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Roof Hatches
Does anyone have any recent experience with the code requirements for roof hatches?
The CBC states that if you have a stairwell that goes as high as the roof but does not have a door that leads out onto the roof, then you must install a Roof Hatch.
The exceptions are - 1. the door that leads onto the roof or, 2. if the stairwell is pressurized.
3 of our stairwells meet neither exception.
Our esteemed architect says put the hatches in but that we don't need a ladder up to the hatch.
The code used to be that the hatch is an escape point and you always needed a ladder to them.
She says "No ladder. The hatch is just so the Fire Dept. can open it from the top side and relieve smoke. HUH???
I just picture a guy in the stairwell someday with the fire below him, getting burned up, and in court later someone saying "He would have gotten out the roof hatch had there just been a ladder to it."
Anyone?
Last edited by CK1; 07-23-2009 at 12:24 PM.
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