Is the IRC wrong?

jhagarty · November 13, 2010, 5:59am

I have climbed
many a 16 x 20
for 240 feet
chemical vessel
in a confined spaced
with supplied air
…
knowing that a Paramedic
Standby
would produce little
if any consequence
…
if a health need arised
…
for those not knowing
…
no worries
was a part of the position…

jhagarty · November 13, 2010, 6:03am

Irony
…
OSHA only applies to employees
What a Stupid Owner is willing to do
is of no consequence…

A Dead Owner
does not count…

Only those Employed…

cevans · November 13, 2010, 6:29am

sbeverlin:

I don’t think the IRC is wrong, but it is ambiguous in section M1305.1.3

In one case they are referring to access to the attic. In the other case they are referring to accessibility to appliances while within the attic.

IRC Section R807.1 “Attic Access” clearly states:
“The rough framed opening shall not be less than 22 inches by 30 inches and shall be located in the hallway or other readily accessible location. A 30 inch minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall also be provided at some point above the access opening.”

IRC M1305.1.3 deals with “Appliances** in** the Attic”, and the dimensions for their subsequent removal if necessary. It specifies 30" X 22" wide and not more than 20 feet in length along the centerline of the passageway from the opening to the appliance. Again, they are referring to the dimensions when in the attic itself. (not access to the attic). Later in the same paragraph it specifies a “clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches where such dimensions are large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance.”

I don’t think there is any ambiguity regarding the clarity of IRC 807.1 . and its dimensions for “attic access”. (30" X 22")

However IRC M1305.1.3 is ambiguous, in my opinion, regarding the attic passageway access (not attic access) by offering two different dimensions in the context of the same paragraph.

By the way, the Uniform Building Code 1505.1, is consistent with the IRC,
in specifying a 30" X 22" attic access.

Just be aware that R807.1 specifies a rough framed opening size at 30x22, whereas M1305.1.3 specifies a clear opening size of 30x20

ryoung7 · November 13, 2010, 1:48pm

I thought the same thing.
1 foot 4 inches by 1 foot 8 ,you would have to grease up the home owner to get them through that hole.

sbeverlin · November 30, 2010, 11:20pm

I understand. But the rough frame opening of 30 X 22 attic access should be a clear opening anyway, and not obstructed. If it is obstructed, or less than 30X22, I will assume the conservative postion, and write it up in the report as deficient.

cevans · December 1, 2010, 1:11am

Think about it in the context of a set of attic pull-down stairs. The frame opening needs to be 30x22, however the clear opening (i.e., the space between the hinges, springs, brackets, trim, etc.) needs to still be be at least 30x20 AND large enough to accommodate the largest piece of equipment.

ryoung7 · December 1, 2010, 10:59am

Very nicely put Mr.Evens.
I lack the skills to visualize certain questions sometimes.
It all comes with practice.
Nice work, I can see it now.

bjeffrey · December 1, 2010, 1:02pm

Canadian Wood Frame House Constrution:

"The area of the hatch must be at least 3.4 sq. ft (0.32 sq. M) with no dimension
less than 21-1/2 inches (545mm)

Bryce