Means of Egress Stairway

Accessible means of egress exit stairway

The 2010 ADA Standards Section 207 references the International Building Code (IBC)-2000 (including 2001 Supplement to the International Codes) and IBC-2003 for means of egress, areas of refuge, and railings provided on fishing piers and platforms.

At least one accessible means of egress is required for every accessible space and at least two accessible means of egress are required where more than one means of egress is required. The technical criteria for accessible means of egress allow the use of exit stairways and evacuation elevators when provided in conjunction with horizontal exits or areas of refuge. While typical elevators are not designed to be used during an emergency evacuation, evacuation elevators are designed with standby power and other features according to the elevator safety standard and can be used for the evacuation of individuals with disabilities.

The IBC also provides requirements for areas of refuge, which are fire-rated spaces on levels above or below the exit discharge levels where people unable to use stairs can go to register a call for assistance and wait for evacuation.

Last month we discussed the stairs and the railings. This newsletter will focus on the requirements under the ADA for exist stairways.

Doorways

Entry doorways are subject to the ADA standards. If the door is an entrance and a means of egress they must comply. But a means of egress only door does not. According the the US Access board The ADA Standard requires the door entering into the egress stair to comply. It is technically considered an “entrance” to the exit stairway.

This means of egress door is allowing entry into the exit stair and therefore will have to comply with door hardware, vision light location and maneuvering clearnaces among other things.

After entering compliance is required with IBC thus the door maneuvering clearance is not required in the stairwell for re-entry but could be required by the IBC. The door at the bottom at the stairs is also subject to IBC requirements.

This photo shows a door maneuvering from the inside of the stairway leading back into the building. It is not 18″ min., but since it is not an entry door into the stairway it only has to meet the requirements per the IBC. Maneuvering clearances that the ADA dictate may not apply in this case.

Signage

Doors at exit passageways, exit discharge, and exit stairways shall be identified by tactile signs complying with ADA Section 703.1 which states that a visual and tactile characters must be provided; Section 703.2 which describes the raised or tactile characters required including braille (section 703.3) and how to mount it (703.4); and Section 703.5 which describes the requirements for visual characters.

This sign shows raised characters and braille

An exit passageway is a horizontal exit component that is separated from the interior spaces of the building by fire-resistance-rated construction and that leads to the exit discharge or public way. The exit discharge is that portion of an egress system between the termination of an exit and a public way.

Signs required by section 1003.2.13.6 of the International Building Code (2000 edition) or section 1007.7 of the International Building Code (2003 edition) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards” in Chapter 1) to provide directions to accessible means of egress shall comply with Section 703.5.