in good condition or 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard
is acceptable where one-hour fire barriers are required.
Storage rooms need not be separated in Groups F, M, or S
occupancies.
Incidental
use areas in Groups I and R occupancies need not be
separated when the incidental use area is protected with
automatic sprinklers and the construction of such areas
is capable of resisting the passage of smoke. Doors to
such areas shall be a minimum of one-hour fire-rated,
solid-core wood doors or insulated steel doors. Doors
shall be self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke
detection.
Existing tire storage yards shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with Sections 1106.1.1 and 1106.1.2.
Fire apparatus access roads shall be located within all pile clearances identified in Section 3405.4 and within all fire breaks required in Section 3405.5.