2013 California Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide

CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS

SECTION 1002  DEFINITIONS

1002.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS.

AREA OF REFUGE.

EXIT.

GUARD ([DSA-AC, HCD 1 & HCD 2] or GUARDRAIL).

HANDRAIL.

MEANS OF EGRESS

PUBLIC WAY.

STAIR.

STAIRWAY.

WINDER

SECTION 1003  GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS

1003.1 Applicability. The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 through 1013 shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter.

(DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC)  In addition to the requirement of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.8.2.1.2 regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development, or Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, as applicable.

SECTION 1007 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS

1007.1 Accessible means of egress required. Accessible means of egress shall comply with this section. Accessible spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible means of egress. Where more than one means of egress are required by Section 1015.1 or 1021.1 from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by accessible means of egress in at least the same number as required by Section 1015.1 or 1021.1. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings for persons with disabilities, shall also comply with the requirements of Chapter 11A or 11B as applicable.

Exceptions:

1.     Accessible means of egress are not required in alterations to existing buildings.

2.     One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1007.3, 1007.4 or 1007.5, and Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable.

3.     In assembly areas with sloped or stepped aisles, one accessible means of egress is permitted where the common path of travel is accessible and meets the requirements in Section 1028.8, and Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable.

1007.2 Continuity and components. Each required accessible means of egress shall be continuous to a public way and shall consist of one or more of the following components:

1. Accessible routes complying with Chapter 11A, Section 1110A.1 and 1120A, or Chapter 11B,  Sections 11B-206 and 11B-402, as applicable.

2. Interior exit stairways complying with Sections 1007.3 and 1022, and Chapter 11A, Section 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

3. Interior exit access stairways complying with Sections 1007.3 and 1009.3, Chapter 11A, Section 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

4. Exterior exit stairways complying with Sections 1007.3 and 1026 and serving levels other than the level of exit discharge, and Chapter 11A, Section 1115A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

5. Elevators complying with Section 1007.4, and Chapter 11A, Section 1124A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.6 and 11B-407, as applicable.

6. Platform lifts complying with Section 1007.5 and Chapter 11A, Section 1124A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.7, 11B-207.2 and 11B-410 as applicable.

7. Horizontal exits complying with Section 1025.

8. Ramps complying with Section 1010, and Chapter 11A, Sections 1114A and 1122A, or Chapter 11B, 11B-405, as applicable.

9. Areas of refuge complying with Section 1007.6.

10. Exterior area for assisted rescue complying with Section 1007.7.

1007.2.1 Elevators required. In buildings where a required accessible floor is four or more stories above or below a level of exit discharge, at least one required accessible means of egress shall be an elevator complying with Section 1007.4.

Exceptions:

1.     In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the elevator shall not be required on floors provided with a horizontal exit and located at or above the levels of exit discharge.

2.     In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the elevator shall not be required on floors provided with a ramp conforming to the provisions or Section 1010.

1007.3 Stairways. In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, a stairway between stories shall have a clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum between handrails and shall either incorporate an area of refuge within an enlarged floor-level landing or shall be accessed from either an area of refuge complying with Section 1007.6 or a horizontal exit. Exit access stairways that connect levels in the same story are not permitted as part an accessible means of egress. [DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] In addition, exit stairways shall comply with Chapter 11A, Sections 1115A and 1123A, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

Exceptions:

1. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between is not required in buildings equipped throughout with an installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

2. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways in buildings equipped throughout by 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 (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for stairways accessed from a horizontal exit.

4. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways serving open parking garages.

5. Areas of refuge are not required for smoke protected seating areas complying with Section 1028.6.2.

6. The areas of refuge are not required in Group R-2 occupancies.

1007.4 Elevators. In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, an elevator shall comply with the emergency operation and signaling device requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 27 and Section 3003. The elevator shall be accessed from either an area of refuge complying with Section 1007.6 or a horizontal exit.

Exceptions:

1. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit in open parking garages.

2. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit in buildings and facilities equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

3. Elevators not required to be located in a shaft in accordance with Section 712 are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit.

4. Elevators are not required to be accessed from an area of refuge or horizontal exit for smoke protected seating areas complying with Section 1028.6.2.

1007.5 Platform lifts. Platform (wheelchair) lifts shall not serve as part of an accessible means of egress, except where allowed as part of a required accessible route in Chapter 11A, Sections 1121A and 1124A.11, or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.7.1 through 11B-206.7.10, as applicable. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 27 for platform lifts permitted to serve as part of a means of egress.

[DSA-AC]  See Chapter 11B, Section 11B-207.2 for additional accessible means of egress requirements at platform lifts.

1007.5.1 Openness. Platform lifts on an accessible means of egress shall not be installed in a fully enclosed hoistway.

1007.6 Areas of refuge. Every required area of refuge shall be accessible from the space it serves by an accessible means of egress. The maximum travel distance from any accessible space to an area of refuge shall not exceed the travel distance permitted for the occupancy in accordance with Section 1016.1. Every required area of refuge shall have direct access to a stairway complying with Sections 1007.3 or an elevator complying with Section 1007.4. Where an elevator lobby is used as an area of refuge, the shaft and lobby shall comply with Section 1022.10 for smokeproof enclosures except where the elevators are in an area of refuge formed by a horizontal exit or smoke barrier. [DSA-AC]  Areas of refuge shall comply with the requirements of this code and shall adjoin an accessible route complying with Sections 11B-206 and 11B-402.

1007.6.1 Size. Each area of refuge shall be sized to accommodate two wheelchair spaces that are not less than 30 inches by 48 inches (762 mm by 1219 mm). The total number of such 30-inch by 48-inch (762 mm by 1219 mm) spaces per story shall be not less than one for every 200 persons of calculated occupant load served by the area of refuge. Such wheelchair spaces shall not reduce the required means of egress width. Access to any of the required wheelchair spaces in an area of refuge shall not be obstructed by more than one adjoining wheelchair space.

Exception:  The enforcing agency may reduce the size of each required area of refuge to accommodate one wheelchair space that is not less than 30 inches by 48 inches (762 mm by 1219 mm) on floors where the occupant load is less than 200.

1007.6.2 Separation. Each area of refuge shall be separated from the remainder of the story by a smoke barrier complying with Section 709 or a horizontal exit complying with Section 1025. Each area of refuge shall be designed to minimize the intrusion of smoke.

Exception:  Areas of refuge located within an enclosure for exit access stairways or interior exit stairways.

1007.6.3 Two-way communication.  Areas of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system complying with Sections 1007.8.1 and 1007.8.2.

1007.7 Exterior area for assisted rescue.  Exterior areas for assisted rescue shall be accessed by an accessible route from the area served. Exterior areas for assisted rescue shall be permitted in accordance with Section 1007.7.1 or 1007.7.2.

1007.7.1 Level of exit discharge. Where the exit discharge does not include an accessible route from an exit located on a level of exit discharge to a public way, an exterior area of assisted rescue shall be provided on the exterior landing in accordance with Sections 1007.7.3 through 1007.7.6.

1007.7.2 Outdoor facilities.  Where exit access from the area serving outdoor facilities is essentially open to the outside, an exterior area of assisted rescue is permitted as an alternative to an area of refuge. Every required exterior area of assisted rescue shall have direct access to an interior exit stairway, exterior stairway, or elevator serving as an accessible means of egress component. The exterior area of assisted rescue shall comply with Sections 1007.7.3 through 1007.7.6 and shall be provided with a two-way communication system complying with Sections 1007.8.1 and 1007.8.2.

1007.7.3 Size. Each exterior area for assisted rescue shall be sized to accommodate wheelchair spaces in accordance with Section 1007.6.1.

1007.7.4 Separation.  Exterior walls separating the exterior area of assisted rescue from the interior of the building shall have a minimum fire-resistance rating of 1 hour, rated for exposure to fire from the inside. The fire-resistance-rated exterior wall construction shall extend horizontally 10 feet (3048 mm) beyond the landing on either side of the landing or equivalent fire-resistance-rated construction is permitted to extend out perpendicular to the exterior wall 4 feet (1219 mm) minimum on the side of the landing. The fire-resistance-rated construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor level of the area for assisted rescue or to the roof line, whichever is lower. Openings within such fire-resistance-rated exterior walls shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.

1007.7.5 Openness.  The exterior area for assisted rescue shall be open to the outside air. The sides other than the separation walls shall be at least 50 percent open, and the open area shall be distributed so as to minimize the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases.

1007.7.6 Stairway. Stairways that are part of the means of egress for the exterior area for assisted rescue shall provide a clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails.

Exception:  The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required at stairways serving buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

1007.8 Two-way communication. A two-way communication system shall be provided at the elevator landing on each accessible floor that is one or more stories above or below the story of exit discharge complying with Sections 1007.8.1 and 1007.8.2.

Exceptions:

1. Two-way communication systems are not required at the elevator landing where the two-way communication system is provided within areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1007.6.3.

2. Two-way communication systems are not required on floors provided with ramps conforming to the provisions of Section 1010.

1007.8.1 System requirements. Two-way communication systems shall provide communication between each required location and a central control point location approved by the fire department. Where the central control point is not constantly attended, a two-way communication system shall have a timed automatic telephone dial-out capability to an approved monitoring location. The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.

1007.8.1.1 Visible communication method. [DSA-AC and HCD 1-AC]  A button complying with Section 1138A.4 or Sections 11B-205 and 11B-309 _|Operable Parts|_ in the area of refuge shall activate both a light in the area of refuge indicating that rescue has been requested and a light at the central control point indicating that rescue is being requested. A button at the central control point shall activate both a light at the central control point and a light in the area of refuge indicating that the request has been received.

1007.8.2 Directions. Directions for the use of the two-way communication system, instructions for summoning assistance via the two-way communication system and written identification of the specific story, floor location and building address or other building identifier shall be posted adjacent to the two-way communication system.

1007.9 Signage. Signage indicating special accessibility provisions shall be provided as shown:

1. Each door providing access to an area of refuge from an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sign stating: AREA OF REFUGE.

2. Each door providing access to an exterior area for assisted rescue shall be identified by a sign stating: EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE.

Signage shall comply with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A and Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ as applicable, requirements for visual characters and include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1011.3, the signs shall be illuminated. Additionally, raised character and Braille signage complying with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A and Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5, and the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.7.2.1, shall be located at each door to an area of refuge and exterior area for assisted rescue in accordance with Section 1011.4 _|Raised Character and Braille Exit Signs|_.

1007.10 Directional signage.  Direction signage complying with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ indicating the location of the other means of egress and which are accessible means of egress shall be provided at the following:

1. At serving a required space but not providing an approved accessible means of egress.

2. At elevator landings.

3. Within areas of refuge.

1007.11 Instructions. In areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted. The instructions shall include all of the following and shall comply with Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_:

1. Persons able to use the stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.

2. Information on planned availability of assistance in the use of or supervised operation of elevators and how to summon such assistance.

3. Directions for use of the two-way communications system where provided.

1007.12 Alarms/emergency warning systems/accessibility.  If emergency warning systems are required, they shall activate a means of warning the hearing impaired. Emergency warning systems as part of the fire alarm system shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 72 as amended in Chapter 35.

SECTION 1008 DOORS, GATES AND TURNSTILES

[DSA-AC]  In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-206.5 and 11B-404, as applicable.

1008.1.9 Door operations.  ...

1008.1.9.7  Delayed egress locks.  ...

5.     A sign shall be provided on the door located above and within 12 inches (305 mm) of the release device reading:  “KEEP PUSHING. THIS DOOR WILL OPEN IN 15 [30] SECONDS ALARM WILL SOUND” Sign lettering shall be at least 1 inch (25 mm) in height and shall have a stroke of not less than ¹/₈ inch (3.2 mm).

5.1   A tactile sign shall also be provided in Braille and raised characters, which complies with Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5.

SECTION 1009 STAIRWAYS

[DSA-AC]  In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-210 and 11B-504, as applicable.

1009.7  Stair treads and risers.  ...

1009.7.2  Riser height and tread depth.  ...

Exceptions:

6.     See Section 3404.1 for the replacement of existing stairways.  [DSA-AC] For applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, see Chapter 11B, Section 11B-202 _|Existing Buildings and Facilities|_.

1009.15  Handrails.  ...

[DSA-AC]  For applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, see Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-504.6 and 11B-505.

SECTION 1010 RAMPS

[DSA-AC]  In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-405, as applicable.

SECTION 1011 EXIT SIGNS

1011.4  Raised character and Braille exit signs. Tactile exit signs shall be required at the following locations:

1. Each grade-level exterior exit door that is required to comply with Section 1011.1 shall be identified by a tactile exit sign with the word, “EXIT.”

2. Each exit door that is required to comply with Section 1011.1, and that leads directly to a grade-level exterior exit by means of a stairway or ramp shall be identified by a tactile exit sign with the following words as appropriate:

2.1 “EXIT STAIR DOWN”

2.2 “EXIT RAMP DOWN”

2.3 “EXIT STAIR UP”

2.4 “EXIT RAMP UP”

3. Each exit door that is required to comply with Section 1011.1, and that leads directly to a grade-level exterior exit by means of an exit enclosure or an exit passageway shall be identified by a tactile exit sign with the words, “EXIT ROUTE.”

4. Each exit access door from an interior room or area to a corridor or hallway that is required to comply with Section 1011.1, shall be identified by a tactile exit sign with the words “EXIT ROUTE.”

5. Each exit door through a horizontal exit that is required to comply with Section 1011.1 shall be identified by a sign with the words, “TO EXIT.”

Raised character and Braille exit signs shall comply with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5.

SECTION 1012 HANDRAILS

[DSA-AC]  In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-505 _|Handrails|_, as applicable.

SECTION 1013 GUARDS

1013.2 Where required. Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms, stairs, ramps and landings that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.8.

Exception:  Guards are not required for the following locations:

1.     On the loading side of loading docks or piers.

2.     On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including steps leading up to the stage and raised platforms.

3.     On raised stage and platform floor areas, such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations.

4.     At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms.

5.     At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for access to and utilization of special lighting or equipment.

6.     Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public.

7.     In assembly seating where guards in accordance with Section 1028.14 are permitted and provided.

1013.2.1 Glazing.  Where glass is used to provide a guard or as a portion of the guard system, the guard shall also comply with Section 2407. Where the glazing provided does not meet the strength and attachment requirements of Section 1607.8, complying guards shall also be located along glazed sides of open-sided walking surfaces.

1013.3 Height.  Required guards shall not be less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically as follows:

1.     From the adjacent walking surfaces;

2.     On stairs, from the line connecting the leading edges of the tread nosings; and

3.     On ramps, from the ramp surface at the guard.

Exceptions:

1.     For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, guards on the open sides of stairs shall have a height not less than 34 inches (864 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.

2.     For occupancies in Group R-3, and within individual dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, where the top of the guard also serves as a handrail on the open sides of stairs, the top of the guard shall not be less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from a line connecting the leading edges of the treads.

3.     The guard height in assembly seating areas shall comply with Section 1028.14.

4.     Along alternating tread devices and ship ladders, guards whose top rail also serves as a handrail, shall have height not less than 30 inches (762 mm) and not more than 34 inches (864 mm), measured vertically from the leading edge of the device tread nosing.

SECTION 1017 AISLES

[DSA-AC]  In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Section 11B-403 _|Walking Surfaces|_, as applicable.

1017.2 Aisles in assembly spaces.  Aisles and aisle accessways serving a room or space used for assembly purposes shall comply with Section 1028.

1017.3 Aisles in Groups B and M.  In Group B and M occupancies, the minimum clear aisle width shall be determined by Section 1005.1 for the occupant load served, but shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm).

Exception:  Nonpublic aisles serving less than 50 people and not required to be accessible by Chapter 11B (see Section 11B-403) need not exceed 28 inches (711 mm) in width.

SECTION 1022 INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

1022.9 Stairway identification signs.  ...

In addition to the stairway identification sign, raised characters and braille floor identification signs that comply with Chapter 11A, Section 1143A or Chapter 11B, Sections 11B-703.1, 11B-703.2, 11B-703.3 and 11B-703.5 shall be located at the landing of each floor level, placed adjacent to the door on the latch side, in all enclosed stairways in buildings two or more stories in height to identify the floor level. At the exit discharge level, the sign shall include a raised five pointed star located to the left of the identifying floor level. The outside diameter of the star shall be the same as the height of the raised characters.