Page 207 - 2018_IFC

MEANS OF EGRESS

openings into seating areas where exit signs are pro- to an emergency power system provided from storage bat-
vided in the concourse that are readily apparent from teries, unit equipment or an on-site generator. The installa-
the vomitories. Egress lighting is provided to iden- tion of the emergency power system shall be in accordance
tify each vomitory or opening within the seating with Section 604. Group I-2, Condition 2 exit sign illumi-
area in an emergency. nation shall not be provided by unit equipment batteries
[BE] 1013.2 Floor-level exit signs in Group R-1. Where only.
exit signs are required in Group R-1 occupancies by Section Exception: Approved exit sign illumination types that
1013.1, additional low-level exit signs shall be provided in all provide continuous illumination independent of exter-
areas serving guestrooms in Group R-1 occupancies and shall nal power sources for a duration of not less than 90
comply with Section 1013.5. minutes, in case of primary power loss, are not required
The bottom of the sign shall be not less than 10 inches to be connected to an emergency electrical system.
(254 mm) nor more than 18 inches (455 mm) above the floor
level. The sign shall be flush mounted to the door or wall. SECTION 1014
Where mounted on the wall, the edge of the sign shall be HANDRAILS
within 4 inches (102 mm) of the door frame on the latch side.
[BE] 1014.1 Where required. Handrails serving flights of
[BE] 1013.3 Illumination. Exit signs shall be internally or
externally illuminated. stairways, ramps, stepped aisles and ramped aisles shall be
adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Sec-
Exception: Tactile signs required by Section 1013.4 need tion 1607.8 of the International Building Code. Handrails
not be provided with illumination.
required for flights of stairways by Section 1011.11 shall
[BE] 1013.4 Raised character and braille exit signs. A sign comply with Sections 1014.2 through 1014.9. Handrails
stating EXIT in visual characters, raised characters and required for ramps by Section 1012.8 shall comply with Sec-
braille and complying with ICC A117.1 shall be provided tions 1014.2 through 1014.8. Handrails for stepped aisles and
adjacent to each door to an area of refuge providing direct ramped aisles required by Section 1029.16 shall comply with
access to a stairway, an exterior area for assisted rescue, an Sections 1014.2 through 1014.8.
exit stairway or ramp, an exit passageway and the exit dis- [BE] 1014.2 Height. Handrail height, measured above stair
charge. tread nosings, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be uni-
[BE] 1013.5 Internally illuminated exit signs. Electrically form, not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38
powered, self-luminous and photoluminescent exit signs shall inches (965 mm). Handrail height of alternating tread
be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 924 and shall be devices and ships ladders, measured above tread nosings,
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions shall be uniform, not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not
and Section 1203. Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times. more than 34 inches (864 mm).
[BE] 1013.6 Externally illuminated exit signs. Externally Exceptions:
illuminated exit signs shall comply with Sections 1013.6.1 1. Where handrail fittings or bendings are used to pro-
through 1013.6.3.
vide continuous transition between flights, the fit-
[BE] 1013.6.1 Graphics. Every exit sign and directional tings or bendings shall be permitted to exceed the
exit sign shall have plainly legible letters not less than 6 maximum height.
inches (152 mm) high with the principal strokes of the let- 2. In Group R-3 occupancies; within dwelling units in
3
ters not less than / inch (19.1 mm) wide. The word Group R-2 occupancies; and in Group U occupan-
4
“EXIT” shall have letters having a width not less than 2 cies that are associated with a Group R-3 occupancy
inches (51 mm) wide, except the letter “I,” and the mini- or associated with individual dwelling units in
3
mum spacing between letters shall be not less than / inch Group R-2 occupancies; where handrail fittings or
8
(9.5 mm). Signs larger than the minimum established in bendings are used to provide continuous transition
this section shall have letter widths, strokes and spacing in between flights, transition at winder treads, transi-
proportion to their height.
tion from handrail to guard, or where used at the
The word “EXIT” shall be in high contrast with the start of a flight, the handrail height at the fittings or
background and shall be clearly discernible when the bendings shall be permitted to exceed the maximum
means of exit sign illumination is or is not energized. If a height.
chevron directional indicator is provided as part of the exit 3. Handrails on top of a guard where permitted along
sign, the construction shall be such that the direction of the stepped aisles and ramped aisles in accordance with
chevron directional indicator cannot be readily changed.
Section 1029.16.
[BE] 1013.6.2 Exit sign illumination. The face of an exit [BE] 1014.3 Handrail graspability. Required handrails
sign illuminated from an external source shall have an shall comply with Section 1014.3.1 or shall provide equiva-
intensity of not less than 5 foot-candles (54 lux).
lent graspability.
[BE] 1013.6.3 Power source. Exit signs shall be illumi- Exception: In Group R-3 occupancies; within dwelling
nated at all times. To ensure continued illumination for a units in Group R-2 occupancies; and in Group U occupan-
duration of not less than 90 minutes in case of primary cies that are accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy or acces-
power loss, the sign illumination means shall be connected
sory to individual dwelling units in Group R-2

174 2018 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ®
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