1009.3 Exit stairways.
BC § 1009.3
To be considered part of an accessible means of egress, a stairway between stories shall have a clear width of 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum between handrails and shall either incorporate an area of rescue assistance within an enlarged floor-level landing or shall be accessed from an area of rescue assistance complying with Section 1009.6. Exit access stairways that connect levels in the same story are not permitted as part of an accessible means of egress. Exceptions: The following exceptions apply to the requirements of clear width and area of rescue assistance, and do not supersede the other requirements of the accessible means of egress: 1. Exit access stairways providing means of egress from mezzanines are permitted as part of an accessible means of egress.
2.The clear width of 48 inches (1220 mm) between handrails and the area of rescue assistance is not required at exit access stairways as permitted by Section 1017 or exit stairways in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
3.The clear width of 48 inches (1220 mm) between handrails is not required for interior exit stairways accessed from a refuge area in conjunction with a horizontal exit.
4.Areas of rescue assistance are not required at exit access stairways where two-way communication is provided at the elevator landing in accordance with Section 1009.8.
5.Areas of rescue assistance are not required at stairways in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
6.Areas of rescue assistance are not required at stairways serving open parking garages.
7.Areas of rescue assistance are not required for smoke-protected assembly seating areas complying with Section 1029.6.2.
8.Areas of rescue assistance are not required in Group R-2 occupancies.
9.Areas of rescue assistance are not required for stairways accessed from a refuge area in conjunction with a horizontal exit.
