Feature Stair Subject to Means of Egress Reqm'ts?

1/31/2023

I understand that Chapter 7 of NFPA 101 applies to stairs on the means of egress.

However, in the case of a feature stair, does the same dimensional requirements and handrails on both sides still apply?

In theory, should a person be on the feature stair when the fire alarm activates, they would need to traverse the stair to escape and it therefore forms part of the means of egress?

Thanks in advance.

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

4 Comments

Glenn Berger

1/31/2023 08:07:09 am

Dimensionally, ceremonial or feature, stairs still must meet the requirements of the applicable codes.

This will apply whether or not these stairs are considered egress stairs.

Justin Phillip Milne link

1/31/2023 08:23:16 am

There are many ways to enable creative designs. If a stair is not a required means of egress, does it have to comply with requirements for a 'required' means of egress? Have a look at NFPA 101 §8.6.9.2. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Todd E Wyatt

1/31/2023 08:55:12 am

Yes, a “monumental stairway” (MS) can serve as any of the (3) parts of the Means of Egress (MOE) ... as either an Exit Access (EA) Stairway, and an Exit (EX) Stairway, and/or as part of the Exit Discharge (ED) to the Public Way (PW).

The MS can be a required part of the MOE in that it’s Occupant Load (OL) capacity is included in the calculation in the OL distribution to the minimum number of occupants. If a MS is 10-feet (120-inches) wide and it includes handrails on both ends (but not down the middle), only 60-inches (30-inches per handrail) can be used to calculate the OL capacity per Table 7.3.3.1 Capacity Factors (e.g. 0.3-inches per occupant = 60-inches / (0.3-inches/occupant) = 200 occupants). An additional handrail down the middle would boost the calculated OL capacity to the complete 120-inches (400 occupants). 2021 NFPA 101 Table A.7.3.3.2 Stairway Capacities includes “Permitted Capacities” (number of persons) by designated “stairway widths” (36, 44, 56, and 68-inches) based on the “clear width between handrails” (28, 36, 48, 60-inches) creating an “effective width” (24, 32, 44, 55-inches).

If the MS is NOT a required part of the MOE, it still must be code compliant including the tread depth & riser height, handrails and guards, and stair construction (e.g. noncombustible materials in Type I or II).

Jay

1/31/2023 10:42:53 am

In NFPA 101 see 7.2.2.1.1 Stairs used as a component in the means of egress shall conform.....
See 101:3.3.180 Means of Egress. A continuous and unobstructed way of travel from ANY POINT in a building....
Every pathway from every occupiable point in the building to the public way is part of the MOE, it's just a matter of whether it's part of the exit access, exit, or exit discharge.
The stairs you're referring to would be considered exit access stairs, and would need to meet the requirements for dimensional criteria, stairs details, guards and handrails, etc.

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2024 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Feature Stair Subject to Means of Egress Reqm'ts?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES