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What is NYC AC § 27-541?

Quick Answer

This section mandates the installation of exit signs in assembly spaces, ensuring they are visible and positioned at least seven feet above the floor. Internally lighted signs are required when general illumination is below five foot candles. Applies to building owners of assembly spaces.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

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§ 27-541 Exit signs.

AC § 27-541

Signs meeting the requirements of subchapter six of this chapter and subdivision (e) of section 27-534 of this article shall be provided in all assembly spaces to indicate the location of exits and, where necessary, the direction to the exits. All exit or directional signs shall be placed so that they are clearly visible from all parts of the assembly spaces, and the bottom of all signs shall be at least seven feet above floor level. Signs shall be of the internally lighted type in all assembly spaces where the general illumination is reduced to less than five foot candles during a performance or during occupancy. Signs shall be lighted at all times during occupancy. TABLE 8-1Determination of Exit and Access Requirements Occupancy Group ClassificationMaximum Travel Distance Within Assembly Space (ft.) aCapacity (number of persons per unit of width)Ramps Corridors, Safe Areas, Exit PassagewaysPrimarySecondaryAisle and Cross Aisle eDoors or OpeningsStairs and EscalatorsFrom Assembly SpaceFrom Safe Area F-1a b 85 125 80 50 100 60 80 F-1b c100 125 90 80 125 80 100 F-2175 250 400 400 500 320 425 F-3100 d 125 d 90 80 125 80 100 F-4 85 d 125 d 80 50 100 60 80 Notes for Table 8-1: a See section 27-533. When an exit opening from an assembly space discharges into corridor that does not meet the requirements of this code for a safe area, the travel distance shall include the distance within the corridor to an exit. b See paragraph four of subdivision (b) of section 27-546 for stages. c See paragraph three of subdivision (b) of section 27-547 for stages. d In places of assembly completely equipped with automatic sprinklers, this distance may be increased fifty percent. e See section 27-532.

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