EXITING - "The Means of Egress System"

I keep getting asked to explain the various components of "The Means of Egress System".  This is code lingo for how do I get out of a building!

The fire and building codes have to use the terms, Access, Exit, Discharge, and Public Way in order to keep things straight.

Illustrated is a color coded example of the various terms.  One example in the code would be to find the maximum travel distance in an R-1 (Motel/Hotel) occupancy.

If there is only one exit, with one story, the occupant load is 10 with a maximum travel distance of 75 feet allowed.  See IFC Table 1019.2

ALWAYS REMEMBER.....IFC 1019.3 EXIT CONTINUITY

Exits shall be continuous from the point of entry into the exit to the exit discharge.

ACCESS

Hallways, corridors, and aisles are examples of exit access.

EXIT

That portion of a means of egress that is separated from all other spaces of the building structure by construction or equipment and that provides a protected way of travel to the exit discharge.

DISCHARGE

The portion of a means of egress that is between the exit and a public way.

PUBLIC WAY

A parcel of land such as a street or sidewalk that is essentially open to the outside and is used by the public for moving from one location to another.

SPRAY PAINT BOOTHS

Chapter 15 of the International Fire Code regulates the application of "Flammable Finishes". When applied through the process of "aeration" or spray, many substances become flammable. This is primarily caused by creating finely divided vapors in an area which is capable of combustion.

Electrical wiring and equipment in flammable vapor areas shall be of an "explosion proof type" approved for use in such hazardous locations.

Open flame, sparks, or heat producing appliance within the area affected by flammable vapors produced by spray operations are strictly regulated.

Grounding of the paint booth and liquid dispensing equipment is required. No smoking signs, Class I Division II electrical equipment and proper ventilation, (a minimum of 100 cfm at the face of the paint booth is necessary to meet the fire code.

Spray booths and spray rooms shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system. Protection shall extend to exhaust plenums, exhaust ducts and both sides of dry filters when such filters are used.

FIRE SPRINKLER HEAD IN OBSTRUCTED CONSTRUCTION

This past week I was asked how the code interprets proper fire sprinkler head distance (measurements) from the bottom of beams in obstructed ceiling construction.

It can be confusing, especially when some manufacturers of fire sprinkler heads have specific criteria. (Such as ESFR)

Many also wanted to know about separate head placement options between beams, so here is the new additional information.

I have on my web page firestatllc.com specific “Contractor ~ Inspector Cards” for many other significant interpretations and graphics.

WHY? 3RD Party Plan reviews

You may have wondered why the County and City Code Officials are requiring 3rd party plan reviews?

The New 2006 International Codes grants authority to busy code officials who can require technical assistance without charge to their jurisdiction. They require 3rd party review to save time so that the plan review process is expedited. This helps you and the owner to begin the process of construction as soon as possible.

Who is qualified to perform 3rd party plan reviews?

The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or fire safety specialty organization acceptable to the fire code official and shall analyze the fire safety properties of the design, operation or use of the building or premises and the facilities and appurtenances situated theron, to recommend necessary changes.