Egress code

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

@arussell

Pete
Too bad you didn’t build that addition here in Mass (taxachusetts). Even though they’ve adopted the 2003 IRC they still are allowing “Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings” (double hung windows) to have a net clear opening of 3.3 sq. ft. providing at least one operable sash has the min. height and width.

Yeah I know, 1st the 2000 ibc, then the 2000irc, then the 2006irc.

Who can keep up!

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

@arussell

homebild
Just so that we all aren’t “confused with Code semantics” and are on the same page as to correct definitions - doesn’t the IRC define Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings as “An operable window, door or similar device that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency” not *“Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings” must open to the outside of the structure" *as you stated, that statement sounds like the definition of “Means of Egress” of exit doors.
Just trying to help with some clarification.

Just as an FYI - as Peter stated the state of NH has adopted the 2000 ICC Codes including the IRC and IBC as their “State Building Code”

Alan, that is a good point. When I spoke to the building inspector he stated that I needed a second means of egress, so my interpretation was the 1st was the stairs leading to the room above the garage and the second was the window. The window that was in my plan had a clear opening of app. 4.2 Sq. feet and when I asked about an escape ladder they said no it had to be an egress window with a clear opening of 5.7 Sq. feet.

[arussell (Alan G. Russell)]

@prussell

Alan, that is a good point. When I spoke to the building inspector he stated that I needed a second means of egress, so my interpretation was the 1st was the stairs leading to the room above the garage and the second was the window. The window that was in my plan had a clear opening of app. 4.2 Sq. feet and when I asked about an escape ladder they said no it had to be an egress window with a clear opening of 5.7 Sq. feet.

Thanks Pete
But ya know the more I tought about your situation, the more I can understand where the Inspector is coming from. Scenario: the family is in the playroom above the garage, the car engine ignites and is engulf with flames, the stairs leading to the family room is next to the garage service door how do they get out or rescued? (don’t forget the ol’ man has a Maine sized beer belly:mrgreen: just kiddin’ Marcel). I’m sure having that heating unit up there had something to do with it, too.
Just another perspective;-)

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

@arussell

Thanks Pete
But ya know the more I tought about your situation, the more I can understand where the Inspector is coming from. Scenario: the family is in the playroom above the garage, the car engine ignites and is engulf with flames, the stairs leading to the family room is next to the garage service door how do they get out or rescued? (don’t forget the ol’ man has a Maine sized beer belly:mrgreen: just kiddin’ Marcel). I’m sure having that heating unit up there had something to do with it, too.
Just another perspective;-)

I understand what your saying and I’m all for safety, but what about the fact they approved my plans with the window openings.

If they had a exception to the codes that’s fine. But bring it to my attention before the building is all framed!!! That’s all I ask!!

[arussell (Alan G. Russell)]

Absolutely 100%!!!
They failed at your expense

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

Homebuild

Any further input???

[cbates1 (Christopher T. Bates)]

@prussell

Can someone help me out, I would like to know exactly how the 2000 IBC code reads for egress windows.

I was under the assumption that all bedrooms require egress window, my question is, is it limited to bedrooms or all habitable rooms?

Egress windows only apply to bedroom windows. For a room to be considered a bedroom it must have a closet.

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

@cbates1

Egress windows only apply to bedroom windows. For a room to be considered a bedroom it must have a closet.

Thanks, I think we cleared that up a few pages ago!!!

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

You guys wonder why I tear my hair out of my head, just went to another town in ME for a permit application and the building inspector was out so I asked the town manager which code book was being used and he said they follow the BOCA code. I didn’t dare ask what the exceptions where, I guess I’ll find out tomorrow when I call the inspector.

I’ll post a reply when I know something, by the way, this job I will be converting a 50 year old 24x32 ranch into a cape with a full dormer in the rear and two full A dormers in front

[mcyr (Marcel Cyr, CMI)]

Make sure to send us pictures of the progress, Peter.

Marcel

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

Marcel, I will,
I also have some pics. of the other job, still waiting for the mud to dry, hope to have it primed tomorrow.

[Richard_A.Hetzel]

Egress windows only apply to bedroom windows. For a room to be considered a bedroom it must have a closet.

Emergency escape and rescue openings are also required in basements which have habitable space.

And of course, the BOCA Code no longer exists…but you knew that.

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

@Richard A. Hetzel

Emergency escape and rescue openings are also required in basements which have habitable space.

And of course, the BOCA Code no longer exists…but you knew that.

That’s exactly my point!

I go to this town for a permit and they still use a code book that no longer exists.

[jsieg (Jason A. Sieg, CMI)]

@prussell

You guys wonder why I tear my hair out of my head, just went to another town in ME for a permit application and the building inspector was out so I asked the town manager which code book was being used and he said they follow the BOCA code. I didn’t dare ask what the exceptions where, I guess I’ll find out tomorrow when I call the inspector.

That’s Funny, next they will tell you ICC… Which is not a code either, they are a code council. IBC or IRC is the question.

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

Jason, I’m hoping he is just uninformed about the codes and as I stated he is the town manager not the inspector, I have a hard time believing they use BOCA.

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

PS, I thought that ICC stood for Intranational Commerce Commission.

[Richard_A.Hetzel]

No, it stands for Incompetent Code Czar.

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

Well, I can’t beleive it, this town in ME is still using the 1999 Boca code.

[dgoudreau (Dennis Goudreau)]

Peter I can tell you what the 06 IRC says it is very lengthy if you want to call # is 321-2160

[prussell (Peter Russell, NH licence #57)]

@dgoudreau

Peter I can tell you what the 06 IRC says it is very lengthy if you want to call # is 321-2160

The state of Maine adopted the 2003 IRC so I’m not sure why they use the Boca, I have the code books in my office, I just hate trying to figure out what these code officials want.

Thanks for the help.