Interpretation #7897
Published April 25, 2017
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2014
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Chapter
- 10
- Section
- 1018
- Topic
- fire rating of exit paths within a single tenant
Question
is it the intent of the code to require the walkways and corridors within a single tenant (Group B - occupant load 58) to be 1-hour rated within a non-sprinklered building?
Answer Published 04/25/2017 at 11:37 AM
As per table 1018.1 the answer is yes, 1 hour rating is required. Note, when there is a disagreement between the building code and the fire code the strictest life safety requirement applies.
Commentary
Layout and location is important with this question. There may be an overall occupant load of 58 for the space, but if the corridor serves only 20, then it would not have to be rated. This table is specific to the occupant load served by the corridor. Location, Location, Location........
Further, this is one of those conflicts, oops, differences between the codes where the code providing the greatest degree of life safety prevails.