Page 209 - 2018_IFC

MEANS OF EGRESS

[BE] 1015.2 Where required. Guards shall be located along 3. For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual
open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equip- dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, where
ment platforms, aisles, stairs, ramps and landings that are the top of the guard serves as a handrail on the open
located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall be not less
the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38
mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side. Guards shall inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line
be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with connecting the leading edges of the treads.
Section 1607.8 of the International Building Code. 4. The guard height in assembly seating areas shall
Exception: Guards are not required for the following comply with Section 1029.17 as applicable.
locations: 5. Along alternating tread devices and ships ladders,
1. On the loading side of loading docks or piers. guards where the top rail serves as a handrail shall
2. On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, have height not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and
including stairs leading up to the stage and raised not more than 34 inches (864 mm), measured verti-
platforms. cally from the leading edge of the device tread nos-
ing.
3. On raised stage and platform floor areas, such as
runways, ramps and side stages used for entertain- 6. In Group F occupancies where exit access stairways
ment or presentations. serve fewer than three stories and such stairways are
not open to the public, and where the top of the
4. At vertical openings in the performance area of guard also serves as a handrail, the top of the guard
stages and platforms.
shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not
5. At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to stages more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically
and platforms for access to and utilization of special from a line connecting the leading edges of the
lighting or equipment. treads.
6. Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the pub- [BE] 1015.4 Opening limitations. Required guards shall not
lic. have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102
7. In assembly seating areas at cross aisles in accor- mm) in diameter from the walking surface to the required
dance with Section 1029.17.2. guard height.
[BE] 1015.2.1 Glazing. Where glass is used to provide a Exceptions:
guard or as a portion of the guard system, the guard shall 1. From a height of 36 inches (914 mm) to 42 inches
comply with Section 2407 of the International Building (1067 mm), guards shall not have openings that
Code. Where the glazing provided does not meet the allow passage of a sphere 4 / inches (111 mm) in
3
8
strength and attachment requirements of Section 1607.8 of diameter.
the International Building Code, complying guards shall 2. The triangular openings at the open sides of a stair,
be located along glazed sides of open-sided walking sur- formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail shall not
faces.
allow passage of a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) in
[BE] 1015.3 Height. Required guards shall be not less than diameter.
42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically as follows:
3. At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of
1. From the adjacent walking surfaces. electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or
2. On stairways and stepped aisles, from the line connect- equipment, guards shall not have openings that
ing the leading edges of the tread nosings. allow passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in
diameter.
3. On ramps and ramped aisles, from the ramp surface at
the guard. 4. In areas that are not open to the public within occu-
pancies in Group I-3, F, H or S, and for alternating
Exceptions:
tread devices and ships ladders, guards shall not
1. For occupancies in Group R-3 not more than three have openings that allow passage of a sphere 21
stories above grade in height and within individual inches (533 mm) in diameter.
dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2 not
more than three stories above grade in height with 5. In assembly seating areas, guards required at the end
separate means of egress, required guards shall be of aisles in accordance with Section 1029.17.4 shall
not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height measured not have openings that allow passage of a sphere 4
vertically above the adjacent walking surfaces. inches (102 mm) in diameter up to a height of 26
inches (660 mm). From a height of 26 inches (660
2. For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual mm) to 42 inches (1067 mm) above the adjacent
dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, guards walking surfaces, guards shall not have openings
on the open sides of stairs shall have a height not that allow passage of a sphere 8 inches (203 mm) in
less than 34 inches (864 mm) measured vertically diameter.
from a line connecting the leading edges of the
treads.

176 2018 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ®
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