Interpretation #7525
Published July 07, 2015
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Building
- Chapter
- 10
- Section
- 1008.1.1 and 1008.1.2
- Topic
- Glass sliding doors in health care
Question
Is it the intent of the code to require the clear opening of the sliding panel to meet the minimum opening width of 41 1/2 inches even when the door breakaway feature when opened will provide the complying opening width?
Answer Published 07/07/2015 at 8:36 AM
No, for this specific case.
Commentary
The breakaway feature hardware - for the trained personal
working in an ICU is "readily openable ... without the use
of a key or special knowledge". Although the 1008.1.9.5
states "unlatching of any door or leaf shall not require
more than one operation", (and the description of the system
indicates two operations are necessary (open the first door,
push the 2 doors)) - 1008.1.4. although it is titled
"Power-operated doors", recognizes 2 operations are
necessary to open the 2 leafs of the breakout door.
Please note: The requestor notes the doors swing into the
room (emergency entry into the ICO), however the code speaks
of egress - swinging out. This should be addressed with the
AHJ.