Originally Posted By: lkneeland This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
A crawl space entry was 18" x 31" and the crawl space was 28" high. Is this area considered readily accessible? If not where do I go on the internet to find out the national required definitions acceptable by code? gchi@sbcglobal.net Larry K. Thanks for your input…
Originally Posted By: whandley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
UBC 2306.3 states accessible under-floor areas shall be provided with a minimum 18" x 24" opening unobstructed by pipes, ducts and similar construction. All under-floor access openings shall be effectively screened or covered. Pipes, ducts and other construction shall not interfere with the accessibility to or within the under floor areas.
Originally Posted By: clawrenson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Are there any restrictions based on occupational health and safety standards that apply - to a crawlspace being a restricted space under certain conditions?
Originally Posted By: away This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Larry,
IRC R408.3 matches the UBC section mentioned.
IRC 1305.1.4 requires an opening large enough to remove the largest appliance that is installed in a crawl space but no smaller than 30 high or 22 wide. Which would then supercede R408.3 if the IRC is the code book of choice.
I don't have a UBC so I don't know if there is a corresponding exception for mechanical equipment installed in a crawl space.
Originally Posted By: whandley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I thought Larry was referring to a sub area crawl space, if he was referring to an attic access the correct code would be UBC 1505.1 which states: An attic access opening shall be provided to attics of buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction: Exception: Attics with a maximum vertical height of less that 30". Continues: The opening shall not be less that 22" x 30" and shall be located in a corridor, hallway or other readily accessible location. Thirty-inch-minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be provided at or above the access opening.
