Shelter-In-Place Req'ments for Area of Refuge?

5/29/2020

This building is an H-1 occupancy. There is an area of refuge on the 4th floor. The shelter-in-place Class 3 area of refuge is protected from interior and exterior hazards. There are vertical openings through all 4 floors. The UFC is governing.

Based on this, do the stairwells need to be intertied directly to the shelter-in-place area of refuge for an exit enclosure that is a direct accessible means of egress (we are providing accessibility provisions)? Does the shelter-in-place area need to be a smoke enclosure as well as the interconnected stairwell system?

Based on this will both the stairwell and the shelter-in-place need to be pressurized to meet design intent?

Both exterior and interior air is hazardous and a scrubber would be needed to inject air for stairwell pressurization.

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3 Comments

SC1965

5/29/2020 10:23:40 am

Are you allowed to construct a 4 story H-1 structure? IBC by reference of the UFC would only allow a 1 story of this occupancy type correct?

Justin Milne

5/29/2020 11:34:14 am

For specialty industrial high-hazard occupancy applications, AM&M can allow with appropriate safeguards.

Section 415.7 IBC Commentary, "The limitation of one story is based on the need to exit a building with a detonation hazard as soon as possible. Exiting from a second story or basement, even within an interior exit stairway, may not offer sufficient protection where an explosion hazard exists." Then again, you may have appropriate safeguards, where there is sufficient protection where an explosion hazard exists, such as with explosion resistant barricades.

But the question is, from a life safety perspective, I DO think a smoke enclosure should be provided if not explicitly spelled out in the code. EVACS system as well to tell the occupants to get out, or to defend in place depending on the hazard in play. The fire alarm system would have to be integrated with the gas alarms and be addressable to some auxiliary fire command center. But I do not think the code clearly outlines this issue. So, more of a judgement call.

Brian Gerdwagen

5/29/2020 11:37:26 am

It sounds like maybe a one-story structure with three levels of mezzanine?

This is a complicated design and one that really doesn't suit this format. There are many moving parts that individually are enough to research for a day.

It sounds like the best thing is a sit-down with the AHJ. If it is an existing building, this would be the best way forward. If it is new, then have the Architect redesign the building to comply more easily. Four story buildings do not usually require stairway pressurization.

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