Interpretation #7193
Published June 01, 2013
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Building
- Chapter
- 1
- Section
- 3007.4
- Topic
- emergency responder staging area
Question
Is it the intent of Section 3007.4 to provide emergency responders a staging area for their operations that is separated from spaces with combustible loading (e.g. residential units)? And if so, can a residential lobby/corridor designed to meet all of the requirements of Section 3007 of the FBC and Section 708.14.2 serve as the fire service access elevator lobby?
Answer Published 06/01/2013 at 11:03 AM
No. It is the intent of 3007.4 to provide an elevator lobby
that is separated from the balance of the floor, whether the
balance is a corridor, residential units, or another elevator
lobby. Section 708.14.1 clearly calls for the lobby to
separate the elevator shaft enclosure doors from each floor.
This separation is not provided if the corridor is serving as
the lobby. In addition to an area for fire service to stage,
the elevator lobby is intended to prevent smoke migration in
the shaft from entering the exit access corridor.
that is separated from the balance of the floor, whether the
balance is a corridor, residential units, or another elevator
lobby. Section 708.14.1 clearly calls for the lobby to
separate the elevator shaft enclosure doors from each floor.
This separation is not provided if the corridor is serving as
the lobby. In addition to an area for fire service to stage,
the elevator lobby is intended to prevent smoke migration in
the shaft from entering the exit access corridor.
Commentary
The elevator lobbies described in 3007.4 are a special case of
those defined in Section 708.14.1 where, "The lobby
enclosure shall separate the elevator shaft enclosure door
from each floor..."
A fire rated corridor defined as one and the same as an
elevator lobby, can't be separated from itself.