Excerpts from 2003 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®

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 1015.1. Every required area of refuge shall have direct access to an enclosed stairway complying with Sections 1007.3 and 1019.1 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 1019.1.8 for smokeproof enclosures except where the elevators are in an area of refuge formed by a horizontal exit or smoke barrier.

1007.6.1 Size.

Each area of refuge shall be sized to accommodate one wheelchair space of 30 inches by 48 inches (762 mm by 1219 mm) for each 200 occupants or portion thereof, based on the occupant load of the area of refuge and areas 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.

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. Each area of refuge shall be designed to minimize the intrusion of smoke.

Exceptions:

Areas of refuge located within a stairway enclosure.

Areas of refuge where the area of refuge and areas served by the area of refuge are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

1007.6.3 Two-way communication .

Areas of refuge shall be provided with a two-way communication system be­tween the area of refuge and a central control point. If the central control point is not constantly attended, the area of refuge shall also have controlled access to a public telephone system. Location of the central control point shall be approved by the fire department. The two-way communication system shall include both audible and visible signals.

1007.6.4 Instructions.

In areas of refuge that have a two-way emergency communications system, instructions on the use of the area under emergency conditions shall be posted adjoining the communications system. The instructions shall include all of the following:

1. Directions to find other means of egress.

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

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

4. Directions for use of the emergency communications system.

1007.6.5 Identification.

Each door providing access to an area of refuge from an adjacent floor area shall be identified by a sign complying with ICC A117.1, stating: AREA OF REFUGE, and including the International Symbol of Accessibility. Where exit sign illumination is required by Section 1011.2, the area of refuge sign shall be illuminated. Additionally, tactile signage complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each door to an area of refuge.