50.07.060 Means of Egress and Exit Routes

(a) General. Means of egress in new and existing buildings under the jurisdiction of the Turtle Mountain Tribe shall comply with this title and Section; applicable sections of NFPA 1 Fire Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code; and for places of employment, applicable OSHA regulations in 29 CFR Part 1910, subpart E – Exit Routes and Emergency Planning.

(b) Exit Access Corridors.

(1) Corridors used as exit access with an occupant load exceeding thirty (30) shall be separated by other parts of the building by walls having not less than a 1-hour fire resistance rating, unless otherwise permitted by the following: (NFPA 1: 14.2)

(A) Existing buildings where the occupancy classification has not changed since the building was originally constructed.

(B) Where otherwise provided for in Chapter 12-42 of NFPA 101.

(1) Where the applicable sections of NFPA 1 Fire Code requires an exit to be separated from other parts of a building, the separating construction shall meet applicable standards of NFPA 101 Section 8.2 and the following:

(A) In buildings of less than 3 stories, a 1-hour fire resistance rating is required.

(B) In buildings of 4 or more stories, a 2-hour fire resistance rating or otherwise in accordance with applicable standards of NFPA 1: 14.3.1 and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

(2) Openings in the separation shall be protected by fire door assemblies equipped with doors closers compliant with (NFPA 101: 7.2.1.8).

(3) Penetrations into and openings through an exit enclosure shall be limited to fire doors, electrical conduit, required exit doors, ductwork for stairway pressurization, water or steam piping, sprinkler piping, standpipes, and metal conduit for fire alarm systems (NFPA 1: 14.3.1 #6).

(A) In existing buildings, existing walls of lath and plaster, gypsum wallboard or masonry shall be kept in good repair to provide protection where a 1-hour fire resistance rating is required (NFPA 1 A.14.3.1 (2).

(4) An exit enclosure shall provide a continuous protected path of travel to an exit discharge (NFPA 1: 14.3.2).

(5) An exit enclosure shall not be used for any purpose that has the potential to interfere with its use as an exit and, if so designated, as an area of refuge (NFPA 1: 14.3.3). This provision shall prohibit the use of exit enclosures for storage or for the installation of equipment not necessary for safety. The exit enclosure shall be maintained free of fire hazards and shall not be used for any other occupancy other than for egress, refuge or access (NFPA 1: A.14.3.3).

(d) Means of Egress Reliability:

(1) Means of egress shall be continuously maintained free of all obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency (NFPA 1: 14.4.1).

(2) Any type of barrier to building egress shall be prohibited.

(3) Accumulations of ice and snow shall be kept clear from the exterior of exit enclosures, as it is an impediment to free movement (NFPA 1: A14.4.1).

(e) Furnishings and Decorations (in exit enclosures):

(1) No furnishings, decorations or other objects shall obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom, or visibility thereof NFPA 1: 14.4.2.1).

(2) No obstructions by barriers, railings, or gates shall divide the means of egress into sections, appurtenant to individual rooms, apartments or other occupied spaces. Where the Fire Chief / Fire Inspector finds the required path of travel to be obstructed by furniture or other movable objects, they shall be permitted to require that such objects be secured out of the way or shall be permitted to require that such railings or other permanent barriers be installed to protect the path of travel against encroachment (NFPA 1: 14.4.2.2).

(3) Mirrors shall not be placed on exit doors. Mirrors shall not be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction of egress (NFPA 1: 14.4.2.3).

(4) Every door and every principal entrance that is required to serve as an exit shall be designed and constructed so that the path of egress travel is obvious and direct. Windows that, because of their physical configuration or design and the materials used in their construction, have the potential to be mistaken for doors shall be made inaccessible by barriers or railings (NFPA 1: 14.4.2.4).

(f) Doors:

(1) General: Doors shall meet the requirements of this title and Section, with NFPA 1: 14.5 Doors, and with the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

(2) Any door in a means of egress shall be of the side-hinged or pivoted-swinging type, and shall be installed to be capable of swinging from any position to the full required width of the opening in which it is installed, unless otherwise exempted in NFPA 1 14.5.1.1.1 through 15.5.1.1.8 (NFPA 1: 14.5.1.1).

(3) Doors required to be of the side-hinged or pivoted-swinging type shall swing in the direction of egress travel (outward) where serving a room or area with an occupant load of fifty (50) or more (NFPA 1: 14.5.1.2).

(4) It shall be prohibited to prevent the functioning of designated fire doors by chocking or blocking them open.

(5) It shall be prohibited to barricade, chain shut or otherwise prevent the use any designated fire door or exit door, while the building is occupied.

(6) Designated fire exit doors in educational occupancies, assembly occupancies, office buildings, businesses and malls shall remain unlocked when the building is occupied unless able to be opened from the egress side (inside) with panic hardware meeting the requirements of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. The Fire Chief / Fire Inspector shall have the authority to order doors to be unlocked and kept unlocked during business hours. There are exceptions for correctional and detention facilities.

(7) Any exit door for an occupancy of 100 or more persons shall be required to have panic hardware or fire exit hardware (NFPA 101: 13.2.2.2.3).

(8) Fire doors, as well as doors that are required to be solid core, shall NOT include louvers (NFPA 1: 12.8.3.3).

(g) Locks, Latches and Alarm Devices: (Exceptions for correctional facilities)

(1) Doors shall be arranged to be opened readily from the egress side (inside) whenever the building is occupied (NFPA 1: 14.5.2.1).

(2) Locks, if provided, shall not require the use of a key, a tool, or special knowledge or effort for operation from the egress side (inside) (NFPA 1: 14.5.2.2).

(3) Exterior doors shall be permitted to have key-operated locks from the egress side (inside), provided that the following criteria are met (NFPA 1: 14.5.2.4):

(A) This alternative is permitted in chapters 12-42 of NFPA 101.

(B) A readily visible sign in letters not less than 1-inch high on a contrasting background that reads as follows is located on or adjacent to the door: THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THE BUILDING IS OCCUPIED.

(D) A key is immediately available to any occupant inside the building when it is locked.

(E) The alternative provisions shall be permitted to be revoked by the fire Chief or fire Inspector for cause (or non-compliance) NFPA 1: 14.5.2.5).

(F) Where permitted in Chapters 12-42 of NFPA 101, key operation shall be permitted, provided that the key cannot be removed when the door is locked from the egress is to be made (inside) (NFPA 1: 14.5.2.6).

(4) A latch or other fastening device on a door shall be provided with a releasing device that has an obvious method of operation and that is readily operated under all lighting conditions (NFPA 1: 14.5.2.9). Examples of such devices include knobs, levers, or panic bars capable of being operated with one hand, without special knowledge or procedures.

(5) Devices shall not be installed in connection with any door on which panic hardware or fire exit hardware is required where such devices prevent or are intended to prevent the free use of the door for purposes of egress, except for delayed-egress and access-controlled egress doors permitted under NFPA 1: 14.5.3 and NFPA 101, if approved by the Fire department. (NFPA 1: 14.5.2.11). Examples of devices that shall be prohibited on panic hardware or fire exit hardware doors includes, but is not limited, to locks, padlocks, chains, hasps, or combinations thereof.

(NOTE: School events and bars or night clubs with cover charges are notorious for doing this. People pile up against the door as there is no way out.)

(h) Panic Hardware and Fire Exit Hardware: (Exceptions for correctional facilities)

(1) Where panic hardware or fire exit hardware is required, it shall comply with the provisions of this title and Chapter; and, with applicable provisions of the NFPA 1 Fire Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

(2) Where a door is required to be equipped with panic or fire exit hardware, such hardware shall meet the following criteria (NFPA 1: 14.5.3.3.1):

(A) It shall consist of a cross bar or a push pad, the actuating portion of which extends across not less than one-half (1/2) of the width of the door leaf.

(B) It shall be mounted as follows:

(D) Existing installations shall be not less than 30 inches, nor more than 48 inches, above the floor.

(E) It shall be constructed so that a horizontal force not to exceed 15 lbf actuates the cross bar or push pad and latches.

(3) Only approved panic hardware shall be used on doors that are not fire doors. Only approved fire exit hardware shall be used on fire doors (NFPA 1: 14.5.3.3.2).

(4) Required panic hardware and fire exit hardware, in other than detention and correctional facilities, shall NOT be equipped with any locking device, set screw, or other arrangement that prevents the release of the latch when pressure is applied to the releasing device (NFPA 1: 14.5.3.3.3).

(5) Devices that hold the latch in the retracted position shall be prohibited on fire exit hardware, unless such devices are listed and approved for such purposes (NFPA 1: 14.5.3.3.4).

(i) Self-Closing Devices:

(1) A door, specifically a fire door, required to be kept closed shall NOT be secured in the open position at any time and shall be self-closing or automatic-closing in accordance with this title and Section; and, with the applicable provisions of NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 (NFPA 1: 14.5.4.1). Specifically, doors required to be kept closed shall not be secured open with wedges, chocks, or kept blocked open by any means.

(2) In any building of low or ordinary hazard contents as defined in 6.2.2.2 and 6.2.2.3 of NFPA 101, or where approved by the Fire Chief or Fire Inspector, doors shall be permitted to be automatic closing, provided that the following criteria are met (NFPA 1: 14.5.4.2):

(A) Upon release of the hold-open mechanism, the door becomes self-closing.

(B) The release device is designed so that the door instantly releases manually, and, upon release, becomes self-closing, or the door can be readily closed.

(C) The automatic releasing mechanism or medium is activated by the operation of approved smoke detectors installed in accordance with the requirements for smoke detectors for door release service in NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code®.

(D) Upon loss of power to the hold-open device, the hold-open mechanism is released and the door becomes self-closing.

(E) The release by means of smoke detection of one door in a stair enclosure results in closing all doors serving that stair (NFPA 101: 7.2.1.8.2).

(j) Enclosure and Protection of Stairs:

(1) All inside stairs serving as an exit or exit component shall be enclosed as per NFPA 1 Section 14.3 Exits and with NFPA 1: 7.2.2.5.1.1 (NFPA 1: 14.6.1).

(2) Inside stairs, other than those serving as an exit or exit enclosure, shall be protected in accordance with Section 8.6 of NFPA 101 (NFPA 1: 14.6.1.2).

(3) Usable Space, Storage: Enclosed, usable spaces, (i.e. storage), within exit enclosures shall be prohibited, including under stairs, unless the following criteria are met, below, as per NFPA 1: 14.6.3.2 (NFPA 1: 14.6.3):

(A) The space is separated from the stair enclosure by the same fire resistance as the exit enclosure. (usually at least 1-hour)

(B) Entrance to the enclosed, usable space (storage), shall not be from within the stair enclosure (NFPA 101: 7.2.2.5.3.2)

(k) Capacity of Means of Egress:

(1) Sufficient Capacity for Occupant Load: The total capacity of the means of egress for any story, balcony, tier, or other occupied space shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof. (NFPA 1: 14.8.1.1) Refer to NFPA 1: 14.8 and NFPA 101: 7.3.1.1 and the associated handbooks for guidance.

(2) Occupant Load Factor: The occupant load in any building or portion thereof shall be not less than the number of persons determined by dividing the floor area assigned to that use by the occupant load factor for that use as specified in NFPA 1: Table 14.8.1.2 and Figure 14.8.1.2. Where both gross and area figures are given for the same occupancy, calculations shall be made applying the gross figure to the gross area of the building devoted to that use; and, the net area figure to the net portion of the building devoted to that use (as per NFPA 1: 14.8.1.2 and NFPA 101: 7.3.1.2.).

(l) Minimum Width of Corridors, Exit Passageways: (NFPA 1: 14.8.3.3)

(1) The width of any means of egress shall be not less than that required for a given egress component in Chapter 7 or Chapters 12-24 of NFPA 101.

(2) New construction (2003 or later): Unless otherwise provided for in NFPA 1: 14.8.3.3 and NFPA 101, the required width of any means of egress shall be not less than 36 inches.

(3) In existing buildings (before 2003) the width of exit access shall be permitted to be not less than 28 inches. This shall not apply to doors, assembly occupancies as per Chapters 12-13 of NFPA 101, or to industrial equipment access as per Chapter 40 of NFPA 101.

(4) Where a single exit access leads to an exit, its capacity in terms of width shall not be less than the required capacity of the exit to which it leads (NFPA 1: 14.8.3.3.2).

(5) Where more than one exit access leads to an exit, each shall have a width adequate for the number of persons it accommodates (NFPA 1: 14.8.3.3.3).

(6) In educational occupancies (schools), exit access corridors shall have not less than 72 inches of clear width (NFPA 101: 15.2.3.2). Aisles in educational occupancies shall not be less than 30 inches wide (NFPA 101: 15.2.5.6).

(m) Number of Means of Egress: (NFPA 1: 14.9.1)

(1) The number of means of egress from any balcony, mezzanine, story, or portion thereof shall not be less than two, unless specifically exempted in NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Chapters 11-42.

(2) The number of means of egress from any story or portion thereof for an occupant load of more than 500 but no more than 1000 shall be not less than three (3) (NFPA 1: 14.9.1.2).

(3) The number of means of egress from any story or portion thereof for an occupant load of more than 1000 shall be not less than four (4).

(n) Arrangement of Means of Egress: (NFPA 1: 14.10)

(1) Exits shall be located and exit access shall be arranged so that exits are readily accessible at all times (NFPA 1: 14.10.1.1).

(2) Exit access corridors shall provide access to not less than two (2) approved exits, unless otherwise provided in NFPA 101: 7.5.1.1.2.

(3) Corridors shall provide exit access without passing through any intervening rooms other than corridors, lobbies, and other spaces permitted to be open to the corridor, unless otherwise provided for in accordance with NFPA 1: 14.10.1.2.1 or 14.10.1.2.2, (NFPA 1: 14.10.1.2).

(4) Where more than one exit is required from a building or portion thereof, such exits shall be remotely located from each other and shall be arranged and constructed to minimize the possibility that more than one has the potential to be blocked by any one fire or other emergency condition (NFPA 1: 14.10.1.3.1). For specifics, refer to the NFPA 1 Fire Code Handbook.

(5) Where two exits or exit access doors are required, they shall be placed at a distance from one another not less than one-half (1/2) the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served; measured in a straight line between the nearest edge of the exit doors or exit access doors, unless otherwise provided in NFPA 1: 14.10.1.3.3 through 14.10.1.3.5 (NFPA 1: 14.10.1.3.2). Refer to Figure A.14.10.1.3.2 (a) and (b) in the NFPA 1 Fire Code Handbook.

(6) Exit access shall be arranged so that there are no dead ends in corridors, unless permitted by, and limited to the length specified in, Chapters 12-42 of NFPA 101 (NFPA 1: 14.10.1.5)

(A) In existing assembly occupancies, dead-end corridors shall not exceed 240 inches, or 20 feet (NFPA 101: 13.2.5.1.2).

(B) In educational occupancies, no corridor shall exceed 20 feet in length, unless sprinklered, in which case dead-end corridors shall not exceed fifty feet (NFPA 101: 13.2.5.2).

(o) Impediments to Egress: (NFPA 1: 14.10.2)

(1) Access to an exit shall NOT be through kitchens, storerooms (other than that provided in NFPA 101: Chapters 36,37), restrooms, workrooms, closets, bedrooms or similar spaces, or other rooms subject to locking, (unless passage is permitted per NFPA 101 Chapters 18,19,22,23) (NFPA 1: 14.10.2.1).

(2) Access to an exit shall NOT be through hazardous areas, as defined in NFPA 101: 13.2.2. (NFPA 101: 13.2.5.2).

(3) Exit access and exit doors shall be designated and arranged to be clearly recognizable (NFPA 1: 14.10.2.2).

(4) Hangings or draperies shall NOT be placed over exit doors or located so that they conceal or obscure any exit (NFPA 1: 14.10.2.2.1).

(5) Mirrors shall NOT be placed on exit doors (NFPA 1: 14.10.2.2.3).

(6) Mirrors shall NOT be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction of exit (NFPA 1: 14.10.2.2.4).

(p) Illumination of Means of Egress: (NFPA 1: 14.12)

(1) Exit paths and means of egress, including designated stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, escalators, and passageways leading to an exit shall be illuminated anytime the building is occupied, in accordance with NFPA 1: 14.12 and NFPA 101: 7.8.1.1.

(2) Illumination of means of egress shall be continuous during the time that the conditions of occupancy require that the means of egress be available for use, unless otherwise provided by automatic motion sensor-type lighting switches in accordance with NFPA 101: 7.8.1.2.2. (NFPA 1: 14.12.1.2).

(3) Sources of Illumination: (NFPA 1: 14.12.1)

(A) Illumination of means of egress shall be from a source considered reliable by the AHJ (Fire Chief / Fire Inspector), like a public utility electric service. (NFPA 1: 14.12.1.1).

(B) Battery-operated electric lights, (solar lights), and other types of portable lamps or lanterns shall not be used for primary illumination of means of egress. Battery-powered lights shall be permitted to be used as an emergency source. (NFPA 1: 14.12.2.2).

(q) Emergency Illumination (Emergency Exit Lights and Lighting):

(1) General: Emergency lighting for means of egress, where required by NFPA 1 Fire Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code; or, the Fire Chief / Fire Inspector; shall be installed, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 1:14.13, the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and to this title and Section. Emergency lighting shall be wired in accordance with the NFPA 70 National Electric Code. All emergency lights installed shall be UL® listed. Batteries installed or replaced shall be as specified by the manufacturer, as per the owner's manual.

(2) Emergency lighting facilities for means of egress shall be provided for the following occupancies and locations: (NFPA 1: 14.13.1)

(A) Buildings or structures where required in NFPA 101 Ch. 11-42.

(B) Underground and limited access structures addressed in Section 11.7 of NFPA 101.

(D) Doors equipped with delayed-egress locks.

(E) Stair shafts and vestibules of smokeproof enclosures in accordance with NFPA 1: 14.13.1.1 (5).

(3) Emergency lighting facilities for means of egress shall also be provided where required by the Fire Chief / Fire Inspector or AHJ.

(4) Periodic Testing: Periodic testing shall be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, Section 14.13.2 of NFPA 1, or in accordance with NFPA 101: 7.9.3.1.

(5) Where manual testing is required, it shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 1: 14.13.2.1.1. as follows:

(A) Functional testing shall be conducted at 30-day intervals for not less than 30 seconds.

(B) Functional testing shall be conducted annually for not less than 1 ½ hours if the emergency lighting system is battery powered.

(D) Written records of visual inspections and tests shall be kept by the owner for inspection by the Fire Chief / Fire Inspector.

(r) Marking of Means of Egress; EXIT and Directional Signs:

(1) Means of egress shall be marked and signed in accordance with this title and Section; with NFPA 1 Section 14 and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code; and with applicable OSHA rules and regulations in 29 CFR Part 1910, subpart E – Exit Routes and Emergency Planning.

(2) Exits: Exits, other than main exterior exit doors that obviously and clearly are identifiable as exits, shall be marked by an approved sign that is readily visible from any direction of exit access (NFPA 1: 14.14.1.2).

(3) Exit Access: Access to exits shall be marked by approved, readily visible signs in all cases where the exit or way to reach the exit is not readily apparent to the occupants (NFPA 1: 14.14.1.5.1). Signs shall comply with NFPA 101 Chapter 7. Externally illuminated signs shall be in accordance with 7.10.6 of NFPA 101, and shall be able to be viewed at 100 feet.

(4) Visibility of EXIT and Directional Signs: Every exit and directional sign required by this title and Section; or required by NFPA 101 or OSHA Standards, shall be located and of such size, distinctive color, and design that it is readily visible and shall contrast with decorations, interior finish, or other signs. No decorations, furnishings or equipment that impairs visibility of a sign shall be permitted. No brightly illuminated sign (for other than exit purposes), display, or object in or near the line of vision of the required exit sign that could detract attention from the exit sign shall be permitted (NFPA 1: 14.14.1.8).

(5) Directional signs (EXIT >): A sign complying with 7.10.3 of NFPA 101 with a directional indicator showing the direction of travel (to the closest exit) shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not apparent (NFPA 1: 14.14.2).

(6) Sign Legend:

(A) Exit signs required by this title and Section shall read as follows in plainly legible letters, in red, with a contrasting background: EXIT.

(B) International pictographs, as in NFPA 170, shall be permitted to be used, in addition to, but not in lieu of, EXIT or directional signs with text.

(7) Illumination of Exit & Directional Signs:

(A) Every EXIT and directional sign required under this title and Section shall be suitably illuminated by a reliable light source. Externally and internally illuminated signs shall be legible in both the normal and emergency lighting modes (NFPA 1: 14.14.5.1).

(B) Every sign required to be illuminated shall be continuously illuminated as required of Section 7.8 of NFPA 101, (except for flashing EXIT signs complying with NFPA 101: 7.10.5.2.2) (NFPA 1: 14.14.5.2.1).

(8) Externally Illuminated EXIT and Directional Signs:

(A) Size: Externally illuminated signs, other than approved existing EXIT signs, shall read EXIT in plainly legible letters sized as follows: (NFPA 1: 14.14.6.1.1)

(i) For new signs, the letters shall not be less than 6 inches high, with the principal brush strokes not less than ¾ inc wide.

(ii) For existing signs, the lettering shall not be less than 4 inches high.

(iii) The word EXIT shall be of a width not less than 2 inches expect the letter I, and the minimum spacing between letters shall not be less than 3/8 inch.

(B) Directional Indicators: Acceptable directional indicators shall be of an approved chevron type, shall comply with NFPA 101 7.10.6.2.1, and shall read as follows in regards to left or right orientation:

(i) EXIT>

(ii) <EXIT

(iii) <EXIT>

(9) Internally Illuminated EXIT and Directional Signs: (NFPA 1: 14.14.6.4)

Internally illuminated signs, shall be approved signs, listed in accordance with UL 924 Standards for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment, with no exceptions permitted.

(10) Photo luminescent EXIT Signs: The face of a photo luminescent sign shall be continuously illuminated while the building is occupied. The illumination levels on the face of the sign shall be in accordance with its listing. The charging illumination shall be a reliable light source, such as that provided by a utility electric company. (NFPA 1: 14.14.6.4.2).

(s) No Exit:

(1) Any door, passage, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and that is located or arranged so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit shall be identified by a sign that reads NO EXIT. Supplementary information such as BASEMENT, STOREROOM, CLOSET, UTILITY ROOM, etc. is permitted. (NFPA 1: 14.14.6.5.3.1).

(2) The NO EXIT sign shall have the word NO in letters 2 inches high, with a stroke width of at least 3/8 inch, the word EXIT in letters 1 inch high, below the word NO, unless the sign is an approved existing sign. (NFPA 1: 14.14.6.5.3.2).

(t) Secondary Means of Escape: Where approved on secondary means of egress, security bars, grates, grills, or similar devices shall be equipped with approved release mechanisms that are releasable from the inside without the use of a tool, a key, special knowledge, or force greater than what it takes for normal operation of the door or window.