IBC ROOF ACCESS/STAIRS

[JKW05]

Another IBC Code clarification request:

2006 IBC, 1009.11 - Stairway to Roof:

"In buildings located four or more stories in height...one stairway shall extend to the roof...
In buildings without an occupied roof, access [may be] by an alternating tread device."

Is the second sentence intended to be preceeded with the 4-story requirement, or does EVERY single-story "flat-roof" building have to have, at a minimum, an alternating tread stair, regardless of size?

Thanks again in advance for your help.

JKW

 

[stookeyfpe]

Depends on the building design. First, lets talk about the purpose of this provision. This provision only applies to buildings four or more stories in height. The reason for this provision because the IFC requires standpipes in buildings 4 or more in height. When a standpipe is required, a means of testing it is required, and this installed on the roof. The hose valve on the roof can also be used by firefighters for exposure protection in the event an adjacent building is involved in fire.

If the stairshaft is terminated to the roof, an alternating tread device is not required. If not, then only one stair requirs an alternating tread device that is terminated to the roof.

Also note that this section requires a means of roof access and guards around the roof hatch openings, if the opening is 10 feet of the roof edge.

 

[JKW05]

Thanks for your reply.

The way it is worded I'm unclear if the second sentence applies to 4-story buildings w/o occupied roofs or if it applies to ALL buildings w/o occupied roofs. So if this section only applies to roofs four or more stories above grade, it appears there aren't any code requirements for roof access for single-story buildings(?).

For example, does a one- (or two-) story office building have to have an alternating-tread device through a roof hatch.

Thanks again...

 

[stookeyfpe]

It only applies to buildings 4 or more stories in height. As I stated, the requirement is specified so firefighters can have access to the standpipe roof valve for use during a fire emergency or for testing of the standpipe itself.

 

[JKW05]

Thanks again.